By Jonathan Crouch

Introduction

Volvo knows it needs more SUVs. It seeks a more youthful audience. And it has to have more electric models. Back in 2022, this C40 Recharge delivered all three in one package and showed clearly the direction the brand was heading in the future. There's a base front-driven model. And a state-of-the-art fully-electric all-wheel-drive powertrain that offers a WLTP-rated range of 274 miles on a single charge and an output of 408hp. The drawback either way from new was premium pricing but otherwise, a lot of boxes seem to have been ticked here. It could make a decent used buy.

Models

5dr SUV (EV)

History

Given that Volvo's been making overt noises about full electrification for what seems like decades, it's something of a surprise to realise that this C40 Recharge EV in 2022 introduced the company's very first exclusively electric model line. The C40 borrowed everything that matters from Volvo's very first all-electric model, the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric. But clothed that powertrain with more unique styling and a swept-back coupe-style silhouette. Think of the two models as something akin to what Audi offered in this segment with its Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron SUVs and you'll be somewhere close to what the Swedish maker was trying to do here. Like the XC40 Recharge, the C40 was sold primarily online. And, as with that car (and the last design of this sort that Volvo made, the C30 sold between 2006 and 2013), it rolled down the production lines of Volvo's Belgium factory in Ghent, which by 2021 was gradually transitioning away from producing combustion models. This C40 was itself a transitional car, its CMA platform inevitably slightly compromised by the need to take the combustion engines its cousin the XC40 still offered. But it was an important stepping stone into the bespoke-designed all-electric future that Volvo had planned. And it offered some interesting touches of design that aimed to set it apart in the increasingly over-crowded premium mid-sized EV crossover segment. In Spring 2023, the C40 was fundamentally re-engineered as part of an update that saw some really far-reaching changes; a switch from front to rear-wheel drive for the base 'Single Motor' version; and different front and rear e-motors for the 'Twin Motor' version. Plus faster charging times and higher EV driving range figures across the line-up. The C40 Recharge continued in this form until Spring 2024, when it was re-badged as the 'EC40'. It's the 2022-2023-era C40 Recharge models that we look at here.

What You Get

Sometimes it's refreshing to upset an ordered plan. Volvo's route to full-electrification was supposed to be based on full-electric versions of the XC40 combustion models, paving the way to the all-new SPA2-platform EVs that will complete the company's switch to a full-battery range by 2030. But then, one day, a young stylist in T. Jon Mayer's Exterior Design team, Yury Zamkavenka, spontaneously jotted down a sketch of a shape that might widen the XC40 Pure Electric model's appeal. And the C40 Recharge was born. As the 'C'-designated model badge suggests, it's coupe-like, but Volvo prefers to suggest that this letter stands for 'crossover'. Which is probably accurate, this model's squat muscularity emphasised by its tall rear deck and big wheels that sit in black plastic-clad arches. Obviously the major way this car differs from the XC40 is with its roof line, which here slopes 69mm lower. Total length is 6mm shorter than that car too, but the width and wheelbase dimensions are identical. The cabin design was carried over without much revision from the XC40, which inevitably means that on a car potentially costing well over 50% more than the entry-level combustion version of one of those, there are trim elements that feel somewhat out of place at this price point. Volvo did its best to lift things - notably with the striated plastic trimming panels you get with top-level trim, which illuminate translucently at night. The decor that surrounds you is vegan-based - and sustainably-sourced wherever possible, notably in terms of the upholstery and the carpeting. What wasn't sustainable for a modern day EV Volvo was the brand's old Sensus infotainment system for the 9-inch Centre Console Portrait Touch Screen, so that was replaced with a much improved Android infotainment set-up, which includes worldwide navigation to Google Maps, advanced voice recognition by Google Assistant and access to the Google Play Store for a range of in-car apps. The other screen you'll be using is the 12.3-inch 'Progressive Driver Display' you view through the pleasingly chunky three-spoke wheel; you view a speed meter on the left and an EV drive meter on the right. What else? Well over-the-shoulder vision is slightly restricted, but that's alleviated by a rear camera and all-round sensors. As for cabin practicality, well there are plenty of stowage receptacles, plus some nice touches like a lift-out centre bin - and a hook that folds out of the glovebox for handbags or take-aways. In the rear, it's not too bad once you're in, though taller folk will inevitably find their heads brushing the ceiling. Ah yes, the ceiling. It's mainly glass. Which is just as well because otherwise this rear part of the cabin really would feel dark and pokey thanks to that huge D-pillar blind spot we mentioned. It's disappointing that an Electric vehicle with no need for a transmission tunnel nevertheless has one that's so big that it's almost impossible for an adult to sit in the centre at the back. The standard powered tailgate rises to reveal 413-litres of luggage space. That's 39-litres less than you'd get in a comparable XC40 Pure Electric from this period, but 49-litres more than you'd get from a comparable (and near-identically-engineered) Polestar 2. You can fit 853-litres of luggage into a C40 if you load to the roof. If you need more room, then a ski-hatch is provided for longer items. Which is some compensation for the fact that you can't have the useful 40:20:40 rear seatback split that some rivals offer. Fold the rear bench forward and up to 853-litres of total capacity is revealed - or up to 1,205-litres if you load to the roof. Because no engine is needed beneath the clamshell bonnet, Volvo has used the space to create a 'frunk', a 31-litre space that's perfect for the two provided charge leads.

