Volvo C40 Recharge 2021 Review

The 2021 Volvo C40 Recharge was created specifically for those eco-conscious SUV buyers who are willing to sacrifice some space for a healthy boost in style.

The Swedish car-maker hopes the all-new C40’s blend of thumping performance and striking looks will reach the places an Audi Q4 e-tron, Tesla Model Y or Volkswagen ID.4 just don’t.

It might be right, but there’s another rival Volvo execs were keen not to mention at the international launch of the C40 Recharge – the Polestar 2.

It’s easy to see why. Sitting on the same platform and sharing an identical powertrain, the Polestar 2 boasts the same tech, looks better to these eyes and, crucially, is set to cost about $15,000 less when the C40 eventually rocks up in the second half of 2022.

Which begs the question – does the Volvo C40 do enough to justify such a big premium?

Volvo Australia says it’s still far too early to talk pricing and full spec for the 2021 Volvo C40 Recharge.

However, the high-riding coupe-style luxury crossover is unlikely to be priced below the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric small SUV that’s only just arriving in Australia and is priced at $76,990 plus on-road costs.

Notably, in the UK, the Volvo C40 Recharge costs £4350 ($A7900) more than the battery-powered XC40, which could see the swoopy new model priced from around $85,000 plus ORCs when it lands Down Under.

That sort of money matches what Tesla is set to charge for its bigger Model Y, but against its closest opposition – the Polestar 2 Long-Range Dual-Motor (from $69,900) – the C40 could carry a hefty $15K premium.

Despite being punchy on the price front, Volvo is expected to give you few excuses to visit the options list, with the C40 Recharge likely to be offered in one high-grade trim.

As standard, the all-electric Volvo will be fitted with the car-maker’s cabin filtration tech, the range-boosting heat pump that enhances heating and cooling efficiency, a 12.0-inch digital instrument cluster, 9.0-inch portrait-mounted infotainment system and pixel LED headlights.

Volvo’s generosity should also extend to plentiful driver aids from its latest Pilot Assist semi-autonomous suite that encompasses active cruise control, lane keeping, road sign information, blind spot and cross traffic alert, rear collision warning, park assist and a 360-degree camera.

Outside, there’s large 20-inch five-spoke alloy rims, tinted rear windows and a panoramic roof.

In the cabin, leather seats are not even an option, with Volvo offering a mix of vegan-friendly materials and a premium textile upholstery that, apparently, is made up of 71 recycled plastic drink bottles.

Finally, there’s a powerful premium sound system and a wireless phone charger.

In markets like the UK, premium paint options are included for no additional cost. The only paid-for option is a retractable tow bar, which is handy since unlike some of its rivals the C40 Recharge can tug loads weighing up to 1800kg.

As per the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, the C40 should come with Volvo’s five-year/unlimited-kilometre factory warranty and a three-year/100,000km service wear-and-tear plan that includes wiper blades, brake pads and brake discs, eight years of roadside assistance and an eight-year battery warranty.

Switching to an all-electric powertrain for the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric did wonders to performance with the small SUV. And it’s a similar story for the 2021 Volvo C40 Recharge.

In fact, thanks to its combination of two powerful electric motors on the front and rear axle that combined muster 300kW and 660Nm of torque, the C40 Recharge is the quickest Volvo ever made.

Against the clock, the arbitrary 0-100km/h dash is done in just 4.9 seconds, although top speed is limited to 180km/h.

Incidentally, both off the line and on the move the levels of urge available everywhere is quite astonishing. Even well above highway speeds, acceleration feels unrelenting.

This makes for a small SUV that is never left wanting in the performance department both in urban environments and on open country roads.

This makes for a small SUV that is never left wanting in the performance department both in urban environments and on open country roads.

Engineers haven’t simply carried over the same suspension settings as the Volvo XC40 EV.

