2022 Volvo C40 Recharge Review: Emphasizing Style

Initially off, I like the way the C40 appears to be like. The roofline is unique more than enough from the XC40’s to make it stand out, and no issue what coloration you purchase, the roof is normally black. It is cool how the LED taillights run in segments down the rear window, ending in a reliable, squared-off style and design. The small ducktail spoiler is a neat little aerodynamic trick, as well, since it also addresses the hinges for the hatchback.

Powering the C40 is a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack that offers this Volvo an EPA-estimated 226 miles of vary. In true-entire world use, the C40 should really return 2.9 miles for every kWh, a selection I have no difficulty matching during my tests. In conditions of electricity intake, that puts it in between rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E (3.2 miles for every kWh with the typical battery) and Audi E-Tron (2.3 miles per kWh).

Plugged into my home charger, I can get gain of the C40’s 11-kW onboard charger, earning 31 miles of vary in an hour at a cost of about $3. A 2nd cost later on in the week stuffed the Volvo up to 100% for $27.45 in about 10 several hours, but experienced I been glad with 80%, it would’ve taken about eight several hours. (Charging costs decrease following 80%.) If you have obtain to a DC speedy-charging station, the C40 can acquire in electricity at speeds of up to 150 kW.

When you slide powering the wheel, you do not basically have to begin the C40. As extensive as I have the critical on me, the C40 registers my butt in the driver’s seat and turns itself on. All I have to do is place it in equipment and go. Awesome.

Driving the C40 is a nice working experience many thanks to its immediate electric torque. The twin-motor set up in the C40 indicates I’ve bought 402 horsepower and 486 pound-ft of torque heading to all four wheels. That very significantly matches the Audi E-Tron and it can be far more electricity than nonluxury offerings these kinds of as the Ford Mustang Mach-E or Hyundai Ioniq 5. With this a lot power on supply, the C40 can speed up to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. You will find no hesitation in acceleration, just pure electric powered thrust. Freeway merging and passing are quick and straightforward, and whenever I require to hop into a chaotic carpool lane, I really don’t need to wait for a big gap. The C40 busts up to velocity like a boss.

You can switch a one particular-pedal driving method on and off, but I like the strategy of finding strength for no cost, so I retain it on in the course of my week with the vehicle. The C40 will even come to a complete end and hold itself there till I contact the throttle again.

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There are no travel modes to regulate the suspension’s stiffness, even though I can adjust the steering feel. The journey excellent is just not lousy, but some may perhaps obtain it a minor severe, primarily more than damaged pavement. Then once more, a control body weight of nearly 5,000 lbs . and 20-inch wheels with very low-profile tires will do that to a vehicle.

My just one major grievance is rearward visibility. The little, sloping again window really obscures my see. Positive, I’ve bought all the 360-diploma cameras and blind-spot checking tech I could want, but it is really a little bit jarring searching in the rearview mirror and just observing the grille of the car or truck at the rear of me and not considerably else.

Thankfully, the C40 arrives regular with all the driver-assistance capabilities you could want. Blind-spot checking is below, as is lane-maintaining guide, highway signal recognition, and the two entrance and rear parking sensors. Adaptive cruise handle is applied with Pilot Assist to assist get some of the pressure out of commuting, retaining the auto at a set distance from the car in front as nicely as centered in the lane. On the full, this tech works easily, but it appears to be to thrust in the direction of the passenger aspect of the lane a bit. Nevertheless, I like that Pilot Support uses map facts to establish curves and hills and can adapt the C40’s speed as required.

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I’m getting utilized to Volvo’s enhanced infotainment process, housed on a 9-inch touchscreen. It runs on the Android Automotive operating program, and due to the fact of that, I have Google Maps, Google Assistant and access to the Google Participate in retail store. It is all acquainted and simple to use, even though I do miss out on obtaining Apple CarPlay. The absence of Apple integration is a authentic bummer, nevertheless Volvo says it’s coming quickly.

My tester’s dim inside is complemented by the no-cost Fjord Blue carpets and doorway inserts. It is really a striking look and 1 you can expect to possible want, as very well. I also dig the topographical map style on the dash that lights up at evening. Not that I expect to take this thing off-street, but I’m a map geek, so it helps make me content.

The conventional heated front seats are rather comfortable, made from artificial materials that, although not exactly vegan, at least are not leather. Also heated for no extra charge are the steering wheel, doorway mirrors and entrance badge, the latter of which ensures the forward-experiencing camera often stays frost-totally free.

The C40’s rear compartment suffers a bit of headroom loss when compared to the XC40, thanks to that sloping roofline, but it can be not way too negative. Cargo room, nevertheless, is at a high quality, with only 17.3 cubic toes driving the 2nd row, maxing out at 48.7 cubes with the seats folded flat. There is a small frunk up front, but with only 1 cubic foot of house, it hardly holds a backpack.

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The 2022 Volvo C40 begins at $59,845 like $1,095 for shipping, and the only solutions are paint colours. And that is not by accident both. Volvo wishes to lower complexity in its goods and provide clear pricing products.

In addition, if you want to acquire a C40, or any approaching Volvo electric car or truck for that subject, you will have to do it online. Volvo will still have retail companions accountable for shipping and servicing of its cars. Nevertheless, its offerings will be preconfigured with no area for cost negotiations. All electrical Volvos purchased on the internet will contain company, guarantee, roadside help, household charging selections and even insurance plan in which obtainable.

It really is a courageous new globe of motor vehicle purchasing, but at the very least the underlying products is wonderful. This EV could possibly be quick on cargo place and are unable to match the for a longer period vary of some rivals, but if you prioritize substantial top quality and model over everything else, the C40 has baggage of allure.