Volvo C40 Recharge Twin Pure Electric 2023 Review

The 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge Twin Pure Electric – for dual-motor/all-wheel drive – is priced from $83,490 plus on-road costs. It currently sits $7500 upstream of the single-motor version we drove at the car’s launch.

That price tag positions the C40 Twin well above key rivals such as its similarly styled twin-under-the-skin Polestar 2 (from $76,400 plus on-road costs in Long Range Dual Motor guise), and also leaves buyers with few electric vehicle incentives or subsidies to speak of, depending on which state you live in.

Beyond powertrain, key differences in trim between the entry-level and as-tested top-spec Twin variant include pixel LED headlights, larger 20-inch wheels, a 360-degree camera, premium Harman Kardon sound system, an up-spec interior trim package and power child safety locks.

Volvo recently announced significant updates and matching price increases to the MY24 Volvo C40 Recharge which sees the entry-level Pure Electric starting from $78,990 (+$3000) and the Recharge Twin $87,990 (+$4500) plus on-road costs.

With electric vehicle models still limited in Australia, the competitors blur segment or size-based parameters which ordinarily define a buyer’s shortlist. As such, the 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge is likely to be cross-shopped against a variety of body styles, including the formidable Tesla duo of Model 3 and Model Y.

Equipment in the 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge Twin (Ultimate) kicks off with 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels (up from 19s on the entry level), front and rear LED lighting including headlights with adaptive cornering technology, electric folding wing mirrors, gloss black window trims and the choice of eight exterior paint colours, all at no cost.

There’s also remote keyless entry/start and a hands-free electric tailgate.

Environmentally friendly Microtech-upholstered seats are electrically adjusted and heated with two-position memory, four-way adjustable lumbar support and front seat cushion extensions.

There’s dual-zone climate control, an air purifier, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, aluminium tread plates, sport textile floor mats and a heated multi-function steering wheel, too.

Tinted side and rear windows as well as a fixed panoramic sunroof are also standard. And don’t forget the windscreen-mounted ticket holder.

The 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge is backed by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and service intervals are suggested every three years or 30,000km, whichever occurs first.

The C40 Recharge comes with three years’ free servicing and eight years of roadside assist as part of the purchase price.

The Volvo brand has always been synonymous with safety and the 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge Twin is no exception, irrespective of model grade.

A five-star ANCAP safety rating applies to all C40 Recharge models from October 2022.

Dual front, side and head airbags and a driver’s knee airbag are standard. The C40 Recharge also features a centre airbag that protects front seat occupants from colliding in the event of a side impact.

Driver assist technology includes adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian, large animal and cyclist detection, lane departure warning and lane keep assist, blind spot monitor with front and rear cross traffic alert, speed limiter and front and rear parking sensors with a 360-degree camera.

The most prominent technology features, and arguably the heroes, of the 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge Twin EV’s minimalist cabin is its 9.0-inch centre screen and 12.0-inch digital driver instrumentation panel.

The centre screen is home to the usual suspects such as AM/FM/DAB radio, satellite navigation, EV range status and journey monitoring as well as the many perks of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality – but it’s not wireless, so BYO cable and plug into one of the several USB ports available in the front of cabin.

The Volvo C40 also runs built-in Google apps – Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play store.

The system’s presentation is simple and, better still, it’s intuitive to use. The addition of commonly used buttons such as camera and climate control to the bottom of the screen are handy and there’s room for customisation, too.

The 13-speaker Harman Kardon Premium Sound system is a ripper and sound quality is excellent.

The only obvious omission from the equipment line-up is a head-up display.

The 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge Twin is powered by a 78kWh battery with dual 150kW motors – front and rear – sending power to all four wheels through a single reduction gear.

That combination delivers a powerful 300kW and 600Nm for a top speed of 180km/h and the C40 Recharge Twin will move from 0-100km/h in a claimed 4.7sec. That’s not bad pace for a small SUV weighing in at 2158kg.

Like many of its competitors, smaller-capacity entry-level models are also available – in this instance it’s the front-drive, single-motor C40 Recharge with a 69kWh battery.

Using a 150kW DC fast-charger the C40 Recharge Twin can be charged from 10-80 per cent in a claimed 37 minutes, an 11kWh AC charger takes eight hours (0-100%) and using a domestic AC outlet needs around 38 hours.

