Volvo XC40 Recharge Review 2022
Volvo XC40 Recharge At A Glance
The standard Volvo XC40 bought the brand a new, younger audience. It also helps that it’s a brilliant car that’s one been one of the top small SUVs in the past couple of years.
With Volvo’s move to electric, we’ve seen the arrival of both a plug-in hybrid and an electric variant. Rather confusingly both have been badged XC40 Recharge, but we’re going to be focusing our attention on the electric version for our Volvo XC40 Recharge review. You can also check out our review of the petrol and diesel-powered XC40.
Rather than play with the design too much of the standard car, Volvo’s kept the same sharp design for the XC40 Recharge electric SUV. The only tell-tale difference is the concave grille of the standard car has been replaced by a body-coloured panel that, if we're honest, cheapens the look of the car. You can see why they’ve done it though as there’s no need for one.
The electric Volvo XC40 Recharge has a range of 259 miles and power comes from a 78kWh battery located beneath the car's floor and capable of being charged to 80 per cent in around 40 minutes. The four-wheel-drive XC40 Recharge will have a total output of 408PS and 660Nm of torque that sees the electric XC40 cover 0-62mph in a rapid 4.9 seconds, while top speed is limited to 112mph.
You can’t not be impressed by that level of performance, but it feels a little at odds with the rest of the car that exudes a relaxed and calm approach, both in the way it handles and looks. Slightly less emphasis on a headline-grabbing 0-62mph time and a little more range would really benefit the car.
Inside, the XC40 Recharge has a cabin broadly the same as the standard car, which means plenty of premium finishes and comfortable seating, though there is a new Android-powered infotainment system.
The electric XC40 offers 413 litres of boot space, which is less than the 460 litres of the regular model. Although, due to the space saved by the absence of an engine, it gains a 31-litre ‘frunk’ storage area underneath the bonnet.
There are three models to choose from - Twin, Twin Plus and Twin Pro and prices start at a hefty £49,950. They are well specified though with our choice being the Twin Plus as it gets the balance of features pretty spot on.
The XC40 Recharge is a very good electric car that’s hampered by the price. The twin motor model is expensive, and while some rivals like the Skoda Enyaq iV might not have the same brand appeal, the range is better and it costs less. Happily, a single motor option is now available which is more affordable.
Looking for a second opinon? Read heycar's Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric review.