The range of the compact Volvo XC40 so far ranged from the three-cylinder with 129 hp (95 kW) to the 250 hp (184 kW) four-cylinder, there are mild and plug-in hybrids, manual and automatic switches. And now there is a 408 hp (300 kW) top model. The special thing about it: It is an electric car. It listens to the information-saturated model name Volvo XC40 Recharge P8 AWD Pure Electric.
Recharge, which at Volvo stands for models with a cable, i.e. electric cars and plug-in hybrids; the addition “Pure Electric” indicates that no internal combustion engine is installed, and P8 marks the top performance level, while AWD naturally stands for all-wheel drive. In this context, there is even an off-road program, which, however, is limited to regulating the traction and automatically braking the car on steep descents.
Battery power
The electric XC40 gets its enormous power from the same drive that is built into the Polestar 2. These are two permanent magnet synchronous motors, which are located in the front and in the rear and each have an output of 150 kW (204 hp). The lithium-ion batteries have a storage capacity of 78 kWh and can be charged with up to 150 kW using direct current. The maximum range in urban areas is 529 kilometers in the WLTP cycle and 411 kilometers outside of urban areas. Unfortunately, these values can hardly be achieved in reality.
The excellent performance of this most powerful of all XC40s can be reproduced at any time. The silent sprint from 0 to 100 km / h takes a whole 4,9 seconds, and even above 100 km / h it accelerates with great vehemence until it runs into the governor at 180 km / h - just like the conventional one powered XC40 sister models.
The very good acceleration and the spontaneous response give committed drivers a lot of pleasure, especially since the chassis engineers have successfully managed to conceal the weight of almost 2,2 tons. In city traffic and at country road speeds, this XC40 offers dynamism in abundance.
One pedal is enough
The recuperation can be set in two stages, as can the steering force. We like the "sail" characteristics and the smoother steering variant, which still provides good feedback. One-pedal driving is also possible, with strong recuperation starting with a delay, which is otherwise initiated via the brake pedal. The braking feel is linear and the transition to hydraulic braking is convincing, namely hardly noticeable, solved.
In contrast to the Polestar 2, it is not possible to initiate slight drifts: the stability control is always fully active. In general, Volvo has greatly reduced the driver's ability to intervene in the electric XC40. Neither the sensitivity of the assistance systems nor comfort functions such as the ambient lighting can be adjusted. And the remaining range is only displayed when the battery level drops below 20 percent, which cannot be changed manually.
Volvo wants to test how the relatively strict restrictions with which the user interface is to be cleared out are received by the customer, and a number of functions could be activated again in the future. Which wouldn't be a bad idea.
Volvo is breaking new ground with the infotainment system based on Android. It works well in the implementation. Small downer: the display of the selected route in the instrumentation is too pale, but it is well resolved on the map in the central screen.
Interior very chic
In terms of style, the electric version stands out from its sister models primarily through the radiator grille painted in the body color. Otherwise, little has changed in the still fresh outer skin of the XC40 and the modern, reduced interior - and that's a good thing. We particularly like the optional interior design in lava orange, which offers a striking contrast to the anthracite-colored seats of the R-design variant.
Volvo receives adequate compensation for the premium qualities of this fascinating XC40: Our demonstrator - cost price 62.900 euros - came to over 70.000 euros. But in the 2022 model year, which starts in a few months, Volvo will lower the entry price below 60.000 euros. This goes hand in hand with considerable reductions in company car taxation, and on top of that there is the 7500 euro subsidy for purchases.
For electric and performance fetishists who have convenient charging options, the following applies: the state-sponsored upgrade to the 408 hp class is worthwhile.
data
Length x Width x Height (m): 4,43 x 1,86 x 1,65
Wheelbase (m): 2,70
Drive: two electric motors, all-wheel drive
Power: 300 kW / 408 hp
Torque: 660 Nm
Battery: high-voltage lithium-ion battery, 78,0 kWh
Top speed: 180 km / h (restricted)
0 acceleration to 100 km / h: 4,9 sec.
Electr. Range: 411 km (WLTP)
Power consumption: 243 Wh / km
Efficiency class: A +
CO2 emissions: 0 g / km
Empty weight / load: min. 2188 kg / max. 462 kg
Boot space: 414 + 31 liters
Max. Trailer load: 1500 kg
Tropic: 11,8 m
Ground clearance: 176 mm
Slope angle: 20,0 degrees (v.) / 26,6 degrees (h.)
Ramp angle: 16,2 degrees
Fording depth: 450 mm
Tires: 235/50 R 19 front, 255/45 R 19 rear
Base price: 62.900 euros