The new Volvo C40 crossover is aesthetically appealing, fun to drive and generous in feel. But its 100% electric propulsion with a single version of 408 hp explodes its price and limits its range.
Test car: Volvo C40 Recharge Twin AWD First Edition
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From€ 62,250
€ 2,000 bonus
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Volvo is proud to present its C40 crossover : this is its first 100% electric model. There will therefore be no thermal or hybrid engine, unlike the XC40 which offers all types of energy. Speaking of XC40, this C40 is visually inspired by it and that’s to be expected since both models have the same technical platform, the same powertrain and the same interior furnishings.
If the C40 and XC40 show some similarities in their facies like the closed grille, the differences widen above the beltline: the windshield bay of the C40 is more inclined than that of the XC40, its roof is placed 6 cm lower, and its roof drop slopes gently towards a unique stern which accentuates the model’s sporty profile. To respond to this dynamic look, the electric group does not take half measures with two electric motors delivering 408 hp.
Prices, range and charging Volvo C40
The Volvo C40 Recharge Twin is only available in one finish at launch, at a list price of € 62,250. A rate on which the brand immediately applies a 4% discount to drop below the € 60,000 mark and provide its customers with the € 2,000 bonus. The real sum to pay is therefore 57,760 €, which remains at high altitude. In exchange, the C40 First Edition is equipped like a prince (see all the equipment on page 2), and its two electric motors allow transmission to four wheels. For a more reasonably priced model, you have to be patient. In a few months will arrive the two-wheel drive version of 231 hp, which should lower the price by some 10,000 € as is already the case with the XC40 Recharge.
The Volvo C40’s battery has a useful capacity of 75 kWh and provides a combined WLTP range of 441 km. Recharging from a household outlet is never-ending (see charging time on next page), and the 11 kW AC charger is standard for public terminal back-up needs. DC fast charger peaks at 150 kW, which is in the category average. But the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 and Tesla Model Y, fitted with ultra-fast chargers of almost 250 kW, do much better. Note that Volvo provides a card with a preferential rate on the Ionity network (35 euro cents per minute).
Driving
If the driving position and the on-board furniture are reminiscent of the XC40, we do not feel the same impression as in the SUV. The more inclined windshield and the lower roof here deliver a more sporty atmosphere. The performance is necessarily in tune with an electric motor per axle, 408 hp in total and a torque of 660 Nm. The whole has no difficulty in forgetting the weight of the car (2.2 t) to provide departures cannons and lightning strikes. The power is easily controlled, and it should be noted that Volvo does not bother with multiple driving modes or regeneration as is the case in the majority of electric vehicles.
The C40 works in a very classic way with the freewheel well calibrated when lifting the foot. It just offers a One Pedal mode, which makes it possible to stop the vehicle without touching the brake. This system is practical in town but, in our opinion, less suitable for the road. As with the XC40 Recharge that we tested, we find great consistency in the handling of this model. The steering is precise and without heaviness, while the brake pedal offers a well-balanced dosage. Volvo has revised the settings of the C40 to bring it a little more temperament than the XC40 and this is felt in the suspension, with firmer damping. An adjustment made for the benefit of the body and to the detriment of comfort. Nothing dramatic, but the road feel is less silky than aboard the XC40. Note that our test version was fitted with the optional 20-inch rims (instead of the 19-inch standard), which do not promote comfort.
The powerful Harman Kardon sound system, the highly responsive multimedia screen and the intuitive Google interface contribute to the enjoyment of life on board. Ditto for the driving aids, not too intrusive and easy to disconnect if necessary. On a 95 km loop combining roads and expressways, we adopted a normal pace which ended with a consumption of 22 kWh / 100 km. Under these conditions, the actual range is approximately 340 km, not 441 km as indicated by the WLTP value. We must especially hope that the C40 does better than the XC40 on the highway because the latter had really disappointed us during its autonomy test. A test that we will do again with the future C40 version of 231 hp, which will be the most in demand and the most efficient.
On board the Volvo C40 First Edition
