The XC40 is the first all-electric model from the Volvo brand. Its sportier offshoot C40 has been available for some time not only with a very powerful and very expensive double engine including all-wheel drive, but also as a more modest variant with a single engine and front-wheel drive. Still expensive enough, but a better choice for most drivers.
It’s fashionable, especially in the electric SUV mid-range, to launch so-called “coupé versions” of existing models, as VW is doing with the ID.4/ID.5, for example. Volvo has not closed this trend either and since the summer of last year has placed its XC40 alongside the C40, which looks nicer but is also a bit less practical due to the steeply sloping roof line. This is available as an all-wheel drive with two motors and 300 kW/408 hp as well as with just one motor (single), which brings it to 170 kW/231 hp, where only the front axle is driven.
That should be enough, especially since this vehicle already means an investment of at least 47,500 euros. It is then at least well equipped, for a whopping surcharge of around 10,000 euros there is the Ultimate version, which then includes a full assistant crew and other extras such as an electric tailgate. Yes, Volvo has become an expensive brand, but the design inside and out and the outstanding finish can justify the prices at least a little. In addition, service, maintenance and wear and tear work are free of charge during the three-year guarantee (up to 100,000 kilometers).
When it comes to a fully electric car, the question of range and charging capabilities almost always arises for most drivers. In our version, the C40 has a range of up to 432 kilometers, depending on the standard equipment, in practice it was around 300 kilometers in warm autumn weather, which we want to classify as medium. The Volvo charges with either 11 kW (AC) or 150 kW (DC).
The space is okay for an SUV in the 4.40 meter class, but at the back it can get a bit uncomfortable for adults in the head area due to the “coupé line”. The trunk holds a modest 413 liters, which can be expanded to up to 1205 liters by folding down the rear seat. There is also a small compartment with 31 liters under the front hood.
And how does it drive? As an electric car, of course, it is particularly lively in a suit – and at 160 km/h the C40 is limited anyway. Above all, it showed that an output of 238 hp is more than sufficient, especially for an electric car. In other words: one motor is enough. Only those who really want a sportiness that is actually unsuitable for this drive concept, or for whom all-wheel drive is essential due to where they live and the weather, should take a look at the more powerful and significantly more expensive twin-engine variant.
We were less impressed by the chassis, which despite a wheelbase of 2.70 meters is designed to be uncomfortable. So the five-seater often wriggles over bad roads, of which there are too many. Unfortunately, the C40 only gives you the choice of coasting without recuperation or accepting particularly strong braking with one-pedal driving, which we often find too violent. Intermediates would be helpful here.
The Swede also shows weaknesses when it comes to operation, not everything is easy for the driver to understand right away. Of course you get used to the peculiarities of the Volvo very quickly, but that shouldn’t be an excuse. Incidentally, a head-up display is not even offered for an extra charge, simply because there is probably not enough space in front of the windshield for it. A clear disadvantage for a premium SUV. And while we’re complaining: The central driver’s display can be used to show navigation maps or switched off. There is no more information. A clear case for the next facelift.
Speaking of facelift: In the new 2023 model year, Volvo will switch the C40 to rear-wheel drive. In addition, the performance has been increased from 231 to 238 hp. As if that weren’t enough, the electric SUV will have another variant with rear-wheel drive. Then with a larger battery (78 kWh) and even more power (252 hp).
Despite some weaknesses, the current version of the C40 is still a good electric car, the advantages of which clearly outweigh the disadvantages. The successful design, the typically Swedish, elegant interior, the high level of safety and the great workmanship are convincing. The high prices and the unsteady chassis remain the main points of criticism. A well-stocked bank account or a generous company car scheme can help against one, but unfortunately only freshly paved roads can help against the other.
Volvo C40 Recharge Single – specifications