The 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge Twin is claimed to be good for up to 450km of pure-electric driving from a fully charged battery.

Like all energy consumption estimates, this will heavily depend on your driving style and other external factors like road and weather conditions.

During this driver’s time behind the wheel, the C40 Recharge Twin recorded an average energy consumption of 24kWh/100km for a two-week test that was weighted towards city-based driving – which is not far off the manufacturer’s claimed combined consumption of 22.2kWh/100km.

The C40 Recharge Twin comes with a domestic home (AC) charging cable, with fast-charging cables available for an additional fee.

Volvo recommends best-practice charging of the C40 is to not let it fall below 20 per cent and only charge up to 90 per cent for long-term battery health.

While this advice is not uncommon – we hear similar recommendations from a variety of battery-electric vehicle manufacturers – I still struggle with the concept of not charging to 100 per cent and I know I’m not alone.

The 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge Twin driving experience is calm and composed. I very much enjoy the way the Twin delivers its power – smooth and immediate, thanks to those powerful dual motors.

Its power is less of a surprise thrust and more gradual and graceful, but that’s not to say the C40 flagship doesn’t pack a punch when you need the pace – it does.

Using the most efficient one-pedal driving mode, the Volvo C40 Recharge Twin impresses.

Technology that can be clunky and slow to master in some EVs feels natural and quick to learn in the C40.

It took no time to find the perfect measure of throttle and lift-off required for smooth one-pedal driving. It’s one of the best examples of this technology I’ve experienced.

On top of this, ride comfort is excellent and the overall refinement feels like what you’d expect from the premium-priced vehicle you’re paying for. It’s well insulated with limited road or tyre noise.

Steering is nicely weighted with decent feedback, which adds to the effortless feel behind the wheel.

Forward vision is great, but the rearward vision is, without exaggeration, quite awful. That lovely sloping roofline makes for a smart silhouette, but in doing so creates a small rear window with a severely limited line of sight.

You will rely heavily on your cameras and parking assist technology – which, thankfully, are very good.

The 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge Twin’s interior displays a measured approach to design, technology and sustainability.

Pared-back and practical prestige – there’s no drama or fanfare in the C40’s interior. If you’re after that, look elsewhere.

What you do get is a focus on quality, sustainable finishes, functionality and good ergonomics. The front seats, for instance, are supremely comfortable.

In-cabin storage is good although a few larger storage spots would be useful. There are two cup holders, a wireless phone charging pad and lidded oddment storage spaces.

The interior vibe is minimalist, but without being sterile or devoid of any personality. It feels mature and its design will probably stand the test of time.

The second row offers decent room for three occupants, but that middle seat is a little compromised in both foot space and legroom. Outboard seats are heated and every bit as comfortable as the large pews up front.

The C40 Recharge Twin is not a dedicated EV platform, so the centre transmission tunnel remains an obstacle.

Two ISOFIX seat positions and three top tether anchor points have your child seat needs covered.

A telltale sign of my (teenage kids) life stage is how much I appreciate the C40’s boot space (413-1205 litres) with 60/40 split-fold and thru-load functionality. The folding floor segments the cargo space and offers additional bag hooks for improved load management.

There’s also 31 litres of frunk storage, but that’s where I like to store the charging cables. And it’s under the base of the frunk where you’ll find the tyre repair kit.

The C40 Recharge Twin has a braked towing capacity of 1800kg and the roof load limit is 75kg.

The 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge Twin is a practical EV that does exactly what is says it will, offering zero-emissions motoring in an understated, quality package with sustainability at its heart.

Classic interior design will also see this vehicle maintain appeal through the years. It feels like a logical and easy transition for Volvo drivers looking to switch to an EV.

Like so many electric vehicles hitting Aussie roads, I just wish it was cheaper.

2023 Volvo C40 Recharge Twin Pure Electric at a glance:
Price: $83,490 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Powertrain: Two permanent magnet synchronous motors
Output: 300kW/660Nm
Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
Battery: 78kWh lithium-ion (75kWh useable)
Range: 420km (WLTP)
Energy consumption: 22.2kWh/100km (ADR)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2022)