The number of options available to consumers interested in switching to an all-electric vehicle continues to swell on a monthly basis… and the 2023 Volvo C40 P8 Recharge Twin AWD Ultimate is easily one of the most alluring newcomers to the BEV segment.
We like: Lovely design, inside and out. Stonking performance combined with good range. Wallbox charger included in price.
We don’t like: Limited headroom in the rear. Google user interface can improve (and probably will)
FAST FACTS
- Model: Volvo C40 P8 Recharge Twin AWD Ultimate
- Price: R1 285 000 (July 2023)
- Engine: Twin Electric Motor
- Power/Torque: 300 kW/660 Nm
- Transmission: automatic
- 0-100kph: 4.7 sec
- Fuel consumption: 21 kWh/100 km (claimed)
- Luggage/Utility space: 489/1 205 litres
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What is the Volvo C40 and where does it fit in?
Closely related to the Swedish marque’s popular XC40, but featuring an elegantly sloping tailgate that is a hallmark of automakers’ so-called coupe-SUV model variants, the Volvo C40 is a stylish premium compact crossover that’s exclusively available in battery-electric-vehicle (BEV) guise.
As the local EV market (which includes all-electric as well as plug-in and conventional hybrid vehicles) is still evolving, it is quite tricky to find direct rivals to the C40, but if you use price as the guiding principle, then Mercedes-Benz’s somewhat underwhelming EQA is on the radar, as is the BMW iX1, though the latter is more of a traditionally-shaped SUV, and therefore more of a rival to the XC40 Recharge.
Available only in flagship P8 Twin AWD Ultimate specification, the C40 is a luxurious BEV that will appeal to (well-heeled) buyers who are not only eco-conscious but can appreciate high-end design. Only 50 of these C40s have been allocated to South Africa and the model is retailed through the My Volvo website.
Compare the Volvo C40 with the Mercedes-Benz EQA250 AMG Line and BMW iX1 xDrive30 M-Sport
How the 2023 Volvo C40 fares in terms of…
Design and Packaging
Even though it’s derivative of the XC40, the C40 is a real head-turner. The stylish 20-inch wheels fill the arches purposefully, and while the sloping roof means it is lower-slung than most of its rivals, the ride height is a substantial 171 mm. The rear end features neat tail lamps with striking LED graphics and the covered grille is a tell-tale sign that this Volvo is a BEV. It also gets a vast panoramic sunroof as standard.
As you move inside, the C40’s cabin architecture will be familiar to CX40 owners, but there are some nice distinguishing touches. The C40 is claimed to be the first Volvo with a completely leather-free interior; instead, it offers what Volvo calls “high-quality sustainable upholstery”. Whether that appeals to you – or not, the reality is that the C40’s cabin is smart and that the materials feel nice to the touch.
The Swedish BEV’s fascia also features textured, backlit inlays, and our test unit had blue carpeting, which isn’t something we see often! Overall, the cabin ambience is one of relaxed, high-tech luxury, which is only somewhat spoiled by the wifi “dongle” that is plugged in at the front of the transmission tunnel… It seems like an afterthought in a car that is otherwise so comprehensively “modern”.
Space at the front is good, with a high-mounted driver’s seat facilitating an excellent view of the road and the vehicle’s immediate surroundings. The sloping roof does limit the amount of headroom available to rear passengers, however; we found that taller aft occupants’ heads tended to touch the roof lining.
The load bay, which is accessed through an automated tailgate, is still relatively spacious. The Volvo’s claimed luggage capacity of 490 litres (with a total utility space of 1 205 litres) compares well with those of its listed rivals: it’s bigger than that of the EQA and only very slightly smaller than that of the iX1.
Of course, the more boxy design of its rivals’ rear ends (they have more upright tailgates, which is also true of the C40’s XC40 sibling) means it loses out in total utility space with the rear seats folded down.
Interestingly, even though the C40 has 2 electric motors (one at the front, one at the back), there is still a useful 31-litre “frunk” underneath the bonnet, which is sufficient to accommodate small bags.
Performance and Efficiency
Powered by twin electric motors with a combined output of 300 kW/660 Nm, the C40 is significantly more powerful than its German rivals. Even though it is heavier than both the EQA and iX1, it is a lot faster, with a claimed 0-100 kph time of 4.7 sec (the Mercedes-Benz and BMW are said to complete the benchmark sprint in 8.6- and 5.6 sec respectively). Our test gear showed the Volvo’s zoomed from 0 to 100 kph in 4.84 sec). Top speed is limited to 180 kph (same as the iX1 and 20 kph higher than the EQA).
