Volvo XC40 Recharge

Volvo’s heart is set on electrification – and Jack Evans has put its first fully electric model to the test.

WHAT IS IT?

Volvo is a company with electrification at its very core, with plans to make 50 per cent of its sales fully electric by 2025 – and it’s set to become a solely EV company by 2030. But up until now, it has largely majored in hybrids. The XC40 P8 Recharge represents Volvo’s first foray into fully battery-powered vehicles, converting one of its most popular vehicles to run solely on plug-in power. The question is, can this be the EV debut Volvo was looking for?

WHAT’S NEW?

Underneath, we’ve got a whole new powertrain – the same as the one in Polestar’s 2, incidentally, and the pair share the same CMA modular platform, too. It means that although the exterior might appear like a carbon-copy of its more petrol-focused stablemates, the way it propels itself is considerably different.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

The XC40 P8 Recharge makes use of an all-wheel-drive electric setup, which is a good thing indeed as it has a sizeable 402bhp and 660Nm to translate to the road – not the sort of power outputs you’d expect from a car of this type. In fact, this diminutive little Volvo will outstretch all manner of sports cars.

The ability to charge at speeds of up to 150kW means the battery can be taken from zero to 80 per cent in as little as 40 minutes, while a full charge via a home wallbox will take around eight hours.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

The extra weight of this battery-powered car can be felt from the off, although there’s no doubting the potency of the electric motor setup. Even moderate applications of throttle cause the XC40 to surge forwards, ramping up speed at an alarming pace.

This Volvo’s ride is a mixed bag, though. It’s soft on most occasions, which means it rolls and lists through bends. However, there’s also a firmness that seems to translate many of the road imperfections through and into the cabin.

We travelled a decent 132-mile route before stopping to charge with the battery showing around 38 per cent remaining. On a particularly cold day, we expected the range to dip below claimed, but this would put it below the 200-mile mark. It seems more than likely then that the car’s range readout was a touch pessimistic.

Power

All-wheel drive helps put down the 402bhp and 660Nm on to the road.

THE KNOWLEDGE

Volvo XC40 P8 Recharge

Price: £53,155 Engine: Electric motors with

78kWh battery

Power:

402bhp

Torque: 660Nm

Max speed:

112mph

O-60mph:

4.7 seconds

Range:

257 miles

Emissions: 0g/km CO2

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

There’s the now standard-fit smoothed-off grille that you’ll find on most EVs on sale today, helping to boost this Volvo’s aerodynamic efficiency. In truth, we like the rather understated design of the P8. There are no gimmicks, just regular – and rather attractive, to our eyes – Volvo styling, which makes it a classy and refined sight out on the road.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

It’s spacious, well made and distinctly clean in styling. There are no fussy controls or over-complicated menus, just an accessible touchscreen in the middle and plenty of high-end materials. Given the performance that the XC40 delivers, we’d like to have a little more bolster on the seats, though. This Volvo also does without a proper ‘range’ readout, choosing instead to display a battery percentage.

In terms of boot capacity, the XC40 offers up 452 litres, plus a handy 31 litres in the nose.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

Prices start from just over £53,000 but Volvo expects most buyers will opt for its Care by Volvo fixed subscription package, putting the P8 from £619 per month on a fixed 36-month period. This brings a range of dedicated services, including replacement tyres and all servicing costs. The level of equipment is excellent, including a nine-inch central touchscreen that incorporates Google’s automotive services and works brilliantly.

WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK?

What Car? said: ‘The Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric has an appealing interior, a decent electric range, rapid performance and impressive safety credentials.’

WHAT DO WE THINK?

Volvo’s first venture into the fully electric segment is a commendable one. The XC40 P8 Recharge offers the kind of useable range that buyers are looking for, as well as super-fast charging capabilities. It might be expensive but lower-priced models are in the pipeline – and it’s with those that we predict the XC40 will fully come on song. However, initial impressions are good – and Volvo’s electric future seems to be well and truly on the way.

The P8 Recharge offers the kind of useable range that buyers are looking for.

Interior

The spacious and well-made cabin is distinctly clean in its styling.

The design is rather understated with no gimmicks but looks great to our eyes.

Styling TARGET BUYERS:

Drivers who want a practical electric SUV with surprisingly brisk performance.

THE RIVALS:

Audi Q4 e-tron, Volkswagen ID.4, Mercedes EQC.

KEY SELLING POINTS:

1. Decent electric range. 2.Great build quality. 3.Understated looks.

DEAL CLINCHER:

The P8 might be Volvo’s first fully electric car but it’s an admirable foray into the segment and one that will surely find favour with many looking to make the switch to EVs.