After debuting last year, the Volvo C40 Recharge returns for 2023 as the sole standalone pure EV from Volvo with no gas-powered counterpart. 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 fundamental starting point. For an utterly electric family haulier, it errs into the luxury SUV category 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 the 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 rapid 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 primary SUV’s integration with 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
The C40 Recharge is a relatively agile SUV with 402 combined horsepower, 486 pound-feet 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 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.
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 specific AWD Mach-E models matching the Recharge’s low content.
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 five stars.
Comfort and Space
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 pretty 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
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 most significant element is the 12.3-inch driver-facing display of the navigation system, which utilizes Google Maps.
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 rear 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 helps store valuables or charge connections you don’t want to keep in the more open hatch compartment. The flooring lifts under the back hold for extra safe storage out of sight.
Design: Volvo C40
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 dull. 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.
Is the 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge Worth it?
Although the C40 Recharge is priced like a premium electric SUV, this year’s addition of three price tiers brings down the base price to trim over $55,000 with destination charges. The basic Core ($56,395) is the best deal among the lineup’s powertrains. Add the $1,100 Climate package for extra luxuries featured in the higher grades. Choose the Ultimate ($61,195) for all the safety and driver assistance technologies, heated seats, superior audio, and a comprehensive list of tech and comfort items.
The C40 Recharge, made in South Carolina, qualifies for federal tax incentives for specific electric car buyers as of February 2023. With the $7,500 rebate, the C40 Recharge is a better option, particularly considering its inadequate 226-mile range for road trips. The Model Y gives up to 330 miles at a comparable price.
How much will insurance on a 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge Cost be?
Compared to most of its rivals, the C40 Recharge should be less expensive to insure. Although this average covers all 50 states, a typical 30-year-old female driver with a clean record should anticipate a yearly premium of roughly $2,125. An Audi Q4 e-tron owner might spend up to $3,000 annually, while the famous Tesla Model Y costs $3,170, and the Ford Mustang Mach-E begins at $2,245.
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 remain straightforward 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.
