Volvo C40 Recharge Twin Engine

Just when you think that between all the self-invented niches, strange embroideries and empty body styles there are fortunately also sensible brands that keep their ranges straightforward and focused, you suddenly get this. Volvo comes with a truncated variant of the XC40 and does not call it XC50, XC40 Spört or anything else logical for the sake of convenience – no, this is the Volvo C40. C as in ‘coupé’, and the X that indicated crossoveritis with perhaps a touch of off-road worthiness, that is apparently no longer necessary. The Volvo C40 in other words, a real coupé SUV – less space for more money. The great mystery of our time.

Okay, we won’t be repeating the same lament nonstop with every fastback-like we drive. But you notice: it still stings a bit that after all these years we still don’t understand exactly what people see in this. As far as we’re concerned, the C40 doesn’t really fit in the same row as its countless, mainly German sources of inspiration. This one, if it’s not true, actually looks good. The same solid Volvo styling that we appreciate so much in the XC40 has been continued here and expanded with a mildly re-kneaded front, a graceful roofline, a slightly sloping rear (to which a thick layer of highway slurry immediately sticks to the slightest rain shower, which in turn yes) and chic dotted taillights that dance when you unlock the car. All very beautiful.

The options for the Volvo C40

Volvo has chosen to keep production (around the corner, in Ghent) simple and offers the Volvo C40 in seven colours, including this beautiful Fjord blue, and with only two types of 19 or 20 inch wheels, always wrapped in all-season Pirelli tires . It is also only available as a Recharge Twin Motor: fully electric, with potent drive on each axle. In total, the C40 has 408 hp and 660 Nm, which means that, like the fastest XC40 Recharge, it goes from 0 to 100 in 4.9 seconds. That makes it one of the fastest-moving EVs in this price range, alongside its cousin Polestar 2 and the Tesla Model 3 Long Range. Due to its more favorable aerodynamics, it is even 2 percent further on a charge than the XC40, namely 444 kilometers according to WLTP. And that extra price we were moaning about? Only 1,500 euros in the Netherlands, 1,150 euros in Belgium. It’s worth it, isn’t it? So far only good news.

That continues when we get in. First of all, the bright blue of the bodywork is reflected in the carpet. Blue carpet! Then you’ve got us. Leather is no longer available; the seats have a synthetic vegan upholstery that, according to Volvo, closely resembles leather. Nope, this is just vinyl with something Alcantara-like. Nice stuff, don’t. Alternatively, you can choose fabric or, infinitely better, wool. There is a kind of felt in the doors and where you might normally expect wooden accents, you will now find a kind of elevation map-like relief strips. They are modeled after the Swedish national park Abisko and look somewhat plastic during the day, but are nicely lit at night. A fixed panoramic roof is standard and sitting in the back is nice, although it does not really have any headroom in terms of headroom – you guessed it – for a medium-sized adult.

The Volvo C40 has a frunk

There’s no start button (yes, your ass on the seat) and there’s less storage space than in dedicated, non-gasoline-powered EVs: the center tunnel is packed with batteries. Incidentally, there is 31 liters of usable void under the front cover – come to that with VW IDs but once again. You also get an excellent loading platform with a lot of grip, so that your phone does not fly through the car like an expensive Frisbee at every roundabout.

The first drawback…

But with that you have had the tricks of the Volvo C40. Like the XC40, this EV is ergonomically designed according to a philosophy that, er, does not match our preferences. Yes, the Google-based infotainment generally responds well to your voice commands and the counter screen with navigation map looks great. But here’s miss number one: there’s no indication of your range in that screen. You have to look it up on the central display, somewhere in a menu. While you would say: if you want to show people one piece of information in this transition phase from fuel to electricity…

The second problem of the Volvo C40

That’s a big one: when you drive off, you don’t know whether the car is in the ‘free roll’ or ‘regenerate and slow down’ position. You only notice that when you release the right pedal. And so possibly your unsuspecting car behind. Switching between those modes is not possible with the stick, the flippers (there are none) or a button (there is none), as with all other electric cars. No, you have to go back to that central screen again.

So: eyes off the road, click away your navi or media and go to the settings, car settings, scrolling (!?) and convert a digital slider. Unimaginable. Volvo’s explanation for this is that they wanted to keep everything simple: not too much info, not too much fuss. But guys, a button is simple. A tap on the poker is simple. This is not simple, this is stupid and cumbersome – and certainly not Volvo-safe.

So, having thrown that out…

This Volvo C40 drives wonderfully again. Stately, powerful, disciplined and, if necessary, treacherously fast – it’s hard not to be convinced by this driving character. Colleagues we spoke to during the press introduction think his chassis is too hard, but we do not share that criticism. Considering its weight and potential speed, firm control is in order. The seating position is fine and the steering has an appropriate heaviness (there is also a setting buried in the menus for that).

In the busy traffic around Ghent, the adaptive cruise control with steering assistance usually works well. He can actually pull 1,800 kilos, at speed he is very quiet and the seats are, how could it be otherwise at Volvo, nothing less than regal.

Hardly anything but praise for this Volvo C40 – except when it comes to crucial points of interaction. A shame, because basically this is for a change a coupé SUV that gets our hands together – and against its powertrain there is still little to say.

Make steps

We already mentioned it: in the interior of the Volvo C40 there is no leather to be found, not even on the steering wheel or the poker. Other Volvos are soon to follow – we’ll miss their creamy, fragrant upholstery a bit. Although the option of sustainable woolen chairs is a nice alternative. The origin and footprint of other materials is also taken into account: the carpet is made from 100 percent recycled PET bottles.

At the factory in Ghent, Volvo wants to build up to 135,000 electric cars per year (including the XC40 Recharge). By 2022, half of total production should already consist of EVs. From 2030, Volvo plans to produce only EVs in all its factories.

Also very modern: you can order the new Volvo C40 online without ever having to get out of your armchair. You can choose from real purchase or what Volvo calls a ‘subscription’ – from 799 euros per month for 48 months. Very 2022 everyone.