Reviewing the Volvo C40

The Volvo C40 review

Is the C40 the only electric car from Volvo?

The Swedish car manufacturer have actually been electrifying their fleet for much longer than many UK customers would believe, with many of their existing petrol platforms having received plug-in technology, or PHEV, for some time. And as part of a clear statement for this car brand to move into pure electric car production only by 2030 - the Geely owned car manufacturer finally brought a pure electric car into production in 2019 - the XC40 Recharge.

While the platform was already available in petrol and diesel formats, the move to a 78 kWh battery pack retained the looks and familiarity of the popular SUV while adding the efficient yet enjoyable joys of EV driving. And as we have discussed in recent blogs and reviews, the UK customer is very much SUV and Crossover centric, which means that for any electric car producers they need to ensure an avid mix of small and large SUV or 4x4 options for leasing customers to enjoy.

And Volvo were not one to be remiss with their EV commitment, with the C40 Recharge being launched for sale and deliveries around late 2021. The C40 shares the same platform and aesthetics as the XC40 but with a key difference of a curved roofline to provide a more sporty and sleek appearance.

The C40 is the Id.5 equivalent to the Id.4 or Audi Q4’s equivalent of a Sportback to the estate. While some customers, particularly with families and pets, do need practical and logical estate formats, there are some customers who enjoy the comfort and ride height of the SUV but do enjoy the sleek and aggressive Coupe aesthetics. The C40 is only available in electric format, as Volvo look to make this a distinct zero-emission SUV option.

And what options / specifications can you order with the C40?

While at the time of writing (October 2022) there are limited availabilities due to parts and microchip shortages, we will detail the products shown on the Volvo website at present which includes: 

•  Core - the main features include a panoramic roof, Google assistant for 4 years, power operated tailgate, climate control, 12” driver display, 9” centre display, auto-dimmed rear view mirror, auto folding heated door mirrors, cruise control, LED headlights, rear parking camera, lane mitigation, 19” alloys, hill start assist, 4-way lumbar support and wireless phone charging. With the Core you can add the Climate package (heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, air purifier and heated front seats) or a retractable towbar;
•  Plus - the middle option adds the air quality and pollen filter, heat pump (enhanced cabin heating and cooling efficiency), heated steering wheel, BLIS, front LED fog lights, Pilot assist, rear collision warning and mitigation support, keyless drive (entry and start), heated front and rear seats and driver’s seat with memory; and 
•  Ultimate - the top of the range option adds Harmon Kardon premium sound, 360 degree camera, pixel LED headlights, 20” alloys, connect suede upholstery and the fresh air subwoofer.  

In terms of colour choices, pick from Black Stone, Onyx Black, Fusion Red, Thunder Grey, Fjord Blue, Silver Dawn, Crystal White and Sage Green.

What is the range of the C40?

One of the key questions of the electric car buying process will relate to the distance the vehicle will travel on a full charge. As part of the electric journey, all of the e-car lease customers will be asked to utilise our “living with your ...” tools, which essentially sets out the key details of the battery and the vehicle i.e. the stuff you really need to know! For the C40, choose between two platforms which includes: 

• Single Motor - the 67 kWh lithium-ion battery will offer 170 kW (or 228 hp) for 0 - 62 times of 7.4 seconds and 99 mph top speeds. The smaller battery will offer a combined cold weather range of 175 miles on a full charge and around 230 miles in warmer temperatures. In terms of charging times, the 11 kW AC will allow for 0 - 100% in just over 7 hours with the 136 kW DC allowing 26 minute 10 - 80% times. A fuel equivalent of 124 mpg this SUV-Coupe can also tow 1500 kg (braked); and
•  Twin Motor - the 75 kWh lithium-ion battery will offer 300 kW (or 402 hp) for 0 - 62 times of 4.7 seconds and 112 mph top speeds. The smaller battery will offer a combined cold weather range of 185 miles on a full charge and around 245 miles in warmer temperatures. In terms of charging times, the 11 kW AC will allow for 0 - 100% in just over 8 hours with the 149 kW DC allowing 31 minute 10 - 80% times. A fuel equivalent of 116 mpg this SUV-Coupe can also tow 1800 kg (braked).  

So is the C40 a good electric car to lease?

The Volvo brand are not without competition, with the Mercedes EQA, Audi Q4, Nissan Ariya and VW Id.5 also equally available to PCH, BCH and sal sac schemes in the UK. But Volvo do have a strong presence in the UK and many customers follow the Swedes based on their reputation for quality, reliability and safety.

Plus the Polestar offshoot is gathering a firm reputation as a solid Tesla Model 3 and BMW i4 rival. In terms of the UK’s automotive press, Auto Express are at 3/5, What Car? at 4/5, Car Buyer at 3.7/5 and CarWow at 7/10. The C40 will offer a firm and robust experience but perhaps without the exciting thrills and innovations which are now being offered by the German competition. But the good news for EV customers is that the battery tech is good and the Volvo electric experience should be a positive one. 

Volvo C40 ESTATE 300kW Recharge Twin Plus 78kWh 5dr AWD Auto 

In terms of the car shown, the Volvo C40 ESTATE 300kW Recharge Twin Plus 78kWh 5dr AWD Auto, this is based on the following configuration: 

• Thunder Grey Metallic Paint
•  Textile cloth - Charcoal city canvas + carpet and mats, door panel insert
•  19” 5 Double Spoke diamond cut/black alloy wheels
•  7m 10amp charging cable with 3 pin plug and 4.5m 3 phase 32 amp type 2 / mode 3  

What is the range of the Twin Motor Volvo C40? 

What is the battery capacity and charging speed on the Twin Motor Volvo C40? 

How long does it take to charge the Twin Motor Volvo C40? 

What is the company car tax on the Twin Motor Volvo C40? 

Where can I charge the Twin Motor Volvo C40?