With Volvo’s groundbreaking new EX30 on the horizon, is it a replacement for the XC40? Well no, the EX30 is smaller than the XC40 Recharge and it will be a bit cheaper with a starting price of 38,586. Both cars will occupy the subcompact end of the SUV marketplace with the EX30 on a shorter wheelbase with 6.5” of ground clearance. The EX30 will also be rated to tow 2000 pounds (same as the Recharge twins). So here we have the Volvo XC40 which for now is available in multiple versions from classic petrol, plug-in hybrid and this fully-electric version. Unfortunately the electric version loses some rear passenger space due to the ‘transmission tunnel’. There are also two different body shapes from the classic SUV shape to the C40 ‘coupe’ version.
Special mention : Swedish design, premium feeling interior, lots of light with opening pano roof.
Needs work : Slow charging is very slow, seat fabric while nice can ‘grab’ clothes somewhat, makes seating position a little less comfortable.
| 252 BHP / 440 kms (as tested) | Electric / Auto |
| 0-100 km/h in 7.4 seconds | Road Tax €120 |
| Price: from €58,210 As Specc’d €65,910 | Boot 419 / 1,328 litres |
Competition comes in the form of the BMW iX1, Audi’s Q4 e-tron, Kia’s EV6 and Skoda’s Enyaq iV. The official WLTP range for the Single Motor version is 467 kms. The Volvo XC40 Recharge comes with two different configurations with a choice of this single motor or the dual-motor model. There’s a heat pump on this Ultimate model which acts primarily as a range extender. It helps to save battery power when it’s cold outside by moving thermal energy from either the ambient air or the battery and releases the energy to heat up the cabin. The heat pump helps save electric energy at a temperature range from +5°C up to 25°C by also supporting the air conditioner to increase efficiency. The heat pump can also help warm or cool the battery to optimise performance and range during long trips or heavy loads. With 130kW charging capacity it results in a slower 10-80% top-up time than the dual motor 200 kwh version. Charging from a home wallbox still takes around 11 hours.
The entry-level single-motor version comes with an 82kWh Lithium-Ion Battery and a range of up to 460 kms from a full charge. Some of the more subtle design changes over the regular XC40 include door linings and carpets that are now made from 97% recycled plastic bottles. Some extra paint finishes are also available, along with new 19 and 20” alloys. It comes with LED headlights, rear parking sensors, wireless smartphone charging (but not wireless Apple Carplay), DAB radio, keyless entry and start, a hands-free powered bootlid, automatic wipers and textile-trimmed seats. The Ultimate version adds a Pano roof which opens, power folding headrests (handy when using the full boot space) and safety kit such as side impact protection and Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection.
The main update in 2023 saw the single-motor version swap from front wheel drive to a sportier rear-wheel-drive setup and power increased slightly to 235 bhp. From a standstill it will reach 100 km/h in around 7.4 seconds, although the instant torque from the electric motor makes it feel even faster. it’s only really noticeable when you push hard away from a junction, or when accelerating out of a tight bend. The suspension feels firm but not in a sporty way, the ride is refined and makes for plain sailing at motorway speeds. Pot holed roads can cause it to be restless, grip is good on wet leaf lined roads. The steering is heavy and can be adjusted in one of two ways, both making the car feel bigger than it is no matter which setting you choose. It all makes for a very settled and grown up driving style.
Even with a low centre of gravity there’s still some body lean into the corners and you don’t get any paddles behind the steering wheel to adjust regenerative braking. If you really want to, you can switch between coasting or one-pedal driving, mostly I left one-pedal off as it can leave passengers feeling a little sea-sick.
The infotainment setup runs Google-based software and is also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can hook it up to your mobile device using bluetooth or USB-C but even on this top spec version, it’s missing wireless Apple Carplay. You access all settings through the small 9” touchscreen which looks like it’s simply laid out but could do with a refresh to increase the user friendliness of it. Everything you need is there, it’s just not as intuitive as say Renault’s Google OS which is wonderful on the Austral but still miles better than any of the MG infotainment systems.
The drivers 12” digital instrument cluster is simple and has a small selection of views available such as sat-nav directions if you’re using the XC40’s system, along with range and the remaining battery range/percentage. The audio system is powered by a 600W Harman Kardon digital amplifier which pumps out great sounding music through 12 speakers including an air-ventilated subwoofer.
In the rear the seats split 60/40, there’s 452/1328 litres of boot space and there’s a deep extra compartment under the floor. The tailgate opening is a square shape and the EV is no less practical than other versions of the XC40 except for the rear passengers loosing space with the transmission tunnel, which is impressive given the large battery. Volvo have made good use of the space under the bonnet with an extra 31 litres of ‘frunk’ space where you can put the charging cables or other small items.
The XC40 Recharge is a comfortable, pleasant electric car with a very Swedish design and family-friendly interior. The move to RWD makes it slightly more efficient but the Google OS is feeling dated. It has that luxury appeal but comes with a hefty price tag.