2022 Volvo C40 Recharge Review: Sacrifice Play

Design | Consolation | Know-how | Efficiency | Security | Gasoline Financial system | Pricing | FAQs

The first criticism of crossover-coupes is that they sacrifice a sedan’s drivability and a crossover’s versatility within the title of favor, all whereas carrying a better price ticket. And you realize what? I can forgive that. In spite of everything, if fashion makes the buyer completely satisfied they usually’re keen to pay, who am I to guage?

However not each crossover-coupe could make such a powerful argument that its sacrifices are worthwhile. After driving the 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge for every week adopted instantly by an analogous stint within the XC40, this smooth crossover-coupe merely isn’t completely different sufficient to make up for the shortcomings produced by its physique or these inherent in Volvo’s EV structure.

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• Exterior Coloration: Fjord Blue
• Inside Coloration: Charcoal/Fjord Blue
• Wheel Dimension: 20 Inches

The C40 Recharge follows the crossover-coupe handbook to the letter. The design from the B-pillar ahead is actually equivalent to the XC40 Recharge, which itself is a evenly modified model of what Volvo sells on the gas-only XC40. A body-color grille insert is the first distinguisher for the EV fashions. As soon as previous the B-pillar, the physique strains and fender are related, however they play in opposition to an aggressively raked rear window that terminates in essentially the most lovely little decklid. The wing spoiler and body-hugging taillights set the C40 aside, however there’s little hiding the familial design traits.

That’s true of the cabin to an excellent higher diploma. The Swedish minimalism stays trendy and complex, however there’s little arguing that this design is getting somewhat lengthy within the tooth. The touchscreen infotainment system is on the tiny facet, for instance. That mentioned, the C40’s obtainable blue carpet and light-up trim items are a pleasing departure from the XC40. The latter come into play at evening, bathing the sprint and door panels in in smooth, white gentle.

• Seating Capability: 5
• Seating Configuration: 2 / 3
• Cargo Capability: 17.3 / 42.6 Cubic Toes

Just like the XC40 Recharge, the C40 rides on a platform shared with gas-powered automobiles. Meaning vestigial traits like a transmission tunnel that stop Volvo’s EVs from feeling as open and ethereal as rivals driving on devoted skateboard platforms. However there are broader issues with the C40’s form, too. The aggressively raked roofline and restricted second-row legroom imply the again seatis troublesome for all however the shortest adults to entry.

The entrance seats are comfy and roomy although, providing satisfactory assist with out giving in to outsized and claustrophobic facet bolsters. The underside seat cushion is a contact on the flat facet, however there’s sufficient thigh assist that it doesn’t punish taller adults. The experience is comfy and nice at each high and low speeds, proving effectively remoted on rougher roads and pinned down on undulating surfaces. The C40, just like the XC40’s fuel mannequin, has a stable deal with on wind noise too.

• Heart Show: 9.0-inch Touchscreen
• Instrument Cluster Show: 12.0-inch
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay or Android Auto: No

The Google Automotive infotainment system launched on the Polestar 2 has made its method to the C40 and XC40 EVs. Dwelling on a portrait-oriented show that appears smaller than the 9.0 inches corner-to-corner measurement counsel, the show nonetheless advantages from enticing graphics and fast responses. I’m much less eager on Google’s infotainment suite than a few of my colleagues – I actually loved the format and elegance of Volvo’s outdated Sensus Join system – however the immediate start-up when switching the C40 on and the straight-forward format of the menus in Google’s system helps.

• Motor: Twin Everlasting-Magnet Synchronous
• Output: 402 Horsepower / 486 Pound-Toes
• Transmission: Single-Velocity Automated

The C40 is lickity-split fast, blowing the doorways off any single-motor rival and conserving tempo with dual-motor alternate options with sportier pretenses. The dash to 60 takes simply 4.5 seconds, three-tenths faster than the dual-motor, extended-range Ford Mustang Mach-E and on tempo with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. Like these rivals, the C40 advantages from an enormous surge of torque from a standstill. The accelerator response is brisk and entertaining, even outdoors of the extra aggressive drive modes. The delicate acceleration sound is somewhat lackluster, although.

The C40’s dealing with isn’t as sporty as its appears would counsel, however this Volvo is a minimum of as entertaining as opponents just like the Ioniq 5 or Volkswagen ID.4. It feels poised and controllable in corners, with predictable physique motions and effectively weighted steering, even when the sheer mass – 4,700 kilos – stays a relentless and annoying hindrance. As my colleague Brett T. Evans coated in his evaluate of the XC40 Recharge, the C40’s one-pedal braking system is sort of good. All through my week on the wheel, attentive driving meant I not often needed to attain for the brake pedal.

• Driver Help Degree: SAE Degree 2 (Palms-On)
• NHTSA Ranking: Not Rated
• IIHS Ranking: High Security Decide Plus

The C40 Recharge packs the identical Pilot Help lively security system as different Volvo fashions, which suggests one-button activation and wonderful conduct as soon as underway. Other than rear automated emergency braking and hands-free driving, the C40 has nearly each lively security system on the mainstream market proper now.

However its rearward visibility is aggressively mediocre. It’s worse than each different crossover available on the market, and I’m together with equally formed automobiles just like the BMW X4. You’ll spend loads of time fidgeting with the rear-view mirror, and even then, your subject of view will probably be supercar dangerous.

• EV Vary: 226 Miles
• Effectivity: 94 Metropolis / 80 Freeway / 87 Mixed MPGe

• Base Worth: $58,750 + $1,095 Vacation spot
• Trim Base Worth: $59,845
• As-Examined Worth: $60,540

Just like the XC40, the C40’s beginning worth eclipses a lot of the competitors, though if you outfit these automobiles with a dual-motor setup and a longer-range battery, the value hole shrinks. Nonetheless, the C40 by no means looks like an particularly stable worth. Sure, it has a premium badge and the efficiency is brisk, and with no choices to decide on aside from a shade of paint, putting an order is fairly rattling straightforward.

A Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, or Volkswagen ID.4 supply extra vary, related efficiency, and a lower cost tag. However the C40’s major rival for my consideration lives proper throughout the showroom – the XC40 does every little thing the C40 does, however with out compromises to second-row usability or rearward sightlines, and for about $6,000 much less.