The Volvo XC40 is already one of our favorite compact luxury SUVs and now Volvo has made it even better with the introduction of the fully electric XC40 Recharge. The electric version brings some needed performance to Volvo’s smallest SUV.
On the outside the XC40 Recharge looks nearly identical to the regular XC40, with the biggest changes being a blocked-off grille, new wheel designs and the deletion of the exhaust tips. We already applauded the XC40 for its stylish exterior and it’s great news that Volvo only did minimal design changes, so it still looks as great as the regular version.
Inside the black interior has a mixture of Nappa leather and suede wrapped seats. Just like the exterior, the interior of the XC40 Recharge is nearly identical to the gas-powered versions. The big difference is that there isn’t a start button or knob, instead the electric XC40 automatically turns on when you get in with your key on you. All you have to do is put it in drive and you’re off.
The XC40 Recharge features the brand’s latest Android Automotive operating system, which makes the infotainment system a stand out via the 9-inch touchscreen. Since it’s Android based, Google Maps is the default navigation system, which is far better than what you in the XC40 Recharge’s rivals. The navigation system also provides an estimated range once you input your destination, so that you know if you have enough of a charge to make the trip. The navigation will also reroute you if a charge is needed during your trip. The 12-inch gauge cluster can also display Google Maps right in front of the driver. The XC40 Recharge also gets over the air updates to keep the Android Automotive system up to date.
Under the skin, the XC40 Recharge packs quite a punch with its dual electric motors that generate a combined 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. Thats a big increase from the XC40 T5 with its 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. Volvo says that the XC40 Recharge can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds, which easily beats the 6.1 seconds that the T5 version needs to get to that speed.
As you’d expect, the XC40 Recharge accelerates with ease and the instant torque makes it a blast to take off from a stop. The powertrain feels more refined than what you get with the regular XC40. The one-pedal drive mode is great and thanks to its lower center of gravity than the other XC40 models, the Recharge has less body roll. It’s suspension is not too harsh as well and the steering is spot on. While the XC40 Recharge has the power to make it a performance car, the suspension is still more geared towards comfort than sport.
The XC40 Recharge is powered by a 78 kilowatt-hour battery pack with 75 kWh being usable. The EPA says that it has a driving range of 223 miles, which is a bit of a let down. The XC40 Recharge comes up short compared to other electric crossovers, like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Tesla Model Y. Using a 150-kW DC fast charger the battery can be charged from 0-80% in 37 minutes.
The XC40 Recharge is available in three versions: Core, Plus and Ultimate. The pricing starts at $52,795, including destination It comes standard with 19-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, LED headlights, rain-sensing wipes, auto-dimming mirrors, the 12-inch gauge cluster and the 9-inch touchscreen.
The Plus version adds $3,600 to that price and includes a 360 degree surround view camera, parking sensors, a panoramic sunroof, a power front passenger seat and power folding rear headrests. There’s a Climate package available for the two lower versions that adds a heated steering wheel, heat pump, heated rear seats and a headlight cleaning system.
The Ultimate adds $6,450 to the base price and adds adaptive cruise control, 20-inch wheels, heated rear seats, a heat pump and a Harman Kardon audio system.
At the end of the day, the XC40 Recharge improves on the regular XC40 with its more powerful fully electric powertrain. We already love the regular XC40 and now Volvo has elevated it. It’s a win-win.
