Volvo XC40 Recharge

Volvo's first pure electric car promises performance and range a level above what its size suggests

- Bertrand D'souza

Type Twin-motor electric, AWD

Gearbox Single-speed

LxWxH (mm) 4,440x1,863x1,647

Max power 408PS

Top speed 180kmph

Price ₹70-75 lakh (expected ex-showroom)

Max torque 660Nm

Acceleration 0-100kmph 4.9s

Performance, range Stiff ride

Volvo India's electrification plans took a back seat for a few months with the pandemic short-circuiting semiconductor production as well as global supply chains. After announcements made last year, we finally got to sample the XC40 Recharge, Volvo's first BEV for the Indian market. Built on the CMA (Common Modular Architecture) platform, the XC40 Recharge is an extension of the ICE-powered SUV, so it isn't an all-new designed from the ground-up electric SUV. Like Polestar, Recharge is a division within Volvo that is leading the electrification journey for the brand. That the XC40 Recharge is built on an inherently ICE platform, takes nothing away from the XC40 as it simply replaces one powertrain for another. Nonetheless, swapping the engine and fuel tank for two electric motors and a battery pack does bring about several changes to the way the SUV behaves, its character, performance and usability.

Does it look good?