Who mentioned Volvo solely makes packing containers on wheels?
The C40 Recharge is a departure from the model’s common kind with its SUVs.
Initially it’s an SUV coupe, one thing the model has by no means achieved earlier than. Secondly, it’s the one mannequin within the model’s vary solely supplied with electrical energy – although that’s altering quickly with the upcoming EX90.
Sharing its bones with the Volvo XC40 in addition to the Polestar 2, the C40 Recharge is one other physique fashion for many who discover the XC40 somewhat too boxy, in addition to an alternative choice to different coupe-styled SUVs within the premium SUV market.
Whereas the C40 hit the Australian market lower than six months in the past, Volvo not too long ago introduced an up to date model is coming very quickly with a brand new rear-drive motor structure, in addition to enhancements to vary and charging speeds.
So whereas the present mannequin is kind of compelling in its personal proper, must you pull the set off now or anticipate the brand new RWD mannequin?
We grabbed the keys to the top-spec 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge Twin to search out out.
How a lot does the Volvo C40 Recharge Twin value?
Volvo elevated costs of the C40 Recharge by $1000 from January 1, that means the car you see right here now begins from $83,490 plus on-road prices.
It’s $7500 dearer than the single-motor C40 Recharge, which additionally runs with the lesser ‘Plus’ specification slightly than the decked-out ‘Final’ spec commonplace with the Twin.
That traces it up with the likes of the upcoming BMW iX1 xDrive30 ($82,900), Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 ($81,700) and Volvo’s personal XC40 Recharge Twin ($81,490).
You too can throw within the Hyundai Ioniq 5 Epiq AWD ($85,000) and Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD ($87,590), whereas the closest Tesla Mannequin Y is the top-spec Efficiency ($94,900). Solely the Tesla betters the C40 Twin when it comes to efficiency claims.
2023 Volvo C40 Recharge pricing:
Volvo C40 Recharge: $75,990Volvo C40 Recharge Twin: $83,490
Costs exclude on-road prices
What’s the Volvo C40 Recharge Twin like on the within?
When you’ve ever sat in an XC40, that is nigh on equivalent.
Every part from the B-pillar ahead is shared with the XC40, so that you get the identical seats, steering wheel, shows, and total cockpit design.
It’s all distinctively Volvo in that it’s clear, ergonomically sound, and feels constructed to a top quality. There’s a very good mixture of soft-touch surfaces on all the primary contact areas mixed with tougher supplies on the decrease sections.
The C40 Recharge’s inside is devoid of any leather-based choices within the pursuit of sustainability, with the Twin getting a “Fusion’ of Microtech and Textile upholstery in Charcoal.
Whereas it’s good to see producers strive animal-free options, the upholstery isn’t as breathable as I’d like, and as somebody who runs scorching you would possibly discover you get a little bit of again and under-thigh sweat. Ew.
Disgrace there’s no seat air flow to go together with the usual heating. Not less than there’s a very good vary of electrical adjustment in addition to a variety of attain and rake adjustability for the steering wheel.
There’s additionally some funky inside lighting within the type of the ‘Topography’ decor, which lights up at evening in a three-dimensional impact. It’s one thing totally different, and is an acquired style.
Total the C40 feels mild and ethereal, which supplies an impression of house very like the XC40. It’ll really feel like an even bigger automobile up entrance than it truly is.
Show tech can also be fairly acquainted for anybody that’s sat in a latest Volvo mannequin.
The C40 Recharge is powered by Google’s Android Automotive working system, which brings web connectivity and a portfolio of Google-based capabilities like Maps and the clever Google Assistant.
Aesthetically it’s somewhat totally different to the previous Volvo Sensus interface however maintains a few of the total look, which once more performs into the benefit of use. It’s practical, fast to reply and provides wired Apple CarPlay performance – oddly, no Android Auto.
It’s additionally value noting many of the car’s capabilities just like the local weather controls are toggled by way of the touchscreen, although Volvo was one of many first to do that. It’s one of many higher takes on this idea, however I nonetheless personally choose bodily switchgear. Not less than there’s a quantity knob.
I personally choose the previous Volvo digital instrument cluster, which had a configurable center part nestled between digital dials. This new model has semi-circles for the dials – higher than Polestar’s much more pared-back pores and skin – however there’s little or no in the way in which of configurability in comparison with one thing like Audi’s digital cockpit.
Storage is a powerful level as you’d anticipate, with an array of nooks, crannies and cradles for all of your odds and ends.
There’s a giant cubby underneath the centre stack which homes the wi-fi charger, and there’s house on both aspect for smaller objects like cash or sun shades.
