It was again in 2022 after I first reviewed the extra glamorous twin of the electrical Volvo XC40, the C40. From the driving force’s seat they’re indistinguishable to drive and, so far as seems to be go, from the B pillar ahead they’re successfully the identical automobile with completely different model glass roofs.
Again then I described the C40 as “a simple entry for first time electrical SUV patrons” and properly suited to life because the household lugger. (Though the sloping rear roof line of the C40 Recharge restricted it to patrons who didn’t have over 1.8m rear seat passengers).
Since then, Volvo have made enhancements to the driving vary, motors and battery measurement of the XC/C40 pair– together with transferring the pushed wheels within the 2WD variations from the entrance to the rear.
So, to meet up with the present configuration and updates, I not too long ago took an XC40 Recharge for an prolonged spin to see what distinction these modifications had made, in addition to examine the siblings by way of area and practicality.
XC40 Recharge Quick Info:
The XC40 Recharge was Volvo’s first full-electric automobile (BEV) and is classed right here as a ‘medium SUV’. Abroad gross sales started in late 2020, with Australian gross sales of the all-wheel drive (AWD) starting in mid-2021.
Each the XC40 and C40 are constructed on Volvo’s new and extremely adaptable CMA (Compact Modular Structure) platform. This single platform is designed to hold all of the smaller Volvo vehicles by way of to 2030 (and the total electrification of Volvo) by flexibly enabling all EV and ICE varieties (BEV, PHEV, HEV and ICE) to be constructed on it, quite than having separate, devoted ICE and BEV platforms.
In contrast to the C40 (which is out there in BEV type solely), the XC40 is out there right here as petrol and hybrid variations in addition to the pure electrical (BEV) reviewed right here. The BEV model is denoted by the addition of the ‘Recharge’ badge.
2022 updates: gross sales started of the 2WD (entrance wheels pushed) model of the XC40 SUV, plus the introduction of the associated C40 ‘crossover’.
Mid-2023 replace: For each the XC40 and C40, Volvo made modifications to the battery measurement for the AWD variations (from 78kWh to 82kWh gross), improved the motors and total power effectivity in addition to swapped the two-wheel drive model from entrance to rear wheel drive (RWD). Google mapping and connectivity was additionally added right now.
Coming updates: to maintain consistent with Volvo’s new naming regime, the XC40/C40 BEV pair shall be rebadges because the EX40 and EC40 for 2025. Nevertheless no main modifications to the fashions are anticipated.
Take a look at automobile: My 2022 report lined the AWD C40 which, again then, had a 78kWh battery, 432km WLTP driving vary and a 0-100km/h time of 4.8 sec. On mortgage this time was a 2WD (rear wheels pushed) XC40. Just like the equal C40, this model comes with a 69kWh battery and in XC40 guise has a 460km (WLTP) driving vary and 0-100km/g time of seven.3 sec.
XC40 Recharge driving:
Wheels on the 2WD are 19 inch with 235/50 tyres on the entrance and 255/45 on the rear. These make the experience noticeably smoother than that provided by the 20 inch wheels/decrease profile ones on the AWD.
With the transfer to driving the rear wheels, the steering feels lighter and smoother that the earlier front-wheel drive model. Alternatively, it is a automobile designed to be secure and simple to drive household transport, so don’t anticipate a complete lot of suggestions from it.
The replace of the infotainment system to Google has resulted in a greater map expertise together with barely sooner responses from the display screen.
In any other case, there may be little so as to add to my report on the C40 from 2022. The XC40 is a simple first entry to the world of BEV driving, though I do miss a few of the options {that a} BEV drivetrain gives resembling selectable regenerative braking choices. Alternatively, in full i-pedal mode, one pedal driving is a breeze and the most effective carried out methods obtainable. Additionally, the XC40 gives a lot better rear visibility with its larger roofline and bigger rear window than the C40.
Inside:
The XC40 differs to the C40 with a straighter roof line rear of the B pillar – leading to extra rear head top. Moreover, the C40 has a non-opening panoramic roof, while within the XC40 the entrance half of the panoramic roof opens, in addition to having an electrically pushed retractable sunshade.
In any other case the variations are what are provided as customary within the 2WD or AWD variations. Each variations have a useful 31 litre ‘froot’ (entrance boot) that’s totally sealed with a latching lid. Saved beneath its ground is the now ubiquitous tyre inflation package that now suffices for a spare wheel in most new vehicles.
As per the unique model, there may be wi-fi telephone charging within the entrance console, together with loads of storage and USB ports – each entrance and rear.
The entrance seats are electrically adjustable and really snug – rear seating can be properly finding with ample leg room and, in XC40 guise, there may be higher rear head room for these over 1.8m – as properly extra baggage quantity when the rear seats are folded and also you pile it to the roof. (1,289 litres within the XC40 versus 1205 litres for the C40).
Nevertheless, as officer Barbrady from the animated collection ‘South Park’ is fond of claiming: “Transfer alongside folks, there’s nothing to see right here”. Many of the enhancements are the place you don’t see them.
Vary:
One of many few disappointments with the unique model was the driving vary. Actually, again then the bigger battery AWD model has a decrease vary than the 2WD and neither was class main.
Now, with a brand new design rear motor and different effectivity enhancements, the XC40 2WD has a considerably higher vary with the identical measurement battery.
In AWD type the effectivity enhancements and barely bigger battery have made a good greater distinction. Thoughts-you, the XC40 is a comparatively heavy automobile so its effectivity is rarely going to be class main, however it’s now undoubtedly nearer to what you’ll anticipate from batteries of those sizes.
