Volvo’s XC40 Recharge Ultimate brings together a battery pack and motors to create an electric vehicle, adding them to a chassis originally designed for petrol and diesel power, when it was launched back in 2016.
That made this review a challenge, not because the XC40 isn’t good, rather it’s won awards each year since 2021, but because this road test came after our time in the brilliant new EX30 – an EV by design based on the brand’s shared SEA platform, and near flawless.
The positive is that at some point in the future we can expect the larger “40” variant to take learnings in the design and architecture from that vehicle. But that’s enough of that. Objectively, the XC40 is in fact a fine example of a small-to-mid-sized SUV.
It projects all the hallmarks we know and love Volvo for, with a solid build feel, poised driving dynamics, strong safety and utility. These are all underpinned by two electric motors producing a combined 300kW and a staggering 670Nm.
That should see you finding freeway speeds in a smidge under 5.0 seconds. The sporty buckets with extendable seat pads are there for good reason. Approaching it for the first time, the shape is familiar, but not in a bad way.
Up front the lack of a vented grille between excellent “Hammer of Thor” pixel technology LED headlights is one of the few ways to delineate the Recharge electric model from the fossil-fuelled variants.
It’s as handsome as an SUV can be, and we quite like the unfussed visuals. Where many manufacturers are marketing ultra-modern designs, Volvo keeps it clean and classy. That’s punctuated further with the sharp combination of Crystal White paint and a black roof.
If that’s too plain for your liking, have no fear as there are another eight colours to choose from. Down the side, monstrous 20-inch 5-spoke black diamond cut wheels wear gumball 235/45 Pirelli P Zero rubber; a good blend of sporty and noise suppression for their size.
These wheels are the same one’s the EX30 wears, and they look equally good on both vehicles. The roof is different though, with a traditional sliding ‘full roof’ sun roof found here. The interior in the XC40 is typically Swedish.
It’s clean in aesthetic and anything that is presented is purposeful. The seats are covered in Microtec and up front feature electric adjustments across both pews, extendable seat pads, heating and a good range of adjustability.
This writer would’ve liked to see the seat sink a little further into the chassis. Visibility however is excellent, and many will enjoy the height at which the seat sits for this reason. Driver interfaces are a prudent mix of buttons and a 9.0-inch vertical screen.
Outputs from the screen are clear and inputs are precise and responsive, as is the operating system itself. The driver has an in-binnacle screen for vehicle information and the steering wheel is comfortable to the touch and houses a range of buttons.
A bevy of onboard apps include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and even YouTube, much to the delight of the youngsters in the family. Thankfully it can only be viewed at a standstill.
That’s especially so when the outputs of the 13-speaker Harman Kardon stereo blare a child’s favourite YouTube influencer, which isn’t conducive to Sydney driving. There are USBs and a wireless charging pad up front too.
In a week that consisted of basic round-town duties, we found that XC40 effortless to drive. The steering could do with a little more feel, but it’s overly light nature made manoeuvring simple.
That excellent visibility we noted earlier, combined with a 360-degree camera meant there was nary a shopping centre spot that couldn’t be conquered. It’s spritely too, those outputs seem wrong in a vehicle of this size and intent, but it will get up and move when required.
It naturally held things together well on very short highway stints at 110km/h. Range anxiety is kept at bay with a claimed 485km (WLTP) from its 82kWh battery pack, although our experience was more like low 400s.
It always felt sure footed and solid, which is what we expect from any Volvo, but you do feel the 2192kg through corners. If you want something dynamic you wouldn’t be buying a small SUV anyway – so it’s best to stick to its intent.
When most think of Volvo, they think safe, and the XC40 Recharge stays true to this perception. The list of safety gear is long and distinguished and thankfully, the calibrations are all refined, especially things like lane keep assist.
The only thing left is the price, which as tested comes in at $85,990 plus on-roads. That’s a big number for a car of its size in anyone’s world. But for the money, you’re getting a well sorted, spacious and safe family vehicle.
It does well in the carpark prestige stakes given its European heritage, has stacks of premium features and is a pleasure to get around town in. With a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty, it’s worth adding to the shopping list.
You can find out more on the Volvo Cars Australia website, or by talking to your local retail centre. To get a low rate finance quote on your next vehicle purchase, talk to Australia’s best reviewed car finance broker; Credit One.
To see a great range of vehicles for sale, check out OnlyCars.com.au.
Our test vehicle was provided by Volvo Cars Australia for independent review purposes.
