We drive the decrease powered and decrease priced model of Volvo’s likeable XC40 Recharge electrical SUV.
What you see right here is the brand new entry level to Volvo’s India vary. That is the all-electric XC40 Recharge Single Motor and because the title spells out, it drops the worth by dropping a motor. The Single Motor mannequin options solely a rear axle-mounted motor versus the Twin Motor, which has a motor at every axle. It’s bought a smaller battery too and makes do with fewer options as nicely. For all of the paring down, you’d count on it to be an entire lot extra inexpensive than the Twin Motor, proper? Nicely, your financial savings are solely to the tune of Rs 3 lakh. Volvo gross sales executives would must be at their A-game to steer a possible purchaser from a Twin Motor to this Single Motor. However let’s choose the SUV for what it’s.
Volvo XC40 Recharge single motor: powertrain and drive expertise
Peak energy and torque stand at 238hp and 420Nm, which is an inexpensive determine for this class of EV. Efficiency is pleasant with simple responses to the accelerator pedal. Mashing your foot down gives you a pleasant burst of acceleration, nevertheless it’s not as extreme or long-lasting as what you get on the 408hp and 670Nm Twin Motor. By the way, it’s this very character that Volvo believes will resonate with patrons who need their EV to be brisk and unintimidating, and never essentially sportscar fast and thrilling. The Single Motor is a nice drive and admittedly provides you all the facility that you might use safely (and legally) on a public highway. Sure, the Twin Motor does the 0-100kph sprint in 4.8 seconds, however for perspective, the Single Motor’s 7.3 second 0-100kph time makes it faster nonetheless than like-sized petrol/diesel entry luxurious SUVs.
There’s no energy button. Participating D or R does the job.
Different takeaways from the driving expertise embrace the texture of being in a strong and difficult SUV, however there’s a firmness to the suspension setup which you could’t escape. You’ll additionally be aware the rear finish jump over the odd velocity breaker taken at velocity. The XC40 Recharge is a straightforward SUV to steer and the choice to extend steering weight (through the touchscreen) is one thing you’d be inclined to make use of at increased speeds or on a curvy highway. The opposite setting of curiosity buried within the touchscreen is for regen braking. The 2024 mannequin yr XC40 Recharges add in an auto mode that modulates brake drive primarily based on the space to the car forward decided by the ADAS system, and it really works rather well even on our chaotic roads. As earlier than, there’s a one-pedal driving operate too (regen kicks in as you lift-off the accelerator) that may deliver the car to a standstill. Nevertheless, the sturdy engine braking-like impact is greatest utilized in slow-speed city settings alone. Of the opposite settings is an off-road mode that lightens steering weight and engages hill descent management.
Auto mode for regen braking is new; works rather well.
The Single Motor attracts energy from a 69kWh battery pack that allows a WLTP vary of 475km. Count on a real-world determine of about 350-380km. The Twin Motor with a 78kWh battery boasts a 505km WLTP vary. Charging choices embrace DC charging as much as 150kW, although AC dwelling charging would be the go-to choice for many patrons.
Volvo XC40 Recharge single motor: inside
Inside and outside, the Single Motor doesn’t come throughout as a ‘lesser’ XC40 Recharge. The cabin is a pleasant place to be (even when it’s not leading edge anymore) and there’s a sense of safety that stays with you. High quality is sweet, the entrance seats are comfortable and the rear seat is roomy sufficient for 2, albeit a tad upright on the backrest. What’s a pity is that you just’ll have to ditch the spare tyre positioned on the ground to suit large suitcases. And whereas there’s no entrance motor, frunk capability stays unchanged at 31 litres.
Volvo XC40 Recharge single motor: options
Single motor misses out on some options, however contains ADAS tech.
The Single Motor does miss out on some options although. Multi-way adjustable Pixel LED headlights make method for less complicated LEDs, there’s no 360-degree digicam and the Harman Kardon sound system has been dropped too. Even so, there’s fairly a bit packed in with dual-zone local weather management with an air air purifier, digital dials, a 9-inch touchscreen, wi-fi telephone charger, panoramic sunroof and a powered tailgate. Security package contains seven airbags, ESC and a full suite of ADAS capabilities, together with emergency braking and lane maintain help.
Volvo XC40 Recharge single motor: verdict
By marrying all that we like about EVs and all that we like about Volvos, the XC40 Recharge Single Motor makes for a really likeable product. Had been it the one XC40 Recharge on sale, it’d be a straightforward mannequin to suggest. Hassle is, the Single Motor’s case falls aside while you examine it to the XC40 Recharge Twin Motor, which prices only a bit extra in relative phrases however is in a special league by way of energy, efficiency and tools. So whereas by itself the Single Motor could be simply tremendous, up in opposition to the Twin Motor, it’s the latter you’ll really need.
Additionally see:
Volvo XC40 Recharge video evaluation