Volvo XC40 Recharge Safety Comfort and Electric Driving

Volvo XC40 Recharge electric review: performance, motor & drive

The XC40 Recharges fantastic refinement makes it a very relaxing motorway cruiser only bolstered on models built from mid-2023, with their improved efficiency and longer range. While it isnt as quiet as an Audi e-tron, its not far off. Theres very little whine from the motor and wind and road noise are kept in check, too. Plus, for a relatively small car, it can certainly shift. The electric XC40 line-up also received several updates in late 2022, including switching the single-motor version from front to rear-wheel drive.

Volvo XC40 Recharge electric 0-62mph, top speed and acceleration

The electric XC40 Recharge is now available with either a single-motor or dual-motor powertrain. The base model uses one electric motor to power the rear wheels (previously front-wheel drive) and produces 235bhp in all. 0-62mph in this version takes 7.4 seconds, which is plenty fast enough for a family SUV. Its this version that wed recommend.

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Meanwhile, the XC40 Twin gets an extra motor on the front axle and produces a total of 402bhp. With that much power on tap, this compact SUV can go from 0-62mph in just 4.8 seconds. That shove is available instantly, too just put your foot down and the XC40 takes off.

There are two levels of regenerative braking: a coasting mode and a one-pedal mode as per the Nissan Leaf or Honda e which slows the car quite dramatically when you lift off the throttle. We prefer this style of driving, though some may find the sensation is a little too exaggerated. In our experience, the updated single-motor version seemed to have slackened this setting slightly, presumably for better energy distribution given the switch to rear-wheel drive.

Handling

The suspension of the XC40 Recharge has been tuned for comfort, so more often than not you just sit back and relax, making it a fantastic commuter and motorway cruiser. But off the motorway, you notice that the XC40 isnt as sharp to drive as a Jaguar I-Pace or even its sister model the Polestar 2, so you dont feel compelled to exploit all 402bhp you have on tap if youre driving the all-wheel-drive version.

Wed recommend the single-motor anyway. Even before the switch to rear-wheel drive, this version struck a better balance of performance versus running costs. It still feels quick enough, and grip is good despite not offering the reassurance of a second motor for all-wheel drive. Only when you floor the accelerator pedal away from junctions, or during fast cornering, do you ever notice the newer versions are rear-driven.

One thing wed do our best to avoid, is the 20-inch wheels fitted to top-spec Ultimate models. The smaller wheels and deeper-profile tyres on Core and Plus versions offer a much plusher ride and improved refinement too.

Volvo XC40 Recharge hybrid reliability & safety rating

Volvo's reputation is built on safety, something it takes very seriously. The brand is aiming to eliminate serious injuries and fatalities in its cars as of 2020, while its impressive track record includes zero deaths since 2004 in its XC90 SUV. The XC40 follows the trend with a strong crash rating and an impressive list of active safety and driver assistance features.

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The XC40 was the first Volvo to use the brand's latest mechanical platform and so was something of an unknown quantity; however, since its introduction, the smallest Volvo SUV has proven itself as a reliable family car.

Volvo XC40 Recharge reliability & problems

While the plug-in hybrid Recharge models haven't featured yet, the XC40 in its other forms performed admirably in the 2020 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey, finishing 14th out of 75 cars. This result takes into account all aspects of ownership; on the reliability front, an average share of reported faults was 15.9%, with most being electrical. This is a decent fault rate for its class.

Safety

A five-star Euro NCAP rating with a 97% score for adult protection and 87% for child protection means the XC40 passes muster when it comes to passive safety features, but its headline active safety features are most impressive. All XC40 models come as standard with autonomous emergency braking, a number of accident mitigation systems, a speed limiter, driver attention alert and lane-keeping assistance, along with road-sign recognition. Step to R Design Pro or Inscription Pro and active headlights are added.

It's worth speccing the optional Driver Assist package, which brings Volvo's Intellisafe Assist and Intellisafe Surround systems. These together add adaptive cruise control with stop-go, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert and rear collision detection, among other features.

