Top 3 Volvo XC40 Trims Head To Head: Here's Our Winner. - AutoTrader

The Volvo XC40 made its local debut in 2018 and quickly became a popular model within Volvo's SUV range. The entry-level SUV is offered with a variety of powertrain options, including fully electric solutions. The B3, B4, and B5 derivatives come fitted with a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine; however, they have different performance ratings.

Related: Which Volvo XC40 has the best fuel consumption?

Most recently, Volvo has added two fully electric variants to the XC40 range, namely the Recharge Single Motor and Recharge Twin Motor, the latter fitted with two electric motors for more performance. In total, there are no less than seven derivatives to choose between, and there are three trim levels, namely Essential, Plus and Ultimate. But before we delve into the details, remember that you can sell your car easily and quickly here before you start your search for new or used Volvo XC40 models on AutoTrader.

Exterior

Upfront customers will quickly notice the differences in the grills. Different grille designs feature in some variants. While the Essential trim gets a more traditional vertical slat design, the Plus and Ultimate trims get a gloss black 3D mesh. Both the Recharge and Recharge Twin variants get a body-colour blanked-off grille. When choosing the Plus or Ultimate trims, customers can get the Dark theme, which sees glossy black roof rails, window surrounds, mirrors, and skid plates fitted at the front and rear. Previously, a Bright option was also available, which utilised lighter finishes in those areas.

The Plus and Ultimate trims come with fog lamps in the lower front bumper, an option not found on the Essential as standard. These also have cornering functions which illuminate either side depending on steering input. Also quickly noticeable are the different wheels that come fitted as standard. While the Essential variant offers 18-inch alloy wheels, the Plus features diamond-cut alloy wheels in a 19-inch guise. The Ultimate model sees even larger 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels fitted. The Recharge derivative is available in the Plus trim described above, while the Recharge Twin variant is finished in the Ultimate trim.

Interior

The Essential derivative offers customers comfortable seats; however, they are finished in cloth, whereas the Plus and Ultimate models receive leather. Both the Recharge and Recharge Twin electric variants come with leather upholstery as standard specifications. Only the Ultimate trim allows you to adjust the passenger seat electronically and drop the rear seat headrests with a push of a button. In the other variants, you will need to do all that manually.

Where you would get aluminium grid trim, mid-level illumination and textile upholstery in the Essential variant, the Plus steps it up with Connect Suede textile and Microtech upholstery, aluminium decor, glossy black tunnel console and high-level illumination inside the cabin.

Comfort and driver-assist systems

The Essential derivative will provide rear park distance control; however, the Plus and Ultimate make rear park distance control available with camera functionality and front park distance control as standard specifications. The Plus variant also bolsters the standard infotainment system with wireless charging for your smartphone, the same features in the Ultimate.

The Ultimate derivative steps the high-performance audio system up to a 600W digital amplified, the 13 hi-fi speaker with an air-ventilated subwoofer, and the Harman Kardon premium sound system.

Conclusion

Overall when considering the Volvo XC40, it comes very well specified across all three trim levels. The items listed above are merely the differences between the three models and do not nearly reflect all the standard features. But looking at all three, it is clear that the Plus and Ultimate models retain extra features not found on the Essential trim level.

However, upon closer inspection, the Plus seems to offer more practical features. The Ultimate does offer more premium finishes and a more potent sound system. Thus, if you are looking for the aesthetics and premium audio of the Ultimate, it is an excellent choice for us; however, the ever-so-slightly cheaper Plus model is the winner of the mild-hybrid models. Considering that the Recharge Twin derivative comes with a full house of premium finishes, and standard equipment, and an electric powertrain, it has to be the winner overall.

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