2019 Volvo XC40
If you’re Volvo, how do you follow up the fantastic XC90 full-size and XC60 mid-size crossovers? Well, automotive logic would dictate things would continue to trickle down; and indeed they have, with an all-new, compact sized, 2019 Volvo XC40.
It may be Volvo’s smallest crossover yet, but it feels big for the class. And, it is the first modern Volvo not built on the SPA platform, but a new Compact Modular Architecture.
Looking taller and stubbier than its bigger kin, the XC40’s exterior is both bold and cartoonish. We also see traces of Land Rover and Jeep in its luxo-rugged design. There’s plenty to draw the eyes here; from the scooped out grille, deep body cuts, an available contrasting roof, and even a little Swedish flag sticking out from under the clamshell hood. Just don’t tell anyone it’s actually made in Belgium.
Our tester is a T5, which in current Volvo-speak means the 2.0-liter I4 underneath the hood is turbo-charged. Sums of 248–horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque put it well above class average.
An 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive are standard with the T5. Volvo is of course, no stranger to the front-wheel-drive based all-wheel-drive game; having fielded examples for some 20-years, since the 850 Estate, becoming V70XC here in the states.
A naturally-aspirated, 2.0-liter, front-wheel-drive only, XC 40 T4 will arrive here later this year, with a plug-in hybrid and pure EV following that.
The suspension design, and our T5’s ride itself, favors that of its bigger kin; yet needless to say, its diminutive size makes it a breeze to whip around city streets, as well as in and out of traffic. Which you can do quite easily, with incredibly powerful response from the engine.
So, the XC40 squirts off the line quite efficiently as well, capable of hitting 60 in just 6.3-seconds. Power arrives early and stays, shifts click through quickly and smoothly, for a ¼-mile ending in 14.8-seconds at 95 miles-per-hour.
The XC40 felt nimble and eager through our cone course. Steering is very light, yet we always had a good sense of where our wheels were pointing.
There’s laser-like attention to interior details, with a wealth of sensible storage options throughout the cabin. On the flip side, the shortage of physical controls, and over reliance on a big touch screen, didn’t impress us.
When it comes to materials and theme, it’s totally Swedish; with pleasant-looking aluminum on the dash, nicely carpeted door panels, and fit-and-finish commensurate with rival luxury brand.
Size has not impacted the Volvo comfort we’ve come to expect, with a fairly high seating position; again, giving you the impression it’s a larger vehicle.
Rear seat legroom is quite good as well, with adequate headroom for most adults.
In back, there’s 20.7 cubic-ft. of cargo space, maxing out at 47.2 with the rear seats folded; not as roomy as some, but the space is flexible and very nicely finished.
When it comes to safety systems, if Volvo has it, it’s here; and not just available, but standard.
Government Fuel Economy Ratings are 23-City, 31-Highway, and 26-Combined. We saw a good 27.8 miles-per-gallon with the required Premium. The Energy Impact Score is an average one, at 12.7-barrels of yearly petroleum use, along with CO2 emissions of 5.6-tons.
If all of that wasn’t enough, you can buy one for a more than reasonable $34,195. The T5 with all-wheel-drive, starts at just $36,195. And with this vehicle, Volvo is also launching a new subscription service, that will allow you to get a vehicle including insurance and maintenance for one monthly payment, with no money down. And, much like the millennials they are going after probably already do with their smartphones, you can upgrade your vehicle after as little as one year.
But, what really matters, is that the 2019 Volvo XC40 delivers on all points, with a refined interior and ride quality found nowhere else in the compact segment. Now that Volvo has revamped their entire SUV lineup in just 3-years, it’s hard not seeing the XC40 following in the footsteps of XC90, and 60; which is to say, being another big success.
Specifications
- Engine: 2.0 liter
- Horsepower: 248
- Torque: 258 lb.-ft.
- 0-60 mph: 6.3 seconds
- 1/4 mile: 14.8 seconds @ 95 mph
- EPA: 23 mpg city / 31 mpg highway
- Energy Impact: 12.7 barrels of oil/yr
- CO2 Emissions: 5.6 tons/yr
2024 BMW X2
The X1’s Dynamic Alter Ego Gets Bigger and Better
It seems like everyone in the SUV world is trying to out-rugged one another. But over at BMW, they just keep doing what they do: Making stylish, high-performance sports activity vehicles, and even making them more attainable. This latest BMW X2 is proof of that.
