Volvo C40 Recharge review and first impressions: A sportier version of the XC40 Recharge.
The XC40 Recharge impressed us with its performance and usefulness, and now the C40 Recharge with a sports coupe appearance is available, sharing the same underpinnings.It can be difficult for all-electric car makers to attract buyers by offering the same excitement and enjoyment that internal combustion engines do. An EV simply cannot compare to the mechanical noises, engine character, and way an engine revs. Also important to mention is the exhaust note. For their products to stand out, these manufacturers had to find fresh inspirations. Volvo appears to have discovered their design strength, and the new C40 Recharge is proof of that.
With its sloping roofline and twin rear spoilers that have been aerodynamically optimised, the design is what first grabs people’s attention. For a potential buyer of an EV, these features alone make the C40’s design fantastic. However, the front is unchanged from the XC40 Recharge, which is a good thing given that the car is already attractive. The XC40 Recharge shares the same bulge on the bonnet, adaptive LED headlamps, and closed grille. New 19-inch aero wheels are visible from the side profile; they are mostly closed aside from five slats for brake ventilation. The C40’s overall exterior design is unmistakably sporty, with the rear tail lamps expertly integrating Volvo’s distinctive DRL shape.
Volvo C40 Recharge’s 2023 design and styling
The C40’s eye-catching derriere is caused by the roof’s dramatic descent past the B-pillar. There is also a slim second spoiler on the bootlid in addition to the stylish split spoiler on the roof. The C40 looks sportier than the XC40 thanks to a new set of dynamic taillamps, but other than their identical-looking rear ends and new alloy wheels, the two vehicles are virtually identical. The attractive stance in profile significantly raises the second electric car from Volvo’s lineup in India’s desirability scale. With its packaging, performance, and price, the XC40 Recharge was a welcome surprise for EV enthusiasts. The C40 aims to raise that bar with an added dash of style.
The Volvo C40 Recharge’s interior and features were released in 2023.
As soon as you enter the C40, you can tell that it is familiar with the XC40 Recharge. You receive the same interior made entirely of recycled plastic and vegan materials and free of any leather. Even though the steering cover has a leather-like feel, it is not. Volvo invests heavily in the development of these new materials in order to create a more sustainable future. Without having to connect your phone, you can access many Google services on the infotainment screen. As a result, the navigation system and Google Assistant perform better than any other native features used by other automakers. You also won’t need to connect your Apple CarPlay or Android Auto device, which drains batteries quickly. The negative effects of a beautifully tapering roofline are visible from the back seat.Although headroom is slightly reduced, it is a small price to pay for such a lovely design. The C40 can only fit four people. Although the C40 Recharge can accommodate five passengers, you won’t particularly enjoy having the fifth friend or family member sit in the middle seat because of the enormous gearbox tunnel that reduces legroom. The only-electric C40 shares its platform with the XC40, even though it serves no purpose. However, re-engineering that portion would have been expensive for Volvo, so the tunnel is still present and your fifth passenger stays at home.
The C40 Recharge’s engine and range in 2023
The twin-motor setup with a combined output of 402bhp (300kW) and 660Nm, which is another piece of equipment shared with the XC40 Recharge, is also present. However, unlike the XC40 Recharge, the two motors do not distribute power equally. With 40% of the power going to the front axle and 60% going to the back, the car’s dynamics are altered to a sportier setting. But more on that in the following section. Returning to the performance, the C40 Recharge completes the 0-100kmph sprint in just 4.7 seconds thanks to torque at 0rpm and a more slippery silhouette. This is incredibly quick for a vehicle that will cost slightly more than 60 lakh rupees.With that, it has a WLTP range of 530 km, which is 112 km longer than the XC40 Recharge that is currently available in India. Hold off on your XC40 Recharge purchase until the newer, more energy-dense cells are available for it. The ICAT also tested the C40 Recharge and determined that it had a 683km range, but in reality, you won’t get this much range. The more realistically feasible distance is between 450 and 500 km.
The 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge’s ride and handling
The absence of vibrations from the powertrain, which is typical of all EVs, greatly enhances the driving experience. The Volvo C40 Recharge has plenty of power on tap, but it is still manageable to drive as a daily driver. However, as speeds increase, you notice road imperfections more frequently, and larger undulations, particularly around sweeping corners, cause the C40 to pitch and roll more than I’d anticipate from a vehicle with such power. The C40 is the more sporty of the two electric Volvos, though it lacks the dynamic sophistication of the German vehicles. The crossover’s character is altered by the rear biassed power distribution, which encourages you to accelerate it further.It is the perfect size for our roads due to its small size as well. Driving around the twisties in the C40 Recharge would be much more enjoyable if the brakes were stronger and the suspension was a little stiffer.