- Headlamps borrowed from the Volvo C40
- Front bumper change
- New colors & wheels
- New interior upholstery option
- Single motor variant
- Reduced charging time
The first images of the 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge (facelift) started circulating on the web in November 2021, and Volvo has since then unveiled the model internationally. The new XC40 Recharge will begin arriving at U.S. dealers this summer, and here are six important changes to the facelifted model:
Headlamps borrowed from the Volvo C40
The 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge is visually in sync with the C40 Recharge. Image Source: Volvo Cars
The most significant update on the 2023 Volvo XC40 is its headlamps, which now resemble the Volvo C40 electric coupe SUV’s ‘Pixel’ headlights. Volvo Cars says that the pixel LED technology automatically adapts the headlights to traffic ahead and efficiently illuminates the path without dazzling the drivers in the oncoming vehicles. The reshaping of the headlight cluster also sees the Thor Hammer LED daytime running lights get a tweak.
Front bumper change
The 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge gets a revised front bumper that looks similar to the C40 and overall has a theme that is not very far from the Polestar models. A frameless grille plate also helps the XC40 Recharge remain visually in sync with its coupe version. The foglight enclosures get a redesign, and it appears the XC40 Recharge facelift shares the T-shaped plastic surrounds with its coupe sibling with the update.
New colors & wheels
Volvo Cars says that the 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge will be available in new colors, but it hasn’t revealed them yet. Similarly, the company has confirmed the availability of new wheels, with additional information to be disclosed closer to launch. Sage Green and Fjord Blue are the new exterior color choices in other markets.
New interior upholstery option
In line with its goal of achieving an animal-free interior, the 2023 Volvo XC40 cannot be specified with leather upholstery. Image Source: Volvo Cars
Volvo Cars is offering a leather-free interior in the 2023 Volvo XC40. However, it is yet to reveal the specific materials and colors for the U.S. market. In other markets, keeping in line with the C40, which uses naturally renewable wool fibers, the 2023 XC40 Recharge is available as an option with Midnight Zinc Tailored Wood Blend in Charcoal Interior (as seen in the image above). Depending on the color of the exterior, a small piece of trim ahead of the front passenger also changes in color. The leather-free interior with black headlining uses 30 percent responsibly produced wool and 70 percent polyester and claims to be dirt repellant too.
Single motor variant
Volvo Cars is yet to list the U.S.-spec 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge or reveal specs. The current (MY2022) model comes in a twin-motor AWD variant with 402 hp and an EPA-est. range of 223 miles. It has a 75 kWh (net) battery pack.
In the UK, the 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge will be available in a new entry-level single motor front-wheel drive-only variant. This variant makes 228 hp as against the AWD model’s 402 hp and packs a smaller 67 kWh (net) battery with a claimed range of 264 miles (422 km). The AWD XC40 Recharge’s range is 259 miles (414 km). We doubt if Volvo Cars will bring the entry model to the U.S., where the range is a priority for EV drivers.
Reduced charging time
Volvo Cars has significantly reduced the time required for fast-charging the XC40 Recharge dual-motor AWD’s 75 kWh battery pack internationally. The 2022 XC40 Recharge dual-motor AWD took 120 minutes (2 hours) with a 50 kW DC charger and 40 minutes with a 150 kW DC fast charger. The 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge dual-motor AWD takes only 68 minutes with a 50 kW DC charger and 32 minutes with a 150 kW DC charger.
The XC40 Recharge’s fast-charging time has nearly halved with the refresh. Image Source: Volvo Cars
Meanwhile, thanks to the smaller battery, the 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge single-motor (FWD variant) consumes just 56 minutes with a 50 kW DC charger and 32 minutes with a 150 kW DC charger to charge.
The 2023 Volvo lineup is in production now and will begin arriving in retailers this summer.
Volvo Car USA’s announcement on May 4, 2022 via media.volvocars.com
We’ll keep an eye on the Volvo press site for announcements on the U.S. launch of the refreshed XC40 Recharge.
Featured Image Source: Volvo Cars
Keyword: 6 important changes on the 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge (facelift)