Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) has just launched the 2021 Volvo XC40 T5 Recharge in Malaysia. The new model is a plug-in hybrid version of the regular XC40. It is priced from RM 241,997.

Prior to the introduction of the XC40 T5 Recharge, the XC40 line-up in Malaysia was represented by the sole XC40 T5 variant, priced from RM 231,651 (SST-exempted, valid until 30 June 2021).

Also Read: CKD 2021 Volvo XC40 PHEV teased in Malaysia, launching after CNY

Like every other Volvo model that is on sale in Malaysia, the new XC40 T5 Recharge is locally-assembled (CKD) at Volvo’s facility in Shah Alam. The arrival of the XC40 T5 Recharge also means that the entire Volvo range in Malaysia is now electrified.

Under the bonnet lies a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that does 180 PS and 265 Nm. The engine is hooked up to a wet-type seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which houses the electric motor.

Also Read: Malaysia-bound Volvo XC40 PHEV confirmed to use same powertrain as Proton X50

Combined system output is 262 PS and 425 Nm, delivered exclusively to the front wheels. Yes, the Volvo XC40 T5 Recharge is a front-wheel drive model, different from T8 Twin Engine models that are all-wheel drive.

According to Volvo, the XC40 T5 Recharge can do up to 44 km of pure electric driving.

Visually, the 2021 Volvo XC40 T5 Recharge mirrors the regular T5 AWD variant, donning the R-Design styling package with 19-inch wheels at each corner. 

It also gets the full Intellisafe ADAS suite, encompassing features such as City Safety AEB suite, Front and Rear Collision Warning and Mitigation Support, Lane Keeping Aid (LKA), Run-Off Road Mitigation with Road Edge Detection, Blindspot Information System (BLIS), and Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) with autobrake.

With the arrival of the XC40 T5 Recharge, it could potentially spell the end of the regular XC40 T5 AWD. Between that and the recently-introduced XC40 T5 Recharge, which is your pick?

Also Read: In Brief: Volvo XC40, this is how all family cars should be