more appealing on the outside for the same gasoline SUV with the ECO label

It’s been seven years since Volvo debuted its first compact SUV: the Volvo XC40. During this time it has become the best-seller of the Swedish firm in Spain: this 2024 it will have sold more than 6,800 units, more than doubling the XC60, its second reference model in our market. It is not surprising, compact SUVs rule in Spain. Also in Europe.

The Volvo XC40, which is also the cheapest Volvois now only available with mild-hybrid gasoline engines, in addition to its electric version Recharge (which has been renamed EX40). This SUV has just been updated with equipment adjustments and debuting a new exclusive suit finish: the Black Edition. We have already driven it with this new finish and its more powerful 197 HP micro-hybrid mechanics.

The same Volvo XC40 as always, but with a new finish

He Volvo XC40 little changes in this new update: it remains the same 4.4m long compact SUV and 1.8 m wide. Its wheelbase remains at 2.7 m and offers a trunk of 443 liters, expandable to 1,319 liters. Its capacity is identical in the two mild-hybrid engines available.

We already analyzed its habitability and design in detail when we tested it at its launch. In any case, we are talking about a compact SUV with good leg and head room in the rear seats. As usual, the central one is less comfortable and narrower.

Everything in black: new Black Edition version. The new features in the Volvo XC40 are essentially equipment. It debuts a redesigned nine-inch screen, which is still vertical and integrates Android Automotive OS.

That is to say, it has the Google operating system and therefore integrated apps such as Google Maps or the smart assistant Google Assistant, which also allows us to manage home devices if we have the Google speaker. However, it also has an Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connection, via cable, but we will not need it to activate Maps.

Besides launches a new finish, the Black Edition which, due to price, falls between the two most complete equipment finishes. This new version is distinguished by giving prominence to the black color: the 20-inch wheels are in matte Onix Black, the front grille is dressed in glossy black with the Volvo logo in this shade and inside we find the roof in Charcoal color.

All these elements suit the Volvo XC40 very well, with a premium and at the same time sporty appearance that is reminiscent of the finishing lines of BMW and Audi, brands with which the Scandinavian firm competes.

Furthermore, the Volvo XC40 It offers a new color for the body in the rest of the finishes: Sand Dune sand. And the mandatory Intelligent Speed ​​Assistant (ISA) comes standard, which emits an audible warning when we exceed the speed limit. Saying that although it is deactivated from the driving position, doing so is not intuitive at all: it is done from the left steering wheel control, but it is not indicated properly.

At the wheel of the Volvo XC40 Black Edition

He Volvo XC40 In this finish, like the rest of the versions in general, it is an SUV that stands out for its perceived quality, with a sober and elegant design. The surfaces have a rubbery feel, including the upper area of ​​the dashboard and are accompanied by various moldings. Nor does it abuse the piano black, although it is used in part of the central tunnel, one of the dirtiest areas of the car.

With the compact Volvo SUV we have made a long trip, always on the highwayand I thought it was a great car to eat up the kilometers. The upright position of the front seats is very comfortable and the back does not suffer after several hours behind the wheel. Furthermore, in the Black Edition the cushion is extendable for the legs, a plus point for tall people.

I especially highlight its suspension, very balanced: firm, but not hard. It perfectly absorbs any irregularity in the terrain without causing any wobbles in curves at high speed. Added to this is a very well soundproofed cabin. I liked the steering less, perhaps excessively soft even if we adjusted it to offer greater resistance.

Being the most powerful gasoline XC40 (B4), its 197 HP They are more than enough for this compact SUV that weighs around 1,700 kg. The accelerator feel is direct and responds quickly if we step on the pedal. Perhaps I have missed paddles on the steering wheel, since the only way to operate its automatic transmission in manual mode is with the gear lever. It also does not have a driving mode selector as such, although from the central screen we can configure certain dynamic parameters to taste. Something that in any case we will have to do before starting the march.

In this regard, one of the negative notes of the Volvo XC40 is that It has few physical controls, trusting too many functions to the display. Under the screen we only find a roulette wheel to operate the multimedia system and some air conditioning functions such as the defogger for the windshield or the rear window. The rest is managed from the screen itself and, although it is fixed at the bottom, they cannot be adjusted by touch. It is true that Google Assistant adjusts them by voice, but a wheel or a button is always more convenient.

In return, I really liked the view of the digital instrumentation when we have Google Maps activated: the zoom is perfect and it shows different warnings such as fixed radars, works, closed lanes… This way, we don’t have to look away to the central display and not have it visible on this screen either, although with a wider zoom it does help us to see the route as a whole.

In general, this XC40 is a very comfortable car on the highway and since it is not excessively large, it handles well in the city or for maneuvering. Its trunk is equally sized if we carry a lot on our backs. This Black Edition finish, by the way, is also available in its entry-level engine, also mild-hybrid and with 163 HP.

What does the Black Edition equip? Beyond its differential aesthetics, this finish is very complete. As standard we find, for example, the Harman/Kardon audio system with 14 speakers, subwoofer and surround sound. The instrumentation is 12.30 inches, the multimedia screen is nine inches, and it adds an electric trunk opening with hands-free function, keyless start, parking sensors or rear camera, among others.

There is also no shortage of assistance systems: in addition to the mandatory ones such as automatic emergency braking or the aforementioned ISA, we find active lane departure warning, blind spot detector, active rear cross traffic assistant or adaptive cruise control with Pilot traffic jam assistant.

From 49,893 euros

Although the Volvo XC40 starts at 42,600 euros, The most affordable Black Edition does the same at 49,893 euros. And if we opt for the 197 HP one we go to 52,338 euros. We are not talking about a cheap car, but in the end it is a premium model.

The Audi Q3 Sportback, with which it rivals, in its Black Line finish starts at 45,640 eurosbut with a 150 HP 35 TFSI gasoline engine, less powerful and not electrified. AND the most affordable BMW X1 part of the 44,700 euros also being non-hybridized gasoline and 136 HP.