Volvo XC40 review - MPG, CO2 and running costs

The XC40’s engine line-up comprises state-of-the-art motors, with a wide range of electric, hybrid and petrol units. The efficiency figures on the XC40 are respectable for the class, but no better than that, and there's no diesel engine offered in Volvo premium compact SUV anymore, either.

The fully electric XC40s are obviously the cleanest models in the line-up as they don't produce any tailpipe emissions. The entry-level XC40 Single Motor has an official WLTP range of 290 miles thanks to its 67kWh battery, while Volvo says the XC40 Twin Motor can go 334 miles before its 79kWh battery is drained.

Next up is the Recharge T4 and T5 plug-in hybrid models which emit 47-49g/km, depending on chosen specification, and will return up to 134.5mpg, according to Volvo. That's not nearly as impressive as the over 300mpg BMW claims you'll see from the plug-in hybrid versions of its latest X1 SUV. What's more, the XC40 PHEV's 28-mile electric driving range fails to match that of the BMW X1 PHEV or plug-in Alfa Romeo Tonale which can cover up to 55 and 42 miles respectively on power power alone.

As you might expect, the entry-level mild-hybrid petrol XC40 B3 and B4 take a hit on fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions; maximum fuel economy stands at 42.2mpg, and by emitting 151g/km the tax hit is probably big enough for many company drivers to overlook them. We've found both models to be very thirsty, too – in fact, we struggled to get mid-thirties mpg out of the B3 and B4 when we've driven both in the UK, with the more powerful B4 returning exactly 34mpg during our twin test against the Jaguar E-Pace (which achieved 43.3mpg).

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Insurance groups

Insurance groups for the XC40 range from groups 23 to 42, depending on which trim level you go for, and whether you want mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid or fully electric power. On a like-for-like basis, the Volvo is ranked slightly lower than its German rivals – not least helped because of the Swedish brand’s reputation for passive and active safety systems. 

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Depreciation

Volvo is currently on the crest of wave in terms of customer demand, and when you also factor in the strong desirability within the premium SUV market, it's no surprise that the XC40 has strong residual values; between 52 and 57 per cent for the all-electric models, and 57 to 61 per cent for mild-hybrid petrol and plug-in hybrid models.

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