Updated Volvo XC40 spied ahead of 2027 reveal

The Volvo XC40 small SUV is set due for an update, with these spy images showing a camouflaged version of the BMW X1, Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA and Lexus UX rival expected to be revealed in 2027.

The black vehicle in these images taken by our spy agency in Spain shows the near-decade-old XC40 – the top-selling Volvo in Australia – will be treated to a nip and tuck rather than a significant redesign, following its last update in 2022.

Volvo Car Australia has not confirmed timing or details for any updates for the XC40.

One of five ‘refreshed’ Volvos to be revealed in 2026, the facelifted XC40 is expected to follow the look of the updated XC60 which arrived in Australia last year, with styling cues also taken from the EX40 small electric SUV. 

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This means a revised front grille and nose treatment, cleaner bumper designs and different LED tail-light clusters on an otherwise unchanged body, with the test vehicle showing the same roofline and doors as the existing XC40.

The images also show what appears to be a new portrait-style central infotainment touchscreen like those seen in the EX40 and XC60, which sits on the centre stack instead of being integrated into it.

In the XC60, the updated screen delivers both sharper resolution and increased size, with the 11.2-inch unit replacing the previous 9.0-inch version, which still features in the current XC40.

If its newer stablemates are any guide, the new multimedia system will bring faster processing power and Google Built-in functionality.

Revised cabin materials for the dash and seats as well as new exterior colours and wheel patterns are expected to extend the life of the current generation for several more years. 

Major powertrain changes are not anticipated for the XC40’s update, which is currently sold in Australia only as a mild-hybrid vehicle using a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine making 145kW of power and 300Nm of torque.

Volvo Car Australia dropped the previous plug-in hybrid version of the XC40 with the arrival of the 2022 update as it pursued its previous goal of selling only electric vehicles (EVs) in Australia by 2026. 

While it has since wound back that goal both locally and globally, and continues to offer internal combustion engines, Volvo has added more electric SUVs to its local showrooms including the EX30, EX40, EX60 and EX90. 

When it arrives here, the XC40 is expected to remain priced from around $54,990 before on-road costs, for the entry-level front-wheel drive Plus model grade. 

MORE: Explore the Volvo XC40 showroom