Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 On Sale In Thailand – Coming To Malaysia Soon?

The Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 has officially gone on sale in Thailand. Volvo’s smallest SUV is now offered in three trim variants, all of which are powered by the company’s new Recharge T5 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain.

The XC40 Recharge T5 for the Thai-market is different to the XC40 T5 we get here, chief of which, is because it features Volvo’s latest 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine which is mated to an electric motor. The engine outputs 180PS and 265Nm, while the electric motor, supplements another 82PS and 160Nm of torque. When combined the power unit delivers 265PS and a whopping 425Nm of torque.

The electric motor is driven by a 10.7 kWh lithium-ion battery, which gives the Recharge T5 an electric driving range of up 44km.

The major difference between the Recharge T5 and the T8 PHEV powertrain in the XC60 and XC90 models is the electric motor is sandwiched between the engine and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, instead of individually at the rear axle to power the rear wheels. Thus the XC40 Recharge T5 is front-wheel driven.

In terms of performance, the Recharge T5 completes the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.3 seconds and has a top speed of 180 km/h. The 2.0-litre turbocharged T5 variant sold locally completes the century sprint in 6.4 seconds and has a top speed of 230km/h – so for now, we still get the faster T5.

The Recharge T5 is supplied in three different trim packages – namely the R-Design Impression, Inscription, and R-Design. Each trim range offers slightly different styling equipment ranging from the exterior colour, interior upholstery, and equipment such as wheels and design elements.

In terms of equipment – the more expensive R-Design and Inscription models notably receive active LED headlights, Volvo Pilot Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, panoramic roof, and premium Harman Kardon sound system. Connectivity equipment includes a 9-inch touchscreen central display with Android Auto and Apple Carplay connectivity, and a 12.3-inch driver display.

The entry-level R-Design Expression is priced at THB2.09 million (RM280k) – the XC40 T5 R Design variant we get here is priced at RM242k (inclusive SST exemptions).

But, we heard the XC40 Recharge T5 is produced in Malaysia?

There’s been a bit of chatter surrounding the XC40 Recharge T5 being assembled in Malaysia, in ‘Volvo Car Manufacturing Malaysia’s’ Shah Alam facility, as reported by Thai-based Headlightmag.

The reporting doesn’t seem farfetched at all, since Volvo’s facility has been assembling the XC60 and XC90 T8 Twin Engine PHEV models for a couple of years now.

This then begs the question if the XC40 Recharge T5 would make its way here, as a second variant to complement the ‘regular’ internal combustion-powered T5, but this remains to be seen. Besides the aforementioned reporting, there has been no confirmation from Volvo Cars Malaysia regarding the Recharge T5’s production.