Volvo’s Electrified Ambitions Have Killed The XC40 Diesel In The UK

Volvo has decided to quietly retire the diesel versions of the XC40 from the United Kingdom and focus on selling only the gasoline and electrified models instead.

As a result, the XC40 is only available in the T3, B4 and B5 petrol guises, with 163, 197 and 250 HP respectively, as well as the 258 HP T5 PHEV, and the Recharge P8 electric, with a combined output of 402 HP and a 249-mile (400-km) driving range in the WLTP cycle.

A spokesperson told Autocar that the decision “is part of Volvo Cars’ ambitious global electrification strategy, which includes our well-established commitment to the phasing out of diesel in the long term.” The representative confirmed that “it also reflects the strong shift in customer demand towards petrol and electrified models”.

Our Review: 2019 Volvo XC40 Exudes Swedish Sophistication

Moreover, answering to our inquiry on the subject Barnaby Jones, Volvo UK Product Communications Executive, told us the following:

“The choice of powertrains available to XC40 customers remains one of the most diverse on the market, catering for a wide variety of requirements. Not only do we offer a range of fuel-efficient petrol variants, including mild-hybrids, but customers can now opt for plug-in hybrid and pure electric versions – both part of Volvo’s growing range of Recharge plug-in cars.”

According to the British publication, combined sales of the two XC40 diesels, the 148 HP D3 and 188 HP D4, totaled 5,634 units last year, accounting for 36.5 percent of the model’s local sales, while in 2020, that number dropped to 19 percent.

The diesel powertrains are not completely gone from Volvo’s UK lineup though, as other models packing oil burners remain on sale, but it is unclear for how long.

The diesel versions of the XC40 are still on sale in other European countries, including Germany, where the 148 HP D3 will set customers back at least €37,237 ($44,159) in the Momentum trim level, €35,482 ($42,078) in the Momentum Core and €39,040 ($46,297) in the Momentum Pro. The R-Design and Inscription grades packing the D3 powertrain start at €43,914 ($52,077) and €41,671 ($49,417) respectively.

The 188 HP D4 is also available in the Momentum Pro, R-Design and Inscription, from €45,156, €49,081 and €48,837 ($53,550, $58,205 and $57,915) respectively.