Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin review

Zap-Map verdict: “A great family all-rounder, with style, practicality, a long range, and fast recharging times.”

Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin: Range & charging

Volvo has gone about electrifying its line-up with aplomb. Every model has one or more plug-in options, with the XC40 the first pure-EV available from the Swedish manufacturer – though electrified performance arm Polestar already offers the Polestar 2, which shares underpinnings and powertrains with the Volvo.

There are two configurations available:

• • ● Volvo XC40 Recharge Single – 170 kW – 69 kWh – 264 miles
  • ● Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin – 300 kW – 78 kWh – 259 miles

Range

Volvo’s official WLTP range for the XC40 Recharge Twin tested is 259 miles on a charge. It’s a good distance available – not the longest available on the market, but significant nonetheless. There isn’t much difference in range between the single and twin motor options.

In real-world driving, the Volvo was returning around 210 miles on a charge, which doesn’t sound too impressive. However, it must be remembered that the trips I was making were largely along faster roads, and the loan took place in mid-winter. As such, it’s more or less a worst-case scenario, and most drivers will comfortably see 220 miles on a charge, and 230-240 miles will be easily achievable.

Braking

There are two main settings for the brake energy recuperation system, normal and strong. They are well weighted, and work well to help improve efficiency. The stronger setting allows for one-pedal driving easily. It’s simple to use, and quickly becomes familiar to operate; one of the better set-ups around.

Charging

Charging is possible at up to 150 kW DC via the CCS inlet found at the rear 3/4 panel on the XC40 Recharge. This also allows for AC charging at up to 11 kW via Type 2. DC charging will take around half an hour on 150+ kW units, or around one hour on 50 kW chargers. A full charge on a 7 kW point will take up to 12 hours.

The Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin on the road

The XC40 Recharge offers a refined and well balanced drive. It’s not particularly dynamic, but it’s far from overly softly sprung, and sits squarely on the road. It’s agile enough to deal with town driving easily, settled on the motorway, and competent on rural roads. A good all-round set-up from Volvo’s family SUV.

What’s the Volvo XC40 Recharge like to drive?

With twin 150 kW electric motors – one for each axle – drivers have 300 kW to play with, which is more than required really. As such, performance is more than brisk, with a 0-62mph time of 4.9 seconds. It’s the instant pick-up that aids the performance, meaning it’s well suited to town driving, but the amount of power on tap means it doesn’t run out of puff at higher speeds.

Volvo XC40 Recharge: Comfort & Practicality

With a generally boxy shape, the XC40 provides a good amount of interior space, both for occupants and luggage. It’s not class leading in any capacity, but equally, it’s towards the top of the charts in both respect. Four adults, or two and two child seats, fit easily inside, and the XC40 Recharge will easily cope with a family holiday away.

Design and functionality

Volvo’s design language is spot on currently, a brilliant blend of style and subtlety with a distinctly Swedish feel. It means the XC40 looks good, but isn’t flashy, and the design inside and out works nicely. The premium SUV has a well-laid out interior, that doesn’t challenge the best in class in terms of technology, but it is still a nicely presented interior, with high-quality materials, and does at least feature a Google-powered infotainment system.

Volvo XC40 Recharge: Tech & Specifications

There are two powertrains to chose from, but the Twin version has a choice of two specifications. Included as standard are:

1. City Safety package
2. LED headlights
3. Keyless entry and start
4. Automatic wipers and lights
5. 9-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
6. 12.3-inch digital instrument screen
7. Wireless phone charging

In a marketplace with plenty of rivals, the Volvo XC40 Recharge manages to present a strong case for itself. It’s got a competitive range, plenty of style, good levels of practicality, and more performance potential than any family SUV really needs. It doesn’t excel in any particular area, but does well across the board – which makes it a good recommendation for most.

And how much is the road tax on a Volvo XC40 Recharge? Use our Car Tax Calculator to find out.

All information above correct at time of publication. Official economy figures, pricing, and tax rates supplied by the manufacturer. Cost to charge based on 0-100% charge at home on a tariff of 16 p/kWh.