New corners, new lights for 2028 Volvo XC40

Volvo’s designers have shaved away unnecessary volume. Volvo

From a pedestrian’s perspective, the effect is to make the car seem smaller, with its edges slightly farther away. It’s only an inch here and there, but compared to the trend of metastasizing SUVs we’re normally subjected to, it’s a more sympathetic and socially aware approach that makes the XC40 look less aggressive. Then again, of all the automakers out there, Volvo, with its fastidious approach to safety, would be the one to do it.

Gemini shows up

The most significant change to the interior is the new 11.2-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. Volvo was an early adopter of Google’s Android Automotive OS and Google Automotive Services, and that integration continues here, now with Gemini. The addition of more AI will raise many eyebrows, but based on my limited testing, it is more capable as a voice assistant than the one it replaces. There’s also now a cardamom leather interior option that pairs with an open-grain wood trim.

Volvo being Volvo, it couldn’t resist the chance to make the XC40 a little safer. So there’s a new suite of front, rear, and corner radars, a new forward-looking camera, plus new ultrasonic sensors and revised software that includes an upgraded 3D view for the 360-degree fused parking cameras.

The revised 2028 Volvo XC40 goes into production later this year and should go on sale next year. There’s also a revised electric EX40 that benefits from the same styling changes, but the US won’t get that one.