XC40 Recharge – VOLVO first pure electric compact SUV

Ben Bach

The XC40 Recharge is designed to start receiving automatic over the air updates. Bold and expressive design meets compact efficiency.

The Volvo XC40 Electric – or to give it its full name, the Recharge P8 – is a stylish and premium fully electric SUV design to compete with the likes of the Tesla Model Y and Audi Q4 e-tron.

Other alternatives include the Mercedes EQA and Jaguar I-Pace. But while all of those are separate models in their own right, the XC40 Electric is like a high-tech barn conversion: externally it’s the same XC40 that’s been around for a few years, but it’s been gutted under the skin and fitted with all sorts of electric wizardry.

Visually, then, this isn’t an EV that shouts about its battery power, and it looks very similar to the petrol and diesel XC40. Its front grille is closed off with some body-coloured plastic and there’s a little less chrome, but that’s about as much as you’ll spot if you had them side-by-side.

It’s a similar story inside the electric Volvo XC40, but changes are a little more drastic than they first appear. The overall posh, typically Swedish minimalist approach is here but the door linings and carpets are made 97% from recycled plastic bottles to add to the XC40 Electric’s green credentials.

There’s a brand new infotainment system as well. It’s Android-based, and has Google’s Assistant and Maps features built-in. It’s definitely more up to date than the ageing system found in other Volvos, but some menus are still a little fiddly to use on the move for our liking.

Generally speaking, the battery-powered Volvo XC40 is just as good at lugging your family around as the version that’s powered by flammable liquid. Boot space does take a tiny bit of a hit because of where the batteries are placed, but in terms of passenger room it’s no less roomy.

Speaking of the battery, it’s a 78kWh unit — identical to that found in the Volvo spin-off Polestar 2 — paired up to two electric motors. There’s one at the front and back, with a total output of 408hp and 660Nm of torque, making this easily the fastest XC40 on sale.

With the same 0-60mph time as a Volkswagen Golf R it’s certainly rapid, and will definitely put a smile on the faces of your friends when you take them for a spin. However, this is no sports car – the handling is tidy enough, and four-wheel drive means loads of grip, but it’s not the sort of car that you’ll be seeking out twisting back roads in.

Volvo XC40 electric range and charging

According to Volvo, you’ll manage 257 miles between charges in the electric XC40. We found a figure of more like 210 miles in varied real-world driving is more realistic, which while not Tesla-beating is a decent enough figure.

You’ll be able to charge the XC40 Recharge P8 through a 150kW fast charger if you want to top it up quickly. This will take the battery from near-flat to 80% in 40 minutes.

Rather than use traditional trim levels, Volvo sells the electric XC40 as one variant with upgrade packs. That base model isn’t exactly cheap, though when you consider the performance on offer it’s not overpriced for what it is. Overall, if you’re looking for an upmarket electric family SUV with enough punch to see off most hot hatches, it’s a good buy.

Storage

You’ll be happy to hear that Volvo has been almost fanatical about providing a number of smaller interior storage spaces.

For example, the Volvo XC40’s front door pockets will swallow the usual bottles of water (several two-litre bottles, actually), but are also big enough for a laptop. To make that possible, large bass speakers in the doors have been replaced with high-frequency tweeters, with the bulk of the sound instead coming from speakers in the dashboard.

On top of that, the space under the front centre armrest is big enough for a small handbag or, if you want that full-blown minicab feel, a large box of tissues. There’re also a couple of cupholders between the two front seats, a card holder next to the steering wheel and a tray for your phone. Wireless charging is a cheap option across the range.

Boot space

The Volvo XC40 Electric’s boot drops from 452 litres in the standard model to 413 litres because of the space required for the car’s battery pack. This is a reasonable figure, but it’s quite a bit smaller than the 520 litre maximum capacity offered in the Audi Q4 e-tron.

You’re unlikely to miss those extra litres too much though, because the XC40’s boot is well designed with a large opening, a square load bay that won’t snag awkward luggage and no boot lip – so heavy objects can be slid easily into place. A hands-free electric tailgate is standard on every model, too.

Fold the rear seats down (they only split 60/40, not the more desired 40/20/40) and you’ll open up a very useable space. It means the XC40 can carry a bike with both its wheels attached, or carry enough flat-pack furniture to fill a small living room.

If that’s not enough, there’s even a little 31-litre compartment under the bonnet where the car’s charging cables are usually stored.

Specs

Engine : Type Electric
Transmission : 1-speed direct drive
Drive Type : All wheel drive
Combined : MPG 79
Total Seating : 5
Basic Warranty : 4 yr./ 50,000 mi.

Drivetrain

Drive type : All wheel drive
Transmission : 1-speed direct drive

Fuel & MPG

Combined MPG   :   79
EPA City MPGe   :   85 mi.
EPA Combined MPGe   :   79 mi.
EPA Electricity Range   :   208 mi.
EPA Highway MPGe   :   72 mi.
EPA Time to charge battery (at 240V)   :   8.0 hr.
EPA kWh/100 mi   :   43
EPA mileage est. (cty/hwy)   :   85/72 mpg
Fuel type : Electric fuel
Range in miles (cty/hwy) : 0/0 mi.