Oh Baby! New 2018 Volvo XC40 T5 AWD R-Design, from the L.A. Auto Show [Video]

Volvo’s Smallest SUV Yet

Historically couples turned to Volvos when they started having kids. But with the all-new XC40, the Swedish brand is going after those couples before their diaper days. As Volvo’s smallest crossover ever, it seeks to appeal to upscale urban buyers.

At the L.A. Auto Show, TFL’s Nathan Adlen caught up with Ian Kettle who penciled the original concept for the vehicle way back in 2013. He’s justifiably proud that his initial idea made it all the way to production with few changes.

As he explains, the XC40 avoids shrinking the signature lines of the XC90 or XC60 and ending up a baby brother. His set out to make the vehicle more of a “cousin” to its bigger relatives. Thanks to the dramatic departure from Volvo’s design around the rear door, we think he succeeded. And by the way, power comes via a turbo-4 with 247-hp.

Check out the video to see and hear how Ian designed the XC40 inside and out to be a totally new and functional Volvo experience. For one, its focuses on “the couple in the front seats” rather than the kids in the back.

[photos: Volvo]