Single-pedal driving is available – and quite addictive, once you’re used to the strong “engine braking”. It’s also worth mentioning that the C40 boasts all-wheel drive, whereas the EQA is front-wheel drive. Consequently, the C40 has no problem deploying all its torque to the road; it accelerates dramatically.
Now to the important matter of charging and efficiency. The C40 utilises a 78 kWh battery pack. Volvo claims an average consumption of 21 kWh/100 km and an optimal range of up to 444 km.
In reality, the consumption is slightly higher than claimed (as with most internal combustion engined cars, to be fair). In our experience, you can expect a consumption of around 23 kWh/100 km and a range of between 350 and 400 km, depending on road conditions and your driving style.
While the C40’s consumption figures are comparable with those of its admittedly less-performance-oriented rivals, the Swedish BEV absolutely blows the Mercedes-Benz and BMW out of the water in terms of performance. At the price (and excluding its XC40 sibling), no other BEV comes close.
Comfort and Features
As mentioned earlier in the review, the C40 is offered exclusively in P8 Ultimate guise in South Africa and, as its nomenclature suggests, the flagship derivative’s features list is comprehensive.
With electrically adjustable front seats (seat heating front and rear), a heated steering wheel, wireless smartphone charging and dual-zone climate control, you’re unlikely to ever feel uncomfortable in the C40. It also has a resolved ride quality, even though it rides on large (20-inch) alloy wheels (shod with 235/35 and 255/40 tyres at the front and rear), so the interior ambience is one of soothing comfort.
When it comes to tech, the C40 features the latest Android-powered infotainment system, which utilises a 9-inch touchscreen with built-in Google apps and services. It took us a while to get used to the system and its menus, and it was the consensus of the test team that further improvements are necessary, and likely to come in the form of over-the-air updates…
Android Auto is not offered as the built-in system replaces it. Apple CarPlay is, however, available. The unsightly wifi dongle is necessary because the car needs a full-time data connection. If you run out of data, the infotainment system doesn’t work. You can, of course, use your phone to hotspot the system.
Facing the driver is a neat 12.3-inch digital display with crisp graphics and there is also a 13-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system to round off the infotainment package.
Finally, the C40 has a comprehensive list of safety features, which includes 7 airbags, lane-change blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and outer rear ISOfix child-seat mounting points.
Ride and Handling
We’ve already mentioned the C40’s surprisingly supple ride quality (given that it’s fitted with sizeable wheels), as well as the grip on offer from the all-wheel drive system. For everyday driving, the C40 is therefore supremely comfortable to drive, with the added benefit of superior traction and grip on poor/slippery surfaces. It’s also very well made, with the cabin well insulated from exterior noise, which is just as well, considering the Volvo does not generate mechanical noise that drowns out such intrusions.
Despite its sporty looks and ferocious acceleration, the Volvo is not, however, an enthusiast-pleasing driver’s car. If you carry too much speed into corners, the combination of the vehicle’s relatively hefty (2 185 kg) kerb weight and its lofty seating position can be unnerving. This is a “slow in, fast out” kind of car – sporty in looks and in straight-line performance, but not cornering ability. Not that the C40’s dynamic limitations will be a major factor for prospective buyers, however.
Price and After-Sales Support
The 2023 Volvo C40 P8 Recharge Twin AWD Ultimate costs R1 285 000 (before options, July 2023). The price includes a 5-year/100 000 km vehicle warranty, an 8-year/160 000 km battery warranty, as well as a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
New Volvo C40 Specs & Prices in South Africa
Verdict
Overall, this is one of the most convincing BEVs we’ve ever tested. Yes, in terms of pure practicality (and value), the more traditionally-shaped XC40 P8 Recharge Twin AWD Ultimate (which costs about the same as the C40) is perhaps the wiser choice, but if you’re looking for a luxurious, high-tech vehicle and put a premium on style, then the C40 is hard to beat. It certainly makes light work of Mercedes-Benz’s EQA, as an example. We expect Volvo might want to look at bringing in more than 50 units of this model.
Watch our video review of the all-electric Volvo XC40:
