2022 Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric Review

SIX months after it announced the Australian pricing and specification of its second all-electric model, Volvo Cars Australia has launched its exciting C40 Recharge Pure Electric into the local market, priced from $74,990 plus on-road costs in single-motor guise.

 

Volvo’s new compact eSUV, which notably integrates augmented LED lighting technology in the Swedish marque’s signature Thor’s Hammer headlight design, introduces the new face of Volvo battery-electric vehicles to the local market.

 

The C40 Recharge – which is offered in single- and twin-motor format – rides on Volvo’s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform (which it shares with the closely related Polestar 2) and offers a lower, sleeker design that the larger XC40 Recharge.

 

As such, it presents a sportier, coupe-like roofline and stylish rear-end execution that cleverly disguises a capacious interior with high-set seating position, leather-free upholstery, and a range of model-specific colour and trim options.

 

Offered as standard with a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment array developed with Google, the C40 Recharge utilises an Android-based operating system that provides drivers with Google apps and built-in services, including Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play Store. It’s very good.

 

The system arrives with a four-year data subscription included as standard.

 

What’s more, the C40 Recharge can receive software updates over the air, meaning it will “continue to improve over time after it has left the factory”, Volvo says.

 

The list of safety equipment is extensive; it includes forward collision warning and mitigation, front and rear park assist, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping aid, parking assistance, hill start assist and -descent control.

 

The C40 Recharge is also equipped with keyless entry, remote-opening and electrically operated tailgate, panoramic roof, auto-dimming mirrors, dual-zone climate control, heated front- and rear seats, as well as power-folding head restraints.

 

Additionally, twin-motor variants (from $82,490 plus ORCs) receive all-wheel drive, 20-inch alloy wheels, 360-degree camera technology, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, and Microtech & Textile upholstery.

 

The single-motor Volvo C40 Recharge offers 170kW/330Nm and up to 434km of driving range while twin-motor variants – with 300kW/660Nm – provides up to 420km of driving range. Respectively, the duo can accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in 7.4 and 4.7 seconds.

 

Battery capacity is listed at 67kWh in single-motor trim and 75kWh for the twin-motor with charging from a household outlet taking as long as 40 hours to achieve. A 150kW DC fast charger will reduce that number to as low as 32 minutes (from 10 to 80 per cent).

 

The small-segment SUV measures 4431mm in length, 1875mm in width and 1582mm in height and offers a cargo area of 413 litres in five-seat mode (and to window height).

 

Both C40 Recharge variants come with Volvo's five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, an eight-year roadside assistance package, eight-year battery warranty and two-year interval servicing.