What You Pay

Prices for this C40 Recharge start from around £21,400 (around £23,750 retail), which gets you an early '22-plated 'Core'-spec 69kWh single motor model. Prices for this variant rise to around £22,600 (around £25,000 retail) for the last of the pre-EC40 versions of this same variant. The larger-battery 78kWh Twin Motor versions of this model are priced in base 'Plus'-spec from around £25,600 (around £28,500 retail) for an early '22-plated car. Prices for this variant rise to around £27,450 (around £30,250 retail) for the last of the pre-EC40 versions of this Twin Motor variant. All quoted values are sourced through industry experts cap hpi. Click here for a free valuation.

What to Look For

There aren't many major issues here, other than a few electrical and software issues; go thoroughly over all the powered and infotainment functions of the car you're looking at. Eventually, when the battery is on its way out, you'll obviously find that it won't go as far on each charge - and when it starts to run low on charge, you'll find that the car will particularly start to struggle going uphill. If the car won't charge, it could be a problem with your home electrics (or those at the public charge point you're using). Check the charge light to make sure that electricity really is going through the charge port. And make sure there really is charge in the socket you're using to power from - plug something else into it to see - say, your 'phone. If that charges OK, it could be that your charging cable is demanding too much power, so try another power source. Another problem could be that the circuit may have tripped due to a circuit overload. Or perhaps there could be a problem with the charge cable: this needs to be cared for properly. Repeatedly driving over it (as previous owners may conceivably have done) will damage it eventually. Make sure you do a charge-up before signing for the car you're looking at. When you do this, make sure that when you plug in to start the charge cycle you hear the charge port and the cable locking and engaging as they should; that's all part of the charger basically confirming with the car's onboard computer that everything's good to go before releasing power. But if the charging cable fails to lock as it should, then that won't happen. If there is a failure to lock, the issue could be actuator failure, caused by a blown fuse. Otherwise, it's just the usual things; look out for stone chips and alloy wheel scratches. And insist on a fully stamped-up service history.

Replacement Parts

(approx based on a 2023 C40 Recharge Twin Motor ex VAT) A wiper blade will cost you from about £11 to around £34. Front brake pads sit in the £67 bracket; rears will sit in the £33 bracket. Front brake discs sit in the £58 bracket; a pair of rear discs are about £87. A pollen filter is around £18-£31.

On the Road

Customers choose between two flavours of C40: either the base front-driven 'Recharge' version, which uses a 69kWh battery powering a 231hp electric motor and offers a 269 mile range. Or the AWD 'Recharge Twin' version, uses a larger 78kWh battery pack powering a motor on each axle, delivering a 408hp output and a 274 mile driving range. The front-driven version will be quite sufficient for most, but the 660Nm of the top 'Twin' version is quite amusing to have beneath your right foot, if rather irrelevant for a car of this kind. To get the claimed mileage, you'll need to engage what the Swedish maker calls 'One Pedal Drive', selectable from the 'Driving' menu provided on the centre-dash screen. This dramatically increases the regenerative braking effect when you come off the throttle, to the point where, as advertised, the brake pedal will hardly ever be needed. You're not often going to be often tempted to hurl your C40 about, partly because of its prodigious kerb weight (over 2.1-tonnes in the 'Twin' model) and partly because of the rather over-light steering that even a 'firm' mode option can't do much about. Still, that won't both most likely customers, who'll be more interested in the way that progress at speed, even over really poor surfaces, is remarkably assured. Lower frequency pot holes and speed humps though, can catch the damping out a bit. At a cruise, you might note that there's a bit more tyre roar than is usual in an EV, but compensation comes in the form of Volvo's 'Pilot Assist' driver assistance system for steering, acceleration and braking support, there to help take the strain during long motorway journeys or when sitting in traffic. This improved version of this set-up the C40 got uses Google Maps for information like speed limits and bends in the road to improve its functionality. Whichever C40 Recharge model you choose, charging times are competitive for the two batteries. The 69kWh one in the front-driven 'Recharge' variant (67kWh usable) charges at up to 130kW. The 78kWh unit in this AWD 'Recharge Twin' (75kWh usable) charges at up to 130kW. Either way, a 10-80% battery replenishment can take just 37 minutes using a public DC fast charger. A full charge using the onboard AC charger plugged into your 32 amp garage wallbox will take 12 hours.

