Review and opinion Volvo XC40 Recharge: an electric SUV to be reckoned with

The Volvo XC40 Recharge is the first of the many Volvo 100% electric models yet to come. And judging by how this one has turned out, the future looks promising.

The Swedish brand has already announced that it will present a new electric car every year, with the aim of making them 50% of its global sales by 2025; the rest will be hybrid models. All Volvo models with batteries, whether PHEV or 100% electric, will be identified with the “Recharge” name. The next “battery-powered” model to join the range will be the already announced Volvo XC40 Coupé, which begins production in October and will not reach Spain until the first quarter of 2022. It will be called C40.

The next step in the Volvo strategy is to become a fully electric car manufacturer, selling exclusively online. In the meantime, as a bridge towards that electric transition, the brand will continue to bet on plug-in hybrids. In fact, there are currently 12 PHEV versions in its range, which already account for 25% of sales so far in 2021.

Volvo XC40 Recharge Electric: range and prices

To get into the subject, it is worth briefly going over the main characteristics of the electric XC40. A car that was presented at the Los Angeles Motor Show in 2019, and whose production began in 2020. It has been on sale in Europe since last summer, and now arrives in Spain.

It is worth remembering that the XC40 range also includes petrol engine versions with and without mild hybridisation and powers between 129 and 197 CV, as well as two plug-in hybrid variants with 211 and 262 CV. The electric XC40 Recharge sits at the top of the range in terms of power and price. It offers 408 CV and a maximum torque of 660 Nm, and the entry version costs 52,286 euros, compared with the 50,200 euros of the more powerful T5 Recharge plug-in hybrid. The homologated WLTP range is up to 418 km.

Unlike the rest of the XC40 range, the electric version is not offered with the typical Volvo trim levels (Momentum, R-Design, etc.). Here there are two options, curiously named trim level II and trim level III.

The entry-level trim already comes with a complete equipment list, including, for example, an alarm, 19-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, digital instrumentation, heat pump air conditioning, keyless start, power tailgate with automatic opening and closing, and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems. For 3,800 euros more, the second trim level adds fog lights, electrically adjustable seats, a 360-degree camera, parking assist, full LED headlights, a Harman Kardon sound system and a panoramic roof.

As for possible offers, Volvo offers a service package that includes three years of warranty, three years of free maintenance (up to 100,000 km) and three years of fully comprehensive insurance (with a very low excess, ranging from 150 to 300 euros) for 2,335 euros, which brings the final price to 54,623 euros. By financing the purchase, a discount of around 3,000 euros can be obtained, bringing the final price (with the service package included) to 51,260 euros. And if you take advantage of the Moves III Plan grants, without needing to hand in a car for scrapping, the price would drop to 46,260 euros. With Volvo Car Renting, no deposit, and for 10,000 km per year, the monthly fee is 707 euros (excluding VAT).

Among the possible rivals of the electric Volvo XC40 Recharge are the Mercedes EQA, the Lexus UX 300e and the Audi Q4 e-tron.

Volvo XC40 Recharge: exterior and interior design

Some specific design features distinguish the electric version of the Volvo XC40 from the rest of the range. The first and most obvious is the closed grille in the same colour as the bodywork, for which seven colours are available, always combined with a black roof. Beyond that, there is little else: “Recharge” logos, 19-inch wheels exclusive to this version (20-inch wheels are optional) and some details on the bumper mouldings.

Inside, what stands out most is the digital instrumentation, with three display modes: one focused on the vehicle, another on navigation and a third called “calm” mode, for driving that is as relaxed and tranquil as possible.

The rest of the interior is like that of any XC40 in the range, standing out for its simple, very clean design, with materials that convey a great sense of quality. In its “transformation” to electric, the boot capacity, of very regular shape, is 412 litres, having lost the nearly 40 litres that the other versions have in a double floor beneath the load bay. In return, it offers a 31-litre storage compartment under the front bonnet, which is ideal for carrying the charging cable, for example.

The driving position, the ease of use of all the controls, the well-designed storage spaces and, above all, the comfort offered by the seats are characteristic of any Volvo model. I personally find these cars especially comfortable when covering long distances, something that, as we will see, is also possible in this electric Volvo.

Multimedia: integration with Google and the Android operating system

Volvo is the first manufacturer to have signed an alliance with Google and Android for its infotainment system. As a result, the XC40 driver has access to services such as Google Assistant, Google Maps or Google Play Store, among others. This does not mean, however, that Apple device users should look the other way.

The Google Assistant integration is very convenient, allowing voice control of many vehicle functions as if you were using the car’s own voice command system. You can, for example, adjust the temperature, enter a destination to activate navigation, ask for a podcast to be played… or even interact with Google Home devices from the car.

The multimedia system’s screen, which resembles a tablet (due to its vertical orientation), is very easy to use, with a well-organised menu structure and always large, very legible icons. Navigation is handled through Google Maps, which provides real-time traffic data, suggests alternative routes and reports nearby charging stations. Furthermore, while you are heading to your destination, the screen will show the estimated battery charge on arrival. A useful feature, for example, for planning where and when to make the next charge.

