Volvo XC40 PHEV is back with a new look, better sensors, and Gemini AI

But the interior is where the meat of Volvo’s improvements comes through. The screen has been bumped up to a higher resolution and a larger, 11.2-inch size. It will run Volvo’s latest user interface, which the automaker designed for faster navigation with fewer taps. Google’s Gemini serves as the voice assistant , using its big AI brain to plan routes, find specific locations and detours, and manage messages. The XC40 rounds it out with an improved wireless phone charger and smart storage solutions.

What about safety? This is a Volvo after all, the automaker most committed to Safety (at least according to its well-cultivated reputation). Don’t worry, the XC40 ups the ante in that department with a new software and sensor platform that’s designed to provide real-time collision avoidance, automated emergency steering, and automatic emergency braking.

The sensor upgrade includes new front and corner radars, a new front camera, new rear corner radars, 12 new ultrasonic sensors, and new parking cameras. Cloaked in this new sensor suite, the XC40 is getting a host of new safety capabilities, including new door opening alerts that warn occupants before dooring passing cyclists, lane change assist and smoother lane following support on long drives, and an optional 3D/360-degree camera to simplify low-speed maneuvering and parking.

The ultimate goal is to build a better XC40 — one that’s safer and more capable, which hopefully translates to better sales numbers and a long, continuous shelf life for Volvo’s tiny SUV.

“By enhancing the XC40’s design, technology and safety features, we’ve created the best version of the XC40 yet,” says Akhil Krishnan, Interim Lead for the 30 and 40 Series at Volvo Cars, in a statement. “This already popular model is now set to continue being one of our best-selling cars for years to come.”

Correction September 10th: A previous version of this story described the new XC40 as a plug-in hybrid. It is a mild hybrid.

Update September 10th: Updated to include information about the canceling of the EX40.