ADAS:
ADAS is the acronym for ‘Superior Driver Help System’. An entire number of security options are lumped beneath that heading and, to get the total 5 star security score from ANCAP, sure ADAS capabilities should be included and are examined through the rankings analysis.
Nevertheless, how these ADAS options implement the ‘help’ varies enormously between numerous producers. Some are intrusive to the purpose I’d virtually name them harmful – for instance the unexpectedly sturdy shove that the MG4 offers to the steering in the event you stray from the straight and slender inside a lane. (Most are mild nudges and even only a quiet chirp).
Others, just like the Hyundai Kona, have such intrusive ‘bings and bongs’ for a mess of ‘transgressions’ that you’re usually distracted from the duty of concentrating on the highway to work out what it’s complaining about … and whether or not is it an actual subject or simply being overzealous.
As such, I have a tendency to consider ADAS as being in three camps: Superior Driver ANNOYANCE Techniques, Superior Driver ASSISTANCE Techniques and Superior Driver ADVISORY Techniques.
The Volvo is certainly considered one of these final: it advises you quietly and never too usually, plus providing you with adequate latitude earlier than providing a warning in a approach that it acknowledges a human (and never a pc) is behind the wheel.
As an example, transferring to the left or proper inside a lane to keep away from potholes doesn’t set off a shove again in direction of the hazard, nor does the velocity recognition demand consideration past a quiet flash and chirp – which is appreciated when many faculty zone indicators are time primarily based however the system recognises 40km/h 24hrs a day in all conditions.
As such, you truly paid consideration to all its warnings, quite than tune-out to (or simply flip off) an overzealous, demanding one. A giant tick to Volvo for offering an ADAS that truly improves the extent of security with out inflicting pointless distraction.
Guarantee and Servicing:
Volvo at present supply a 5 yr, limitless kilometres protection (excluding industrial utilization) with 8 years/160,000km on the battery. It’s value noting that Volvo doesn’t specify precisely what the decrease restrict for battery capability is, past saying that ‘regular gradual capability loss’ shouldn’t be lined beneath the guarantee.
The service interval is 30,000km/two years (whichever comes first). Presently Volvo additionally embody the primary 5 years providers (as much as 150,000km) without spending a dime. These embody automobile security, air filter and tyre sealant checks and, if wanted, two tyre sealant replacements.
Pricing:
Volvo has all the time maintained itself as a semi-premium model – and the XC40 BEV is not any exception. In Victoria (the place no EV subsidies apply), on the highway pricing for the 2WD begins at $85,289 and $94,667 for the AWD.
Rivals:
The medium SUV BEV is a crowded area – not to mention in the event you add some barely greater SUVs from the ‘Massive SUV class’ (just like the Ford Mach-e and the Tesla Mannequin Y). For this comparability I’ve subsequently stick principally to the medium SUV phase, with the addition of simply the Mach-e and Mannequin Y:
Summing up:
The Volvo XC40 often is the much less glamorous/extra sensible sibling of the XC/C40 pair – however for safely carrying 4 to 5 full-sized adults and their baggage in consolation for lengthy distances, it does the job properly. Particularly in order it additionally gives a great tow score. (1500kg for the 2WD and 1800kg for the AWD).
Personally, I’d contemplate the 2WD the choose to purchase. With the extra compliant 19 inch wheels and better profile tyres, it gives just about every little thing the AWD gives in options however with a greater experience … plus it’s cheaper than the AWD.
(Word: not like in Europe, right here in Australia we don’t get the choice to pair the 2WD with the bigger battery to surrender to 576km of driving vary – which might have been a great combo for individuals who need to tow for longer distances).
All-up, with the XC40 Volvo look like sticking to what it is aware of finest: construct a secure, snug, dependable and simple to drive household automobile that provides no scares or problems. Because it does all this with out you even noticing: one may virtually accuse it of being (in a pleasant approach) simply ever so barely boring!
Volvo XC40 Specs:
Seating: 5
Boot volumes in litres: (1 litre = 10 x 10 x 10 cm)
Boot – seats up: 413 L
Boot – seat folded: 1,289 L
Froot: 31L (‘Froot’: Entrance boot)
Dimensions:
General size: 4,440 mm
General width (mirrors folded/mirrors out):
1,938/2,062 mm
General top: 1,651 mm
Floor clearance: 181 mm
Battery:
2WD: 69 kWh (66 useable)
AWD: 82 kWh (78 useable: beforehand 78/75 useable)
Power consumption: (WLTP check cycle)
2WD: 17.3 kWh/100km (Beforehand 18.3)
AWD: 18.1 kWh/100km (Beforehand 23.8)
Kerb weight:
2WD: 2,040 kg
AWD: 2,192 kg
Charging:
1 part AC: 7.4 kW max.
3 part AC: 11 kW max.
DC: 135 kW (RWD); 200 kW (AWD)
Cost port location:
Drive configurations:
Two wheel drive:
Entrance-wheel drive (FWD): pre mid-2023
Rear-wheel drive (RWD): put up mid-2023
All-wheel drive (AWD)
Towing:
2WD: 1500 kg braked/750 kg unbraked.
AWD: 1800 kg braked/750 kg unbraked.
Efficiency:
Vary:
Bryce Gaton is an knowledgeable on electrical automobiles and contributor for The Pushed and Renew Economic system. He has been working within the EV sector since 2008 and is at present working as EV electrical security coach/supervisor for the College of Melbourne. He additionally gives assist for the EV Transition to enterprise, authorities and the general public by way of his EV Transition consultancy EVchoice.