Volvo XC40 Recharge, first test, conclusion, technical data

Volvo XC40 Recharge Single Motor (Extended Series) at a glance

• New rear-wheel drive with 175 kW/238 hp or 185 kW/252 hp
• Travel up to 573 km according to WLTP
• DC charging up to 200 kW (10-80% in ~34 minutes)
• Plug and charge is arranged
• Starting price from 47,500 euros (extended quantity from 53,000 euros)
• Available to order now

“Thor’s hammers” like LED lights also adorn the front of the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric. The radiator mask was already changed in 2022, similar to the coupe C40 model.

The first rear-wheel drive Volvo in 25 years

If it pleases the new buyer of an electric car, if he has found a piece of history? Probably not. But still: For the first time in 25 years, Volvo is returning rear-wheel drive to one of its models and putting the entry-level XC40 and its C40 roof-top models with a single engine on the rear axle. power consumption of the Volvo XC40 model family together: 17.6-16, 6 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km; electric range: up to 573 km)². The last Volvo model with this type of car was the incomparable Volvo 940.

As a base engine, the XC40 now takes one of the newly developed electric flagship EX90 drives, which, according to the manufacturer, is not only more efficient than the previous electric machine, but is also finally assembled again in Sweden. Depending on the battery chosen, the permanent magnet electric motor produces between 175 kW/238 hp (single motor) and 185 kW/252 hp (single extended motor) with 420 Newton torques in each case. For comparison: the front-wheel drive versions of the XC40 have so far reached a maximum of 170 kW/231 hp and 330 Nm.

Swedish balance: You will look for a large accent in vain, but the construction is the same and the operation is simple.

More power, more variety

As before, the 4.44 meter long XC40 has a net 67 kWh battery as standard, which should enable WLTP ranges of up to 461 km (previously 422 km). According to Volvo, one variant of the car with the so-called “extended range” can even travel up to 573 km and has a 78 kWh battery. The same powertrain is also used in the all-wheel drive “Twin Motor” variant, which continues to deliver 300 kW/408 hp and makes the XC40 a kind of sports car in disguise – at least up to the electronic speed limit of 180. km/h.

During our first tests around Volvo’s headquarters in Gothenburg (test consumption between 20 and 22 kWh per 100 km) we were far from these speeds however. We reached a maximum of 80 km / h, but we still had the opportunity to experience on narrow country roads that the Volvo XC40 has thrown away the car’s appeal seen before thanks to the new rear wheel drive. So scraping tires during sudden starts is finally a thing of the past. However, the compact SUV is not a rear skid, which is also due to the fact that the ESP can be switched to a higher sport mode – but it always remains active.

It charges up to 200 kW

The charging power of the standard single-engine variant remains unchanged at 150 kW, while the long-range and dual-engine variants can be supplied with up to 200 kW at a DC charging station. The Volvo XC40 can be charged with a maximum of 11 kW on the AC poles. A standard battery conditioner is intended to ensure that the battery always reaches an ideal temperature of 25 degrees during active mode driving before charging. This function cannot be activated manually. Interesting for frequent drivers: Volvo is working on plug-and-charge integration, and the functionality is likely to be enabled later via an over-the-air update.

And since we are already in the middle of the topic of electricity: the process of switching between driving a car with one pedal and sailing is still a little difficult. The driving mode can only be changed in the submenu of the infotainment screen – in our opinion the best option would be a simple button or the use of the steering wheel paddles.

Space in the Volvo XC40 can be put to good use, whoever folds the back seat gets a maximum storage volume of 1,328 litres. Depending on the engine variant, the trailer load is 1,500 to 1,800 kg.

Easy operation and good utility values

Otherwise there is nothing bad to report about running Google’s operating system on the Volvo. All functions are largely self-explanatory, the display is clear and the wireless connection of different smartphones is not difficult. The space situation has also not changed, so that four people can still travel comfortably in the XC40, if necessary also five people in a short time. The trunk offers 452 to 1,328 liters of rear storage space, and the frunk offers an additional 31 liters. Trailers can be towed by the rear-wheel drive variant weighing up to 1.5 tons, the all-wheel drive can take up to 1.8 tons on the hook.

In terms of driving dynamics, the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric with rear-wheel drive sets a new standard. Unfortunately, the ESP, which intervenes too early, cannot turn it off.

The first conclusion

With the conversion of the car from front to rear, Volvo has eliminated one of the biggest criticisms of the XC40 with a single motor: the car’s apparent influence in the steering wheel. As a result, the compact SUV from Sweden has gained clear independence. Furthermore, the Nordic calmness in the interior, easy operation and high utility value as well as sufficient attractiveness are persuasive. Unfortunately, all of this comes at a price. The single engine variant starts with a standard battery from 47,500 euros, the extended variant costs from 53,000 euros. The twin-engine four-wheel drive XC40 remains the most advanced and is available in the German list price from 59,950 euros. (Text: tv | Photo: manufacturer)

Volvo XC40 Single Motor Extended Range Specifications*

* Manufacturer’s information