New Volvo C40 Recharge Revealed Fresh Look

The Volvo C40 Recharge is the brand’s first model designed exclusively as an electric car. In March 2022, the front-wheel-drive basic drive will follow with the single motor.

The XC40 Recharge P8 AWD was followed in autumn 2021 with the Volvo C40 Recharge – and since March 2022 the new single motor basic drive with a front-wheel drive from 48,850 euros (as of March 2022) – the second all-electric model from the Swedish brand. This is of course not a two-door, flat car, but a fashionable SUV coupe. The five-door C40 cannot deny its descent from the XC40. This is reflected in the technical data such as the 300 kW (408 hp) top drive with a 150 kW electric motor (204 hp) each on the front and rear axles and the lithium-ion battery also with a capacity of 78 kWh under the vehicle floor.

The storage should enable an electric range of up to 444 kilometers (WLTP) – the battery can be filled to 80 percent in 37 minutes at a DC fast charging station. The basic electric drive of the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric has been expanding the C40 range since March 2022: As a single motor, a 170 kW (231 hp) electric motor drives the front wheels. The basic C40 comes exclusively with a 69 kW battery that offers a range of up to 423 kilometers.

The battery charges to 80 percent in 32 minutes using the DC plug. Despite the close relationship to the XC40 SUV, which is also available with a combustion engine, as a mild hybrid, and as a plug-in hybrid, the 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge was developed as a pure BEV. For this purpose, a new front for electric Volvo was designed, which will also be found in a similar way on other electric models from the Swedes. The roofline is pulled down significantly, which should limit the headroom in the rear. At 413 liters, the coupe’s cargo space is about 40 liters smaller than that of the electric XC40.

Volvo C40 Recharge

The interior and connectivity of the 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge are also based on the electric XC40. Difference: The C40 is the first leather-free Volvo. The infotainment system was developed with Google and is based on Android Auto: drivers have access to apps such as Google Maps and Google Assistant. Over-the-air updates are also possible.

By the way: The C has a long tradition in Volvo’s nomenclature. As early as 1997, a coupé appeared under the name C70, which was followed shortly afterward by a convertible with a fabric top and later one with a folding metal roof. With the C30, the brand continued the history of compact coupés in 2006. A mini edition of the C30 was even then powered purely by battery power – as a test model. The alternative to buying or leasing the 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge is much more than a test model: the subscription model. With a fixed term of three years, the monthly rate is 609 euros for the single-engine, 649 euros for the twin-engine in the basic version Core.

Volvo C40 Recharge

In a flexible subscription with a three-month term from 679 euros, or 719 euros (as of March 2022) per month. The purchase is of course still possible. It starts with the 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge single-engine from 48,850 euros. The twin motor with an all-wheel drive and 79 kWh battery costs at least 57,650 euros (as of March 2022). The purchase price and the subscription include the so-called “recharge insurance” consisting of motor vehicle liability and fully comprehensive insurance as well as service, maintenance and wear and tear.

2022 Volvo C40 Recharge Interior

Volvo C40 Recharge ınterior

For the first time, we can sit in the driver’s seat of the 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge. You sit slightly elevated on comfortable and soft seats, which also impress visually with their material mix of smooth and rough imitation leather. The center console includes an induction charging surface to charge the smartphone. Searching in vain for a start button, the gaze wanders to the Android-based infotainment system.

This is provided by numerous Google services, including Google Maps. The 9.0-inch touch display, which is already familiar with other Volvo models, resembles a tablet and – framed by elongated air vents – fits harmoniously into the cockpit layout. Luminous trim strips are embedded in the dashboard and in the front doors, which radiate in several dimensions and are reminiscent of a landscape. Also striking is the blue carpet made from recycled PET bottles that adorn the footwell and door panels. Incidentally, to start the 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge, it is enough to press the brake and operate the gear selector.

Volvo C40 Recharge

At the same time, an animation in the digital cockpit brings the round instruments to life. The displayed content is minimalistic and therefore clearly arranged. The multifunction steering wheel is pleasant to grip and feels good in the hand. Despite the panoramic glass roof and the sporty roofline, the C40 offers sufficient headroom on the rear seat bench, because the roof only falls away more sharply after the rear seat backrest. There is also enough legroom, but a center tunnel causes restrictions, especially on the middle seat.

Elenor Kling

A tech lover and generally a car enthusiast who likes to do a lot of research and share knowledge.

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