This being Volvo, there’s also a safety angle. Google Maps data will help improve the XC40’s driver assistance by identifying curves and speed limits. You can also expect some tie-ins to existing services, such as Volvo On Call’s ability to find your car in the parking lot or share it with friends using a virtual key.

Volvo officially takes the wraps off the electric XC40 on October 16th. It still has to answer key questions about range, availability and price. However, what info it has dribbled out so far suggests that it’s using the electrification as an opportunity to rethink some aspects of the overall XC40 design.

Volvo has also reinforced the front and back to both adapt to the lack of a gas engine (a given, really) and to distribute collision forces away from the cabin.

There’s also some tech that’s new to any Volvo — this is its first car with an Advanced Driver Assistance Systems array of cameras, radars and ultrasonic sensors. The company hasn’t gone into detail about how this will work, but it’s apparent the electric XC40 will be more aware of its surroundings.

You’ll have to wait a while if you want more tidbits. Volvo is planning to tease more details in the run-up to a public reveal on October 16th. Even at this stage, though, it’s evident that Volvo didn’t just slap a battery into the existing XC40. It’s treating this as a distinct model, even if there will be some obvious similarities.