2028 Volvo XC40 Receives Second Midlife Refresh

Volvo has introduced a second midlife refresh for its popular XC40 compact SUV, targeting the 2028 model year with updated styling and technology to maintain its market appeal. This marks the second significant update for the XC40, which originally debuted in 2017 and received its first facelift for the 2023 model year. Instead of a complete redesign, Volvo has opted for a further enhancement to keep the vehicle competitive.

Akhil Krishnan, interim lead for the 30 and 40 Series at Volvo Cars, stated that the company has "enhanced the XC40’s design, technology, and safety features, we've created the best version of the XC40 yet." He expressed confidence that this updated model will continue to be a strong seller, projecting it to remain "one of our best-selling cars for years to come." This strategy aims to extend the lifespan and relevance of the current XC40 generation.

The most visually apparent changes include redesigned front and rear lighting systems. The front retains the signature "Thor's Hammer" daytime running light design but now features more minimalist matrix LED clusters that conceal their intricate details. The rear of the vehicle also incorporates new LED elements. Beyond the lighting, Volvo's design team has subtly altered the vehicle's exterior by "shaving away the corners," a modification intended to reduce the XC40's overall footprint, making the already compact SUV even more space-efficient. These design adjustments aim to refine the vehicle's aesthetic and potentially improve its aerodynamic profile.

This second refresh suggests a strategic decision by Volvo to maximize the value of the current XC40 platform rather than investing in an immediate all-new generation. Automakers typically implement midlife facelifts around four years after a vehicle's initial launch to update styling and introduce minor engineering or feature changes. The XC40's extended lifecycle with two distinct updates highlights its enduring popularity and Volvo's commitment to evolving the model incrementally. The company provided flights from Washington, DC, to London, England, and accommodation for Ars Technica to review the refreshed vehicles, underscoring the importance of this update for the brand.