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Volvo's compact SUV XC40 Recharge gets a weird brother. The coupe variant plays the lifestyle type and is Volvo's first model that is only available with electric drive.
Whom the chunky SUV-Anything has become too boring, the offers Volvo with the C40 a weird alternative. At its core, it is an XC40, which, however, looks strikingly different thanks to its rear end that slopes significantly backwards and some optical finesse. If you want the smartly packaged compact SUV, you have to want an electric drive at the same time. The Swedes only offer their latest model as a thoroughbred Stromer. It has its own special charm.
SUV with details
First of all, it is of a visual nature, because the clearly cropped rear gives the XC40 brother an elegant and quite cheeky touch. There are also extra-long LED taillights and chic pixel LED headlights. However, the styling, which is filigree in detail, does not change the fact that the C40 also remains a beefy SUV type.
Inside, the C40 Recharge offers a well-sized interior for everyday use and family. On the back seat, guests of average height will find enough head and knee room. Behind the rear there is space for 413 liters of luggage, with the rear seat backs folded down, the load space increases to 1.205 liters. Because the front electric motor is more compact than a combustion engine, there is also a 31-liter storage compartment under the front hood. However, the view of the traffic behind is less generous, since the flat rear window narrows the field of vision.
Still no Apple Carplay
Although only vegan and many recycled materials are used, the tidy workplace gives a good impression of quality. There is a large display as the cockpit display, and the touchscreen in the center console of the Android-based infotainment system is even larger, which provides guests with many Google services. iPhone users are at a disadvantage here, because smartphone integration via Apple Carplay is still not possible with Volvo. There are only a few switches and buttons, which are primarily grouped in and around the steering wheel. The ignition lock and start button were completely dispensed with. Anyone who gets in with a signal transmitter in their host pocket simply drives off, because the Stromer switches to readiness to start with the corresponding signal from the occupancy detection from the driver's seat.
For the time being, the C40 is exclusively available with the 300 kW/408 hp dual drive with one motor per axle. The single-motor version that can also be selected later in the year could actually be enough, but despite the additional costs of a few thousand euros, the potent 4×4 drive is the more seductive option, which impresses with its colossal acceleration. The 4,7-ton vehicle needs 2,2 seconds to break the 100 mark from a standing start. Also due to the lack of engine noise, it seems as if the drive does not have to struggle in any situation.
The elasticity at medium speeds is also impressive. A courageous gas command is followed by a bearish draft, as one only knows it from potent sports cars in the world of combustion engines. Before you know it, you've reached maximum speed on the autobahn. As usual with Volvo, this is limited to 180 km/h. The chassis is not exaggeratedly sporty, and it takes away the harshness of many bumps.
Less than 400 km range
The downside of the joys of longitudinal dynamics, however, is a higher energy requirement. Volvo specifies the consumption of the C40 as 22 kWh, but on our test tour it was more than 25 kWh with a moderate driving style and over 30 kWh with a brisk driving style. The range of 415 to 444 kilometers proclaimed by Volvo will therefore remain more of a theoretical value. In practice, it is better to plan a range of 300 to 350 kilometers. The C40 is therefore still suitable for long journeys, especially since up to 150 kW can be pumped into the batteries thanks to the charging technology. At a fast charging station, 10 minutes is enough for another 100 kilometers.
The price is high: around 62.000 euros are required Volvo for the lively electric car with a hatchback. In terms of safety features, comfort details and infotainment, the already lavishly equipped basic version leaves little to be desired. Instead of buying, you can also subscribe to the C40. This then costs a no less impressive 700 euros per month.
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
Power Type
two electric motors, front axle 150 kW/204 hp, rear axle 150 kW/204 hp, total power 300 kW/408 hp, max. torque: 660 Nm, all-wheel drive, charging power 11 kW AC, 150 kW DC, battery capacity net 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: 62.050 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