2023 VOLVO XC40 RECHARGE

Electric Crossover receives further Scandinavian refinement

Just three years after introducing the pure electric version of the Volvo XC40, the Recharge has already gotten an update focusing mainly on aesthetics.

“As we move towards becoming a fully electric company, our design language follows,” says Robin Page, head of design at Volvo Cars, in a media release. “With the refreshed fully electric XC40, we continue to evolve its instantly recognizable design, creating a more modern face with a sleeker front and an even more integrated grille.”

The front bumper features a chiselled look, boasting crisper edges and a unique contrast black foglight housing channelling the sideways-Tshaped style of the signature Thor’s Hammer pixel-LED daytime running lamps. In addition, the headlight themselves take on an angular shape. Previously inset, the solid-panel grille is now flush and frameless for a much cleaner appearance.

Plus and Ultimate trims, we tested the latter, offer eight paint colours — the Sage Green (+ $900) is particularly stunning, resembling matcha tea with metallic gold flakes appearing under sunlight. The new 20-inch five-spoke Black Diamond Cut alloy wheels mix raw polished aluminum and high-gloss dark paint and are func-

By Benjamin Yong

MSRP: $73,900

Motor: Dual

Horsepower: 402 (net)

Torque (lb-ft): 486 (net)

Transmission: One-speed

Automatic

Layout: Front/Rear Motor