Volvo XC40 Recharge

Volvo has followed the understated elegance of the exterior of the XC40 Recharge for the layout of its cabin on the inside. The overall interior of the Volvo XC40 Recharge features a sustainable artificial leatherette finish, featuring an all-black theme coupled with a contrast marble-like texture for the dashboard and door trim garnishes. 

The overall cabin of the Volvo XC40 Recharge has a simple but elegant look, with the driver’s cockpit here retaining the three-spoke multi-functional steering wheel and the 12.3-inch full-TFT instrument console from the ICE version. However, the instrument console here gets EV-specific gauges and graphics. The centre console houses the portrait-style 9-inch infotainment system, which has gloss black surrounds and is flanked with vertical AC vents. Even the corners of the dashboard here get vertical AC vents, which also get chrome touches over them.

Apart from the features mentioned above, the Volvo XC40 Recharge also gets dual-zone automatic climate control, powered front seats with memory function for the driver’s seat, a panoramic sunroof, a 13-speaker Harman-Kardon sound system with 600W amplifier and air-ventilated woofer and sub-woofer, Sensus connect with voice command function and a clean-zone air quality system. However, given how the premium SUVs have moved up the game, the Volvo XC40 Recharge could have had more features in the cabin. 

Based on the ICE version of the Volvo XC40, the design of the Volvo XC40 Recharge still looks fresh and appealing even after being almost half a decade old now. While there are some differentiating elements in this all-electric version over the ICE version, the former still retains the upright and tall stance of the latter, thus giving it an impressive look. 

The evident difference in the Volvo XC40 Recharge compared to the ICE version of the XC40 is at the front, where the former gets a closed design for the front grille. However, like in the ICE version, this grille also features tapered lower edges and the trademark Volvo logo with a slanted chrome slat running across it. The grille is flanked by trapezoidal sweptback full-LED headlamps featuring Thor’s hammer daytime running LEDs. 

From the side, the Volvo XC40 Recharge has a very likeable upright stance and high ground clearance, which gives it the much-needed SUV look. The XC40 Recharge has an angular design for the C-pillar, which along with the machined alloy wheels and door-mounted rearview mirrors, give it a touch of sportiness to the side profile. Meanwhile, for an even more SUV-ish look, the Volvo XC40 Recharge has slim roof rails and slim body cladding. 

The rear profile of the Volvo XC40 Recharge looks rather plain when compared to the rest of the design, with the rear look of the SUV having pillar-mounted Christmas tree-like L-shaped LED tail lamps. The rear bumper here is densely covered with tough-looking body cladding, giving the rear profile of the Volvo XC40 Recharge a rugged look.

While the Volvo XC40 Recharge has a different all-electric powertrain setup, it retains the suspension setup of the ICE Volvo XC40, comprising Macpherson struts at the front and multi-link at the rear. Despite the high ground clearance, the Volvo XC40 Recharge showcases good control with electrically-assisted responsive steering. 

The Volvo XC40 Recharge in UAE has an all-wheel drive configuration, courtesy of the two electric motor setups, one each at the front and rear. In the combined mode, these electric motors generate 408 PS of maximum power and 660 Nm of maximum torque, making it the most powerful electric SUV in its category. The Volvo XC40 Recharge also claims 4.8 seconds for a 0-100 kmph sprint. The 75 kWh liquid-cooled battery claims a maximum driving range of 418 km and takes 28 minutes for a 10-80% charge using a DC fast charger. 

The Volvo XC40 Recharge has a best-in-class suite of safety features, which includes City Safety - car, pedestrian, cyclist, and large animal detection with full auto brake, Collision Avoidance and mitigation Support with Auto Brake - front, rear & intersection, Blind Spot Information System, Cross-Traffic Alert with auto brake and Lane Keeping Aid. It also gets an active high beam for headlamps, seven airbags, ABS with EBD, Pilot Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, Park Assist Pilot - Perpendicular & Parallel Parking, Park Assist Camera - 360 degree and front and rear parking sensors.

The Volvo XC40 Recharge might not be a revolutionary EV in terms of design, but it has changed the game in the all-electric compact SUV category with its most powerful powertrain and the most comprehensive suite of safety features.