Volvo has revealed two new concept cars – 40.1 and 40.2, showcasing the design of the future entry- models in the Swedish carmaker’s range. The concepts will make way for the entry-level crossover and sedan, which would have pure-electric and plug-in hybrid variants, apart from the regular models.
The Volvo 40.1 is a concept crossover that will form base for the new XC40, to be positioned below the XC60 in the Volvo range. The crossover should compete with the BMW X1 and Audi Q3 after the launch next year, in the entry-level luxury crossover segment. The 40.2 on the other hand is a concept sedan that will form base for the S40 in the compact luxury sedan segment.
On design, both the concept gets the new Volvo styling with the hammer shaped DRLs and large front grille with vertical slats. These cars will be the first to be based on the Volvo’s new CMA (Compact Modular Architecture) platform, developed jointly with its parent company, Geely.
There isn’t much information available on the drivetrain at the moment, but Volvo confirms that both these cars will have pure electric and plug-in electric options. There will also be a range of petrol and diesel engines, mated to the seven-speed automatic transmission, for various markets.
Speaking about the new concepts, Dr Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research & Development said, “By taking a modular approach to both vehicle architecture and powertrain development we have succeeded in leap-frogging many of the players in the premium segment. Our new battery electric powertrain variant opens yet another exciting chapter in the unfolding Volvo story.”
The first of the new entry-level models should reach showrooms in Europe by mid-2017 and should be launched in India by 2018 to compete with entry-level models from Mercedes, BMW and Audi.
