Volvo Teases XC40's New Frunk

Matt Posky
by Matt Posky

Volvo teased the electric version of its XC40 on Wednesday, timing it perfectly with a slow news day. As a result, the new model got quite a bit of media attention.

Unfortunately, there’s not much to say about the crossover. Beyond re-issuing the date for its official debut, Volvo was hesitant to provide details. The company was primarily concerned with explaining the XC40’s design, offering insight on underbody modifications and some sketches showing the electric variant looking quite similar to the standard model.

This forced the press to unilaterally glom onto the automobile’s new frunk in desperation. While the new storage compartment truly is the stuff of dreams (a trunk in the front?!?!), it was also one of the few items the manufacturer provided any information on. At least this will be a relatively short read.

The frunk offers 1.05 cubic feet of storage space, roughly the same as a medium-sized cooler. Volvo credits this addition to space freed up by a vanished internal combustion motor. The battery-powered XC40 will have the same, or better, storage/occupant space inside the cabin as its gasoline-driven twin, Volvo claims.

They will not be identical twins, however. While both ride on Volvo’s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), the electric variant will get a few exterior embellishments to set it apart. The differences are slight, with the EV receiving a body-matching grille and its own (for now) Sage Green metallic paint option. Electrics will also receive a contrasting black roof as standard equipment and offer a choice between two new 19 and 20-inch wheel options.

Volvo says to expect further customization options upon the model’s launch — noting an interior design package featuring unique styling details and carpets made of recycled materials to whet a few appetites.

XC40 EVs will also debut a new interface that’s “specifically designed for electric cars.” This feature remains a complete mystery; the manufacturer suggests it will have the ability to monitor battery status… which probably should go without saying.

Beyond hiding the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) sensor platform behind that new grille cover, that’s about it. No new updates about the powertrain, range estimates, or even teaser images of the real model — just a few sketches.

While Volvo intends on trickling out particulars over the coming weeks, it looks as though we’ll have to wait until October 16th, the model’s debut date, to get any real information. However, if you’re still hungry for XC40 details, the automaker let a few things slip about the ultimate goal of ADAS (self-driving) and how the car is structured internally late last month.

[Images: Volvo Cars]

Matt Posky
Matt Posky

A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.

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 5 comments
  • Ryoku75 Ryoku75 on Oct 02, 2019

    Disgusting Automatic garbage

    • See 2 previous
    • Olivebranch2006 Olivebranch2006 on Oct 03, 2019

      @Ryoku75 Which part worries you? Transmission? Wiring? Electronics? I did like that they are using Aisin transmissions just like Lexus now. The electronics still scare me from ever buying one.

  • ToolGuy ToolGuy on Oct 07, 2019

    Note the sexy organic curves of that frunk. Now note that they completely destroy its functionality (i.e., we end up with a tiny opening which won't hold much). If automotive 'stylists' designed shoeboxes, the shoeboxes would not be physically capable of holding shoes. The center console of whatever you drive likely has the same issue - relatively large potential area for storage, relatively tiny storage cubbies. (Someone, please hire some Industrial Designers and let them work.)

  • Carson D At 1:24 AM, the voyage data recorder (VDR) stopped recording the vessel’s system data, but it was able to continue taping audio. At 1:26 AM, the VDR resumed recording vessel system data. Three minutes later, the Dali collided with the bridge. Nothing suspicious at all. Let's go get some booster shots!
  • Darren Mertz Where's the heater control? Where's the Radio control? Where the bloody speedometer?? In a menu I suppose. How safe is that??? Volvo....
  • Lorenzo Are they calling it a K4? That's a mountain in the Himalayas! Stick with names!
  • MaintenanceCosts It's going to have to go downmarket a bit not to step on the Land Cruiser's toes.
  • Lorenzo Since EVs don't come in for oil changes, their owners don't have their tires rotated regularly, something the dealers would have done. That's the biggest reason they need to buy a new set of tires sooner, not that EVs wear out tires appreciably faster.
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