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Pros: Stylish SUV-coupé looks, great performance, well-equipped
Cons: Less practical than some more conventionally-shaped SUVs
Volvo is well on the way to becoming a fully electric car brand by 2030. Last year they launched the XC40 Recharge, the brand’s first fully electric model. The new Volvo C40 is the follow-up, sporting a trendy coupé-inspired design and comes exclusively battery-powered.
Available with two battery sizes and the choice of single motor or dual-motor versions, the C40 promises over 400 kilometres of range on a full battery, no matter which version you go for.
The C40’s pricing puts it firmly in the premium side of the market against rivals such as the Tesla Model Y, Audi Q4 e-tron and Mercedes-Benz EQB. And there’s even a fair bit of in-house competition from the XC40 Recharge and the Polestar 2 from the same Volvo family.
Has Volvo done enough with the C40 to help it stand out among premium electric SUVs?
Volvo C40 Design
SUVs are big sellers for car brands these days so it’s no surprise that Volvo has added another SUV to their range. But the C40 has been designed as a sporty SUV-coupé so it’s a bit lower and sportier than your typical SUV, with a sloping coupé-style roof. It bears some resemblance to the XC40, but the front end does appear wider and curvier. Other features include a black contrast roof and black door mirror caps, while 19- and 20-inch alloy wheels are available. There’s also a sporty boot lid spoiler and roof spoiler, and distinct LED rear light signature. Overall, the C40 scores top marks for looks and is bound to attract many admiring glances.
Volvo C40 Interior
Inside the Volvo C40 has a classic Volvo cabin with a simple, minimalist design. It feels a bit cosier and sportier from behind the wheel than the XC40. But there’s the same high driving position, which gives a good view of the road ahead. All versions come with a 9-inch portrait-style touchscreen, which is simple and intuitive to use. Jointly developed with Google, the system is based on the Android operating system, with familiar Google apps and services built-in like Google Maps, Google Play Store and Google Assistant. It integrates perfectly with the full digital driver display, also standard kit. Other standard features include wireless smartphone charging, heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, as well as a fixed panoramic glass roof. Being a Volvo, it also has a full suite of safety equipment.
The cabin quality is good but not quite as luxurious as what you might expect from a car of this price. The fabric seats for example just don’t look or feel premium enough. Granted, Volvo has purposely skipped leather in favour of more sustainable materials to fit out the cabin of the C40.
The C40 sacrifices some practicality for style with less headroom in the back than in the XC40 Recharge, and a bit less boot space too. There’s the same amount of legroom but a large transmission tunnel makes this car more comfortable for two in the back rather than three.
A powered tailgate comes as standard and the C40 still offers a decent 413 litres of boot space with some underfloor storage too. The C40’s trump card is a small storage compartment under the bonnet, ideal for keeping charging cables out of sight.
Volvo C40 Performance & Drive
Single-motor versions are badged C40 Recharge and use a 69kWh battery promising a range of up to 433 kilometres (WLTP). It’s the most efficient of the range and sends a perfectly adequate 231hp to the front wheels. All wheel drive versions with two electric motors are badged C40 Recharge Twin and offer the best performance of the range. The 78kWh battery has a projected range of up to 449 kilometres (WLTP) on a single battery charge. With 408hp, the C40 Recharge Twin feels fast and will sprint to 100km/h in just 4.7 seconds.
Volvo has firmed up the suspension to cope with the extra weight of the battery so the C40 is pleasantly agile and there’s plenty of grip from the all-wheel-drive system. However, the C40 still manages to be comfortable for the most part.
DC fast charging is available up to 150kW so you can add 80% charge in just under 40 minutes at a high-power charging station. Typically, you will be charging at home most of the time and from a 7kW wallbox that will take about 12 hours. Every C40 also comes with a Plugsurfing card that gives you access to a network of over 200,000 charge points across Ireland and Europe with just one access card.
Volvo C40 Pricing
The C40 Recharge single-motor, front-wheel drive is the most affordable of the range, priced from €53,730 including all relevant grants and VRT relief. It’s available in two trim levels, Plus and Ultimate, and comes well-equipped. The C40 Recharge Twin is available from €63,610 and is available in Core, Plus and Ultimate trim levels.
Carzone Verdict
The Volvo C40 can’t help but stand out with its gorgeous SUV-coupé looks and high specification. It’s not as sporty to drive as it looks but Volvo has gone all out on performance with the dual-motor version. Realistically the single-motor version will satisfy the needs of most electric SUV buyers. The C40 compromises some practicality but it’s largely an easy Swede to live with, thanks to a simple, intuitive digital cabin and good battery performance on a full charge. A stylish addition to the Volvo range.