Volvo XC40 Recharge hybrid interior, dashboard & comfort

The XC40s cabin is as comfortable and spacious as all modern Volvos', with great seats and a clear view out being particular highlights; its very well designed, but there are some plastics that cant match the quality of rivals from Audi or Land Rover, for example.

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It has been around for a handful of years now but the XC40's interior still feels fresh and quite unlike its rivals. There's a simplicity that some will find appealing, while others will revel in the ability to go for interesting options like bright orange carpets and attractive wood veneers.

Volvo XC40 Recharge dashboard

The XC40's dashboard feels much like that in other Volvo SUVs upright, simply designed and with a more vertical feeling than is the norm in its rivals. Much of this impression is created by the vertically aligned air vents and portrait-oriented infotainment screen, under which sit a few buttons for key functions like volume.

Otherwise, all of the car's functions are controlled through the touchscreen. It's easier to use than you might expect and it's easy to get used to but some may prefer the more traditional layout in a BMW X1, for example. Other features include a clear driver's display in place of traditional analogue dials, a steering wheel with comprehensive controls for music and cruise control and even a crystal gear selector on higher-end Inscription and Inscription Pro models.

Equipment, options & accessories

The XC40 Recharge is offered in four trim levels: R-Design, R-Design Pro, Inscription and Inscription Pro. It's worth noting that the cheaper Momentum trim offered with other XC40 engines is not available as a plug-in hybrid.

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Standard equipment is comprehensive, with all cars getting a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity and Volvo's On Call system for emergencies and added functions like vehicle tracking and sat-nav destination sharing.

Leather and nubuck upholstery is standard on R-Design cars, along with a range of black exterior styling parts, 19-inch hybrid-specific alloys and ambient interior lighting. The step to R-Design Pro adds desirable features including heated front seats and 20-inch wheels. Inscription and Inscription Pro cars are equipped in a similar manner, but with focus on luxury, with leather upholstery, 19-inch wheels and more.

The options list is sorted into packages, covering additional heating for seats, steering wheel and mirrors, driver assistance, practicality, extra seat adjustability or easier parking. The Lounge pack offers the most luxurious additions, including a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera and a 13-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system.

Infotainment, apps & sat nav

Volvos infotainment system works well, but is starting to feel a little dated compared to more sophisticated offerings from the likes of BMW and Mercedes; as with other Volvo models, you need to pay 300 for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, but sat nav is standard. Were looking forward to seeing Volvos forthcoming Google-powered system thats due to be introduced on the all-electric XC40 Recharge P8.

Volvo XC40 Recharge T5: Living with it

Report 1: Pure-electric running perfect for life in lockdown

Plug-in hybrid SUVs are fast becoming a go-to for family motorists looking to save on running costs and do their bit for the environment. The idea is that youve got access to a petrol engine for longer journeys, assisted by an electric motor that can fully take over when youre pootling around town. Low CO2 emissions mean reasonable road tax and company-car BiK rates, while the addition of an electric motor means performance gets a welcome hike. Whats not to like?

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On paper, its a recipe thats sure to be tempting for plenty of buyers. Our new long-termer specified in popular R-Design trim, as most will be is here so we can figure out if the specs translate in the real world.

The XC40 Recharge T5 is a high-tech car. Internal-combustion power comes from a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine with 177bhp, while the 81bhp electric motor (fed by a 10.7kWh battery) is used either to supplement this or for a claimed 28 miles of pure-electric driving. A seven-speed automatic gearbox and front-wheel drive are standard.

Its pretty pricey, too; while the standard XC40 starts at around 25,000, the Recharge T5 is 15,000 more than that. Our example has plenty of options and so pushes the asking price to 44,840. For context, thatd also get you a BMW 330e Touring in M Sport trim and with xDrive four-wheel drive.

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We didnt hold back when speccing ours: bright white paint and orange interior carpets mean it stands out from the crowd. Options include the Winter Pack (500), Convenience Pack (600) and the all-important smartphone integration option (300) that allows for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. That latter option should really be standard in our opinion, however: its thrown in on many cars costing half as much.

Given the Volvos family-car leanings, it comes as a disappointment that powered child locks are an 85 option on top of everything else. Thats not a lot in the grand scheme of things, but doesnt sit well in principle.

