The XC40’s swanky sibling is here.
One year ago, a leaked memo from Volvo dealerships revealed that the Swedish automaker was working on a new model called the C40. The rumor specified that the C40 would be a coupe version of the all-electric Volvo XC40 Recharge, and today, the company has officially confirmed this to be the case. Introducing the Volvo C40 Recharge, the first Volvo model designed specifically to be a pure EV.
“The C40 Recharge represents the future of Volvo and shows where we are going,” said Henrik Green, chief technology officer. “It is fully electric, offered online only with a convenient care package, and will be available for quick delivery. Getting a new Volvo was never this attractive.”
The C40 Recharge clearly draws inspiration from its more traditional counterpart, the XC40 Recharge. Volvo says the C40’s front end introduces new styling for its EVs, including LED headlights with state-of-the-art pixel-technology. Moving down the car, the C40’s roofline is lower than the XC40 and tapers into a coupe-like rear end with a unique spoiler. Inside, we expect the C40 to look mostly the same as the XC40, but Volvo says this model will ship with a “range of color and deco options unique to the model.” Keeping with the eco-friendly theme, the C40 will be the first completely leather-free Volvo model.
Under the skin, the C40 derives power from twin electric motors, one mounted on each axle. The power output is identical to the XC40 Recharge with 402 horsepower and 486 lb-ft of torque and 0-60 mph taking 4.7 seconds. The C40 includes a 78 kWh battery – slightly larger than the XC40’s 75 kWh unit – which can fast charge to 80% in around 40 minutes.
Volvo estimates the range at 420 kilometers (260 miles) but says this figure should grow with over-the-air-updates. For reference, the current XC40 Recharge is rated at 248 miles on WLTP standard but only translates to 208 miles on the EPA test cycles. Volvo is targeting a 210-mile range in the US for the C40.
Much like the Polestar vehicles, the C40 Recharge will only be available online with a simplified model offering. Official pricing hasn’t been announced, but it should cost more than the $53,990 XC40 Recharge. All C40 models will include a Care by Volvo package, which bundles service, warranty, roadside assistance, insurance, and home charging options. Production at Volvo’s Ghent plant in Belgium begins in the fall alongside the XC40 Recharge, although no US on-sale date has been set.