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Volvos Compact SUV XC40 Recharge gets a strange brother. The Coupé variant C40 Recharge plays the lifestyle types and is Volvo's first model that is only available with an electric drive.
Few car manufacturers are as committed to e-mobility as Volvo. In four years the Swedes want to sell half of their models with battery-electric drive. At the end of the decade, the quota should then be a full 100 percent. Internal combustion engines and plug-in hybrids will then be history.
Offer is accepted
The door to emission-free locomotion opened at the beginning of the year with the XC40 Recharge. The compact electric SUV has sold more than 15.000 times since then. The share in the series is around ten percent. Now the Coupé offshoot, called the C40 Recharge, follows. The weird brother is Volvo's first model that is offered exclusively with electric drive.
This step should be visually documented primarily by a new face compared to the XC40 Recharge. The C40 Recharge was given a different front, in which the covered radiator grille and the surround are painted in body color, as well as a contrasting roof in black. The new headlights in pixel LED technology are also making their debut.
Large smartphone as a touchscreen
In the cockpit, the C40 Recharge differ only marginally from its hatchback brother. The reduced layout with its few buttons and switches embodies the cool, clear, but very pleasant-looking Nordic design. The dominant feature is the large, vertically arranged touchscreen, the operation of which is largely intuitive, similar to a smartphone. Voice control makes things even easier. A “Hey Google!” Is enough because Volvo developed its infotainment system together with Google.
It is based on the Android Automotive operating system and therefore has applications such as Google Maps and Google Assistant. In addition, Volvo gives the buyer unlimited data volume and he can get software updates 'over the air'. There is no need to drive to the workshop.
It is in the nature of things that a few compromises always have to be made in the rear of a coupé silhouette. Nevertheless, the C40 Recharge sits properly, even if the main hair does not have much room to reach the headliner. A panoramic roof is part of the standard equipment. This creates more air visually.
Of course with Frunk as well as the XC 40
The C40 Recharge does not lack functionality. Behind the rear passengers there is space for 413 liters of luggage, with the rear seat backrests folded down, the load space increases to 1.205 liters. Because there was more space under the hood at the front due to the lack of the internal combustion engine, there is an additional compartment (31 liters). It is well suited for storing the charging cable or for those dirty rubber boots after the dog walk.
One looks in vain for a start button in Volvo's youngest offspring. The car only registers whether the driver's seat is occupied and the driver has the appropriate key in their pocket. Get in, step on the brake pedal, engage level D and drive off. It couldn't be easier. The Volvo engineers have packed the top drive from the XC40 Recharge under the sheet metal, which means: There is an electric motor with 150 kW power at the front and rear, making a total of 300 kW / 408 PS.
The system torque is 660 Newton meters and, as is usual with electric motors, is available practically from a standstill. The C40 Recharge is correspondingly sovereign on the road. The pleasant feeling is enhanced by the calm and suppleness of the electric drive as well as the good suspension comfort. Anyone who deliberately takes a dynamic approach will send the Swede from a standing start to 100 km / h in less than five seconds. That is good sports car level.
Range is satisfactory
With the difference that an SUV has more space for energy. The battery in the floor has a capacity of 78 kWh. According to Volvo, the C40 Recharge can do up to 444 kilometers. Volvo specifies the consumption at 22 kWh. If it then goes to a fast charging station, the battery management allows a DC charging power of a maximum of 150 kilowatts. In 37 minutes, 80 percent of the capacity should be replenished. Ten minutes of charging is enough for 100 kilometers of new range.
You can do without leather!
In order to tie the issue of sustainability and CO2 reduction not only to the electric drive, Volvo has decided to offer the C40 Recharge as the brand's first model completely leather-free. This also applies to the steering wheel, where for a long time it was difficult to find a suitable replacement material that could withstand the influence of hand perspiration as well as animal skin. In the future, Volvo wants to hand over all of its electric cars leather-free.
And in the future they are also planning a new sales strategy. The C40 Recharge is the first Volvo model that can only be ordered online, from the comfort of your sofa at home. A few clicks are enough. The purchase price of 57.890 euros includes a so-called 'Care' service package, which includes liability, fully comprehensive, service, maintenance and wear and tear and is valid for three years. For all those who are still struggling with electromobility, Volvo offers a subscription model. It costs 769 euros a month. Sounds like a lot at first. But the Flex tariff allows you to return the car within 30 days and then cancel it with three months' notice.
Technical data
Five-door, five-seat SUV in the compact class; Length: 4,43 meters, width: 1,85 meters (2.04 meters including exterior mirrors), height: 1,58 meters, wheelbase: 2,70 meters, trunk volume: 414 to 1.205 liters, front 31 liters
Drive: two electric motors, front axle 150 kW / 204 PS, rear axle 150 kW / 204 PS, total output 300 kW / 408 PS, max.torque: 660 Nm, all-wheel drive, charging power 11 kW AC, 150 kW DC, net battery capacity 75 kWh, 0 -100 km / h: 4,7 s, Vmax: 180 km / h (limited), standard consumption (WLTP): 22,0 kWh / 100 kilometers (WLTP), max.range 444 km, Price: 57.890 Euro
In brief
Why: so that emission-free driving also gets an emotional touch.
Why not: because the sloping rear is not worth the extra charge.
What else: Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback, Tesla Model Y, Mustang Mach-E
When does he come: October 2021