The Volvo XC40 is the Swedish model that we all know and love. Safe, stylish, and packed with tech, the familiar XC40 can also be had with a fully electric powertrain. Here's what we love, and coincidently dislike, about this compact Scandinavian crossover.
The Volvo XC40 was the first, full-electric offering in South Africa. Virtually identical to the XC40 that you know and love, the Volvo XC40 Recharge range offers an alternative to Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) powered vehicles. Convenient, silent, and virtually maintenance-free, the Volvo XC40 Recharge range is appealing to those that are looking for the electric vehicle (EV) experience and don’t want to compromise on style. XC40 Recharge customers won’t be breaking the bank either.
There is lots to love about the range-topping XC40 P8 Recharge Twin variant, but at the same time, it’s not perfect. Oddly enough, the things I love are also the things that get under my skin, but don’t take my word for it – see if the items below would bug you too.
1. Price
I love the fact that the Volvo XC40 P8 is a relatively affordable EV. Coming in at only R1 260 000 and bundled with great benefits like a home charger, 3 years complimentary comprehensive insurance, and the use of a petrol-powered Volvo for 2 weeks a year, for three years (perfect for your annual holidays), the XC40 P8 Recharge Twin is one of the best value for money EVs on the market.
I can’t get over the fact that it’s the most expensive XC40 though and having an XC40 breach the R1-million mark, is hard to swallow. Unfortunately, EVs are still heavily taxed, but if you have to have an electric XC40, there’s also the XC40 P6 Recharge that is a little cheaper, coming in at R1 075 000.
2. Simplicity
I love the clean, uncluttered approach to the styling and the interior is designed in a typical Scandinavian fashion with clean lines, elegant materials and attractive accent pieces. Volvo has simplified things even further with the XC40 P8, doing away with several controls in the name of streamlining the overall design.
But this simplification extends to some of the information I want access to, as well. The XC40 will give you a percentage readout for the battery state but figuring out how far that percentage will take you requires digging through the menu. This is just one of the instances where more would be beneficial.
3. Infotainment
I love the large, portrait infotainment screen. This new-generation system uses Android as its operating system and this means that you have the benefit of native Google apps such as Google Maps and, with an internet connection, you’ll be able to add more useful apps from the Google Play Store.
Unfortunately, the Play Store only offers Vehicle-Approved apps to be downloaded so I can’t, for instance, download and install Google Home and control my house’s lights and switches from inside the car.
4. Safety
I love the Intellisafe Assist system that helps contribute to the 5-star EuroNCAP rating of the XC40 P8. This comprehensive system features adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert and pre-collision arming to help ensure that you have one of the safest vehicles on the road.
These systems are so sensitive though. Try pulling into a garage, or having a car guard move behind you in a parking lot, and the Volvo thinks you’re too close and will automatically brake. A little frustrating, it must be said.
5. Power
I love that the Volvo XC40 P8 Recharge Twin produces 304 kW and an impressive 660 Nm from two electric motors, sending power to all four wheels. In fact, the XC40 will sprint from a standstill to 100 km/h in only 4.9 seconds. This is one quick crossover and will embarrass many a sports car in the process.
I hate… well, nothing. The power is awesome and some of the best you;re going to get at this price point!
Keyword: 5 things we love about the Volvo XC40 P8 Recharge Twin (and why they're the same things we hate)