Overall

You can't help but feel that many of those who choose a C40 are people would have also been quite satisfied with the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric model it's based upon. From launch, Volvo talked of the need for the kind of younger demographic who'll presumably find the C40's more coupe-style looks appealing. But then adds that it expects older folk to like it too. Ultimately, no one is quite sure how precisely the EV market is going to develop. But Volvo was keen to make sure all the bases were covered. We're not completely sure that all of them were here. The C40 will appeal to Volvo loyalists very much, but whether it has the crossover charm to win over a Teutonic audience on the used market is much less certain. There are various reasons for that. We're not absolutely sure that all aspects of cabin quality are quite good enough for a car of this price. And we can't really see why the Twin Motor version needs to be so powerful: the more affordable Single Motor variant is all you really need. Overall, our preference in this category would be for a Polestar 2, which probably wouldn't upset Volvo very much, but the C40 undeniably offers something a little different, not only from that car but also in the segment as a whole. For that, we like it: you might too.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Front intermittent wipers

Front and rear electric windows

Rain sensor with automatic windscreen wiper activation

Dark tinted windows for rear door side windows and cargo compartment

Brakes

Hill descent control

Hill start assist

Vehicle deceleration control with Anti-lock Brake System, Electronic Brake Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist

Stability and traction control includes spin control and corner traction control

Carpets/Rugs

Floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Touring chassis

Electric rear axle drive

Communication

Wireless/Inductive Mobile Phone Charging

Bluetooth handsfree system

Volvo on call with charge station locations and route planning and pre climatisation

Wired Apple CarPlay

Driver Aids

Speed sensitive steering

Rear park assist

Front park assist

Adjustable steering wheel force

Oncoming Lane Mitigation

Driver alert control with lane keeping aid

Driver assistance (pilot assist and adaptive cruise control)

360 degree surround view parking camera with side proximity sensors

Intelligent speed assistance

Driver Convenience

Hands free power tailgate

Emergency services call system

Driver Information

9" centre console portrait touch screen

12.3" Progressive Driver Display

Google automatic services - Nav with google maps, apple carplay/android auto, voice recognition with google assistant

Driver awareness - Blind spot information system with steer assist, cross traffic alert with autobrake and rear collision warning and mitigation

Volvo cars services with app

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming interior mirror

Black stone door mirrors

Auto dimming exterior rear view mirror

Electric adjustable/heated/auto folding door mirrors

Engine

Lithium-ion battery

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

Steering wheel remote infotainment controls

Low speed exterior sound speaker

Premium Sound by Harman Kardon, Dolby Pro Logic II Surround Sound, Dirac Unsion,12 speakers/600W and subwoofer

Exterior Body Features

Body colour roof spoiler

Roof antenna

Fixed panoramic glass sunroof

Black stone roof

High gloss black window trim

Visible VIN plate

Colour co-ordinated front grille and surround

Front recharge tread plates

Rear side wing doors

Black stone boot spoiler

Body colour pillars

High gloss black rear bumper lower deco

Exterior Lights

Automatic headlamp levelling

Home safe and approach lighting

Puddle lights

LED daytime running lights

Adaptive brake lights with high level LED brake lights

LED front fog lamps with cornering function

Headlight cleaning system

Active bending pixel LED headlights with adaptive shadow technology

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Heat pump (Enhanced cabin heating and cooling efficiency with optimal vehicle range)

2 zone electronic climate control and rear air vent with clean zone air quality system and pollen filter

