Eco-friendly SUV with some serious speed
At first glance, you might think that the new Volvo XC40 is a normal SUV with a combustion engine. Apart from the closed radiator grille and the small "Recharge" lettering at the rear, the electric vehicle can hardly be distinguished from its brother with a combustion engine. But once you get behind the steering-wheel of the EV, the much sportier handling and rapid acceleration quickly make it clear that the two cars are worlds apart. According to Volvo, with a battery capacity of 78 kWh and a fully charged battery, 438 km (WLTP) are possible. The XC40 Recharge is in the compact SUV class and starts at 59’900 CHF.
High-quality interior with excellent space
In the cockpit, the XC40 Recharge differs little from the conventional combustion engine model. What is immediately noticeable is the large space in the interior. Despite its rather compact size and the battery installed in the underbody, the Volvo offers plenty of head- and legroom in the front, as well as in the rear row of seats and thus provides a pleasant feeling of space for all passengers. The XC40 Recharge not only has a boot with a capacity of 419 litres, but also a so-called "frunk" (front trunk), which offers additional storage space for a charging cable and other utensils.
The XC40 Recharge already comes with plenty of equipment as standard. These include integrated Google Services, a premium Harman/Kardon speaker system and a 360° camera that makes parking in tight spaces easier. Also available are Pilot Assist and Lane Keeping Assistant, which helps the driver keep the vehicle in its lane and at a fixed distance from the vehicle in front. Optionally, a panoramic glass sunroof or LED fog lights can be added through the equipment package, as with the "Ultimate" model we tested.
Another new feature is the Android infotainment system developed in cooperation with Google, which offers a number of Google services. For example, the navigation service "Google Maps" or the voice recognition "Google Assistant" are made available. It is easy to use, even if certain functions take some time to find.
Stable handling and convincing acceleration
Although the Volvo XC40 Recharge has the same construction-base as a normal XC40, it drives much sportier from the start. The highlight here is the acceleration, as the Volvo sprints from 0-100 km/h in a nimble 4.9 seconds, leaving even one or two sports cars to marvel at its taillights at the traffic lights. Volvo states it has a torque of 660 Nm, which means enormous thrust.
It has two electric motors on the front and rear axles, which provide a system output of 408 hp or the equivalent of 300 kW, a remarkable figure for such a visually rather discreet-looking SUV. Not only the acceleration is worth mentioning, but also the extremely stable handling. As already mentioned, the battery of the XC40 Recharge is installed in the underbody, which ensures sufficient grip in the curves. Incidentally, the XC40 Recharge shares the same technology with the well-known Polestar 2, which explains its rapid acceleration and high performance. As is well known, both come from the same mother company.
With a maximum range of up to 438 km (WLTP), the Volvo is in the good midfield. However, once this range has been used up, it is advisable to visit the charging station. Volvo promises a maximum charging power of up to 150 kW under optimal conditions and a waiting time of about 30 minutes to charge the battery from 0-80%. However, this is rarely achieved. Those who find the consumption in the normal and only available driving mode too high can activate the one-pedal drive via the control or also by voice command in order to save energy with the recuperation function.
A big step towards a sustainable future
The XC40 Recharge is Volvo's first all-electric car, ushering in the brand's electrification-driven era. Volvo's goal is to sell only all-electric vehicles from 2030. With the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge models, Volvo is moving forward towards a sustainable future and a carbon-neutral company.
Final thoughts:
Visually, the compact XC40 Recharge impresses with its classic Volvo look. But even under its chic shell, you'll find plenty of standard-equipped assistance, safety and comfort. Plenty of power and brisk acceleration add to the driving pleasure and offer a good combination between sportiness and comfort in everyday use.
30.09.2022
Author: Levin Salzmann
Pictures: Dario Carnibella, Levin Salzmann
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