Volvo XC40 EV design and infotainment details revealed

Volvo has detailed the infotainment system in its upcoming electric XC40, ahead of the car's unveiling next week.

The firm claims that the system, designed in partnership with Google and powered by Android, offers "unprecedented personalisation" and "improved levels of intuitiveness," courtesy of the built-in Google features. The internet giant's Maps, Assistant and Play Store functions are included. The electric small-SUV is also the first Volvo model to be capable of wireless software updates.

The system is compatible with voice control, while Google's mapping software will offer live traffic updates and alternative route and charging station suggestions. The software will also improve the capabilities of the car's advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) by providing live speed limit and hazard warnings.

Volvo's chief technology officer, Henrik Green, said, "We're finally giving you the same experience in your car that you’re used to on your phone, but adapted for safe interaction while driving. And by introducing over-the-air updates for everything from maintenance to completely new features, the car can stay as fresh as your other digital products, always with the latest and greatest features."

Volvo recently released the first teaser sketches of the electric XC40, which is the first step in a plan to electrify more than 50 percent of the firm's sales volume by 2025. The carmaker's focused on producing electric versions of its existing models, rather than developing bespoke EVs like rivals such as Volkswagen.

Despite that, Volvo has said that the electric XC40 will feature a number of design changes to differentiate itself from combustion-engined versions, partly due to the electric powertrain not requiring a large grille to cool the engine.

A sketch of the front of the car shows that, as with other EVs, the grille will be replaced by a covered front fascia, which Volvo says will be used to package the sensors for the ADAS. A rear sketch shows that, as with the plug-in hybrid XC40, the charging point will be located on the rear pillar where the fuel filler would normally be.

Robin Page, Volvo’s design boss, said the electric XC40's design would be “even sleeker and more modern” than that of the regular model. He also added, “Without the need for a grille, we have created an even cleaner and more modern face, while the absence of tailpipes does the same at the rear. This is the approach we will explore more and more as we continue down the road of electrification.”

Volvo has also revealed the EV will feature a "brand-new driver interface" that has been developed for its electric cars. It will also be offered with two new 19-inch and 20-inch wheel options and eight paint colours. The interior will feature new "sporty styling details" and carpets will be made from recycled materials.

The electric XC40 will also feature a small, 30-litre front storage space – also known as a ‘frunk’ – under the bonnet in the space freed up by the absence of a combustion engine.

The XC40 is one of Volvo's most popular models, and the electric version will be revealed onOctober. While few technical details of the model have been given, it will follow the EV trend, with motors mounted at the front and rear and the battery located under the floor.

Volvo has said it aims to maintain its established reputation for safety with the new model, with safety boss Malin Ekholm saying, “Regardless of what drives a car forward, be it an electric motor or combustion engine, a Volvo must be safe.”

We had reported earlier this year, that the Volvo is working on bringing the upcoming XC40 EV to our market and is also looking into the possibility of local assembly to normalize prices. The Swedish carmaker’s electric plans for India also include starting assembly operations of the XC90 plug-in hybrid SUV at its plant in Bengaluru by end 2019 and eventually introducing four new plug-in hybrid models over the next three years.