Volvo C40 Recharge 2023:review

After debuting last year, the Volvo C40 Recharge returns for 2023 as Volvo’s sole standalone pure EV. The five-seat SUV with a slanted roofline is a component of Volvo’s 2030 plan to sell all-electric cars solely. After its first introduction came fully equipped, its luxury style received a price reduction with a more basic starting point. It errs into the luxury SUV category for a completely electric family hauler and provides a more stylish alternative to the XC40 Recharge.

The C40 Recharge remains mostly unaltered for its second year. However, two entry-level trims, Core, lower the beginning price instead of only one Premium model. The grades include a 78 kWh battery, a 226-mile range, and the same P8 AWD engine as the XC40 Recharge. This powertrain has two front and rear motors that provide 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4 all-wheel drive models compete with the C40 in price, performance, and size, while the five-seater AWD Tesla Model Y outperforms it in terms of battery range. The Jaguar I-Pace and Audi Q4 e-tron are comparable in terms of build quality and materials on the more expensive side.

Like most all-electric cars, there is a lot of torque and power on the low end. Three trim levels are available: Core ($56,395), Plus ($57,945), and Ultimate ($61,195), which is the highest choice. The basic cabin has quality amenities, while Ultimate contains everything for superior music, tech equipment, and sophisticated cruise control.

The all-wheel-drive system handles Switchbacks quickly and easily thanks to the battery location, which also helps the car feel solid and firmly planted on the road. Although the 4.5 seconds it takes to accelerate from a standstill is very quick for an SUV, the battery’s maximum range of 226 miles is substantially less than that of other similarly priced and sized electric SUVs.

The basic SUV’s integration of Google OS is one of its most appealing features. Like the XC40 Recharge, most functionalities are accessible by saying “Hey, Google” the driver. Apple CarPlay is accessible, but Android users won’t miss it, and iPhone users won’t have much of a learning curve. Drivers will be satisfied with the basic trim, which offers luxury amenities at a newer, cheaper price and has the same engine as the rest of the range.

Performance: Volvo C40 Recharge

The C40 Recharge is an agile SUV with 402 combined horsepower, 486 pound-feet of torque, and dual-motor all-wheel drive. However, it has a thinner rear than its XC40 Recharge brother. It can reach 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, which is 4.5 seconds faster than the XC40 Recharge (4.7 seconds), and it beats off VW (7.9 seconds) and Audi (5.7 seconds), but it can’t match the Performance Model Y’s 3.5 seconds. Passengers may feel their stomachs plummet as the vehicle suddenly lurches forward—that immediate torque is no joke.

Although the steering is not the firmest, it is simple to start from a stop, particularly in slow-moving traffic. After getting acclimated to the forceful one-pedal regenerative braking, it was difficult not to utilize it. The automobile accelerated once the energy-saving mode was turned off. The wide-set SUV maintained its position and easily handled curves and rough terrain on winding, icy roads.

It has a 2,000-pound towing capacity.

Range, power use, and charging

In contrast to the Model Y’s maximum 330-mile range, the nearly 4,700-pound SUV’s battery’s 75 kWh only offers a 226-mile range. The Q4 e-tron and I-Pace are better options, with certain AWD Mach-E models matching the Recharge’s low range.

The C40 Recharge falls short in effectiveness: Its combined MPGe, or mpg equivalent, is 87. Additionally, it uses the highest energy per mile (39 kWh/100 miles). The Tesla outperforms everyone with 123 MPGe and a low 28 kWh/100 mile rate. At 93 MPGe, even the Mach-E is more economical.

The C40 can keep up with charging and can take up to 150 kW of rapid charging. It can charge from zero to 80% in 40 minutes. An installed Level 2 at home may reach 100% in 8 hours, making it ideal for overnight charging. Regenerative braking aids in battery recovery, and an integrated range assistant app analyzes energy use (e.g., aggressive driving or excessive air conditioning) and allows settings to be changed to prolong battery life.

Safety & Driver Support

Because the new basic Core version no longer has the whole safety package as standard, unlike in its first year, the C40 Recharge loses a point in our assessment of its level of safety. Adaptive cruise control and other cutting-edge innovations are only available on the top-tier Ultimate model. However, the base does provide additional cautions, such as cross-traffic alerts.

It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not yet rated it. Similar authorities in Australia and Europe award it five out of a possible five stars.

Comfort & Room:

The C40 Recharge has a peaceful, opulent, but welcoming atmosphere as you enter. The interior’s darkness creates a sophisticated atmosphere and conceals the startling lack of leather and extensive use of recyclable materials. A wood-like topographical pattern illuminates the door panels for a chic lighting design.

The front seats are an enhanced version of the Polestar electric brand’s robust but comfortable seating. The gear lever and steering wheel are well-placed and easy to use. The legroom and headroom in the rear seats are quite adequate, measuring 36.1 and 36.7 inches, respectively. This is more compact than the Model Y and Mach-E’s 39+ inches, the Q4 e-tron’s 38.3 inches, and the ID.4’s shorter.

Infotainment: Volvo C40 Recharge

Thankfully, even with additional trims, the basic level still has the complete range of technology. The system’s integrated Google interface, Android Automotive OS, makes in-car entertainment surprisingly straightforward. The 12.3-inch driver-facing display of the navigation system, which utilizes Google Maps, is the greatest element.

For four years, all applications and services are included with the automobile; after that, an annual membership is required. Although Apple CarPlay is an alternative for iPhone owners who are hesitant to switch, the Android-based system is so effective that you won’t miss your phone’s applications.

Storage & Cargo Space:

Volvo has mastered the art of building practical but fashionable SUVs with enough storage room for all the things that need to be transported. The C40 Recharge has 15 cubic feet behind the back seats, but when the back seats are folded down, that space increases to 49 cubic feet. The seats are simple to arrange. The XC40 Recharge is smaller at 46.9 with the seats down compared to the Audi, VW, Tesla, and Ford.

Although the front trunk, or “frunk,” is surprisingly tiny, it is useful for storing valuables or charging connections you don’t want to store in the more open hatch compartment. The flooring lifts under the back hold for extra safe storage out of sight.

Design:Volvo C40 Recharge

With its slanted top and sloping rear, the C40 Recharge is a handsome SUV that drives well. Many soft, supple surfaces exist without any leather or other animal materials. Its dark charcoal inside and topographical design make it seem upscale yet serene—not boring. Fun Easter eggs are the understated allusions to Volvo’s Swedish heritage.

Attractive hues like Fjord Blue enhance its geometric design, although they are more expensive. Compared to the XC40 Recharge, which radiates more conventional SUV energy, it seems sleeker and more contemporary. The inside is well-designed, with quirky grocery sections and a central console with a retractable garbage can.

Verdict

The 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge, returning after its debut year, stands out amid an expanding lineup of electric utes with its distinctive SUV design. However, given that Tesla and other rivals offer longer ranges on comparably sized EVs, its 226-mile range is inadequate. Navigation and media displays continue to be simple with the Google-based infotainment system from other Volvo and Polestar cars. Despite the C40 Recharge’s premium pricing, which may be discouraging, it now comes in two lesser trim levels for a lower starting price, and its South Carolina origins may qualify it for tax incentives.