It may be pricey, but at least its cheap to run especially if youre a company-car user. Itll cost 3,186 over three years for 20% taxpayers, which is around 90 per month. Very reasonable for a 40,000-plus SUV.

As with all plug-in hybrids, youll have to keep the battery topped up to make sure the XC40 remains cheap to run from a fuelling perspective. Lockdown means weve managed to run the Volvo exclusively on electricity; charging costs have been kept low thanks to an Octopus Go electricity tariff, so shopping trips have worked out very cheap indeed. Performance in electric mode is adequate rather than exciting.

Once lockdown lifts, well be able to do some more in-depth tests regarding the XC40s drivetrain and its efficiency. In the meantime, itll provide quiet and comfortable transport to the shops.

Volvo XC40 Recharge electric review: interior, dashboard & comfort

The XC40 features the same modern, classy and understated cabin design as everything else in Volvos current line-up. Thats all well and good, but when you consider that the setup debuted in the Volvo XC90 way back in 2015, it starts to look a little dated.

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The screen might be running the latest Google software, for example, but at just nine inches, it cant compete with the huge display in the Tesla Model Y, or the widescreen infotainment fitted to the latest BMW iX1. At least the Volvos system is updatable over-the-air, with new apps being launched on a regular basis.

Further to this, the carpet used on both the floor and doors is created from recycled bottles, which is not only in keeping with the Swedish brands sustainable approach, but also reduces the amount of hard surfaces in the cars cabin. Top-spec Ultimate models get extra chintzy trinkets, but Core and Plus variants represent better value for money.

Volvo XC40 Recharge electric dashboard

The XC40 Recharges interior is very much the same as the standard model's fine, but perhaps a little old fashioned-looking alongside more modern rivals. Theres a nine-inch touchscreen in the middle of the dash, controlling most of the car's features. Its responsive enough, but its dwarfed by the widescreen display found in a Tesla Model Y.

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For the driver, theres a set of digital dials behind the steering wheel that can be customised to show things like sat-nav directions, plus there are features specific to the electric model.

Equipment, options & accessories

You can get the electric XC40 with either a single or dual-motor setup and isavailable in three trim levels: Core, Plus and Ultimate. All models feature a nine-inch central infotainment touchscreen that runsVolvos Android-based interface. Services include Google Maps, Google Assistant voice control and access to apps enabled for automotive use through the Google Play Store including, more recently, Waze navigation.

The entry-level XC40 Recharge Core comes withLED headlights, dual-zone climate control, wireless phone charging, a 12.3-inch digital drivers display, a powered tailgate, rear parking sensors and 19-inch alloy wheels as standard.

Above that is the XC40 Recharge Plus, which comes with Volvo's Pilot Assist system, keyless entry, hands-free power tailgate, heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, reversing camera and front parking sensors. It also adds a heat pump that reduces energy consumption when heating up the cars cabin, for improved range in colder weather.

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Finally, there's the Ultimate specification. This adds 20-inch alloy wheels, pixel-LED headlights, a 360-degree parking camera system, upgraded Harman Kardon sound system and a panoramic sunroof, plus suede and microtech upholstery.

Infotainment, apps & sat nav

The XC40 Recharge's operating system has been upgraded to come with a full set of Google Automotive services, including Google Assistant and Google Maps, similar to the unit found in the Polestar 2. Despite this, users can still connect their phones via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto if they prefer.

In October 2021, Volvo introduced a Range Assistant app for the XC40 as a part of an over-the-air (OTA) software update.According to Volvo, the app will help you maximise and monitor accurate, real-time electric range. It can optimise energy management and automatically adjust the climate control to a more efficient setting when required. The same app can also be found in the XC40 Recharges sister cars, the C40 coupe-SUV and the Polestar 2.

One bugbear of the original XC40 Recharge was the inability to show remaining miles in the digital instrument cluster. While the range always shows as a percentage, only when it drops to 30 miles or less does it appear on the screen. However, 2023 cars get this added functionality at all times and the company says an over-the-air update to include it on older cars is under discussion.