2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge
In our last review of the Volvo XC40, we considered how much this small premium crossover is truly more than what it presents itself as. It does the job carrying people and cargo around town, while giving you everything you expect in a Volvo.
Because Volvo is pushing electrified vehicles, they decided to offer their first battery-electric model in a very familiar package. They wanted to do more than replace a gasoline engine with a set of electric motors and a battery pack. They want to make this drive the same as a “normal” XC40.
The XC40 Recharge may look familiar, but there are a few differences visually to tell it apart from other XC40s. One, is the absence of a grille. The panel is a painted piece of plastic, shaped in the form of an XC40 grille. Cooling for the drive system comes from the lower grille area. The imprint on the C-pillar and the badge on the liftgate are the only other indicators that this is an all-electric XC40.
However, everything else is the same as regular XC40s. There’s plenty of modern Volvo touches– “Thor Hammer” headlamp units, a flatter hood, and a stylish roofline and greenhouse that signifies its smaller size and mission it will undertake for its owners.
The roofline slopes with a sporty profile, while the rear door windows and angled towards the top of the roof. There is no additional glass on the C pillar – replaced by a panel announcing the trim level of this XC40. Our Ultimate trim level is similar to the R-Design trim found on gasoline models. The black trim and 20-inch alloy wheels are shared between the Ultimate and R-Design trims.
With a cabin similar to the gasoline R-Design, the XC40 Recharge has a very straightforward and practical interior space. You will find a lot of Volvo elements inside – with the 9-inch Google-driven infotainment screen where some vehicle functions are controlled to the minimalist switches below it, on the console, and on the steering wheel. Instrumentation is a full digital screen with two large dials, a fuel gauge, and an information screen off to the side for driving data.
We should mention that some customers may be enthralled with the XC40 Inscription’s shifter. It is a small toggle-like shift-by-wire actuator that is found in other finishes on the other models. Similar to the R-Design, it is a leather-wrapped short shift-by-wire actuator.
One thing to note about the XC40 Recharge: The vehicle is turned on automatically when you step inside. That is, as long as you have the key with you. The XC40 recharge turns off when you press Park and step out of the vehicle.
The mix of leather and suede materials are found across both rows of seats. The front seats are supportive and comfortable. You get power adjustments for height, rake, recline, and lumbar support for the driver. Space is very good up front, as well as in the back. Adults can get comfortable for journeys over some distances. Cargo space is good for its size, measuring out to 57.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. You also get a sizeable compartment underneath the hood.
Our Recharge Twin tester came with two electric motors – one at each axle. Both motors drive the electronic all-wheel drive system for further traction. Both engines offer a total of 403 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. That’s a lot of power that comes on really quick. Although, it wants to simply cruise once you’re up to highway speed.
Volvo claims you can go 223 miles on a full charge at 100%. At around 92%, we were able to muster up to 190 miles of range through DC Fast Charging.
Our XC40 Recharge had a more balanced ride that absorbed rougher surfaces very well. It makes highway driving less of a chore. You will find some softness in the cornering, even with quick response through key handling maneuvers.
The steering wheel had a very soft feel with some on-center softness at lower speeds. The turning radius could be tighter, but response at the wheels is quite good. The brakes needed some pedal intervention in normal and panic situations. You can use the one pedal option, which works just fine.
The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin starts at $51,700. Our tester came with a sticker price of $60,090.
Now with an all-electric version, the XC40’s position in the premium vehicle market continues to grow. Among the Volvo’s competitors are the Audi Q4 eTron, Genesis GV60, the upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQB, and BMW iX1.
While facing rising fuel costs, you can go electric with the Volvo XC40 Recharge. It does everything the “normal” XC40 does. That, in itself, is a good selling point.
Story Credits: CarSoup Editors
