Volvo XC40 Recharge

Like the exteriors, the interiors of the XC40 Recharge are based on the regular petrol XC40. However, Volvo has tweaked the usage of colours in here. One thing is for sure, the XC40 isn’t a very roomy SUV and tall passengers won’t have too much space at the back. But this aside, the cabin is a great place to be in. The all black theme looks sporty but doesn’t help in imparting an airy feel. The view of the dashboard is nice - its largely clutter free and the touch screen interface takes centre stage. The textured silver finish that runs across the width of the fascia is a nice touch. We love the vertical design of the air-con vents. The steering isn’t a flat bottom one but the large digital console behind it looks cool. It offers an array of information to the driver. Front seats are supportive and comfortable and ergonomics (like most Volvos) is top notch. 

The XC40 recharge is loaded with features and this includes a panoramic sunroof  that has a feather touch control operation, much like a gesture. The interiors are also leather-free and this is Volvo’s way of upping the ante in terms of eco friendly items. Other features include a 600W / 13 speaker Harmon Kardon system, 360 camera, Adaptive Cruise Control, Pilot Assist, 6 Airbags and wireless charging. 

One of the USPs of the XC40 Recharge is the fact that it comes equipped with two electric motors, one at each end of the SUV. Yes, this is an all-wheel drive (AWD) electric SUV which means power can be sent to all the four wheels. The combined output of both the motors stands at 408 bhp in terms of power and 660 Nm in terms of torque. Volvo claims the XC40 e-SUV can hit 100km/h from a standstill in just 4.9 seconds. Top speed is limited to 180 km/h. The SUV also gets one-pedal drive option for regen. With this, you can control both acceleration and braking via the right (accelerator) pedal only. Driving the XC40 recharge is as effortless as any good electric car. There is always ample punch available and the car sprints forward whenever you want. Pedal to metal, it does push you back into the seat, such is the torque force coming in. 

What is unique here is how you get moving. Just keep the key fob in your pocket, get into the driver’s seat, push the gear lever into ‘D’ or drive and you are good to go! Yes, no ignition formalities here. In traffic, the ‘creep’ mode comes handy. This means just lifting off the brake pedal (without any accelerator) inputs will get you going forward at a lazy pace. 

The XC40 Recharge e-SUV comes with a 78 kWh battery capacity. This does weight 500 kilos and like most other EVs, is the reason behind the porky weight of the SUV. However, it does end up giving the XC40 a real world range of over 350km. During our review drive few weeks back, we managed to get 150km easily from 50% battery charge - this included various traffic conditions, accelerations runs and running the A/C while the car was parked. So its safe to assume that for most owners, the XC40 Electric will easily do over 300km in genuine real world driving conditions. The interesting part is that this SUV is capable of supporting 150kW DC super fast charging. If and when such options are available, the XC40 recharge could be charged from 10-80 percent in just 33 minutes flat. The current 50kW fast charger however takes about 2.5 hrs for a full 100% charge, still quick enough in our books.