Volvo XC40 Recharge Review

Read Caroline’s Volvo XC40 Recharge review for everything you need to know about buying Volvo’s electric SUV in Ireland.

Volvo is well on its way to becoming a fully electric car brand by 2030 with the launch of the Volvo XC40 Recharge, and its coupé SUV derivative, the new Volvo C40.

The Swedish car brand has also recently announced that its next electric model will be the new flagship Volvo EX90.

The Volvo XC40 Recharge is already one of Ireland’s bestselling electric models. It’s based on the excellent Volvo XC40, a former Irish Car of the Year.

The Volvo XC40 Recharge is on sale in Ireland priced from €53,730 including the SEAI grant. In this review I’m going to take a closer look at what it has to offer Irish new car buyers in the market for a new electric SUV.

What’s so special about the Volvo XC40 Recharge?

The Volvo XC40 Recharge is one of the best-looking electric SUVs you can buy. It has compact proportions and a confident stance on the road. The blanked out grille in body colour is the only clue to its electric underpinnings.

Styling has been lightly tweaked for the latest version on sale to keep the all-electric XC40 Recharge visually in sync with the Volvo C40 Recharge, including a new front bumper and a frameless grille plate.

The signature Thor’s Hammer headlights have pixel LED light technology in some versions. This means that they can automatically adapt to traffic in front and efficiently light up the road ahead without dazzling other drivers.

A black contrast roof comes as standard and alloy wheel sizes vary between 19- and 20-inch depending on model.

Inside the XC40 Recharge has a classic Volvo interior that’s comfortable and well-equipped, featuring a new infotainment system powered by Google’s Android operating system.

The XC40 Recharge tested is front wheel drive and powered by a 69kWh battery giving a projected range of up to 425 kilometres (WLTP).

There’s also an all wheel drive version badged ‘Recharge Twin’ that is powered by a 78kWh battery and gives a projected range of up to 438 kilometres (WLTP).

Inside the Volvo XC40 Recharge

The XC40 has a lovely interior that feels upmarket and is simple to navigate. A full digital instrument cluster comes as standard and Volvo’s familiar portrait style touchscreen sits in the centre of the dashboard.

The XC40 was the first Volvo to use a brand new infotainment system powered by Google’s Android operating system. It’s intuitive to use and contains in-built Google apps like Google Maps and Google Assistant.

There are two trim levels, Plus and Ultimate. Standard features include wireless smartphone charging, heated front and rear seats, cruise control, dual zone climate control, and lots of safety equipment.

Fabric seats come as standard but the XC40 Recharge Ultimate gets more sophisticated suede style seats. Other features include an opening panoramic glass roof, Harman Kardon sound system and 360-degree parking camera.

The XC40 Recharge was built on a multi-energy platform but it’s still roomy enough for a mid-size SUV, with two large footwells in the rear. The large transmission tunnel makes it a bit more awkward for a middle seat passenger to place their feet comfortably. The middle seat is also quite narrow.

The boot offers 452 litres of space which is a bit less than a BMW iX1. But the XC40 does offer an extra 31 litres under the bonnet, which is handy for storing charging cables. A powered tailgate also comes as standard.

Driving the XC40 Recharge

The electric XC40 is available with a choice of batteries, and there are single and dual motor versions available. The single motor XC40 Recharge on test uses a 69kWh battery and is a more affordable entry into the range for buyers who do not require all wheel drive.

It offers adequate performance for a mid-size electric SUV with 231hp available and the 0 to 100km/h sprint completed in 7.4 seconds. The official electric driving range for the XC40 Recharge is 425 kilometres (WLTP). Though that seems a bit ambitious, particularly in colder winter weather. The XC40’s energy consumption could be better.

But there’s still plenty of driving between charges and it is one of the nicest electric SUVs you can drive. It feels very natural from behind the wheel. It carries over much of the qualities that make the XC40 an award-winner. That means it’s very comfortable and refined. Journeys are completed with ease.

When it comes to charging, DC fast charging is possible up to about 150kW, and AC charging is possible up to 11kW.

Every XC40 also comes with a Plugsurfing card that allows you to use over 200,000 charge points across Ireland and Europe with just one access card.

Did you like it?

The Volvo XC40 Recharge is extremely likeable. It has classy looks and an equally upmarket cabin that’s finished to a high standard and features some great on-board tech.

The electric XC40 offers a great driving experience, proving to be a capable and comfortable companion no matter what the weather (or the road, for that matter). It’s not the most efficient electric SUV but there’s still plenty of driving between charges.

For buyers in the market for a premium mid-size electric SUV, the XC40 Recharge is impossible to ignore. It’s well-priced against competitors, with lots of standard equipment.

Volvo will also sell you a more expensive dual motor version with more power. But the single motor XC40 on test will make a lot more sense to more people, while still offering good performance from behind the wheel.

For buyers seeking something a little more stylish and exclusive, there is also the new Volvo C40, which uses the same battery and underpinnings as the XC40.

Model tested: Volvo XC40 Recharge Ultimate
Price: €53,980 (After SEAI Grant Deduction)
Battery: 69 kWh
Range: 425 km (WLTP)
Power: 231hp
Torque: 330Nm
Top speed: 160 km/h
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 7.4 seconds
Motor Tax: €120 per year

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Written by Caroline Kidd

Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year