Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 coming to Malaysia next week

KUALA LUMPUR: Last week, Volvo Malaysia dropped a teaser of an upcoming model on its social media handle, which indicated the arrival of the XC40 Recharge T5. Well, today the automaker ended the suspense by confirming the impending launch of the PHEV SUV in town. The virtual launch of the all-new Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 is scheduled to take place on February 25, 2021, at 11 am on the company’s Facebook page.

The upcoming XC40 Recharge T5 PHEV has already on sale in Thailand, where it is imported from the Volvo plant in Malaysia. Thus, it was expected that it will make its way to the local market sooner or later. ‘Recharge’ is the company’s new sub-brand for all its battery-electric and plug-in hybrid models. All Volvo PHEV models - XC90, XC60, and S60 have the Recharge badge.

In terms of mechanical specifications, the XC40 Recharge T5 shares the mechanical setup with the Proton X50 Flagship model. This means a 3G15T 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged direct-injection engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, producing 180 PS and 265 Nm of torque. The electric motor on board is rated at 82 PS and 160 Nm, contributing to a total system output of 262 PS and 425 Nm.

For powering the e-motor, the setup has a 10.7-kWh lithium-ion battery back located in the central drivetrain tunnel. The battery allows an all-electric range of around 42-45 km. For charging, there is a 3.7-kW onboard AC charger as standard with a Type 2 connection and a three-pin, 2.3-kW socket. With this charger, the SUV takes around five hours for a full charge. However, with a 22-kW charging station, the time gets reduced to three hours.

Currently, Volvo offers the XC40 in Malaysia only in one trim, that is T5 R-Design AWD variant, which is priced at RM 241,450 (including SST exemption). The variant is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection mill that generates a maximum output of 252 hp and a peak torque of 350 Nm. An 8-speed automatic transmission sends the power to all four wheels of the SUV.

In terms of design, the Volvo XC40 Recharge features a distinctive design on the outside that looks chunky but not aggressive. Inside, it has a practical cabin with great contemporary styling and lots of space. 

Stay tuned with us to know more about the Malaysian-spec XC40 plug-in hybrid.

Also read: 2021 Volvo S90 Recharge debuts at the Thailand Motor Expo