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Volvo XC40 PHEV Returns with New Look and Enhanced Safety Features
Developing
In Short: Volvo is reviving its PHEV XC40 with a facelift and advanced safety technology.
Volvo is bringing back its plug-in hybrid XC40 SUV with a new look and enhanced safety features, the automaker announced today. The car, which had been discontinued for three years, is set to arrive at dealerships early next year.
The new XC40 PHEV is equipped with a trio of diamond-cut wheel options, available in 18-, 19-, and 20-inch sizes, and features a gut-renovated interior that includes Google’s Gemini AI assistant. The automaker is also introducing a new sensor suite that includes door opening alerts, lane change assist, and smoother lane following support, as well as an optional 3D/360-degree camera for low-speed maneuvering and parking.
According to The Verge, Volvo didn’t provide details about the powertrain, engine options, electric motor, range, or battery capacity for the XC40. This information will be crucial for assessing its competitiveness in the increasingly crowded hybrid market.
Google is also making efforts to make Gemini’s skills easier to manage from mobile devices, as it looks to sunset Gems later this year. In the meantime, users can expect to see new evidence suggesting a similar action to engage the agent could be executed using the floating Gemini overlay, even without opening Gemini fully.
Volvo’s commitment to safety is evident in the new sensor suite, which is cloaked in the car’s updated sensor technology. The automaker is particularly focused on preventing dooring incidents, with new door opening alerts that warn occupants before dooring passing cyclists.
Volvo’s XC40 PHEV serves as a bridge for customers who want better gas mileage but aren’t ready for the pure EV lifestyle. The car is expected to arrive at dealerships early next year, offering a blend of style, safety, and hybrid efficiency.
What's still developing
- Last month, we learned Google is working on an option to offload tasks to Spark directly from a regular Gemini chat instead of switching over from the sidebar first.
- From what it seems, you cannot choose to engage Spark by default for every query on Gemini, and you will be required to enable the toggle manually for each chat.
- Since then, Spark has rolled out in beta to Gemini (so far only to paying Google AI subscribers) on the web and mobile versions.
- Here, they would likely see an option to “put Gemini to work” on a specific task.
- This is a Volvo after all, the automaker most committed to Safety (at least according to its well-cultivated reputation).
Sources
- The Vergelink