We tested the Volvo C40 Recharge, a fast electric SUV with great driving comfort for less than 50,000 euros

The  Volvo C40 Recharge  aims to be  the flagship of the Swedish brand in the field of electromobility . With production in Ghent and very soon also in China, this 100% electric SUV has a  range of 448 km  (WLTP) and 28 minutes of recharging.

We were able to test it during a first contact and here are our impressions.

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Volvo wants that by 2025, 50% of global sales volume will be fully electric vehicles and the rest will be hybrids. By 2030, the goal is for all models on the market to be purely electric.

In 2021, the brand's sales mix was made up of 30% plug-in hybrids and 10% pure electrics, reaching 1,400 units.

Based on the CMA platform, the new  Volvo C40 Recharge  shares the design with its big brother XC40 Recharge -although 69 mm lower- and above all with the coupe silhouette that characterizes the  SUVs of the Chinese firm Lynk &  Co.

A new front bumper and frameless grille guard maintain the visual synchronicity of the C40 Recharge, while Thor's signature hammerhead headlights are enhanced with pixel LED technology that automatically adapts to traffic conditions.

As standard,  19-inch  rims (20-inch rims are optional) and a panoramic roof.

Inside, there are for the first time  materials without leather and from recycled materials  , while a 9-inch central screen welcomes the driver accompanied by a 12-inch dashboard.

The decorative topographic panels are partly made from recycled plastic, while the carpet is made from 100% recycled PET plastic bottles.

First impressions behind the wheel of C40

The Volvo C40 is, by definition, a very comfortable car  . On the move, the cabin insulation is remarkable, and the roominess allows four adults to travel comfortably.

It's a well-finished model, with materials that are pleasant to the touch - those that come from recycled materials are a little strange on first contact, such as those on the door panels - although some parts such as the glove compartment contain excess rigid plastic.

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The integration of Google in the infotainment system is a big point in its favor, especially against the navigation system. Perhaps one of the points that do not convince after a brief contact is the visibility of the rear window, which is somewhat poor.

The C40 weighs just over 2,000 kg but does not feel heavy  . Instant torque and progressive acceleration deliver quickness on demand, combined with good brake pedal feel.

Propulsion consists of two electric motors, one on the front axle and one on the rear of 150 kW each, powered by a 78 kWh battery.

The combined electricity consumption is 18 kWh/100 km, although on our short trip through Madrid we could not make a true estimate of consumption and range (average speed was around 80 km/ h).

In general, the first impressions of the C40 suggest that it is a car with extraordinary driving comfort, quiet and fast when required.

Charging time Volvo C40

The C40 includes an 11kW Type 2 charger and has both AC and DC charging ports.

Volvo C40 Recharge Price

With production ongoing, the Volvo C40 can now only be ordered online. The waiting period given by the firm is six months, and  is part of the 48,884 euros  . It includes the possibility of contracting maintenance for three years or 100,000 km or comprehensive insurance also for three years.

Of course, the insurance includes an excess of 300 euros if you go to external workshops and 150 euros in an official Volvo workshop. The battery also has an eight-year warranty.