[CAR REVIEW] Volvo XC40 Ultimate: Uniquely Exemplifying Distinction

Youthful and trendy design

The compact size of the Volvo XC40 is truly youthful and stylish. The body features sharp, square lines that differ from the rounded design of its older siblings, the XC60 and XC90.

At first glance, the Volvo XC40 may not feel very outstanding compared to other luxury cars. However, if you slow down and take a closer look, the Volvo XC40 still exudes an elegant, fashionable, sturdy, and youthful charm. This is also the spirit of Scandinavian culture: not being prominent, but instead, being very sophisticated, harmonious, and modern.

In the Ultimate version (equipped with a mild hybrid engine), the Volvo XC40 will have some differences compared to the standard versions in terms of exterior design, such as: thicker and more impressive designed wheels, or hidden tailpipes to create a closer resemblance to EV models.

Minimalistic and modern interior

Stepping into the cabin, the Volvo XC40 clearly demonstrates the minimalistic and friendly design philosophy of Scandinavian style from Northern Europe: not flashy, luxurious, but the opposite: very friendly, cozy, yet tidy and exquisite.

The first highlight is the dark-colored leather-upholstered seats, combined with white stitching and small embroidered Swedish national flags on the seat borders. Although not very visually impressive, these seats provide a snug, comfortable fit, giving a feeling of comfort and confidence to the driver.

The next highlight is the groundbreaking vertical screen in the automotive world. The infotainment screen cluster is placed in the center of the dashboard, not too large in size but provides extremely sharp and vibrant display. Combined with very responsive touch operation speed, it creates a very user-friendly experience.

The electronic gear lever is also a quite noteworthy detail on the Volvo XC40. Despite its compact design, it is very comfortable to hold, whether grabbing from the top or holding horizontally from side to side. In the middle, the gear lever has a modern and stylish hollow design, but not ostentatious.

If you are attentive, you will notice that the Volvo XC40 is also equipped with a dedicated storage compartment for the available smartkey with a lid, a small detail but a clear evidence of meticulousness and the Lagom spirit – just enough, neither excessive nor lacking.

Convenience features and youthful style

On the Volvo XC40, physical function buttons are simplified with a row of stylish chrome-framed buttons. The air conditioning vents are designed to be large, long, and narrow, bringing a difference along with a sense of luxury. The dashboard and door trim panels are made coherent with small dotted patterns that are very pleasing to the eye.

The steering wheel appears compact when looked at, but in reality, it provides a very comfortable grip. The buttons are designed for convenient operation. Among car manufacturers, Volvo is probably one of the few names that can balance the aesthetic and user-friendly elements to achieve a premium experience – which is difficult to find fault in.

Passengers can completely immerse themselves in chill music with the 13-speaker Harman Kardon sound system or enjoy fresh air with the accompanying automatic air filter function.

When sitting in the second row, passengers will easily notice that the XC40 provides a comfortable and spacious environment, contrasting with its compact appearance as a compact crossover model. The second-row seats are also fully equipped with charging ports and convenient air conditioning vents. Along with that is the panoramic sunroof. At the rear of the car, the trunk space is quite spacious compared to the usage needs of a young family.

Impressive performance capabilities

With a 2.0L turbocharged engine combined with the mild hybrid platform, the Volvo XC40 Ultimate can achieve a maximum power of 249 hp and a maximum torque of 350 Nm. The mild hybrid technology produces the distinct “iiii” sound of electrified vehicles when the electric motor intervenes in the acceleration process, providing additional power to the gasoline engine.

And although it receives a boost, the acceleration process of the car is very smooth, powerful – but not sudden. Along with that, the mild hybrid technology also helps the Volvo XC40 Ultimate achieve notable fuel efficiency.

As a result, the Swedish compact crossover model can accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h in just 8.3 seconds – according to the writer’s real-world testing. Especially, the time for the 1.7-ton car to reach a speed of 60 km/h from a standstill is just 3.2 seconds! This is a very impressive figure with significant practical implications.

This will certainly delight young users who enjoy fast acceleration and the thrill of speed, the sharp take-off after stopping at red lights of the Volvo XC40 is sure to bring you great joy!

The Volvo XC40’s steering wheel does not provide very detailed road feedback, unlike models from German brands, but its steering capability is still very accurate and the frame construction is solid – with minimal body roll. Combined with a powerful throttle, the Volvo XC40 delivers a agile feeling, especially when driving in urban areas.

The car’s sound insulation capability is also very impressive. Passengers will find it difficult to notice any sound entering from the floor – bottom of the car. The suspension system eliminates rapid movements effectively and efficiently. Another plus point is the XC40’s spacious and panoramic visibility.

World-class safety

The first car manufacturer to invent the 3-point seat belt. A car manufacturer that has boldly stated from 2020 onwards that no one will be killed in a Volvo car. If you learn about Volvo, you will surely be impressed with this information. A car manufacturer from Northern Europe that is exceptionally safe.

Specifically for the Volvo XC40, the model has been ranked as the safest car of the year by the Euro NCAP – the world’s leading car evaluation organization – for many consecutive years. Perhaps this is the most clear evidence of the compact crossover model’s human protection ability.

The Volvo XC40 Ultimate itself is also equipped with a range of modern active safety features in the brand’s Pilot Assist driving assistance technology package, the most outstanding of which are: maintaining distance and steering assistance, automatic collision avoidance braking for both the front and rear, lane keeping… or even driver attention reminder.

In particular, the City Safety safety package will further enhance the operational capabilities of the car in urban areas to avoid endangering both passengers and other road users.

With a price of 1.79 billion VND, it is clear that Volvo XC40 Ultimate is a choice that brings users very different values when compared to the GLC, X3, or Q3: Instead of luxurious splendor, young customers will find in the Swedish model a complete tranquility, coming from modern design, appropriate equipment, certain safety guarantee, and enthusiastic driving experience.

Anh Phan (Tuoitrethudo)