With a powerful 300 kW electric drivetrain, crisp styling and a posh interior the Volvo C40 looks set to carve a name for itself in the growing EV SUV market. Our Editor Damian Adams met the Swede at the local launch in a wet and windy Cape Town.
What are we driving?
Following the addition of the all-electric Volvo XC40 Recharge to the South African market, the Swedish brand has now expanded its EV offering with the trendy C40 Recharge. It’s a niche SUV with four-door coupé styling that maintains all of the familiar character you’d expect from a modern Volvo. This P8 Ultimate variant (the only iteration available in SA) is propelled by an all-wheel-drive twin-motor configuration, and as a result it’s one of the fastest-accelerating Volvo products ever built.
Powered by a large 78 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, it produces 300 kW and 660 N.m, so the dash to 100 km/h is completed in only 4,7 seconds. This makes it effectively as fast as an Audi RS Q3 Sportback. On the rain-soaked Cape Winelands launch drive it performed effortlessly offering heaps of traction and confidence in the wet and of course more than enough grunt to overtake lumbering trucks. It’s not a sports car and doesn’t have aspirations of ultimate driver engagement, however, it’s rather relaxed and easy to pilot with light steering and a firm enough suspension to keep body control in check but one can’t ignore the available grunt.
The driving range for the C40 Recharge P8 Ultimate is a claimed 444 km (WLTP), although I’d suggest that a realistic range of around 370 km is achievable.
Why is the Volvo C40 Recharge significant?
Design is the primary selling point for the C40. The smaller glass-to-metal ratio contrasts against chunky lower body panels that hunker down on 20-inch wheels. Its unique 84-pixel headlights claim to do a better job at not dazzling oncoming drivers than regular LED matrix units. The taillights that extend up the C-pillar perform an LED animation whenever it’s locked or unlocked. Aerodynamic elements like a spoiler at the top and bottom of that raked rear glass add a touch of sportiness but are functional too as the C40 has a drag coefficient of 0,319 Cd.
Pleasing aesthetics continue inside the C40 and there’s no actual leather on the steering wheel or suede on the seats. The materials are entirely leather-free, but they look and feel convincing. The carpeting too is made from recycled material. An especially stylish detail on the dash is a trim insert which is designed from the topography of Sweden’s Abisko National Park. At night, backlighting shines through it.
Related: Upcoming Volvo EX30 promises the lowest carbon footprint ever
As a styling exercise, the C40 hits the mark, standing out with its sculpted stance and tasteful appointments. Even better, it’s genuinely pleasant to drive.
What’s new on the Volvo C40 Recharge?
The portrait-style touchscreen is far less finicky to use than before. Although the climate controls and the vehicle settings are still operated solely from the screen, not much is more than one or two taps away. Now using Android Automotive software connecting my Samsung device to the infotainment system took just a few seconds while the ‘Hey Google’ voice-operated assistant works seamlessly.
It’s incredibly fuss-free generally, there’s no Start/Stop button to fiddle with for example. Select drive and you’re away. The same goes with leaving the Recharge – select park, exit, lock up and walk away. On the go it’s equally easy.
What does the new Volvo C40 Recharge cost?
Available as a flagship P8 Ultimate the C40 Recharge will set buyers back R1 285 000.
What are the Volvo C40 Recharge’s rivals?
With its unique-to-Mzansi exterior design and potent EV powertrain, this sloped-roof Swedish crossover carves out a space for itself that sees little direct competition. The Tesla Model Y, Mustang Mach-E, Audi Q4 e-tron and Kia EV6 for example are all unavailable in SA while the EV crossovers that are for sale locally come more conventionally styled and offer less performance making them more relevant rivals for the XC40 Recharge. BMW’s iX1 xDrive30 M Sport and the Mercedes-Benz EQA250 AMG-Line are both a bit more affordable than the C40 coming in at R1 180 000 and R1 227 000 before options, however they are outgunned by the 300 kW/660 N.m Volvo. By comparison the BMW produces 230 kW and the Mercedes just 140 kW.
Verdict
The Volvo C40 is a wonderful thing, it’s an EV with character. It’s certainly not perfect, the ride’s on the firm side and some interior finishes don’t feel as expensive as the price tag would suggest. However, for now, it’s in a class of its own doing the four-door coupé EV SUV thing. There are loads of standard features, the design inside and out is top-notch, the performance is class-leading, and the whole experience provides a refined and surefooted ride.
Volvo C40 Recharge Fast Facts
Price: R1 285 000
Engine: 78 kW/h battery, dual-electric motors
Power: 300 kW
Torque: 600 N.m
Driven wheels: All
0-100 km/h: 4,7 seconds
Top speed: 180 km/h
Range: 444 km (WLTP)
Rivals: Audi RS Q3 Sportback (although not an EV), BMW iX1, Mercedes-Benz EQA
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