Launched in 2021, the Volvo XC40 Recharge was the firm’s first fully electric car, but Volvo’s experience with plug-in hybrid models and its links with Chinese owner Geely meant the brand hit the ground running - this is no half-baked first effort.
With styling that takes the path of ‘understated Scandinavian cool’ and a smart interior the electric XC40 is as appealing as the plug-in hybrid models, while 2023-on versions got range improvements that make it even more usable. Throw in Volvo’s safety record and it’s a very appealing family car.
XC40 Recharge alternatives are numerous, so if you’re considering one, also put the following on your shortlist: the Audi Q4 e-tron, BMW iX1 and iX3, Mercedes EQA and EQB, Tesla Model Y, Jaguar I-Pace, Volkswagen ID.4, Polestar 2, and the Ford Mustang Mach E.
If you want an electric SUV that’s stylish without needing to shout about it, the Volvo XC40 Recharge should probably be on your shortlist. While some electric cars do their best to blend into the background and others opt for space-age styling, the electric XC40, just like its hybrid counterparts, is simply handsomely styled and well-proportioned.
The interior is a bit of a breath of fresh air too, again with a simple design built well from tactile materials, and graced with some of the comfiest seats you’ll find in a car like this. Volvo does put a lot of its minor controls in the 9-inch portrait touchscreen, which can be a little distracting to navigate, but otherwise there’s very little to complain about.
Volvo hasn’t shied away from giving the XC40 Recharge strong performance either. The twin-motor version at the top of the range is probably overkill for most buyers, but the single-motor rear-wheel drive car strikes a fine balance of range and acceleration, and will cost you a bit less to buy too.
The handling isn’t much to write home about but the ride quality suits the relaxed feel of the rest of the car - this is definitely the kind of EV designed to reduce your stress levels, and refinement is good too, some tyre rumble aside. Oh, and being a Volvo, you know it’s safe - the list of safety features for each trim level is almost longer than the rest of the equipment list…
There are loads of other electric SUV options if you’re not sold on the XC40. Rivals from premium brands include the Audi Q4 e-tron, BMW iX1 and iX3, the Mercedes EQA and EQB, and the ageing but still capable Jaguar I-Pace. There’s the Polestar 2 of course too, which has more than a few similarities with the XC40 under the skin, but has a sportier look and driving experience.
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Just as we’d suggest buyers of new XC40 Recharge models go for the rear-wheel drive model, we’d suggest used buyers also seek out this post-2023, single-motor variant. It doesn’t have the absolute maximum range offered by the twin-motor model, and certainly doesn’t have that car’s rampant performance off the line, but the claimed 290 miles should be more than enough for most people, it doesn’t feel too quick for its handling abilities like the Twin sometimes does, and it’s more affordable too.
Plus trim probably has the best balance of affordability and equipment levels. A few of the toys offered on Pro models are tempting, but no XC40 Recharge is what you’d call poorly equipped.
The XC40 Recharge range is split into three trim levels, with a very well equipped standard model and two further lines that add a selection of extra equipment. All get the same motor and battery combination so there’s no performance advantage in higher trims, though the better equipped cars get very slightly less range thanks to their extra weight and in the Pro’s case, larger wheels.
The Volvo XC40 Recharge’s dimensions are:
The Volvo XC40 Recharge’s boot size is:
Being an EV, VED or ‘road tax’ won’t be a significant annual running cost for the XC40 Recharge. It’s currently free to tax electric vehicles, and even when that changes in 2025, the cost is unlikely to be too high.
A single-motor XC40 Recharge starts at insurance group 35, while twin-motor cars start at group 41. Compared to the group 18 at which the petrol XC40 starts, that’s quite a jump, but it’s not unusual for a premium electric SUV - the Mercedes-Benz EQA starts in group 37.
Read our full Volvo XC40 Recharge review
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