The Volvo C40 Recharge Is A Coupe-ified XC40

• Utilises the same dual-motor setup as the XC40 Recharge that delivers 408PS of power.

• 78kWh battery pack helps the SUV-coupe garner a WLTP-claimed range of 420km.

• Distinct design elements over the XC40 Recharge include new headlamps, different fog lamps, a lower roofline, and a sportier rear-end.

• The first Volvo model with a leather-free cabin. 

• Features a Google Android OS infotainment system.

• Its range will see some improvement via OTA software updates.

• It will only be available online, with production set to commence later this year.

Back in October 2019, Volvo kicked off its electric evolution with the XC40 Recharge electric SUV. Fast forward to 2021 and it has unveiled its next all-electric offering, the C40 Recharge SUV. You’ll find it bears some similarities to the XC40 Recharge because it is essentially a coupe version of its larger sibling based on the same CMA platform. 

Unlike the XC40, which is also available with internal combustion engines, the C40 is exclusively a ‘green’ offering. Under the hood, the C40 Recharge gets the same 150kW dual-motor AWD setup as the XC40 Recharge, with a combined output of 408PS. It can propel from 0-100kmph in 4.9 seconds with a top speed of 180kmph. 

The C40 Recharge also borrows the 78kWh battery pack from its sibling, with fast-charging capabilities of 0-80 percent in 40 minutes. As for how long it’ll go on a full charge, Volvo states a WLTP-claimed 420km. What’s more, this range is set to improve over time with over-the-air software updates.

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At a glance, the C40 Recharge looks quite similar to the XC40 Recharge, but Volvo has added some distinct elements. Up front, the headlights are new with pixel technology and the fog lamps are horizontal units, instead of the circular ones seen on the XC40 Recharge. 

The major differences, however, can be seen in the side profile. The C40 Recharge gets a lower roofline for that coupe-like vibe, resulting in a sporty rear end, with a swanky pair of tail lights that extend towards the tailgate. 

Heading inside, the C40 Recharge exudes that premium feel in line with modern Volvos. But if you look close enough, there’s no leather at all, a first for a Volvo model. That being said, it gets a range of colour and upholstery options. It also features a Google Android OS infotainment system with built-in Google apps and services such as Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play Store.

Volvo will offer the C40 Recharge as an online-only model, with production set to commence later this year. It will be built alongside the XC40 Recharge at the Volvo Cars manufacturing plant in Ghent, Belgium. Volvo has already announced various electric models in the pipeline, with a target of 50 percent global sales from EVs by 2025. The carmaker is aiming for a pure-electric lineup by 2030. 

Meanwhile, back home, Volvo is planning on introducing the XC40 Recharge later this year. Expect it to come at a premium over the standard XC40, priced anywhere between Rs 45 lakh and Rs 50 lakh.