At first glance, the 2024 BMW X2 Compact Sports Activity Coupe looks like the more dynamic platform-mate to the BMW X1. Afterall, the X1 utility is just so boring it needed the help. Weel, that’s not at all true, of course, but BMW is the brand that spearheaded the whole coupe-like SUV movement and continues to spread that theme throughout their lineup. So, hence this fast roof X2.
For its second generation, the X2 has gotten a lot bigger, a full 7.6-inches longer, which means it can now call the X1 its little brother. The roof slopes more drastically than before too, with even bigger changes in back, with the SUV-like liftgate and minimal back glass replaced with more glass set in a hatchback-style lid. Some might say the exaggerated fenders and sharp creases are a bit much, but we’re not among them. It looks great, especially with the optional M Sport Package’s 19-inch wheels, unique bumpers, and black trim.
Still, like many stylish small utilities, it is still a little hard to see out of. But that’s what cameras and a myriad of sensors are for. The X2 is clearly more upscale than before with xDrive all-wheel-drive now standard. So, no more front-wheel-drive X2s for now, though that never was a big deal to us, or to the owners of the new MINI Countryman who share this chassis.
BMW’s curved display is easily the highlight of the interior; operating with the ninth generation of iDrive technology, it blends the LED driver display into the central touchscreen. Front seats are both sporty and comfortable, and while many stylish sloped roof SUVs often sacrifice the utility part, rear seat space in the X2 is plentiful. With 25.3 cubic-feet of space, rear cargo capacity is barely less than the X1, and max capacity, at 51.7 cubic-feet, is actually more than the X1 due to the longer body.
Once it got rolling though, power did pour on pretty effectively.
This xDrive28i is the base offering, powered by a 241-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-4 with 295 lb-ft of torque. For an upgrade, that same engine gets cranked up to deliver 312 horsepower in the M35i; both get a seven-speed DCT. We stuck with the standard 2.0-liter for testing, dialed in Sport mode, and hit the track. And while it does feel very quick on the street, whether it was turbo lag or engine tuning, there just wasn’t a real sense of urgency off the line.
Once it got rolling though, power did pour on pretty effectively, getting us to 60 in 6.2 seconds, and then stayed very consistent down the track. There was even a nice little kick of additional oomph with every gear change. So clearly not the most invigorating BMW experience we’ve had recently, but the 14.9-second quarter-mile, finished at 96 mph, is plenty quick for an entry-level ute, and there’s always the M35i.
We’d also put handling in the “upscale” category. Even with the M Sport Adaptive suspension, softer tuning produced more body roll than expected. Steering was a bit too vague and light for our taste; without the tenacious grip we expected through our handling course. On the other hand, this X2 was very stable and safe, with a more substantial feel than before. In our panic braking test, the X2’s pedal was soft until the very end of travel when it firmed up quickly. But with an average stopping distance of a scant 96 feet, they clearly did their job.
Government Fuel Economy Ratings for the xDrive28i are 24 City, 33 Highway, and 28 Combined. We averaged a quite good 31.1 mpg of Premium. That rates slightly better than average for the Energy Impact Score, 10.6 barrels of annual oil use with 5.3 tons of CO2 emissions.
Pricing starts at $42,995, which is $1,500 more than a base X1. Then a healthy step up to the M35i which starts at $52,395.
While we did appreciate the original X2 for its more stylish take on the X1, there’s a lot more to love this time. The 2024 edition of the BMW X2 is more than just a better looking X1, it’s bigger and better all around. Now, one could argue if any brand really needs three coupe-like SUVs in their portfolio. But when you’ve got the formula for success like no one else, you might as well deploy it in as many ways as you can.
Specifications
As Tested
- Engine: 2.0-liter turbo-4
- Transmission: 7-speed DCT
- Horsepower: 241
- Torque: 295 lb-ft.
- EPA: 24 City | 33 Highway | 28 Combined
- 0-60 mph: 6.2 seconds
- 1/4 Mile: 14.9 seconds at 96 mph
- Braking, 60-0 (avg): 96 feet
- MW Fuel Economy: 31.1 mpg