Volvo C40 Review
Electric Volvo C40 Review
Volvo has quickly risen to become a brand focused on electrification. It just made its final diesel-powered XC90, in fact, as the Swedish manufacturer looks to reduce the number of petrol- and diesel-powered models in its range as it switches to become a solely electric-car producer.
It has also worked to convert some of its existing petrol-powered models into new electric versions. Which brings us to this - the C40 - which is a coupe-inspired take on the standard XC40 SUV. But what is it like? We’ve been finding out.
What’s new?
As mentioned, the Volvo C40 is a sleeker and more aerodynamic take on the standard XC40. It’s a policy we’ve seen adopted across the new car scene, with models like the BMW X4 - which is sharper to look at than the standard X3 - or the Audi Q3 Sportback. It means that instead of a relatively ‘normal’ rear-end design, we’ve got a slim rear screen tapering to a full-width light bar.
But inside, things are pretty standard. There’s a similarly good level of technology as the XC40, while the material quality remains strong with lots of natural fibres used throughout.
What’s under the bonnet?
As with other electric Volvo models, the C40 is available with a number of battery and motor options. The standard single motor offers a range of up to 299.5 miles, while the single motor extended range ups that to 345.4 miles, according to Volvo. It’s the most long-legged of the bunch, in fact, and is the best choice for drivers doing longer journeys.
At the top of the range sits the twin-motor version. As you might expect, it has two motors - one on each axle - and this allows for a 0-60mph time of just 4.5 seconds. Despite this, it’ll still return up to 339.9 miles combined, so there’s not too much of a penalty for the added performance.
What’s the Volvo C40 like to drive?
The good thing about the C40 is that it’s largely ‘normal’ to drive. There are no particularly out-there driving characteristics nor distinctly ‘electric’ attributes and this makes it a great choice for drivers who might be new to EVs. The ride can be a little sharp at lower speeds - largely down to the big alloy wheels - but at speed, it’s quiet and refined.
Volvo vehicles haven’t been known for their steering sharpness and while the C40’s setup is accurate, it feels quite dead through the wheel. Having said that, the whole car is very composed and easy to get along with. In our twin-motor test car, there’s more than enough performance available when you need it, too.
How does it look?
The C40 introduces some dramatic new touches into the conventional XC40 setup. As we’ve mentioned, it’s more of a coupe-influenced setup with a long, tapered roofline blending into a sharp rear end with a compact spoiler. There are good points and bad points to this, of course, with the most negative aspect being the compromised rearview and lack of back wiper.
There is a good range of colours to choose from with the C40, too, with the blues being particularly excellent at showcasing the C40’s sharp lines.
What’s the C40 like inside?
Volvo has done away with nearly all non-vegan materials, so inside the C40 there are some pleasant trims and finishers. We’re big fans of the wool seats, too, which add a little bit of old-school charm - not to mention comfort.
Another good addition is the ‘frunk’ under the bonnet which provides a handy space for the charging cables and means you don’t have to ruin your boot with wet connectors when it’s been raining. At 413 litres, the standard boot space is good enough for most occasions, too.
What’s the spec like?
Things are made pretty simple when it comes to the C40’s specifications - there are just two. Plus kicks off with a panoramic sunroof, interior illumination and a full Android Automotive setup, which introduces commonly used apps like Google Maps and Google Play so that they can be accessed on the car’s screen without the need for a smartphone.
Ultra, meanwhile, adds in more high-end touches such as a Harman Kardon premium sound system and a 360-degree camera, which can be a big help when you’re in smaller car parks. Upgraded Pixel LED headlights produce a huge amount of illumination, too.
Volvo C40 Verdict
The Volvo C40 feels like a meeting point between ‘new’ and ‘old’ Volvo. It’s got the same great build quality that we’ve come to expect from the Swedish brand, yet there’s more than enough tech on board to keep things interesting.
While the twin-motor version might be a must-have for performance enthusiasts, we’d recommend opting for the standard Extended range version as it’s got all the power you could need, but more of the must-have travel time between trips to the plug.
Volvo C40 Lease Deals
If you've made your decision and you're ready to get behind the wheel of a C40, we're got some fantastic Volvo C40 Lease Deals available for both personal and business customers.
