The Volvo compact SUV XC40 topped the sales charts of its class in the first half of this year, according to a recent report by the Korea Automobile Importers and Distributors Association.
From January to May this year, the XC40 sold a total of 1,105 units, beating out strong competitors such as the BMW X1 (1,063 units), MINI Countryman (716 units) and Audi Q3 (475 units).
Since its global launch in 2017, the XC40 has been very popular. Especially after 2020, it has led the European premium compact SUV market for four consecutive years. In addition, it won the title of European Car of the Year in 2018.
Although the XC40 is Volvo’s entry-level SUV, it has features that only flagship models have. It is equipped with advanced driver assistance systems such as Pilot Assist, as well as Driftwood interior details such as the crystal gear lever made by Swedish brand Orrefors and the Harman Kardon premium sound system. In addition, the car is equipped with an integrated Tmap infotainment system designed specifically for Korean drivers.
Volvo Car Korea offers a five-year or 100,000-kilometer warranty, free replacement of wearing parts, 15 years of free over-the-air software updates, and a five-year 5G digital service package to further enhance its value.
The top-of-the-line Ultimate Edition is priced at 54.9 million won (about 40,100 U.S. dollars), which is more affordable than similar models sold overseas, including the United States and the United Kingdom, where it can cost 29 million won more.
The limited online sales of the XC40 also boosted its popularity. The latest Black Edition, which was limited to 100 units, sold out within 15 minutes of its launch on Tuesday. Previously launched special editions, such as Sage Green and Dark Edition, also sold out within minutes.
Volvo Car Korea has been the largest imported car brand in the Korean market since January this year. With stable sales of more than 1,000 units per month, the brand competes fiercely with Tesla, Lexus and Porsche in Korea’s best-selling imported car market.
