The Volvo XC40 Recharge is a purely electric SUV, but please do not expect any sporty excesses. There is the C40 Recharge or a Polestar2. Nevertheless, it would be nice if the Swede didn't go around the corner so fidgety.
With the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric Pro, Volvo has set out to herald its claim as the future electric car manufacturer. The Swede, who is still on the compact modular platform CMA, is actually the first electric litter peppered with the genes that come from the mother Geely in China and that can also be found in the sporty offshoot Polestar 2 or in the Volvo C40 Recharge. In addition to the high-voltage lithium-ion battery with a usable storage capacity of 67 kWh, this also includes the electric motor with 231 hp, which smashes a maximum torque of 330 Newton meters to the front axle.
And smashing isn't all that wrong here, because of course the torque - we don't have any interruptions in tractive power due to gear changes - is immediately and extensively applied to the front wheels. As long as the wheels are straight, that's pretty fun too. From pole position at the traffic light, the Recharge driver snaps to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds and can reach speeds of up to 160 km/h. The ending might be fine for the chilled driver, the athlete might want a bit more.
Less, on the other hand, is wished for by the front wheels that warp when you spontaneously start, just because they are not quite straight. In addition, because of its very soft and open steering, the Swede can only be forced back on track by a strange rocking motion. A behavior that you are not used to from a Polestar2. Of course, it is also designed for performance, but a little more of that would also do the XC40 Recharge good.
Because even when cornering at high speed, the steering does not inspire any real confidence, especially since the physics naturally have an effect on two points of the two-tonner: in the underbody with the 500-kilogram battery and from above with the roof, which is 1.65 meters high. It is actually helpful here that the ground clearance of the electrician has been reduced by 35 millimeters to 176 millimeters compared to the combustion engine. However, it is not enough for a "dynamic driving experience" as promised by Volvo. Again, the speed-sensitive electronic power steering just isn't direct enough and provides little feedback.
But even if none of this is designed for ambitious sports driving, the XC40 Recharge does an excellent job on normal routes. The chassis is balanced, there are no nasty surprises in terms of information about the condition of the road, the brakes bite properly when needed and the steering usually does what you expect it to do. As it speeds up, it tightens; if you drive slowly, it goes into the soft overdrive.
Incidentally, this is also in demand when it comes to range. Volvo promises a maximum of 414 kilometers according to WLTP and even 584 kilometers in city traffic. However, the test cannot confirm this lavish information. The range calculated by the electronics with a 98 percent full battery was 340 kilometers. In real operation, this resulted in 290 kilometers, with an average consumption of 23.3 kWh. By the way, Volvo expects 19.1 kWh over 100 kilometers.
To be fair, however, we have to say that this was not perceived as a lack of power during the entire test. The Recharge can be charged at the appropriate charging station with up to 150 kW and has full voltage again after just under half an hour. And even at a 50 kW station, the time frame is manageable at 60 minutes. Where you definitely don't want to end up is the household socket, because it takes 64 hours. And even with the 11 kW wall box, it takes seven hours to fully charge the battery.
But as I said: If the battery is full and the charging stops are planned by Google, then you can actually start your holiday trip with confidence. Always assuming the Android system doesn't suddenly freeze, as happened twice during the course of the test. Then nothing works for the moment. Only a ten-minute stop, getting out of the car and locking it helped the system get back on its feet and the driver to find his way and the charging station.
Otherwise, the Swede pleases, as you are used to, with good workmanship, fine materials and this calm, always somewhat cool design, which is absolutely functional and yet chic. This also applies to the standard sports seats, which are upholstered in a material called "Rivel Chine", which consists partly of recycled materials and also embellishes the dashboard, inner door panels, center console sides, floor mat, luggage compartment cover and headliner.
Incidentally, a lot can be stowed away in the doors, because instead of installing the woofers of the Harman/Kardon system there, Volvo simply placed a subwoofer under the windshield, which has no disadvantages in terms of sound. The travelers in the second row also have no disadvantages. The space is not lavish, but it is quite well measured and the 419 liters of loading volume in the trunk, which can be expanded to 1295 liters, are sufficient together with the 31 liters under the front hood. In addition, the loading floor can be removed completely or folded into various positions if desired.
All very clever, similar to the assistance systems, which of course also include a lane departure warning system and a traffic jam assistant in addition to a distance radar. It's just a pity that the traffic sign recognition is not sufficient to automatically adjust the speed to the specifications, which is still the driver's responsibility. Otherwise, you can't badmouth the little helpers, of which there are a few typical for Volvo. They can usually be controlled via the steering wheel buttons or the central display and they certainly do what they are supposed to do.
At the end of the day, the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric Pro is not a bargain at 54,390 euros. Especially since special paintwork, 20-inch wheels, darkened side windows and the imitation leather for the seats can drive the price up to 57,140 euros. Yes, the applicable environmental bonus still applies here, but what if it is no longer paid at some point?
Conclusion: The Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric Pro is not a car for sports fans. Not when it comes to its handling in dynamic situations or its top speed of 160 km/h. In any case, the electric SUV is absolutely suitable for everyday use and, with the right planning, can also be used for longer vacation trips. Unfortunately, the manufacturer's premium claim of 57,000 euros also results in a corresponding price.
