Volvo C40 Recharge review: Faster than a Porsche Cayman from 0-62mph and a £57k price tag… it’s too fast and too pricey
I’M a bit baffled by what Volvo is up to.
Here’s a brand that sells itself as the safest car firm in the world.
No one has ever died in its flagship XC90 SUV . . . at the time of going to press.
It invented the three-point seatbelt that keeps people safe in every car on the planet.
And don’t forget Volvo has limited the top speed on all its new cars to 112mph — all in the name of safety.
So, jumping in the new C40, I couldn’t believe I was actually sitting in a five-seat electric race car with enough shove to outrun a Porsche Cayman.
This thing is rapid. Properly rapid.
Two electric motors — one on each axle, for AWD — bang out 402 horses and fire it from 0-62mph in just 4.7 seconds. It feels faster.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s a giggle. But Volvo owners don’t want this much power.
They want something more chilled out, like the interior. Something more relaxed.
I have no doubt the C40 will be popular but only when the single-motor, front-wheel-drive version follows later.
Thoroughly modern
That car will be a little slower, of course, but also lighter and will go farther between charges. And the kids won’t throw up their Cheerios on the way to school.
It’ll also be cheaper.
Because another thing that bothers me with this car is the price.
The dual-motor C40 starts at £57,400. Monthly subscription from £679. Yes, you read that correctly. That’s a mortgage.
At least the BiK rate is just one per cent for company car users.
So apart from being overpowered and overpriced, I do like this car.
Honestly, I do. It’s the more svelte version of the XC40. It looks nice and it’s nice to sit in.
It took me a minute or so to realise there’s no starter button. This car is so thoroughly modern, you just select D and go.
There’s no handbrake, either. When you arrive at your destination, simply pop it in P, hop out and go. The car locks itself. The touchscreen and satnav is Google.
The upholstery is leather-free. The fixed panoramic sunroof lets light flood in.
Other luxuries include heated front and rear seats and a high-end Harman Kardon sound system. As you’d expect for £57k.
The only option is a tow bar, should you need one.
Charging the 78kWh battery to 80 per cent takes 40 minutes at a public rapid charger — if you can find one — or eight hours from a wallbox at home.
If you know your onions, you’ll know C40 also shares its electric gubbins with Polestar 2.
That’s the better option for now. It’s different, it’s cool and the single-motor long-range model does 316 miles-plus for £42,900.
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There you go — I’ve just saved you £14,500.
You’re welcome.
KEY FACTS: VOLVO C40 RECHARGE
Price: £57,400
Power: 402hp, 660Nm
Battery: 78kWh
0-62mph: 4.7 secs
Top speed: 112mph
Range: 273 miles
CO2: 0g/km
Charging: 80% in 40 mins
VOLVO'S NEXT EV - THE NEW XC90
THIS is Volvo’s next electric car – a lower, more aerodynamic XC90.
Safe, sustainable and very Swedish. We’ll see the real car next year.
Volvo will also upgrade its plug-in hybrid models next year – the S60, V60, XC60, S90, V90 and XC90 – with a bigger 18.8kWh battery, more powerful electric motor and a longer all-electric range up to 56 miles.
The XC40 is also due a mild refresh.
That’ll keep dealers busy.
Volvo will go pure electric by 2030.
