XC40 To Feature Volvo’s First 3-Cylinder Engine

Volvo Cars today launched its new three-cylinder Drive-E petrol engine that will make its debut in the XC40 compact SUV. The new engine will be identified with a 'T3' emblem.

The all-new 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, a first in the company’s 91-year history, was developed in-house using the same modular design as Volvo’s four-cylinder Drive-E engines. This new compact engine will also be made at the same production lines as the four-cylinder engines.

Additionally, the new three-cylinder powertrain has been designed for integration into Twin Engine plug-in hybrid models is expected to be offered later.

A pure electric (EV) will join the XC40 range in near future, making use of its compact dimension and target user profile of young urbanites. 

“Our new three-cylinder engine is an exciting development for the XC40 and for Volvo Cars in general,” said Alexander said Alexander Petrofski, senior director cluster 40 at Volvo Cars. “This compact engine design provides the flexibility we need as we introduce more powertrain options for XC40 customers.”

Currently, the T3 can only be paired to a 6-speed manual transmission, with the 8-speed automatic transmission to be available next year. In this configuration, the engine outputs 156 hp and 265 Nm of torque, which is much higher than the three-cylinder engines from BMW and similar power to 1.6-litre four cylinder engines from Mercedes-Benz.

The XC40 T3 offers strong straight-line performance, accelerating it from rest to 100 km/h in just 7.8 seconds. Fuel consumption details have not been officially released, but expect it to be in the high six-litres per 100 kilometer range. 

In Sweden, the new T3 joins a range of petrol engines, with the T4 offering 190 hp and T5 AWD with 247 hp. Customers who prefer diesel performance can opt for the D3 with 150 hp and D4 with 190 hp.

Closer to home, the XC40 is expect to make its debut later this year. Earlier this year, the XC40 made its ASEAN debut at the Singapore Motor Show 2018.