Volvo C40 Recharge review

This is the new Volvo C40 Recharge. It’s an all-electric family SUV that majors on style appeal, and which goes up against alternatives such as the Audi Q4 e-Tron Sportback, and the Skoda Enyaq Coupe.

Essentially, it’s the same car underneath as the XC40 Recharge – a car that we think is really rather good.

But where you might view the boxier SUV as being akin to the sensible, grown-up older brother, the C40 Recharge is more like the trendier, edgier younger sibling. Just look at that sloping, coupe-style roofline – it almost makes it look like it’s wearing a turned-around baseball cap.

There are a handful of other new sporty details dotted around the place, too. The C40 Recharge gets some sportier side-skirts and bumpers, and there’s also a small bootlid spoiler round the back.

Up front you get the same closed-off front grille that marks the XC40 Recharge out as an electric car; while the ‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlights, whose main beams now feature ultra-bright Pixel LED technology, make a classy appearance too.

It’s a very good looking car, this, and that abundant style appeal continues on the inside.

All C40s get a fully vegan interior as standard (say goodbye to leather, folks), while funky blue-coloured carpets and door trims are available to give the car a bit of extra visual pizzaz. There are some swish-looking trim inserts on the dash too, which feature a map-like contour line motif – the design of which is supposedly influenced by Swedish mountains.

Volvo’s latest Android-based touchscreen infotainment system is also included. This comes with Google Maps built-in, and supports over-the-air software updates. It’s easy enough to use, and the graphics are clear and responsive. It’s just a shame that this system doesn’t currently support Apple CarPlay for even greater ease of use (an upcoming over-the-air software update will rectify that, though).

The twin-motor version is extremely fast, but it’s likely Volvo will release a single motor version further down the line. This will be cheaper, and will have a greater electric range - so it’s the one I’d go for.

The C40 Recharge offers plenty of comfort up front and a decent enough level of adjustability in terms of driving position – though you might find yourself wanting to be able to bring the steering wheel a bit closer into your chest. The sporty-looking seats are heated and electrically adjustable, and do a good job of keeping you comfy and supported over longer trips.

It’s not all rosy in here, though. For starters, the dramatic coupe roofline eats into headroom in the back seats compared with the regular XC40 Recharge. It’s not a dealbreaker by any means, but taller passengers will find that the tops of their heads brush the headlining in the back of the C40 Recharge. Smaller rear windows means it feels a bit dark in the back, too.

With a more steeply sloped rear window, the view out the back is also extremely restricted. Being a Volvo, however, there are plenty of parking cameras and sensors available to help keep you from accidentally bumping bumpers in a busy car park.

Boot space comes in at 414 litres, which is the same as what you get on the regular electric XC40. It’s a hatchback opening too, so loading bulkier items is just as easy.

And as for battery and motor options? Well, there’s just one set-up to choose from. This comprises a 75kWh battery with a claimed range of 273 miles, which is used to power two electric motors for a combined output of 408hp, and a 0-60mph time of 4.7 seconds.

The result is blisteringly quick acceleration when you plant your foot – it really does surpass the point of ridiculousness. But it does at least mean overtaking manoeuvres are a breeze, and when you’re cruising about it remains a smooth and quiet car to plod around in.

Overly light steering and fairly soft suspension does mean it’s not all that fun to drive quickly, but it does make it more than comfortable enough for trundling around town – even if its big alloy wheels can make it feel a bit fidgety over lumps and bumps.

And as for charging? Well, plug into a 7kW home wallbox and you’ll replenish the C40’s battery overnight. Track down a 150kW DC rapid charger, and it’ll be topped up from 10% to 80% in 40 minutes.

You can buy the C40 Recharge on a monthly subscription basis through the Care by Volvo service. Payments start from £679 per month on a three-year contract, but you can find out more about that on our Volvo C40 Recharge deals page.