Overview
Remember those old Volvo wagons with squared-off designs and utilitarian missions? Think of the 2024 XC40 Recharge as the modern interpretation of those brick-like longroofs, and we mean truly modern. Underneath its chic exterior the XC40 Recharge hides an all-electric powertrain making up to 402 horsepower and boasting up to 293 miles of estimated driving range. Volvo has incorporated several features throughout the cabin to enhance the XC40 Recharge’s utilitarian nature, too, such as cleverly integrated storage solutions and a large cargo area to haul bulky items. Sure, you can get all that on the gasoline powered XC40, which we review separately, but if you want something with a more eco-friendly image the Recharge model is a great choice. While it doesn’t offer quite as much driving range as the Tesla Model Y, it’s certainly more stylish and offers better build quality.
What’s New for 2024?
A 248-hp Single Motor rear-wheel drive variant joins the lineup this year and boasts more driving range than the Twin Motor all-wheel drive version. Because the new RWD setup is more efficient and uses a slightly larger 79.0-kWh battery pack, the Single Motor model is good for up to 293 miles of driving. Twin Motor trims receive updates to their electric motors to improve efficiency, and as a result, range improves to an estimated 254 miles per charge.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The XC40 Recharge is offered in three trims, but we’d go with the loaded Ultimate trim, which doesn’t cost that much more than the mid-range Plus and comes with a host of additional equipment. The Ultimate gets unique 20-inch wheels, automatic high-beam headlamps, a Harman/Kardon stereo system, adaptive cruise control, and a semi-autonomous driving mode. We’ll leave the decision between the single and dual-motor powertrains to you, since each offers different range and power outputs to suit specific needs.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
Entry-level XC40 Recharge models are powered by a single, rear-mounted electric motor with 248 horsepower. Twin Motor models come with two electric motors, one at each axle, giving it full-time all-wheel drive. The all-wheel drive powertrain puts out a stout 402 horsepower and rocketed the XC40 Recharge to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds at our test track. During our test drive, we noted a compliant ride and a refined cruising demeanor; aggressive drivers may find the Polestar 2 a better fit. Regenerative braking allows for one-pedal driving, which is a desirable and convenient EV feature that we appreciate.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
Single Motor models come with a 79.0-kWh battery pack that Volvo says is good for up to 293 miles of driving per charge. A 75.0-kWh battery pack is standard equipment on the Twin Motor all-wheel drive model which is said to be good for up to 254 miles. That range estimate puts the XC40 Recharge in a position to compete with the Audi e-tron and the Jaguar I-Pace, but it leaves the Volvo at a disadvantage against the Model Y, which is capable of more than 300 miles per charge. The XC40 Recharge is capable of charging at DC fast-charging terminals as well as at home chargers via a 240-volt outlet.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
The EPA has not yet estimated the 2024 XC40 Recharge’s range, but we’re expecting slightly better numbers than the 2023 model. We are looking forward to evaluating the XC40’s real-world MPGe and driving range on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, and we will update this story with results when we complete the test. For more information about the XC40’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The cabin of the XC40 Recharge offers everything we love about the standard XC40, including thoughtful cubby storage, a comfortable driving position, and spacious first- and second-row seating. In the transition to an EV powertrain, the XC40 has lost none of its cargo space, so we expect the Recharge model to hold the same number of carry-on suitcases as the gasoline-powered version. In our testing, the XC40 held 23 carry-on suitcases with its rear seats folded. In addition, the lack of a four-cylinder engine under the hood frees up space for a front trunk (frunk), which is the ideal space to store the XC40 Recharge’s charging cables.
Infotainment and Connectivity
All XC40 Recharge models come with Volvo’s latest infotainment software developed in conjunction with Google’s Android Automotive. The XC40 Recharge’s corporate cousin, the Polestar 2, also offers such an infotainment system, which we found to be intuitive and snappy in its functionality, but the Volvo version suffers from small onscreen buttons that are difficult to actuate while driving. A standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster provides several options for customization. Despite the collaboration with Google, the new infotainment system provides connectivity options for both Android and Apple iPhone devices; a wireless smartphone charging pad is also offered.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Volvo offers a host of high-tech driver-assistance features as standard, including automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. For more information about the XC40 Recharge’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Volvo offers a well-rounded warranty package on its new cars, including a complimentary scheduled maintenance plan that spans three years or 36,000 miles.
- Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Battery components are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles
Specifications
Specifications
2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge P8 AWD
VEHICLE TYPE
front- and mid-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE AS TESTED
$59,780 (base price: $55,085)
POWERTRAIN
2 permanent-magnet synchronous AC motors
Power
201 hp @ 13,900 rpm (each)
Torque
243 lb-ft @ 0 rpm (each)
Combined Power
402 hp
Combined Torque
486 lb-ft
Battery Pack
liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 75.0 kWh
TRANSMISSIONS
direct-drive
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 13.6-in vented disc/13.4-in disc
Tires: Pirelli Scorpion Zero All-Season Elect, F: 235/45R-20 100H M+S VOL R: 255/40R-20 101H M+S VOL
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 106.4 in
Length: 174.2 in
Width: 73.3 in
Height: 65.0 in
Passenger volume: 96 ft3
Cargo volume: 21 ft3
Curb weight: 4791 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 4.3 sec
100 mph: 10.9 sec
1/4 mile: 12.9 sec @ 108 mph
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 4.4 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 1.6 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 2.2 sec
Top speed (governor limited): 113 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 171 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.84 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
75-mph highway driving: 76 MPGe
Highway range: 180 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 79/85/72 MPGe
Range: 208 miles
