The new Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 R-Design launched today by Volvo Car Malaysia.

Taking a step closer on its ambition of reducing carbon emissions per car by 40%, Volvo Car Malaysia has officially launched the brand-new Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 R-Design in Malaysia. Through this, the company is now the first and only automotive brand in Malaysia to offer a full range of Completely Knocked-Down (CKD) plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) all assembled in Malaysia. (Editor’s note: Question on how many percentage of local contend are in this PHEV was not answered)

Built on Volvo’s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform , the Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 comes with Volvo’s first-ever 1.5 litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine Drive-E powertrain, with an electric motor mounted to its seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox to drive the front wheels. Designed for the city and the planet, the twin engine setup provides a more sustainable drive, with CO₂ emissions of just 50 grams per kilometre, while maintaining the luxury and performance of a Volvo.

“We are excited that we can finally offer one of our most successful SUVs as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, and thus completing our full line-up of PHEVs. The launch of the XC40 Recharge T5 is a sign of greener times ahead as we continue to strive towards a more sustainable future and do our part to not only reduce our carbon footprint, but also help our customers reduce theirs as well,” said Nalin Jain, Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia.

The Recharge T5 powertrain has a combined output of 262 hp and 425 Nm of torque, while 160 Nm of torque and a maximum power of 82 hp is generated from the electric motor to give a boost of instantaneous acceleration. Together with the petrol engine, the XC40 Recharge T5 reaches 100 km/h in just 7.3 seconds and comes with its speed capped at 180km/h following the company’s announcement in March 2020.

Safety and Technology

Made in Sweden, assembled in Malaysia, the XC40 Recharge T5 comes equipped with the same award-winning safety, connectivity and infotainment technology expected of a modern Volvo within its sporting edge design. It is also produced with the same high-quality control and expertise of Volvo, upholding their commitment to prioritise the safety of its customers as well as providing them with the freedom to move in a personal, sustainable and safe way.

Some of the technology included in the XC40 Recharge T5 are safety and driver assistance features such as the Pilot Assist system, City Safety, Run-off Road protection and mitigation, Cross Traffic alert with brake support. These features will help instill driver confidence and increase comfortability for an overall safer drive. The XC40 Recharge T5 offers five different drive modes for a more dynamic driving experience: Hybrid (default), Pure, Off-road, Power and Individual.

Through this, Volvo Car Malaysia ensures to bring its customers the same criteria of excellence, reliability and performance of a luxury car to Malaysians.

Recharge R-Design

The Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 is near identical to the other XC40 variant, embracing the elegant Scandinavian design language that has defined Volvo’s image and combining good looks with utility and functionality.

Featuring a stylish and urban look, the new XC40 retains its bold and expressive design, highlighting its signature R-Design trim, allowing drivers to stand out from the crowd when exploring the city without blending into the crowd. The car also comes with a charging lid on the left-hand front wing as well as a radically new approach to storage within the car.

Additionally, the storage areas in the cabin have been designed to provide drivers with more functional storage space in the doors, including retractable hooks for hanging items.

“The fundamentals surrounding safety, design and performance are the same for this model as with any other Volvo. Through the dedication of our team, we are confident that this car checks all the right boxes to provide an enjoyable driving experience. At the same time, we hope that the launch of XC40 Recharge T5 will provide a more sustainable choice for Malaysians and spur everyone to think about taking active steps in sustainability together, so we can recharge our environment and the future,” added Nalin.

Priced at RM255,888, the XC40 Recharge T5 is now reduced to RM241,997.04 after sales tax exemption (on-the-road, without insurance) and will be available for viewing at all authorised Volvo dealers nationwide starting today. At the same time, it is also available for online booking through Volvo Car Malaysia’s website as a safer alternative and in adherence to the government’s standard operating procedures (SOPs). The government recently extended its sales tax exemption for all vehicle purchases till 30 June 2021.

Customers will have the option to choose from among five distinct colours: Blackstone, Crystal White Pearl, Bursting Blue Metallic, Glacier Silver Metallic and Coral Red Metallic.