New Models / 26 February 2026 / Michael Taylor

Cheaper Volvo XC40 SUV launched in South Africa – Pricing and features

Volvo has launched a new entry-level model for the XC40 SUV in South Africa.

The new model – the B3 Essential – has a starting price of R750,000, making it a staggering R92,300 less expensive than the previous base option, the B4 Dark Plus.

“Volvo Car South Africa” has expanded its XC40 range with the introduction of the new B3 Essential, an entry-level derivative designed to deliver the core attributes of the award-winning compact SUV at a more accessible price point,” said the company.

“Despite its positioning as the most attainable XC40 derivative, the B3 Essential maintains Volvo’s hallmark blend of Scandinavian design, comfort and advanced technology.”

Powertrain

The B3 is fitted with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with mild hybrid technology.

This gives it an output of 110kW and 265Nm, letting it accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 10.1 seconds.

It also has an electronically limited top speed of 180km/h.

Power is sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed ‘Geartronic’ automatic transmission, resulting in an average fuel consumption of 7.1l/100km.

Combined with a 54-litre fuel tank, the XC40 can travel 760km between trips to the pump.

Features

Despite its lower price tag, the B3 Essential still comes with a lot of equipment, starting with automatic LED headlights, daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers, auto-folding side mirrors, and 18-inch five-spoke glossy silver alloy wheels.

Inside, you’ll find a multifunction steering wheel, charcoal leather upholstery, a cooled glove box, push-button start, four USB ports, automatic climate control, heated front seats, a digital driver display, and a 9-inch portrait infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

It also has a panoramic sunroof and a hands-free electric tailgate, and buyers can select either Premium Grey or Melange City Block textiles for the seats to replace the leather at no additional cost.

Safety and assistance functions include cruise control, lane-keep assist, hill start assist, hill descent control, traction control, tyre pressure monitoring, traffic sign recognition, front and rear parking sensors, and six airbags.

Customers can also upgrade their purchase with paid extras, such as the Power Seats package (R9,200), a Harmon Kardon stereo, (R11,200), a 360-degree camera (R23,700), and Pixel LED headlights (R25,400).