- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
2.0T/10kW, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
183kW, 350Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (95) 7.2L/100KM
- Manufacturer
4WD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
5 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
5/5 star (2018)
2023 Volvo XC40 Ultimate B5 Dark review: Still the benchmark?
The Volvo XC40 has won Drive Car of the Year Best Small Luxury SUV three years in a row. But has time dulled its gloss or have midlife updates kept it fresh in a competitive segment?
- Punchy turbo-four petrol engine
- Nicely designed cabin
- Excellent ride comfort
- Fuel usage a touch high
- Idle stop-start needs refinement
- Infotainment can be slow to respond
2023 Volvo XC40 Ultimate B5 Dark
In the world of small luxury SUVs, the Volvo XC40 has stood tall for a number of years now. Anointed Drive Car of the Year Best Small Luxury SUV three years in a row, including this year, the XC40 blends European styling and premium flourishes with a relaxed driving experience.
But, stand still for too long and your rivals will overwhelm you. Volvo hasn’t been standing still with continual updates keeping the XC40 fresh in the face of challenges from its small luxury SUV rivals.
The MY23 Volvo XC40 range landed here in the second half of 2022 and brought with it some minor design tweaks, new technology and a renamed model line-up. It also brought a 48-volt mild hybrid system that promises not only improved performance, but also fuel efficiency.
Dumped from the XC40 range are plug-in hybrid models, buyers’ choices now limited to three petrol and two pure electric XC40s.
Volvo has already confirmed it will be an all-electric car brand in Australia by 2026, meaning this latest update could well be the petrol-driven XC40’s swansong.
How much does the Volvo XC40 cost in Australia?
The MY23 Volvo XC40 range comprises three mild-hybrid petrol models and two electric variants across new Plus and Ultimate trim levels, replacing the outgoing Momentum and Inscription R-Design naming conventions.
A mild facelift, said to bring the XC40 closer to the brand’s electric C40 coupe SUV, sees a slightly redesigned headlight package and a restyled front bumper incorporating more aggressively styled air intakes. New alloy wheel designs complete the visual distinction.
There’s also a new Google Android Automotive operating system (not to be confused with Android Auto smartphone mirroring) that bundles in Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Google Maps sat-nav, Google Assistant and over-the-air updates.
The entry-level Plus B4 model scores equipment upgrades including wireless phone charging, an electric tailgate and electric seat adjustment for the front passenger, while models higher up in the XC40 food chain get a standard 360-degree camera and an air purifier.
The updated XC40 range starts with the mild-hybrid, petrol-powered XC40 Plus B4 priced at $53,490 before on-road costs are added in. It’s available in front-wheel drive only.
If you want all-wheel drive, you’ll need to shell out $60,490 (plus on-roads) for the XC40 Ultimate B4 Bright or another $4500 for the Ultimate B5 Dark.
For those looking to take the leap into electric motoring, the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric Plus asks for $73,990 (plus on-roads) or around $81,000 drive-away (in NSW). Sitting atop the range, the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric Ultimate asks for $81,490 plus on-roads.
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Here, though, we have all the petrol-powered XC40 money can buy, the oddly named XC40 Ultimate B5 Dark. Its list price is $64,990 plus on-road costs, which in NSW translates to around $71,500 drive-away.
Our test car for the week came with some options, however, the most obvious a fetching hue of Fjord Blue metallic paint ($1200). It’s one of eight optional colours, each priced at $1200. If you don’t want to pay extra for paint, your choice is limited to Black Stone. At least it makes a change from white being the only no-cost colour.
Also included in our test car is the $2600 Lifestyle pack that adds in a panoramic sunroof and premium Harman Kardon sound system, and the Climate pack ($900) that adds seat heating front and back.
All up, our test car rolls out of the dealership at $69,690 plus on-road costs, or around $76,700 drive-away (in NSW).
For those cross-shopping small luxury SUVs, the Audi Q3 range gets underway at $50,600 before on-road costs, while the new BMW X1 line-up starts from $60,400 before on-roads. And the Lexus UX range offers a broad selection, from two-wheel-drive petrol to all-wheel petrol and hybrid to fully electric. The price spread across the UX range spans $46,085 to $80,691, all before on-road costs.
Key details | 2023 Volvo XC40 Ultimate B5 Dark |
Price | $64,990 plus on-road costs |
Colour of test car | Fjord Blue |
Options | Lifestyle pack – $2600 - Panoramic roof - Harman Kardon premium sound system Climate pack – $900 - Seat heating front - Seat heating rear (outboard seats) Metallic paint – $1200 |
Price as tested | $69,690 plus on-road costs |
Drive-away price | $76,700 (NSW) |
Rivals | BMW X1 | Audi Q3 | Lexus UX |
How much space does the Volvo XC40 have inside?
