Volvo has announced that the XC40 Recharge P8 – that’s the pure electric version of its smallest SUV – will cost from £53,000 when it goes on sale. That's now, technically. You can order one today but it’s unlikely to be delivered until the start of next year.
That price jars a little, mainly because the XC40 range starts at £25,000 and it’s also about £10,000 more than the starting price of a Tesla Model 3. Plus it’s above the £50k threshold below which electric cars qualify for the £3000 Government grant against the cost. That said, it won’t be subject to the premium car levy, which is a £1600 tax saving over five years.
None of this considers the notion that the XC40 is just an excellent car though, much more practical and ‘premium’ in feel than the Tesla Model 3; if you’re looking just to get the best value new EV experience possible, pound for pound, then you buy an MG ZS EV for roughly half the XC40 Recharge's price.
Only one trim is available, R-Dynamic, and it of course has the kitchen sink thrown at it. Not literally, obviously, but you can guess: we’re talking leather upholstery, multi-zone climate control, navigation, full smartphone compatibility, and all the safety stuff imaginable.
The boot space is reduced as compared to a conventional XC40, but not by much – 413 litres compared to 460, although you get 31 litres back in the form of a space under the bonnet in lieu of a petrol or diesel engine. Also noteworthy is just how thoughtfully designed the XC40 is generally, with multiple storage compartments in the cabin and a boot that’s awash with clever ways of stopping your stuff from rolling about the place.
Power comes from a 78kWh battery pack powering dual electric motors, one on each axle for an unconventional four-wheel drive system. Total system output is 402bhp with, more importantly, 660Nm of torque available instantly, making for a 4.9-second sprint to 62mph; make no mistake, the XC40 Recharge will feel absolutely rapid.
This is the first of five fully electric cars that Volvo plans to launch before 2025, part of a plan that will see more than 50% of all Volvos sold powered by a battery by that year. ‘Recharge’ will be the name of anything with a Volvo badge and some sort of electric propulsion, be it only the battery or a hybrid system.
Keyword: Electric Volvo XC40 Recharge…£53,000. Yikes.