Massive carpet-lined door bins supply good house for bigger water bottles, and the material lining means metallic stuff received’t rattle round on the street and trigger a nuisance.
Cupholders and a decent-sized central storage bin reside between the entrance seats, additional bolstering the storage and practicality suite.
Regardless of the sloping roofline and panoramic glass roof on this variant, the second row stays fairly good for the category, with much less headroom than the boxy XC40 however extra knee- and legroom than most rivals.
At 6’1 I might comfortably sit behind my most popular driving place, which isn’t at all times a given on this phase.
There are facilities like a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders, directional rear air vents, a USB-C charging outlet, heated rear seats, and extra massive door pockets with carpet lining.
Being based mostly on an inside combustion structure, the C40 retains a big driveline hump. It’s a disgrace Volvo hasn’t engineered a flat ground resolution given the EV powertrain know-how – one thing that additionally needs to be mentioned for the associated Polestar 2.
Volvo quotes a cargo capability of 413 litres for the C40 Recharge with its rear seats in place. In keeping with Volvo Australia’s web site, that’s simply six litres lower than the equal XC40 Recharge.
Nevertheless, database specs say there’s 489L-1205L of quantity again there (5 seat/two seat). Maybe it’s right down to which determine contains underfloor storage or the small ‘frunk’ which is ideal for hiding your charging cables.
Don’t go in search of a spare wheel underneath the boot ground since you received’t discover one – there’s solely a restore equipment.
What’s underneath the bonnet?
As its title suggests, the C40 Recharge Twin is powered by a twin-motor electrical drivetrain.
There’s a pair of 150kW/330Nm e-motors – one on every axle – making for system outputs of 300kW and 660Nm – various grunt for a compact automobile.
A 78kWh lithium-ion battery feeds the twin-motor setup, which Volvo claims is sweet for “as much as 500km” on a full cost, with a claimed effectivity charge of twenty-two.2kWh per 100km for the Twin variant.
The C40 Recharge can cost at a charge of as much as 150kW utilizing a DC quick charger, which might replenish 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 28 minutes.
Zero to 100km/h takes a claimed 4.7 seconds. Price noting is the C40 Recharge Twin’s tare weight of 2154kg. The C40 Recharge Twin is rated to tow as much as 1800kg, up from the single-motor’s 1500kg score.
How does the Volvo C40 Recharge Twin drive?
Having not too long ago pushed a Polestar 2, and beforehand spending a while in an XC40 Recharge, the C40 supplied few surprises.
You’ll discover there’s no begin button while you first get in… you simply hop in, put in your seatbelt and have interaction Drive, and also you’re off.
Like its platform mates, the C40 Recharge Twin has a long-travel accelerator, notably in one-pedal mode, which might make it really feel somewhat lazy. It additionally means you aren’t jolting off the road with all 300kW and 660Nm by chance.
In regular driving it’s fairly docile, and when you alter to the way it delivers its energy it plods alongside properly round city. The near-silent whirring of the electrical motors means it’s a extremely quiet factor to commute in.
There’s a touch of street noise over rougher surfaces on the town, however I’ve undoubtedly skilled worse from different premium-badged compact autos.
The Twin’s large 20-inch alloys and 235/45 tyres contribute to a agency city experience. Whereas it doesn’t crash over bumps in an unrefined or clumsy method, it picks up loads of imperfections which might make it really feel jittery or unsettled.
It’s a disgrace Volvo and Polestar don’t have adaptive damping of their compact EVs, as a result of the added weight on larger wheels means the automobiles actually might use the additional flexibility.
The C40’s steering is fairly mild and never tremendous communicative, clearly extra geared in the direction of consolation and straightforward manoeuvrability round city.
Mix this with first rate outward visibility – bar the slim rear home windows – chunky mirrors and the 360-degree digicam that’s commonplace within the Twin specification, and the C40 is a straightforward sufficient factor to park and navigate tight metropolis streets or automobile parks.
Whereas it has that big-car really feel with its excessive belt line and chunky proportions, it’s nonetheless pretty compact and positively feels that approach when you must try to match into a decent parking house, for instance.
When you escape metropolis limits and get on the freeway the Volvo’s firmer setup settles properly, and its large footprint offers a pleasant sense of stability and safety.
That big-car really feel actually comes collectively on the open street and, offered you’ll be able to consider public chargers into your route plans, it’s greater than able to being a superb street journey companion.
Street and wind noise are stored to acceptable ranges, and Volvo’s spectacular Pilot Help – which mixes adaptive cruise and lane centring capabilities – takes the load off prolonged freeway stints.
