Volvo's XC40 speeds to first in premium compact SUV sales for single trim level

The Swedish carmaker's XC40 B4 AWD was the best-selling premium compact SUV in a single trim level in the first six months of the year.

From left, Volvo's XC40 SUV and XC40 Recharge EV [VOLVO KOREA]

Volvo’s SUVs are enjoying a growing presence in Korea as relative affordability and a focus on safety boost their appeal with local car buyers.

Its XC40 model became the best-selling premium compact SUV based on a single trim level in the country during the first half of 2024, selling over 1,000 units.

The XC40 B4 AWD sold 1,089 units in the first six months of the year, beating BMW-owned MINI's Cooper Countryman at 945.

BMW's X1 2.0 came in third place at 727 while the MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 ranked fourth, selling 590 units, according to the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association. Mercedes Benz's GLA 250 4MATIC came fifth with 365 units sold.

XC40 became the second best-selling model across all trim levels in the premium compact SUV segment after the Countryman.

The two limited editions of XC40 also took off, with its Sage Green Edition selling out in under three minutes last July and the Dark Edition selling out in under four minutes in April.

The vehicle’s popularity comes down to its relatively affordable price combined with a solid safety system and convenient features, according to Volvo Korea.

“Despite the XC40 being an entry-level vehicle [for the brand], it comes pre-equipped with Volvo’s latest, state-of-the-art safety features and premium convenience features,” Volvo Korea said in a press release.

“The highest trim in Korea, Ultimate, is priced reasonably at 54.30 million won [$39,300], lower than its price in Britain at 43,035 pounds [$55,766] and $50,795 in the United States,” the company said.

The Sage Green limited edition of Volvo's XC40 SUV [VOLVO KOREA]

The entry-level Swedish SUV also opted to use local favorite TMAP as its default GPS system for a more integrated and updated in-car infotainment experience, alongside SK Telecom’s AI assistant NUGU for convenient control of the vehicle and infotainment system. The software will come with 15 years of over-the-air updates at no extra charge.

The vehicle also comes pre-equipped with a variety of Volvo’s safety systems, ranging from its adaptive cruise control, Pilot Assist, Cross Traffic Alert and Collision Warning & Mitigation systems for added driver safety.

The XC40 B4 is equipped with a 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine, offering 197 horsepower, 30.6 kilogram-meters (221 pound-feet) of torque and can reach 0-100 kilometers per hour (0-62 miles per hour) in 8.5 seconds.

Volvo also offers the XC40 Recharge, an electrified version of the SUV. Instead of the four-cylinder engine featured on the internal combustion version, the electric vehicle uses a twin-motor powertrain, offering 408 horsepower, 68.3 kilogram-meters of torque and a 0-100 time of 4.8 seconds.

BY CHO YONG-JUN [cho.yongjun1@joongang.co.kr]