The Volvo XC60 P6 Recharge went on sale in South Africa at the end of July exclusively through the Volvo online store, and the first batch of 25 units sold out in 24 hours.
“The order books for the XC40 P6 Recharge officially opened early on Tuesday 26 July and every one of the 25 units was snapped up by the following morning,” said Greg Maruszewski, managing director at Volvo Car South Africa.
At a starting price of R1,075,000, the P6 is Volvo’s cheapest fully-electric vehicle (EV) and “the most affordable all-electric luxury vehicle on the local market,” said the company.
Unlike its bigger brother, the twin-motor P8 Recharge, the P6’s price has been kept down by only fitting one engine on the front axle with a total output of 170kW and 330Nm.
This sends the electric crossover to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds while capping out at 160km/h. The 69kWh lithium-ion battery also allows for a 423km maximum range while offering “very competitive charging capabilities.”
In terms of amenities, the EV brings wireless smartphone charging, all-round parking sensors, a reverse camera, climate control, a digital instrument cluster, and the newest-generation Android-powered infotainment system with built-in Google Apps support.
Each purchase of a Volvo EV is then accompanied by a five-year warranty and maintenance plan, three years of comprehensive insurance, the use of a petrol car for two weeks per year for three years, a public charge cable, and a wall-box home charger.
Good news for 2023
Within the first half of next year, hopefully the first quarter, said Maruszewski, Volvo will launch the C40 Recharge electric crossover coupe in South Africa, which is expected to feature the same powertrain options as the XC40.
Following this, the local market will see the debut of the manufacturer’s first “big electric SUV” – although Maruszewski did not confirm which one this will be.
Finally, he said Volvo expects the current component shortages that have been plaguing the global automotive industry for the past two years to subside around March 2023, with new vehicle stock levels anticipated to return to normal after this happens.
Keyword: Cheapest Volvo electric SUV in South Africa sells out in 1 day