The cabin of the XC40 hasn’t undergone massive changes with this update. That’s no bad thing, especially for those who like the minimalism of Swedish design.
The materials throughout are excellent, although our test car’s charcoal-accented leather felt a little drab, all the more so when paired against the blond leather also available in the XC40 range.
The leather seats are comfortable and supportive and won’t leave you numb of bum on longer journeys. The seating position is good too, offering a commanding view over the bonnet and onto the road ahead, while all-round visibility is also decent.
While that charcoal-on-charcoal interior might seem a little gloomy, the presence of the optional panoramic roof does lift the ambience noticeably.
We’re not sold on the Orrefors crystal gear selector, its blinginess out of keeping with the rest of the XC40’s restrained interior. But it’s better than the moulded plastic versions we’ve seen in other Volvos, where a pronounced moulding seam right down the middle detracts from the overall quality of the cabin.
Storage amenities include the obligatory cupholders, a small central storage bin and decent door pockets, helpfully lined in flocking to mitigate those annoying rattles.
The second row is spacious enough for two adults or three kids, with good leg and head room. Three grown-up bodies sitting alongside each other in the back row might feel a little too cosy, though.
Amenities back there amount to a pair of air vents, but no separate climate controls, while the outboard seats are heated thanks to the inclusion of the optional Climate pack. The door pockets, like they are in the front, benefit from flocking.
The outboard seats are fitted with ISOFIX child seat mounts, while all three seat backs are equipped with top-tether anchor points.
The boot measures in at a pretty decent for the class 460L. The boot floor folds and concertinas to create a boot divider, which is great for ensuring smaller loads are kept nice and securely in place. Better yet, the floor hides a very usable storage space underneath that's ideal for those smaller bags and valuables – such as laptops – you want to keep away from prying eyes.
Folding the second row away liberates 1336L of available cargo space. A space-saver spare wheel lives under the boot floor.
2023 Volvo XC40 Ultimate B5 Dark | |
Seats | Five |
Boot volume | 460L seats up 1336L seats folded |
Length | 4440mm |
Width | 1910mm |
Height | 1657mm |
Wheelbase | 2702mm |
Does the Volvo XC40 have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
A 9.0-inch portrait-style touchscreen hosts the Volvo’s infotainment system, which runs a new for this update Google Android Automotive operating system. It’s not the most intuitive system, requiring a combination of swipes and scrolls to find even simple functions like connecting a new phone or tuning the radio.
Climate controls are accessed through the screen as well, an increasingly common and irritating feature in today’s cars.
Satellite navigation is standard as is DAB+ digital radio. So too Android Auto (unsurprisingly) and Apple CarPlay. Connecting CarPlay can prove a little laggy. Whether that’s because the OS is at its limits or some type of penalty built into Google Android operating system, we wouldn’t like to say.
A 12-inch digital instrument cluster can be configured to display either what Volvo dubs Calm (with minimal information) or Navi (as it says on the box, with sat-nav), but doing so isn’t the most intuitive thing you’ll do. There are a number of buttons and switches on the steering wheel that effect changes, but it’s not easy and ultimately distracting. I gave up in the end.
That said, the information on display is nicely presented with sharp resolution and all the basic information, such as speed, available. Just don't ask for things like tripmeters and fuel economy. They’re there, but finding them via the steering-wheel controls is an exercise in frustration.
A wireless charging pad ahead of the Orrefors crystal gear lever helps keep devices charged, while two USB Type-C plugs and a 12V socket up front add to the charging infrastructure. There are no charging options in the second row; a bit below par in this segment.
Is the Volvo XC40 a safe car?
The entire Volvo XC40 range wears a five-star ANCAP safety rating awarded back in 2018.
The safety body scored it an impressive 97 per cent for adult occupant protection, 84 per cent child occupant, 71 per cent vulnerable road user, and 78 per cent for its safety assist systems.
2023 Volvo XC40 Ultimate B5 Dark | |
ANCAP rating | Five stars (tested 2018) |
Safety report | Link to ANCAP report |
What safety technology does the Volvo XC40 have?
Being a Volvo, the XC40 is filled with advanced safety systems. Autonomous emergency braking that works from 4km/h to 210km/h is standard as is lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, tyre pressure monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.
There are front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera too. The airbag count runs to seven covering both rows of occupants.
How much does the Volvo XC40 cost to maintain?
Volvo covers the XC40 with its standard five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty as well as offering five years of roadside assistance.
Service intervals are every 15,000km or 12 months, whichever comes first, and can be prepaid at time of purchase. A three-year/45,000km service plan will cost you $1750, while opting for the five-year/75,000km plan asks for $3000.
The Volvo XC40 B5 Dark costs from $1695 per year to insure based on a comparative quote for a 35-year-old male driver living in Chatswood, NSW. Insurance estimates may vary based on your location, driving history, and personal circumstances.
