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Our third electric car on review this issue is the Volvo XC40 Recharge. Lorraine fell in love with the XC40 when it was launched in 2017 so was keen to try the Recharge seeing she is far more enthusiastic about fully electric cars than Ally. It is a tough market though with its main rivals being the BMW iX3, the Ford Mach E which we both loved and of course Polestar 2 with which it shares some of its elements.
From the outside it looks similar to any other XC40, stylish and elegant but it has a different grille, bespoke ally wheels and subtle Recharge branding.
Although it is in the small SUV sector, the XC40 is a decent size and easily carries four tall adults with extra room for a growing child in the centre rear. Plenty leg and headroom front and back with various places to stow stuff. The boot is a decent size with 578 litres of space and don’t forget the cubbie hole under the bonnet meant for the charging cables. The feeling inside the cabin is of class and sophistication and you definitely know you are in a Volvo.
The infotainment system is excellent and Sat-Nav uses Google Maps, so you don’t need to fiddle about with your phone at the same time.
No need to search for the key, with the keyless entry, it stays in your pocket or your bag, no start button either, the car recognises that there is a bottom on a seat and all you have to do his select Drive and the engine kicks in
Out on the road the drive is extremely effortless with decent performance, 0-62 in 7.4 secs. Steering and braking are both smooth and positive.
For many, many years, Volvo has been the vanguard for safety equipment in their cars and today’s Volvos are just as safety conscious. The XC40 has a rear auto brake system that senses when the car is about to be hit from behind and it automatically applies the brakes in an effort to avoid crashing into the car in front. Oncoming lane mitigation gently guides you back into your lane without you feeling like you have been yanked by the scruff of the neck and shoved back into your place and if you do veer off course the front seat belts tighten just in case the worst happens. There is also cyclist and pedestrian detection. Lots of bells and whistles without the deafening sounds of said bell and whistles which annoy Ally the most.
The single motor has 231bhp from a 69kWh battery giving a range of up to 258 miles, the twin motor has a 78kWh battery and an increased range of around 270 miles. Really glad we have not bought one though as later this year both are being updated and with increased power and range.
Prices start from just under £47k for the Core trim single motor set up.
Ally says: “Great build quality and I really enjoyed my time in the XC40, lovely car to drive. On a downside I hated the colour, Fjord Blue just didn’t do it any justice.”
Lorraine says: :A test drive in the Volvo XC40 will sway even the most reluctant of electric car opponents, however the price-tag will still put people off.”
