The All-New Volvo C40

VOLVO C40 REVIEW 24 THE ALL-NEW VOLVO

C40

It might look like the XC40 Recharge, but Volvo’s second fully-electric vehicle, the C40 Recharge, does have some differences. Charlie Atkinson got his hands on the brand-new Volvo to find out how the two compare.

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As the names would suggest, Volvo’s all-new, fully-electric C40 Recharge is quite similar to the manufacturer’s other electric model, the XC40 Recharge. And I wonder if you, the reader, can spot the differences on the two pictures, taken in the exact same position. No? Well let me help you out...

DESIGN

Firstly, the whole shape and size of this car is much more sleek and streamlined. The XC40 was your traditional SUV; very boxy and upright, whereas this newer model is a bit more sporty. It’s slightly lower than the XC40 and it’s also a touch longer as well, so all of that makes it a bit more coupé-like. At the right angle, the C40 Recharge doesn’t look a million miles away from the Ford Mustang Mach-E, which is quite the compliment. Up close, you will notice the typical electric Volvo features such as the coloured grille and Thorhammer headlights, with a contrasting roof and wing mirrors as well. The wheels, which are 19” as standard but can be upgraded to 20”, feature a funky alloy-display, and at the rear, you have your classic Volvo taillights with a very shallow spoiler, too. It’s a decent job from Volvo in terms of the exterior, now what about the interior...

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INTERIOR

Inside the C40 Recharge, it’s a very similar story to the XC40 Recharge. Straight away, your eyes are drawn to the 9” infotainment screen which is powered by Google Assistant, which will offer drivers features such as built in Google Maps and the Google Play Store. Drivers with Android phones will be able to connect to Android Auto but, unfortunately, those with iPhones will have to wait as Apple CarPlay isn’t supported just yet. The Google services work really well, especially the voice activated Google Assistant (ask it to tell you a joke!). The tech-suite also features wireless charging for your phone and a high-performance, HarmanKardon sound system, complete with eight different speakers. One of the highlights of the interior is the 12.3” Progressive Driver Display which is crisp and responsive, and it offers you lots of different screens and information whilst you’re behind the wheel. One big difference between the C40 and the XC40 is the fixed panoramic sunroof, as this is exclusive to the new C40 only. It’s a nice touch and helps fill the car with light since the interior is so dark and moody. The fabric seats are reasonably comfortable and up-front you will be able to find your perfect seating position with the digitally adjustable seats. There is plenty of storage within reach, too, with huge door bins, two cupholders and a big centre console for all your smaller belongings. You may struggle for comfort in the back, however, especially if you’re over six foot. Legroom is fairly tight and there is hardly any headroom, so you’ll get a very good look at that panoramic sunroof I mentioned earlier. Thankfully, the C40 does redeem itself with a decent sized boot, with 414 litres available, as well as a further 31 litres at the front for all your wires and cables.

THE IMPORTANT BITS

For our review, we were testing the Volvo C40 Recharge Twin, which features an upgraded 78kWh, up from a 69kWh battery on the standard version. This higher-spec model will deliver a 0-60mph time of 4.5 seconds, down from 7.7 seconds, as well as delivering 330Nm torque from two 204hp motors. In terms of range, the C40 Recharge Twin offers an official WLTP range of 277 miles, and thanks to its fast-charging capabilities, it is able to recoup 10 to 80% charge in just under half an hour. As part of my test for this car, I drove from my home in Northampton to the ExCel Centre in London’s Docklands, a combined journey of 182 miles, and I returned home from my trip with 9% battery. In the real world, then, you can expect a range of just over 200 miles. Now we’ve got all the facts and stats out of the way, what is the Volvo C40 Recharge like on the road?

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OUT AND ABOUT

Well, the answer to that question is pretty disappointing, in all honesty. For a car that offers such attractive details such as a 4.5 second 0-60 time and 204hp from two motors delivering 330Nm, the Volvo C40 doesn’t exactly get the pulses raising. I understand that this is far from a sports car and it hasn’t been designed to be, but any electric car should put a smile on your face when you put your foot down, but this feels sluggish, safe and, quite frankly, boring. Part of that will be as a result of the weight of this car – It’s quite chunky. Compared to the XC40 Recharge, the C40 is over 370kg heavier, so it’s no surprise that this feels a bit weighed down in comparison. So, for a car that is big and heavy, it should at least have a relatively smooth ride, right? Wrong. This is by far the most disappointing aspect of the C40 Recharge. When it comes to a Volvo, you may expect it to be a little sensible and dull in terms of speed, but you do expect comfort and elegance, but this is anything but. On anything but a perfectly smooth road surface, you feel every bump cannon through the cockpit, shaking and thrashing you about as if you are taking part in the Dakar Rally. For a car of this shape and size, it really is astonishingly uncomfortable to drive at times.

IS IT WORTH THE PRICE?

The Volvo C40 Recharge starts from £44,800, with the Recharge Twin Ultimate spec, the top end of the C40 range, coming in at £58,900. This makes it more expensive than the top spec Audi Q4 e-tron, which has an on the road price of just over £57,500. Whilst the C40 certainly looks the part and offers a decent range, it has some fairly significant flaws, which makes it hard to justify paying this price when, for the same money, you could get an Audi Q4 e-tron which sits fairly comfortable at the top of the electric SUV tree.

It is a shame that the C40 has failed to live up to its expectation. Volvo had made a huge impact in the EV world with the release of the XC40 and hopes were high for its second electric vehicle, but it is all rather underwhelming. For a car that many looked forward to, I’m afraid to say that the Volvo C40 will most likely be forgotten and left behind as the EV revolution rolls on.

Volvo had made a huge impact in the EV world with “ the release of the XC40 and hopes were high for its second electric vehicle, but it is all rather underwhelming. ”