Overview
Volvo has chopped the roof on its electric XC40 Recharge SUV to create the more stylish 2022 C40 Recharge. It shares a lot with the XC40 Recharge, including its all-electric powertrain: two electric motors that provide a whopping 402 horsepower, and standard all-wheel drive. The interior is also similar to the XC40’s, including that model’s clever storage solutions, high-tech Google Android-based infotainment system, and lofty seating height. A large battery pack with 75-kWh of usable energy storage is said to provide an estimated 210-mile driving range per charge. The C40 Recharge will be available for sale in early 2022, at which point it will compete against the likes of the Audi Q4 e-tron, the Mercedes-Benz EQA, and the Tesla Model Y. But don’t expect to see the C40 Recharge at your local Volvo dealership as it will be available exclusively via online ordering.
What’s New for 2022?
The C40 Recharge, despite sharing much of its mechanical bits and interior design with the XC40 Recharge, is an all-new model for the Volvo lineup.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Although the boxier XC40 Recharge is offered with the entry-level Plus trim, the more stylish C40 is offered only in luxury Ultimate trim, which adds niceties such as a panoramic sunroof, a Harman/Kardon stereo system, and a 360-degree exterior camera system. To sweeten the deal, all new C40 Recharges come with 250.0 kWh of free charging via Electrify America.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
All C40 Recharge models come with two electric motors—one mounted in the front and one in the rear—which can deliver up to 402-hp; all-wheel drive is standard. Volvo claims this powertrain can propel the C40 Recharge to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. This powertrain can be found in the XC40 Recharge as well as the Polestar 2 electric car, the latter of which blasted to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds at our test track.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
Under the floor of the C40 Recharge lies a battery pack with 75-kWh of usable energy storage, which Volvo says should deliver about 210 miles of driving range per charge. Speaking of charge, all C40 Recharge models will be capable of 150-kW DC fast charging, which is said to provide 80% charge in just 40 mins. For those who plan to charge at home, hooking the C40 Recharge up to a 110-volt or 220-volt outlet is also possible, but charging times will be slower.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA hasn’t released any fuel economy estimates for the C40 Recharge, but it should come in somewhere around the XC40 Recharge, which is rated for 85 MPGe city and 72 MPGe highway. When we get a chance to test the C40 Recharge on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, we’ll update this story with details.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The cabin of the C40 Recharge mirrors that of the XC40. That means a high seating position, clever storage solutions throughout the cabin, a large panoramic sunroof, and high-end materials and finishes. Don’t expect to see leather upholstery on the options sheet though: Volvo has said the C40 Recharge will be the first Volvo models to be completely leather-free. Also unique to the C40 Recharge are backlit trim panels on the dashboard and doors that illuminate to reveal an abstract representation of a topography map.
Infotainment and Connectivity
A touchscreen infotainment system running Volvo’s latest Google Android-based infotainment system will be standard and is capable of receiving over-the-air software updates. The system provides navigation through Google Maps and voice-commands via Google Assistant. Additional apps will be available for download through the Google Play Store. So far there’s no word yet on a digital gauge display or premium Harmon/Kardon stereo systems, but we expect to see both of those either as standard or optional features.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Volvo hasn’t yet released a list of driver-assistance features for the C40 Recharge but a host of standard technologies will likely be offered when the new SUV reaches the market. For more information about the C40 Recharge’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features are likely to include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Volvo offers a well-rounded warranty package on its new cars, including a complimentary scheduled maintenance plan that spans three years or 36,000 miles. The C40 Recharge is also available as part of the Care by Volvo subscription service, which also includes insurance, a home charging station, and an extended maintenance plan.
- Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Battery components are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles
