Volvo XC40 PHEV is back with a new look, better sensors, and Gemini AI | The VergeSkip to main contentThe homepageThe VergeThe Verge logo.The VergeThe Verge logo.TechReviewsScienceEntertainmentAIPolicyNotificationsNotificationsHamburger Navigation ButtonThe homepageThe VergeThe Verge logo.NotificationsNotificationsHamburger Navigation ButtonNavigation DrawerThe VergeThe Verge logo.Login / Sign UpcloseCloseSearchLightSystemDarkTechExpandAmazonAppleFacebookGoogleMicrosoftSamsungBusinessSee all techReviewsExpandSmart Home ReviewsPhone ReviewsTablet ReviewsHeadphone ReviewsSee all reviewsScienceExpandSpaceEnergyEnvironmentHealthSee all scienceEntertainmentExpandTV ShowsMoviesAudioSee all entertainmentAIExpandOpenAIAnthropicSee all AIPolicyExpandAntitrustPoliticsLawSecuritySee all policyGadgetsExpandLaptopsPhonesTVsHeadphonesSpeakersWearablesSee all gadgetsVerge ShoppingExpandBuying GuidesDealsGift GuidesSee all shoppingGamingExpandXboxPlayStationNintendoSee all gamingStreamingExpandDisneyHBONetflixYouTubeCreatorsSee all streamingTransportationExpandElectric CarsAutonomous CarsRide-sharingScootersSee all transportationFeaturesVerge VideoExpandTikTokYouTubeInstagramPodcastsExpandDecoderThe VergecastVersion HistoryNewslettersArchivesStoreVerge Product UpdatesSubscribeFacebookThreadsInstagramYoutubeRSSThe VergeThe Verge logo.Volvo XC40 PHEV is back with a new look, better sensors, and Gemini AINotificationsNotificationsComments DrawerNotificationsCommentsLoading commentsGetting the conversation ready...TransportationCloseTransportationPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All TransportationNewsCloseNewsPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All NewsCarsCloseCarsPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All CarsVolvo XC40 PHEV is back with a new look, better sensors, and Gemini AIThe plug-in hybrid version of Volvo’s small SUV is making a comeback.The plug-in hybrid version of Volvo’s small SUV is making a comeback.by Andrew J. HawkinsCloseAndrew J. HawkinsTransportation editorPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Andrew J. HawkinsSep 10, 2026, 7:00 AM UTCLinkShareGiftImage: VolvoAndrew J. HawkinsCloseAndrew J. HawkinsPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Andrew J. Hawkins is transportation editor with 10+ years of experience who covers EVs, public transportation, and aviation. His work has appeared in The New York Daily News and City & State.It’s been about three years since Volvo discontinued its plug-in hybrid XC40. The mild hybrid version remains on sale in the US and elsewhere, alongside the electric EX40. Today, Volvo announced it was bringing back the PHEV version and giving it a major facelift. When it arrives at dealerships early next year, the new XC40 will have updated exterior styling, a gut-renovated interior featuring Google’s Gemini AI assistant, enlarged infotainment screen, and a new sensor-and-software safety suite.As a hybrid, the XC40 serves as a bridge for customers who want better gas mileage but aren’t ready for the pure EV lifestyle. Volvo itself needs that bridge, after backing down from its pledge to sell only EVs by 2030. That said, the automaker didn’t divulge any details about the powertrain, engine options, electric motor, range, or battery capacity for the XC40 — so we’ll have to wait and see whether this SUV can sufficiently compete in an increasingly cutthroat hybrid market.On the surface, we’ve got a new take on Volvo’s signature “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights, as well as an updated front grille, bumper, hood and front wings. Same goes for the rear: new lighting, new bumper, and an upgraded tailgate. Additionally, the XC40 is getting a trio of diamond-cut wheel options, available in 18-, 19-, and 20-inch sizes.PreviousNext1/7But the interior is where the meat of Volvo’s improvements comes through. The screen has been bumped up to a higher resolution and a larger, 11.2-inch size. It will run Volvo’s latest user interface, which the automaker designed for faster navigation with fewer taps. Google’s Gemini serves as the voice assistant, using its big AI brain to plan routes, find specific locations and detours, and manage messages. The XC40 rounds it out with an improved wireless phone charger and smart storage solutions.What about safety? This is a Volvo after all, the automaker most committed to Safety (at least according to its well-cultivated reputation). Don’t worry, the XC40 ups the ante in that department with a new software and sensor platform that’s designed to provide real-time collision avoidance, automated emergency steering, and automatic emergency braking.The sensor upgrade includes new front and corner radars, a new front camera, new rear corner radars, 12 new ultrasonic sensors, and new parking cameras. Cloaked in this new sensor suite, the XC40 is getting a host of new safety capabilities, including new door opening alerts that warn occupants before dooring passing cyclists, lane change assist and smoother lane following support on long drives, and an optional 3D/360-degree camera to simplify low-speed maneuvering and parking.PreviousNext1/4The ultimate goal is to build a better XC40 — one that’s safer and more capable, which hopefully translates to better sales numbers and a long, continuous shelf life for Volvo’s tiny SUV.“By enhancing the XC40’s design, technology and safety features, we’ve created the best version of the XC40 yet,” says Akhil Krishnan, Interim Lead for the 30 and 40 Series at Volvo Cars, in a statement. “This already popular model is now set to continue being one of our best-selling cars for years to come.”Images by VolvoFollow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates.Andrew J. 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The plug-in hybrid version of the Volvo XC40 is being reintroduced with a significant redesign, enhanced sensors, and integration of Gemini AI, following its discontinuation by Volvo. This decision aims to reposition the vehicle as a viable bridge for consumers seeking improved fuel economy without committing fully to an all-electric lifestyle. The refreshed model incorporates updated exterior styling, including revised LED headlights, a new front grille, bumper, hood, and front wings, alongside new lighting and bumper designs at the rear, as well as a selection of diamond-cut wheel options available in 18, 19, and 20-inch diameters.

The most substantial improvements are evident in the interior experience, which focuses heavily on advanced digital integration. The infotainment system has been upgraded to a larger, higher resolution 11.2-inch screen running Volvo’s latest user interface, designed for efficient navigation with fewer interactions. Google’s Gemini is integrated as the voice assistant, utilizing its advanced artificial intelligence capabilities to manage complex tasks such as route planning, locating specific destinations and detours, and managing messages. Further refinements to the interior include an improved wireless phone charger and smart storage solutions.

Safety features have also been significantly augmented through a new software and sensor platform. This enhancement introduces capabilities for real-time collision avoidance, automated emergency steering, and automatic emergency braking. The sensor suite itself is expanded to include new front and corner radars, a new front camera, rear corner radars, twelve new ultrasonic sensors, and new parking cameras. This comprehensive sensor array underpins several new safety functions, such as door opening alerts to warn occupants about passing cyclists, lane change assistance, and smoother lane following support during extended drives. Optionally, the vehicle can be equipped with a three-dimensional or thirty-six-degree camera to facilitate easier low-speed maneuvering and parking.

In summary, the enhancements to the Volvo XC40 PHEV—covering exterior aesthetics, sophisticated interior technology driven by Gemini AI, and a comprehensive, advanced sensor-based safety architecture—are intended to create an evolution of the model that enhances safety, capability, and market longevity. As noted by Akhil Krishnan, Interim Lead for the 30 and 40 Series at Volvo Cars, these combined improvements position the model to continue as one of Volvo’s best-selling cars for the foreseeable future.