Volvo’s updated C40 and XC40 Recharge Pure Electric SUVs have been priced for Australia, and are arriving sooner than expected.
The brand has confirmed they’re now due here in the third quarter of 2023 – not the fourth, as had previously been announced – and are available to order now.
Single-motor versions of the XC40 and C40 Recharge Pure Electric are priced at $76,990 and $78,990 before on-road costs, respectively, representing price increases of $3000.
The dual-motor Twin version of the XC40 is priced at $85,990 before on-roads, while the C40 Recharge Pure Electric Twin is priced at $87,990 before on-roads. Both are up by $4500.
As previously reported, the single-motor versions switch from front- to rear-wheel drive, as with the related Polestar 2.
It’s the first time Volvo has offered a rear-wheel drive car since 1998, when it retired the flagship S90 and V90 – renamed versions of the 960.
The entry-level model’s rear-mounted electric motor produces 175kW of power, 5kW more than the outgoing front-wheel drive variant’s front-mounted electric motor. A torque figure isn’t provided.
Volvo claims the XC40 and C40 Recharge Single Motor RWD can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.4 seconds, and flat out you’ll be electronically limited to 180km/h.
The 69kWh lithium-ion battery pack carries over, with the XC40 Recharge Single Motor RWD having a claimed range of 460km according to WLTP testing, and the C40 Recharge Single Motor RWD having a claimed range of 476km. These represent increases of 35km and 38km, respectively.
These entry-level single-motor variants can DC fast-charge at a maximum rate of 130kW, and Volvo claims they will take approximately 34 minutes to go from 10 to 80 per cent.
Twin models now receive an in-house developed permanent magnet electric motor on the rear axle that produces 183kW and a new asynchronous electric motor on the front axle that produces 117kW.
Total system outputs remain the same as before: 300kW and 660Nm.
Volvo claims the updated XC40 and C40 Twin models can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds.
The dual-motor all-wheel drive variants have a 82kWh battery pack with the XC40 Recharge Twin Motor AWD having a claimed range of 500km, according to WLTP testing, and the C40 Recharge Twin Motor AWD having a claimed range of 507km. These are increases of 62km and 56km, respectively.
Beyond the electric powertrain and battery changes, the Volvo XC40 and C40 Recharge now receive some exterior changes to “improve efficiency where possible”. As an example, there’s a new 19-inch alloy wheel option that’s claimed to help reduce drag.
Not mentioned in Volvo Car Australia’s latest press release are the previously announced Single Motor Extended Range variants of the XC40 and C40 Recharge Pure Electric.
These use a 185kW rear-mounted electric motor and the larger 82kWh battery, for range of 515km and 533km respectively.
MORE: Everything Volvo XC40
MORE: Everything Volvo C40
