Volvo C40 vs. Volvo XC40 Recharge: In Images & Specs [Update]

• Design & Branding
• Release Date & Pricing

Update: Images and prices revised.

The 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge and 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge are currently available in the U.S. This is the second model year for the SUV-coupe (C40) that debuted in March 2021, while the facelifted SUV (XC40) has just arrived on the market. Here’s how the two models compare on paper.

Design & Branding

Before the launch of the C40, Volvo last used the ‘C’ brand in 2013 on the C30 coupe-hatch. However, a lot has changed at Volvo from that time, which influences Volvo C40.

Coupe variants of SUV are in style, and manufacturers including JLR and BMW cashed in on the trend with the Evoque and X2, both key competitors for the Volvo C40. The sleeker design over the XC40’s boxy SUV styling results in better aerodynamics. Where the Evoque and X2 are available with PHEV options, the Volvo C40 offers the distinction of featuring an all-electric drivetrain.

While the XC40 Recharge stands upright and looks boxy, the C40 takes a sportier approach on the design front. The curvy lights complement the roofline that falls more steeply. The coupe-styling is elegant and hasn’t been overdone like the bigger models that often end up like jacked-up sedans. Sleeker taillights, sportier roof spoiler, tailgate spoiler, and flatter, more concave tailgate are other interesting external features.

Competitors to the C40 include the Tesla Model Y and the Mercedes EQB. Images: Volvo Cars

Both Volvo electric car models feature Pixel LED headlights. Each headlight is made of 84 Pixel LEDs, and when the vehicle’s camera detects oncoming vehicles, they can shade out up to five vehicles each. So, other drivers won’t get dazzled even when driving with a full beam.

The Volvo C40’s interior has the same design. The C40 is the first Volvo model with a leather-free interior. All the elements, including the steering wheel, gear shifter, and upholstery, use sustainable materials instead of leather. A range of decor options is available that are unique to the coupe model.

The C40 is the first Volvo where no leather is used. Images: Volvo Cars

Specifications

The 2023 Volvo C40 uses the same, 78 kWh battery pack as the 2023 XC40 Recharge. The powertrain is nearly identical and consists of two motors, one powering the front wheels and one driving the rear wheels. The SUV-coupe’s motors generate 402 hp and 487 lb.-ft. of torque, while the SUV’s motors develop 402 hp and 486 lb.-ft. of torque.

The Volvo C40 sits 2.2 inches lower than the XC40 Recharge. It gets a marginally better driving range of 210 miles. Images: Volvo Cars

Thanks to the more streamlined exterior, the 2023 C40 Recharge is quicker in the 0-60 mph sprint. While the 2023 XC40 Recharge takes 4.7 seconds for a 0-60 mph sprint, the 2023 C40 Recharge, thanks to its more streamlined exterior, accomplishes the same in 4.5 seconds. The top speed of both models is the same – 112 mph. The SUV’s EPA-est. range is 223 miles, the SUV-coupe has a slightly better EPA-est. range – 226 miles. More power electric configurations are available, but not in the U.S.

AspectVolvo C40 SpecificationVolvo XC40 Recharge SpecificationLength/Width/Height174.8 in./75.2 in./62.8 in.174.8 in./75.2 in./65.0 in.Cargo Space (rear seats up)14.6 cu. ft.16.0 cu. ft.Cargo Space (rear seats folded down)49.0 cu. ft.57.5 cu. ft.Drivetrain LayoutAWDAWDMotorsTwo (front & rear)Two (front & rear)Motor Power402 hp402 hpMotor Torque487 lb.-ft.486 lb.-ft.0-60 mph Acceleration Time4.5 seconds4.7 secondsTop Speed112 mph112 mphBattery Pack Capacity (net)78 kWh78 kWhEPA-est. Range226 miles223 milesEPA-est. Energy Consumption39 kWh/100 miles39 kWh/100 miles

2023 Volvo C40 Recharge vs. 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge

Safety

The XC40 Recharge is one of the safest Volvos built, said Malin Ekholm, former head of safety at Volvo cars. Engineers developed a new and unique safety structure for passengers and the battery pack in the XC40 Recharge to give it a reinforced frontal structure to deal with the absence of the engine. The same elements are assumed to have been carried on to the Volvo C40, making it one of the safest coupe-crossovers on sale.

Manufacturing

Volvo Cars started manufacturing the Volvo C40 Recharge on October 7, 2021. It rolls out the C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge from Ghent, Belgium. The company had inaugurated a brand new battery assembly line for its EVs at its Belgian manufacturing plant in Ghent in March 2020. The carmaker has also signed long-term supply agreements for its battery needs with CATL of China and LG Chem of South Korea.

Volvo will manufacture the C40 alongside the XC40 Recharge in Ghent, Belgium. Images: Volvo Cars

Release Date & Pricing

The 2023 Volvo C40 is available at U.S. dealerships, and prices start at USD 55,300 (excl. USD 1,095 destination fee). Three trims are available – Core, Plus, and Ultimate. The Ultimate trim includes all the available features such as Pixel LED lighting, 20-inch alloy wheels fixed panoramic moonroof, Android OS infotainment system with Google services and apps, Harman Kardon premium sound system, and a 360-degree surround-view camera system. As for the 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge, the model comes in the three identical trims, starting at USD 56,250 (excl. destination fee)

Images in the story are compilations made from media released by Volvo Cars.

Anjan Ravi Freelance Editor

A Mechanical Engineer by qualification, I started out as an automotive editor of a regional magazine in 2011. In my 11 years of experience in creating automotive content, I’ve traveled around the world to review, analyze and report on the world’s top electrified cars.

Keyword: Volvo C40 vs. Volvo XC40 Recharge: In Images & Specs [Update]