Spring rates are identical, but new for the 2021 Volvo C40 Recharge is a fresh set of dampers all-round that are claimed to boost comfort while tackling body roll.

Volvo has also worked with Pirelli to develop some all-season Scorpion tyres. The new rubber, plus redesigned bearings and re-engineered rear brake callipers that feature new springs to prevent binding while parked, all translates to a commendable boost in efficiency.

Furthermore, with a reduced frontal area and slippery rear styling (complete with boot lid spoiler that adds downforce with zero drag), Volvo is rightly proud of its aero efficiency gains of up to four per cent that have allowed the C40 to boast a WLTP-verified driving range of 444km.

On the move, avoid excessive overtakes and it’s easy to match the combined energy consumption figure.

Recharging, too, should be brisk – if you have the right infrastructure. A top-up from 10 to 80 per cent of the 75kWh (useable) battery takes around 37 minutes from a 150kW fast-charge outlet.

Using the on-board 11kW charger, meanwhile, takes around 11 hours.

So far, so average. And now for some not-so-good news…

For those expecting the C40 Recharge’s more stylish looks and cheeky rear spoiler to translate into a sportier, more engaging drive, it’s disappointing to report that’s categorically not the case.

Enter a corner and there’s still too much pitch, dive and roll for a car with this level of performance, with the chassis often feeling overwhelmed.

Pick up the throttle too early mid-corner and, instead of fancy, measured torque vectoring, the C40 can light up its front tyres, producing plough-understeer.

That might not be so bad if its dynamic indifference was offset by a pillow-soft cossetting ride.

However, the large wheels and stiff springs see the pure-electric Volvo thump and crash over the occasional bump we could find on the mostly smooth Belgium roads – which doesn’t bode well for the craggy surfaces we have to contend with Down Under.

At speed the C40 is generally quiet, save for some wind buffeting and some transmission whine at lower speeds.

As part of the C40 Recharge introduction, Volvo has equipped its latest model with a whole suite of new driver assistance hardware, and on the move you can tell.

On the highway, the active cruise does a decent job taking the strain out of long-distance driving, smoothly auto-steering (with hands on the wheel) to keep you within lane.

Even on narrow country roads, the lane keep assist isn’t the annoyance it usually is in other models.

Clawing back yet more points is the Android-based infotainment system. Although the 9.0-inch screen is small, over-the-air-updates ensure the fast, easy-to-use system will only continue to improve over its lifetime.

A special mention must also go to the excellent front seats, but the cabin architecture carrying over from the combustion-engined XC40 feels clearly produced at a much lower price point than we’d expect from such a high-grade model as the C40.

The illuminated dash veneer that looks cool at night appears downright cheap during the daytime, while the coupe-style body limits space for the tall and the boot holds only 413 litres, which is less than its rivals. The frunk can take 31 litres.

The 2021 Volvo C40 Recharge remains a hugely significant car for the Swedish brand, but one that leaves us wanting.

Hamstrung by its ageing CMA platform, which also underpins the XC40 petrol and diesel models, the real advance in Volvo’s electric cars will come with the advent of the Geely-developed SEA EV architecture, plus the brand’s own next-gen SPA 2 platform.

Until then, despite being compromised, the C40 Recharge is an effortlessly fast, stylish small SUV that in isolation at least has a lot going for it.

It’s when you consider the expected high starting price in Australia that Volvo’s first-ever EV-only model line hits the stumbling blocks.

Ultimately, the Polestar 2 makes a better stab at being a fast, premium and stylish electric crossover at a far more palatable price.

How much does the 2021 Volvo C40 Recharge cost?
Price: $85,000 estimated (plus on-road costs)
Available: Second half of 2022 (estimated)
Powertrain: Two permanent magnet synchronous motors
Output: 300kW/660Nm
Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
Battery: 78kWh lithium-ion
Range: 444km (WLTP)
Energy consumption: 20.9kWh/100km (WLTP)
Safety rating: Not tested