Likewise, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert at all times turn out to be useful, and the LED headlights supply good illumination – although it’s a disgrace we will’t get the Pixel LED adaptive models regionally.
Whereas this factor quotes large efficiency numbers, it’s not what I’d name notably sporty.
Sure the C40 expenses in a straight line, and might slingshot itself out of corners with loads of muscle. Nevertheless, that mild steering and heavy physique means it’s simply not probably the most participating automobile for tearing up a B-road.
Let’s be very clear, that’s completely fantastic given this automobile’s goal demographic. However, in the event you’re in search of an EV crossover that’s nonetheless received a little bit of dynamic verve to it, I’d suggest possibly taking a look at one thing like the brand new BMW iX1 or the Kia EV6… if you may get your fingers on one.
What do you get?
C40 Recharge highlights:
19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels9.0-inch Android Automotive infotainment infotainment4 yr knowledge subscriptionGoogle Providers Over-the-air updatesWireless cellphone chargingKeyless entry and startDual-zone local weather controlHeated entrance seatsHeated rear seatsHands-free energy tailgateLED headlightsFixed panoramic roofHill descent controlPower-folding exterior mirrorsAuto-dimming mirrorsPower-folding rear headrests
C40 Recharge Twin provides:
Twin-motor all-wheel drive20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheelsLED entrance fog lightsPower folding rear headrestsSurround-view cameraHarman Kardon sound systemMicrotech and textile inside
Is the Volvo C40 Recharge Twin secure?
Like its XC40 sibling, the C40 Recharge wears a five-star ANCAP security score, based mostly on Euro NCAP testing carried out in 2022.
It scored 92 per cent for grownup occupant safety, 89 per cent for baby occupant safety, 70 per cent for susceptible street person safety, and 91 per cent for security help.
Whereas the C40 obtained reward from the impartial crash tester for its spectacular efficiency, it obtained a 4.00-point penalty for vehicle-to-vehicle compatibility, because it presents “a better threat to occupants of an oncoming car, if struck”.
For reference, the associated Volvo XC40’s security score (2018 stamped) encompasses a 97 per cent rating for grownup occupant safety, 84 per cent for baby occupant safety, 71 per cent for susceptible street customers and 78 per cent for security help.
Normal security options embrace:
8 airbagsincl. driver’s kneeincl. front-centre airbagAdaptive cruise management with Visitors Jam AssistAutonomous emergency braking (AEB)Metropolis, Interurban speedsJunction assistVulnerable Street Consumer detectionAEB reverseBlind-spot monitoringFront, rear parking sensorsHill descent controlHill begin assistLane departure warningLane maintain assistReversing cameraTraffic signal recognition
C40 Recharge Twin provides:
360-degree digicam systemSide parking sensors
How a lot does the Volvo C40 Recharge Twin value to run?
The C40 is roofed by Volvo’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.
Plug-in hybrid and electrical fashions with lithium batteries have their vitality storage models additionally warranted for 5 years.
Past that, Volvo throws in three years or 100,000 kilometres of free servicing in, in addition to eight years of complementary roadside help. Scheduled upkeep is required each two years (24 months) or 30,000 kilometres – whichever comes first.
When it comes to real-world effectivity and charging, I noticed an indicated 21.6kWh per 100km over 415km of combined driving throughout my week with the C40 Recharge. Whereas that’s not that environment friendly by compact EV requirements, it’s really higher than Volvo’s 22.2kWh/100km declare.
As for charging, I connected a DC charger and noticed a peak charge of round 135kW – somewhat under the model’s claimed peak claimed charging charge of 150kW.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Volvo C40 Recharge Twin
It could be a reasonably distinctive providing throughout the Volvo line-up, however the C40 Recharge provides few surprises.
As we’ve come to anticipate, the C40 represents a stable and sensible EV that’s priced competitively to its rivals given the specification and efficiency on supply on this Twin variant.
It additionally received’t be an entire shock for consumers who need to go electrical however is perhaps turned off by extra futuristic choices from Tesla, and retains the bank-vault really feel Volvo’s SUVs are recognized for.
Quibbles embrace a comparatively inefficient electrical drivetrain on this specification – tall, heavy SUV our bodies don’t maximise vary – and whereas the cabin is effectively completed and sensible, the black-on-black color scheme is a bit demure in comparison with the extra distinctive exterior.
Personally, I’d save the cash and get the equal XC40 Recharge (I’d make do with the bottom single motor). However given the Aussie market loves a coupe SUV, the C40 Recharge Twin will little question discover favour amongst consumers that need one thing somewhat totally different.
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MORE: Every part Volvo C40 Recharge
