Our first drive of the 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge yielded a glowing assessment, so we got down to see if that extremely optimistic opinion may stand as much as every week of testing. To not be confused with previous C-prefix Volvo fashions just like the C30 or C70, the C40 Recharge is an SUV Coupe model of the usual XC40 Recharge, which is itself the all-electric model of the gas-powered XC40. Sound complicated? Properly, Volvo’s subsequent EV will probably be known as the EX90 and the Swedish automaker simply trademarked the title C60, possible for a bigger SUV Coupe.
Based mostly on worth, the C40 competes in a quite various phase of compact electrical luxurious crossovers, together with the Audi This autumn e-tron, Genesis GV60, Mercedes-Benz EQB, and the Tesla Mannequin Y (after its latest worth drop). Every considered one of these rivals has its personal strengths and weaknesses, and the Volvo is not any exception. There’s a lot to like concerning the Volvo C40 however there’s one cause we might hesitate to advocate it in its present type.
An SUV Coupe Accomplished Proper
Designing a coupe-like SUV could be a difficult process, which is why so lots of them find yourself trying awkward. Volvo managed to rework the XC40 right into a sleeker form with out ruining its engaging design. Particularly when completed within the signature (and delightfully Swedish) Fjord Blue, the C40 draw stares from different drivers who wish to study extra about it. For simply $695, Tesla house owners will probably be envious over this eye-catching blue.
Regardless of solely being supplied as an EV, the C40 does not scream “electrical” with its design parts. The grille is usually lined in body-colored panels, nevertheless it does not have a faceless entrance finish like a few of its rivals. We notably just like the raked rear finish, which reminds us of sporty Volvos from the previous such because the C30 and P1800.
The World’s Smartest Inside
Some inside designer from Volvo got here into a gathering sooner or later and requested, “what if we make an inside that truly works for folks?” And everybody else nodded in settlement. The C40 options so many considerate little touches that make us marvel why each automobile does not include them.
For instance, the middle console has a detachable trash bin for these annoying receipts you often stick within the cupholder. Girls who by no means have a spot for his or her purse with a passenger within the automobile can now hold it on the flip-out hook within the glovebox. There’s a bit plastic tab on the windshield to position parking passes and the trunk flooring folds as much as create a a divider with built-in bag hooks.
Whoever crafted this inside actually understands how drivers really use their automobiles. Then for a little bit of enjoyable, they added some nifty design parts like blue carpets, Swedish flags on the seats, and topographical trim that lights up at evening.
Google Makes Life Simpler
Very like the inside itself, the C40’s person interface is extremely intuitive to work together with. The system is powered by Google’s Android Automotive software program, very like the Polestar 2. It options glorious voice command that parallels a smartphone, with the flexibility to ask any query {that a} Google gadget may reply. The system is nice at telling jokes, reporting sports activities scores, or answering obscure trivia, nevertheless it’s most helpful on lengthy highway journeys. Google Maps can plan your route to incorporate charging stations, and it will possibly even predict and show how a lot cost you’ll have if you attain the vacation spot.
Our solely criticism of the infotainment lies with the cameras. The backup digicam appears prefer it makes use of a fish-eye lens and the surround-view digicam is low-resolution for a automobile at this worth vary.
Extra Enjoyable Than A Gasoline Volvo
We have pushed just about each Volvo on sale, and we are able to say with confidence that the C40 is probably the most pleasing one to drive (sure, even together with the Polestar Engineered fashions). Volvo solely gives the C40 a method: a Recharge Twin with two electrical motors combining to supply 402 horsepower and 487 lb-ft of torque. Volvo says the C40 can hit 60 mph in simply 4.5 seconds (two-tenths faster than the XC40 Recharge). Not solely is that this time similar to the plug-in hybrid Polestar Engineered automobiles, nevertheless it’s additionally smoother, quieter, and simpler.
Not one of the C40’s rivals can match its spectacular acceleration at this worth vary, not even the Tesla Mannequin Y Lengthy Vary (which takes 4.8 seconds to hit 60). An up to date AWD variant with totally different in-house developed motors has simply been introduced, as has a single-motor rear-wheel-drive mannequin. It is going to be fascinating to match these with the model we examined right here.
These spectacular acceleration numbers could be a bit underwhelming at first, for the reason that C40’s throttle is tuned extra for consolation than for hooligan antics. A fast stab of the pedal will end in a speedy jolt ahead, however there is not any sport mode obtainable for a extra thrilling drive expertise. That being mentioned, the C40’s steering is fairly correct and physique roll is minimal because of the low heart of gravity.
Lackluster Vary And Charging Speeds
Now we attain our largest gripe with the Volvo C40: vary. The 78 kWh battery (75 kWh usable) solely offers an EPA-rated 226 miles of vary. That is three further miles over the XC40, nevertheless it’s lower than the Audi This autumn e-tron (as much as 265 miles, Genesis GV60 (as much as 248 miles), Mercedes EQB (as much as 250 miles), and much lower than the Tesla Mannequin Y (330 miles).
Since most EV house owners will solely ever cost as much as 80-90%, this would be the distinction between the automobile exhibiting that magical 200-mile quantity or a variety that begins with a one. When the automobile was delivered to us, it confirmed an 88% cost with solely 170 miles of vary.
This would not be as a lot of a difficulty if the C40 supplied class-leading charging speeds, however the 150 kW peak fee is slower than all however the EQB and solely tied with the Audi. Genesis and Tesla have Volvo utterly outclassed on this space. Volvo says the C40 can attain an 80% cost in round 37 minutes on a DC quick charger, however except you will have excellent circumstances, our expertise says it can take longer.
After we drove the C40 you see right here, Volvo introduced an improved vary (as much as 37 miles extra for sure variants, albeit on the WLTP cycle) and a most charging velocity raised to 200 kW. A WLTP vary of 315 miles for the AWD model is claimed, and a rear-wheel-drive mannequin was additionally introduced with a 275-mile vary in prolonged vary guise. If the EPA helps these numbers, the C40 will probably be way more aggressive following these updates.
Priced In opposition to Robust Competitors
The 2023 Volvo C40 begins at $55,300 for the bottom Core mannequin, and the Final trim provides $4,800 for niceties resembling Harmon Kardon audio, Pilot Help, adaptive cruise management, a warmth pump, heated rear seats, an influence passenger seat, and folding rear headrests. Volvo’s pricing is increased than Audi or Mercedes, however these automobiles can overlap the C40 of their higher trims. The This autumn e-tron and EQB provide superior vary, however the C40 is faster and extra highly effective. It could be a tricky selection, however we’d possible advocate the Volvo amongst this trio.
Issues get tougher when Genesis and Tesla enter the dialog. The GV60 and Mannequin Y might not be as fast, however each provide considerably faster charging. Sadly, the Genesis is barely bought in Arizona, California, Connecticut, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Utah and Washington, so for those who do not reside close to a type of states, you are out of luck. After Tesla lowered the Mannequin Y’s worth to only $52,990 (low sufficient to qualify for the $7,500 tax credit score), it is tough to advocate the rest.
When the up to date C40 arrives with its higher vary and sooner charging speeds, it might cast off our solely main gripes of an in any other case very spectacular EV.