Volvo’s XC40, EX40 and EC40, three of the brand’s most popular models, are getting a substantial update covering exterior and interior design, infotainment, driver assistance and active safety. Order books open today in selected markets, including Denmark, with production starting later this autumn at Volvo’s plant in Ghent, Belgium.
A more confident face, without losing the family look
The refreshed exterior gives all three models a more contemporary presence, with the clearest change being a reworked take on Volvo’s signature Thor’s Hammer Matrix LED headlights, paired with a new closed grille, front bumper, bonnet and front wings.
At the back, the XC40 and EX40 gain new LED tail lights, an updated tailgate and a redesigned rear bumper, while the EC40 keeps its distinctive rear end. The XC40 also adds new 18, 19 and 20 inch diamond cut wheel options.
Akhil Krishnan, interim lead for Volvo’s 30 and 40 series, says the improvements to design, technology and safety have produced the best versions of the 40 series to date, adding that these already popular models are set to remain among Volvo’s best sellers for years to come.
A bigger screen, and Google Gemini on boardù
Inside, the cars gain a larger, sharper 11.2 inch touchscreen running Volvo’s latest interface, designed to need fewer taps to reach key functions. The update also brings Google Gemini, Google’s next generation AI assistant, allowing drivers to hold a natural conversation with the car, whether planning a route, finding somewhere to stop, or managing messages on the move.
The cabin has also been reworked around everyday practicality, with smarter storage and an updated wireless phone charger. New upholstery and trim options join the range too, including, for the first time on the XC40, Ariadne Cardamom leather paired with Brown Ash wood trim, alongside refined ambient lighting and a choice of Black Ash or aluminium decor.
A new sensor platform aimed at preventing collisions
Built on Volvo’s safety research from real world accident data, the updated 40 series combines advanced safety systems designed to help prevent collisions and protect occupants. If the car detects a potential collision, it can respond in real time, either warning the driver or intervening directly, whether through automatic emergency steering or automatic emergency braking, to avoid or reduce the severity of an impact.
These capabilities are underpinned by a new sensor and software platform, adding front and corner radars, a new front camera, rear corner radars, 12 new ultrasonic sensors and new parking cameras for a more complete view of the car’s surroundings. The platform also enables several new or upgraded features:
Door Opening Alert warns occupants before opening a door into the path of a passing cyclist or other road user. The optional Pilot Assist now includes lane change assistance and follows the road more smoothly on longer drives, while the optional 360 degree camera is upgraded to a 3D view, making parking and low speed manoeuvres easier to judge.
Up to 584 km of electric range
The 40 series remains central to Volvo’s electrification plans. For fully electric driving, the EX40 offers up to 575 km of range and the EC40 up to 584 km on a single charge, based on preliminary WLTP figures. All three models continue to improve after purchase through regular over-the-air software updates.
A familiar face on Danish roads
The 40 series has long been one of Volvo’s most popular ranges in Denmark, with sales topping 2,200 new registrations last year alone. More than 24,000 examples of the 40 series are currently on Danish roads. According to Bilstatistik, Denmark registered 1,960 EX40s and 307 EC40s in 2025. Globally, Volvo has sold 1.4 million 40 series cars to date.
