Volvo has introduced the 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge which has a chopped roof that creates more style for the electric SUV. It shares a lot with the XC40 Recharge, including its all-electric powertrain: two electric motors that provide a whopping 402 horsepower, and standard all-wheel drive. The interior is also similar to the XC40’s, including that model’s clever storage solutions, high-tech Google Android-based infotainment system, and lofty seating height.
A large battery pack with 75-kWh of usable energy storage is said to provide an estimated 225-mile driving range per charge. The C40 Recharge will compete against a growing number of small luxury EV SUVs, including the Audi Q4 e-tron, the Mercedes-Benz EQA, and the Tesla Model Y.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
2022 Volvo C40 Recharge models come with two electric motors—one mounted in the front and one in the rear—which can deliver up to 402-hp; all-wheel drive is standard. Volvo claims this powertrain can propel the C40 Recharge to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. This powertrain can be found in the XC40 Recharge as well as the Polestar 2 electric car, the latter of which blasted to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds at our test track.
Its no surprise that the C40 Recharge drives much like its squareback sibling. Its ride is compliant and its handling is composed, but it lacks the crisp steering and eager demeanor that endears us to rivals such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E. When we get a chance, we’ll take the C40 Recharge to our test track and update this story with test results.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
Under the floor of the 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge lies a battery pack with 75-kWh of usable energy storage, which Volvo says should deliver about 225 miles of driving range per charge. Speaking of charge, all C40 Recharge models will be capable of 150-kW DC fast charging, which is said to provide 80% charge in just 40 mins. For those who plan to charge at home, hooking the C40 Recharge up to a 110-volt or 220-volt outlet is also possible, but charging times will be slower.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA hasn’t released any fuel economy estimates for the 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge, but it should come in somewhere around the XC40 Recharge, which is rated for 85 MPGe city and 72 MPGe highway. When we get a chance to test the C40 Recharge on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, we’ll update this story with details.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The cabin of the C40 Recharge mirrors that of the XC40. That means a high seating position, clever storage solutions throughout the cabin, a large panoramic sunroof, and high-end materials and finishes. Don’t expect to see leather upholstery on the options sheet though: Volvo says the 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge is the first Volvo model to be completely leather-free.
Also unique to the C40 Recharge are backlit trim panels on the dashboard and doors that illuminate to reveal an abstract representation of a topography map. Another big difference between the C40 and XC40 models is the former’s more dramatic rear roofline. This coupe-like rake cuts into cargo space somewhat, but drivers are less likely to notice that and more likely to notice the much larger blindspots that such styling creates.
Infotainment and Connectivity
A touchscreen infotainment system running Volvo’s latest Google Android-based infotainment system is standard and is capable of receiving over-the-air software updates. The system provides navigation through Google Maps and voice-commands via Google Assistant. So far we’ve found the new interface to be more responsive than Volvo’s outgoing Sensus system, but its on-screen buttons are smaller and more difficult to actuate while driving. Additional apps will be available for download through the Google Play Store. A digital gauge display and a premium Harmon/Kardon stereo system are also both included.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Volvo offers a comprehensive set of driver-assistance features as standard on the 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge, including an adaptive cruise control system, lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking. For more information about the C40 Recharge’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites
Photos
Full Specifications
2022 Volvo C40 Recharge Ultimate
Vehicle Type: front- and mid-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback
PRICE
Base: $59,845
POWERTRAIN
Front Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 201 hp, 243 lb-ft
Rear Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 201 hp, 243 lb-ft
Combined Power: 402 hp
Combined Torque: 487 lb-ft
Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 75.0 kWh
Onboard Charger: 11.0 kW
Transmissions, F/R: direct-drive
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 106.5 in
Length: 174.8 in
Width: 73.7 in
Height: 62.6 in
Passenger Volume: 98 ft3
Curb Weight (C/D est): 4750 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 4.3 sec
100 mph: 10.9 sec
1/4-Mile: 12.9 sec
Top Speed: 112 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST)
Combined/City/Highway: 85/92/79 MPGe
Range: 225 mi