At a glance | 2023 Volvo XC40 Ultimate B5 Dark |
Warranty | Five years, unlimited km |
Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
Servicing costs | $1750 (3 years) $3000 (5 years) |
Is the Volvo XC40 fuel-efficient?
Volvo claims the XC40 B5 Dark will use 7.2 litres per 100km of 95-octane unleaded on the combined cycle. We didn’t get close to matching that number, our week returning an indicated 10.7L/100km over a variety of driving conditions.
One longer highway run at a near-constant 100km/h returned an indicated 6.6L/100km, but that quickly ballooned out again once back in the suburbs and stop-start traffic.
The fuel tank measures in at 54L.
Fuel Consumption - brought to you by bp
Fuel Usage | Fuel Stats |
Fuel cons. (claimed) | 7.2L/100km |
Fuel cons. (on test) | 10.7L/100km |
Fuel type | 95-octane premium unleaded |
Fuel tank size | 54L |
What is the Volvo XC40 like to drive?
A mild-hybrid 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine does the heavy lifting in the XC40 Ultimate B5 Dark. It makes 183kW and 350Nm and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and a permanent all-wheel-drive system. The 48-volt mild hybrid system is claimed to add a short boost of 10kW and 40Nm under harder acceleration, helping the XC40 to a claimed 0–100km/h sprint time of 6.4 seconds.
While we didn’t test that claim, it’s fair to say the XC40 proved a perky participant during everyday driving, moving away briskly from standstill without too much fuss.
The eight-speed torque converter automatic is equally as effortless, never feeling out of its depth and scrambling for the right ratio. It makes for a pleasant time behind the wheel around town, with one caveat – the XC40’s idle stop-start system.
In Volvo’s case, the 48-volt mild hybrid system tends to shut down the engine before the XC40 comes to a complete stop. That's good if you’re actually coming to a complete stop. Bad if you’re rolling slowly towards a stop but then, say, the lights turn green and you want to accelerate again. There’s a moment, a moment-and-a-half even, where the system thinks about firing up the engine again before actually doing so. It’s uncomfortable and unrefined.
‘If it’s so annoying, why don’t you just switch it off?’ I hear you ask. You can’t. It’s a permanent fixture.
And it mars what is otherwise a very pleasant time behind the wheel. That punchy 2.0-litre turbo-four provides plenty of pep, both around town and when on the move on the freeway.
The ride is decent too, despite the XC40 sitting on standard-fit 20-inch alloys shod in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV rubber. It can feel a little fussy over some of the scrappier streets that line our suburbs, but overall, the XC40’s passive dampers do a good job of ironing out all but the nastiest of road nasties. And navigating larger obstacles, like speed bumps, sees the XC40 settle down nicely without any of that tell-tale wallowing some lesser calibrated suspension tunes are known for.
Out on the highway, where the surfaces tend to be smoother, the ride is excellent, while Volvo’s sound-deadening isolates the cabin from road and wind noise beautifully.
There’s plenty to like about the steering, too, certainly around the tight confines of city streets where its light nature makes for easy manoeuvring and parking, while the steering wheel itself feels solid and reassuring in the hand.
Overall, time spent behind the wheel of the XC40 is best described as a relaxed time, the small SUV never feeling overly stressed. The only blot in its copybook remains its idle stop-start, which could be better calibrated. But it remains a minor low point in a catalogue of highs.
Key details | 2023 Volvo XC40 Ultimate B5 Dark |
Engine | 2.0-litre four-cylinder mild hybrid turbo petrol |
Power | 183kW @ 5700rpm |
Torque | 350Nm @ 1800–4500rpm |
Drive type | All-wheel drive |
Transmission | Eight-speed torque converter automatic |
Power-to-weight ratio | 106.3kW/t |
Weight | 1722kg |
Spare tyre type | Space-saver |
Tow rating | 2100kg braked 750kg unbraked |
Turning circle | 11.4m |
Should I buy a Volvo XC40 Ultimate B5 Dark?
There’s a lot to like about the Volvo XC40 range, which presents a stylish, decidedly European flavour both inside and out.
This range-topping petrol model certainly embraces its premium qualities, with a comfortable ride, a perky powertrain, the surety of all-wheel drive grip, and equipment levels commensurate with the premium label and price.
Despite the presence of what is claimed to be a more fuel-efficient mild hybrid set-up, we did find the XC40 a little on the thirsty side. Which makes the circa $5000 (drive-away) leap from this optioned range-topping petrol model into the entry-level XC40 electric SUV seem like not such a massive leap.
But for those not ready to take the quantum leap into electric motoring, the multi-award-winning Volvo XC40 continues to set the standard for the small luxury SUV segment.