Volvo adds a second, cheaper T4 PHEV option to its XC40 Recharge range

It's possible to buy an electrified version of any of Volvo's current range of cars and SUVs, but that isn't stopping it expanding its offering. The latest to join the lineup is the XC40 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T4 – the second PHEV in the XC40 range, but one that comes with a more accessible price tag.

The T5 Twin Engine version of the XC40 has been on our roads since February this year, proving to be a popular option in the mid-sized premium PHEV SUV market. Whilst its £40k-plus on-the-road price is hardly uncompetitive in its segment, it does mean that buyers have to pay an additional £325 VED surcharge. The new XC40 Recharge T4 doesn't quite get the same spec and power as the T5, but it's a compelling new option.

Powertrain

It's in the powertrain department that the new XC40 Recharge T4 differs most from the current version of the car. It gets the same 1.5-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine and 82bhp electric motor, but the petrol engine is in a lesser state of tune – dishing up 129bhp compared to the T5's 180bhp. This means the T4 gets a system total of 211bhp, all sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed automatic gearbox, compared to the 262bhp of the T5.

Of course, 211bhp is hardly a paltry amount of power so we doubt anybody is going to feel particularly short-changed.

The electric side of things is common across both Volvo XC40 PHEVs, so the T4 gets a 10.7kWh lithium-ion battery which enables it to travel up to 27 miles on a charge according to the WLTP test cycle. When the petrol engine does kick in (on the WLTP cycle at least) the car is good for an official 134.5mpg and emissions of just 47g/km of carbon dioxide. This is obviously beneficial for company car tax, with the XC40 Recharge T4 being rated at 12 per cent.

Available trim levels

The car is available in two trim levels – R-Design and Inscription, each of which is available in 'Pro' form, adding more kit (and cost).

R-Design starts at £39,139 and for that you get 19 inch alloys, leather upholstery, driver alert control with lane keep assist, a 12.3 inch Active TFT instrument display and 9 inch centre touch screen, sport chassis and automatic LED headlights. In £42,430 R-Design Pro spec you also get a heated windscreen and heated seats, active bending headlights with cleaning system, heated washer nozzles, 20 inch wheels and power driver's seat.

Inscription spec is available from £39,475 and as standard you get all the same features as the R-Design, except for a Dynamic chassis and (far more Scandinavian) driftwood inlays in the interior. Bump this up to Inscription Pro for £42,430 and you get all the same additions as R-Design Pro with the addition of an Orrefors Crystal gear lever, a power passenger seat (as well as driver) and specially designed 19 inch alloys.

If you go for either of the non-Pro spec cars you'll avoid paying the £350 VED surcharge thanks to the fact they both come in at under £40k, which is a bonus!