Despite being derived from the CMA, a platform capable of receiving internal combustion engines as well as electric motors, as in the XC40, the new Volvo C40 Recharge will only be available as an electric.
It is the brand's first model to follow this path, as if anticipating the already announced future that in 2030 Volvo will be a 100% electric brand. The plans also indicate that before, in 2025, Volvo wants 50% of its sales to be 100% electric models.
Bearing in mind that it shares the platform, powertrain and battery with the XC40, it's not hard to see the closeness between the two models, with the C40's other big news residing in its distinctive, more dynamic silhouette bodywork, courtesy of the range of descending roof.
An option that brought some compromises, as Guilherme Costa tells us in this first video contact, namely, the space in height for the passengers in the back, which is a little smaller compared to the “brother” XC40.
Stylistically, the new C40 Recharge also distinguishes itself from the XC40 at the front, highlighting the almost absence of a front grille (being electric, cooling needs are different) and the headlamps with distinct contours. Naturally, it's the profile and the rear that most distinguish him from his “brother”.
Jumping into the interior, the proximity to the XC40 is even greater, with the dashboard obeying the same architecture or layout of the elements, but there are differences. However, these focus on the materials and finishes used.
So, in addition to being the first Volvo only and only electric, the C40 Recharge is also the first of the brand to do without animal skin in its interior, with new, greener materials taking its place. These new materials result from the reuse of others, such as cork from used stoppers or plastic from bottles.
The option is easy to understand. To be truly sustainable, the car of the future cannot only claim zero emissions during its use, carbon neutrality will have to be achieved at all stages of its life: from design, production and use, to its « death". Volvo's goal is to achieve carbon neutrality, also contemplating the production of its cars in 2040.
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300 kW (408 hp) of power, far more than its rivals
Volvo asks for just over 58 thousand euros for the C40 Recharge, a value that seems high in the beginning, but which turns out to be quite competitive when compared to its most direct rivals.
While the price doesn't differ much from rivals like the Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback or the Mercedes-Benz EQA, the truth is that the C40 Recharge comfortably surpasses them in power and performance: the Q4 e-tron Sportback announces just over 59 thousand euros for 299 hp, while the EQA 350 4Matic passes the 62 thousand euros for 292 hp.
And for now, the C40 Recharge, with a powerful 300 kW (408 hp) and 660 Nm is the only one that can be purchased. It comes equipped with two electric motors, one per axle (which guarantees all-wheel drive), and despite the high mass (more than 2100 kg), it reaches 100 km/h in a very fast 4.7s.
The electric motors are powered by a 75 kWh (liquid) battery, ensuring up to 441 km of autonomy in a WLTP cycle. It can also be charged up to 150 kW, which translates into 37 min to go from 0 to 80% of the battery charge, or alternatively, using a Wallbox (11 kW in alternating current), taking approximately eight hours to charge fully battery.
Finally, emphasis is also on the technological and security content. The Volvo C40 Recharge brings the new Google-based infotainment system, which offers those applications we are used to using, such as Google Maps or the Google Play Store, which can be updated remotely, and at the level of active security, it comes equipped with various driving assistants that guarantee semi-autonomous capabilities to the SUV (level 2).