Interior Features

Height/reach adjustable steering column

Rear armrest with cupholder

Load protection net

Flexible load floor and grocery bag holder

A-pillar parking ticket holder

Charcoal headlining

12V socket in front tunnel console

Glovebox bag hook

Bright metal luggage compartment threshold

Centre console cupholders and storage

Underfloor cargo storage

Front door pocket and front cupholder illumination

Front tunnel net pocket and integrated waste bin

Front load compartment (31 litres)

3 spoke sports tailored steering wheel

High gloss black centre tunnel and centre screen surround deco

Charcoal lower dashboard, upper tunnel console and armrest

One pedal drive mode

Interior Lights

Illuminated glovebox

Front footwell illumination

Illuminated luggage compartment

Illuminated tailgate

Front reading light and theatre lighting

Ambient front door and instrumental panel lighting

Front door pocket, front cupholder, ambient front door, rear reading, rear courtesy, instrument panel and tailgate lighting

Packs

Climate pack - C40/XC40

Safety

First aid kit

Warning triangle

SIPS (Side Impact Protection System)

WHIPS whiplash protection system - front

Dual stage driver/passenger airbags

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Passenger airbag cut-off device

Drivers knee airbag

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Power child locks on rear doors

Road sign information display

Run off Road Protection

Run off Road Mitigation

IC (Inflatable Curtains) - Full Length

Front seats SIPS airbags

Slippery road and hazard light alert

Front and outer rear seatbelt reminder and pretensioners

City safety includes pedestrain and cyclist detection, front collision warning with full and rear auto brake

ISOFIX attachment (Front passenger and Rear outer seats)

Seats

Heated front seats

Front headrests

Power driver seat with memory + exterior mirrors memory

Multi directional lumbar support

Power passenger seat

Front seat cushion extensions

Power folding rear headrests

60/40 versatile split folding rear seat

Single front passenger seat

3 bench rear seats in 2nd row

Security

Locking wheel nuts

Anti-theft alarm including immobiliser/volume sensor + level sensor

Private locking for tailgate

Convenient entry and start

Care key with user defined top speed

2 x Key integrated remote control central locking including recharging port with deadlocking system and auto open/close power windows and sunroof

Keyless drive with keyless entry and keyless start

Vanity Mirrors

Illuminated vanity mirrors + ticket holder

Vehicle Charging

7m 10amp charge cable with 3 pin plug

11 kW AC onboard charger

Recharging port located in nearside rear wing

6m 3 phase 32 amp type 2 / mode 3 charge cable

Wheels

All season tyres

Wheels - Alloy

20" 5 spoke diamond cut black alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre sealant kit + 12v compressor

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 2100

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 1260

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 3.7

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 660

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 7.4

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): 34

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: 130

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 69

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 476

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL: 486

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH: 445

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 16.2

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 17.5

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 3.6

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 3.8

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 295.8

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH: 276.5

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL: 302

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: N

Charging Port Location: Left Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: 66

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 130

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

Noise Level dB(A): N

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Engine Code: N

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Coin Series: Ultimate

Coin Description: 175kW Recharge

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 38E

Service Interval Mileage: 18000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 92

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 89

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 70

NCAP Safety Assist %: 89

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 238

Badge Engine CC: 0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 7.3

Top Speed: 112

Engine Power - BHP: 238

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 175

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 310

Engine Torque - NM: 420

Engine Torque - RPM: N

Engine Torque - MKG: 42.8

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 235/45 R20

Tyre Size Rear: 255/40 R20

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Wheel Style: 5 SPOKE

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4440

Width: 1910

Wheelbase: 2702

Width (including mirrors): 2034

Height: 1596

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1977

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2460

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1500

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 483

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 413

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 75

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1205

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.4

Exterior Body Features

Special metallic paint

Interior Features

Tailored wool blend upholstery

Connect textile/microtech upholstery with fjord blue carpets and mats

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Vapour grey

Paint - Special

Special metallic - Onyx black

Special Metallic - Sage green

Special metallic - Fjord blue

Special metallic - Fusion red

Special metallic - Silver Dawn

Special metallic - Crystal white

Special metallic - Cloud blue

Towing

Retractable towbar

Trim - Cloth

Connect textile/microtech - Charcoal + carpet and mats, door panel insert, topography inlay and standard gearknob

Connect textile/microtech - Charcoal, carpet and mats in fjord blue + door panel insert in fjord blue, topography inlay and standard gearknob

Tailored wool blend - Midnight zinc + charcoal carpet and mats and door panel insert, topography inlay and orrefors crystal gearknob