Volvo refreshes XC40 with new tech but discontinues electric EX40 in US
Volvo has unveiled a refreshed 2028 XC40 with updated styling and enhanced software and safety features. However, the all-electric EX40 variant will no longer be offered in the United States. The redesign simplifies the front end and incorporates modern lighting elements.
The 2028 refresh marks a significant departure from the 2022 update, which was visually subtle. The new front end eliminates complex cutouts for a streamlined appearance, while the electric EX40 and gas XC40 become nearly identical apart from their distinct grille panels—the EX40 features a smooth body-colored surface, whereas the XC40 sports diagonal slashes around the logo.
Inside, the dashboard gains a prominent 11.2-inch display that protrudes above the dash, replacing the previous recessed 9-inch unit. The updated Android Automotive system incorporates Google's Gemini, which can manage vehicle settings, provide detailed restaurant information, and suggest scenic routes. Notably, the XC40's lineage includes the 2017 original, the 2019 Recharge, and the 2024 EX40 rebranding, with the XC40 ranking as Volvo's third-best US seller.
The removal of the EX40 from the US lineup could narrow options for consumers seeking a premium compact electric SUV, potentially steering them toward rivals or Volvo's other EV models. Meanwhile, the refreshed XC40's enhanced software and safety features may attract traditional buyers, but the absence of an electric variant in this segment might slow the brand's overall electrification momentum in the United States, affecting how quickly some households transition away from combustion engines.