To power all these systems, the XC40 includes a SIM card with unlimited data that gives free access to all services for the first 4 years. After that, a subscription is proposed, although the price has not yet been set. In April of this year, Volvo released the first wireless software update, which included a new programme for the vehicle’s electronic systems, an increase in speed and an improvement in range, as well as updates for Bluetooth connectivity, the 360-degree camera and the climate control timers. These over-the-air (OTA) updates allow owners to have the latest software and updated car functions without having to visit the dealership.

Two motors, all-wheel drive, 40-minute charging

Let us move on to the technical peculiarities of the Volvo XC40 Recharge. To achieve power more typical of a sports car than an SUV with a practical and even family-oriented character, Volvo uses two motors delivering 204 CV, one on each axle. The XC40 Recharge thus features all-wheel drive, with no mechanical connection of any kind between the front and rear axles.

With a total weight of nearly 2.2 tonnes, although it certainly does not feel like it on the move, the enormous power and equally overwhelming torque allow this Swedish compact SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 in 4.9 seconds. A Porsche 911 Carrera Coupé, for reference, needs 4.2 seconds for the same measurement. Another fact: the fastest Volvo XC40 after the electric one clocks 7.5 seconds, which gives an idea of the performance level offered by the electric XC40 Recharge. The top speed, as is standard across all Volvo models, is electronically limited to 180 km/h. And towing capacity is 1,500 kg.

The two electric motors are powered by a 78 kWh battery, located under the floor in a low position and conveniently protected by additional reinforcements in the cabin. Volvo has also added reinforcements at the front to compensate for the absence of an engine.

The battery, which carries an 8-year warranty (or 160,000 km), can be charged using alternating current at 11 kW via the on-board charger, taking slightly less than 8 hours to complete a full charge to 100%. It also accepts fast charging with direct current at 150 kW, allowing it to go from 10% to 80% charge in just half an hour.

Behind the wheel of the electric Volvo XC40 Recharge

As I have already mentioned, Volvo cars generally strike me as excellent for travelling, and the XC40 Recharge is even more so. And if you wonder whether it is possible to travel with an electric car like this, the answer is yes. The range of more than 400 km helps, but so does fast charging, and the good performance of the integrated Google navigation. You will need to do some planning and schedule a stop or two, but travelling with an electric car is now entirely feasible.

The advantage of the XC40 Recharge is that it raises comfort above any other version in the range, thanks to the enjoyable driving that the tremendous thrust of the propulsion system provides, the silence at speed and, especially, the ease and simplicity of operation. This ease begins even before setting off: in the Volvo XC40 you can forget even the start button. The car recognises the driver’s presence and allows you to get into the cabin, press the brake, select “D” on the short gear selector, and start moving.

From there, two things stand out above all others: the tremendous capacity to gain speed at any moment you choose to accelerate, and Volvo’s commitment to simplifying everything related to driving as much as possible. We have already discussed the first point when covering its performance and acceleration. It is something you get used to very quickly, and you miss it as soon as you step out of the XC40 and get back behind the wheel of a conventional engine car, even a turbocharged petrol with a fair amount of power. We might add that the electric XC40 Recharge is the ultimate weapon for overtaking.

As for simplicity, it may seem a little strange at first that the XC40 does without the usual driving modes, or the paddles on the steering wheel to select different levels of energy recovery. But it does not need them. Everything is entrusted to the accelerator and, therefore, to your right foot. Why have a sport mode when, by pressing the accelerator fully, you already have all the power available? Nor is an ECO mode necessary, because if you drive smoothly, the power delivery is not abrupt, and the electronic management system ensures the car uses as little energy as possible. The only mode the driver can select is the off-road programme, via the menu on the screen.

What the driver can choose is whether to operate with the conventional accelerator or in “One Pedal” mode, which is also selected from the menu on the central screen. In the first case there is no energy recovery when you lift your foot off the accelerator, and the car coasts with barely any deceleration. Energy is only recovered when you brake. In “One Pedal” mode, the driver has, quite literally in their foot, the ability to “play” with the accelerator pedal so that the car slows down while recovering energy depending on how much and how quickly you lift off. It initially requires more attention when driving, but you quickly get used to it and it becomes almost second nature, often saving you from needing the brake pedal.

Topping all this off is very well-balanced behaviour, with notable ride comfort thanks to the cabin’s good insulation and the fine-tuned suspension. The low centre of gravity helps ensure that, on winding roads, you would never guess you are driving a car that clearly exceeds 2 tonnes, despite its compact size. This is becoming a norm among the new electric cars reaching the market, which know how to turn the disadvantage of the extra battery weight into an advantage when it comes to dynamic behaviour.

Image gallery: Volvo XC40 Recharge electric

Technical specifications of this car

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