Volvo XC40 Plug-in hybrid debuts in China

- This is the first time Volvo has officially published pictures of the Plug-in XC40

- Gets the T5 twin engine with 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and electric motor.

- Capable of 50kms on electric power

Volvo has officially released pictures of the Volvo XC 40 plug-in hybrid on the eve of its introduction in the Chinese market. The Swedish carmaker has tasted success in the China and is banking upon the world’s largest car market to fuel its growth plans. 

The XC40 plug-in hybrid joins the likes of the Volvo XC90 T8, the S90 T8 and the XC90 T8 in China which has aggressive electrification plans. This car is also a part of Volvo’s strategy to increase its hybrid/electric sales component to 50 per cent by 2025.

The T5 twin engine is a combination of the new 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor which work in sync with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. The combined output is slated to be around 250bhp thanks to the 178bhp from the engine and the 74bhp from the electric motor. In full electric mode, the Volvo XC40 is capable of covering a distance of almost 50kms.

The XC40 is expected to reach Indian shores earliest by the end of this year and when it arrives, it will have compete against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLA, the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3 in the entry-level luxury SUV segment.