2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge & C40 Recharge pack more range & power

Volvo Cars have announced improved versions of the XC40 and C40 in Europe, ones we reckon will be brought down to the U.S. as the 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge and 2024 Volvo C40 Recharge. If you were planning to buy a ~50,000 EV anytime soon, especially one with the Iron Mark logo, we’d say hold that thought until you give this piece a read, as you might want to wait, and the wait would be absolutely worth it. These new Volvo EVs pack significant upgrades in the aspects that truly matter.

Design

When it comes to styling, both models remain unchanged compared to their MY2023 predecessors. The front fascia of the XC40 Recharge, as previously, mimics the template laid by the C40 Recharge coupe-SUV. So, expect the same ‘Pixel’ LED setup for the headlights along with the brand’s updated ‘Thor’s Hammer’ DRLs. The similarities between the two models continue with both featuring a frameless grille & sporty-looking front apron, plus a neat clamshell hood.

Viewed from the sides, the upright and boxy stance of the XC40 Recharge is juxtaposed with the sporty but smooth-flowing profile of its coupe-SUV stablemate. Volvo Cars says the exterior of both EVs incorporate minor changes in order to minimize drag and boost efficiency, while a new 19-inch alloy wheel design has been introduced to further aid aerodynamics. Customers can upgrade to the 20-inch wheels, which is also a two-tone design.

The rear-end of the 2024 C40 Recharge is intriguingly sporty while managing to retain the muscularity of an SUV. Roof-integrated spoilers and a separate wing on the decklid add to the sportiness, with the distinctly-shaped LED tail lights bringing in the contemporary appeal. Its taller stance means that the 2024 XC40 Recharge maintains its SUV proportions well, while the large spoiler and thick C-pillars give it a credible presence.

Interior

Like the outgoing models, the interior of the new XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge follow the brand’s minimalistic but modern design philosophy, using environmentally-conscious and sustainable materials that aren’t lacking in premium feel or upmarket appeal. The seats of both EVs offer plenty of comfort and support, while the special ‘Wool Blend’ fabric used on them not only look unique and feels nice to the touch, but they are also more breathable than traditional leather upholstery.

The cargo volume of the 2023 XC40 Recharge ranges between 16-57.5 cu. ft., while the 2023 C40 Recharge has a luggage capacity of between 15-49 cu. ft. We expect the updated models to have the same specifications in this aspect.

Currently, key features of the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge include a panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, a 600-watt, 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control, 12-inch digital instrument cluster, 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with built-in Google Play Store, Google Maps, Google Assistant, 360-degree cameras. Adaptive cruise control, Volvo Pilot Assist, Lane Keeping Aid with Oncoming Lane Mitigation, and Cross Traffic Alert are some of the main driver assistance system.

Specifications

Drivetrain layout & performance

After a 25-year sabbatical, rear-wheel drive (RWD) is back at Volvo Cars. It is the default drivetrain layout in the 2024 XC40 Recharge and 2024 C40 Recharge models, in ‘Single Motor RWD’ and ‘Single Motor Extended Range RWD’ variants. Volvo Cars has disclosed the EPA-est. range figures of the new variants, indicating an impending introduction. The line-up of both EVs includes the familiar ‘Twin Motor AWD’ variant, too.

The Single-Motor RWD variant has one rear motor generating 175 kW (235 hp) and 420 Nm (310 lb.-ft.)* of torque. The Single-Motor Extended Range RWD variant uses a more powerful rear motor that produces 185 kW (248 hp) and 420 Nm (310 lb.-ft.)* of torque.

The Twin Motor AWD variant combines a 117 kW asynchronous motor at the front and a 183 kW permanent magnet synchronous motor at the rear. Together, these motors provide the 2024 XC40 Recharge and 2024 C40 Recharge 300 kW (402 hp)* and 670 Nm (494 lb.-ft.)* of torque.

The 2023 XC40 Recharge and 2023 C40 Recharge use a 150 kW permanent magnet synchronous motor at both ends. This combination results in 402 hp of total power (both models) and 486 lb.-ft. (XC40 Recharge)/487 lb.-ft. (C40 Recharge) of torque.

*Swedish specification

Longer range

The primary aim behind the updates was to extend the range and improve the charging speeds of the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge. Beginning with the range, Volvo Cars has carried over the 67 kWh (net) battery pack and replaced the 75 kWh (net) battery pack with a 78 kWh (net) battery pack. The company doesn’t offer the 67 kWh unit in the U.S. in either of the two models currently, but it has disclosed the EPA-est. range figures with the same in the announcement of the MY2024 changes, indicating an impending introduction.

The new-for-the-U.S. 67 kWh battery pack delivers an EPA-est. range of 240 miles in the 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge Single-Motor RWD and 245 miles in the 2024 Volvo C40 Recharge Single-Motor RWD. The 78 kWh battery pack, which is globally new, provides an EPA-est. range of 270 miles in the 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge Single-Motor Extended Range RWD and 275 miles in the 2024 Volvo C40 Single-Motor Extended Range RWD.

The EPA-est. range figures of the 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin Motor AWD and 2024 Volvo C40 Recharge Twin Motor AWD with the 78 kWh battery pack aren’t available yet. Based on the WLTP range figures – 501 km (311 miles) and 507 km (315 miles) in Sweden, we think they could be ~249 miles and ~252 miles, respectively.

The EPA-est. range figures of the already-on-sale 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin Motor AWD and 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge Twin Motor AWD the 75 kWh battery pack are 223 miles and 226 miles, respectively.

Faster charging

Volvo Cars has increased the maximum DC fast-charging rate of the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge by 50 kW to 200 kW. However, the 200 kW rate is not applicable to the Single-Motor RWD variant. The most basic variant with the 67 kWh battery pack has a lower maximum DC fast-charging input of 150 kW. However, both EVs, in all three variants, take the same time for a 10-80% DC fast-charging session – 27 minutes*.

The 2023 XC40 Recharge Twin Motor AWD and 2023 C40 Recharge Twin Motor AWD, which share a 75 kWh battery pack and a 150 kW peak DC fast-charging rate, take 37 minutes to juice up from 10 to 80% SoC at a DC fast-charger.

Check out the specifications table below for more details:

Aspect/Specification	XC40 Recharge/C40 Recharge Single Motor RWD	XC40 Recharge/C40 Recharge Single Motor Extended Range RWD	XC40 Recharge/C40 Recharge Twin Motor AWD
Battery Capacity	67 kWh	78 kWh	78 kWh
Range (EPA-est.)	240/245 miles	270/275 miles	~249/252 miles (expected)
Max. DC Charging Rate	150 kW	200 kW	200 kW
Charge Time (10-80% SoC)	27 minutes	27 minutes	27 minutes
Top Speed	180 km/h (112 mph)	180 km/h (112 mph)	180 km/h (112 mph)
0 to 100 KPH (0 to 62 MPH)	7.4 seconds	7.4 seconds	4.9 / 4.7 seconds

That said, how do the 2024 XC40 Recharge & C40 Recharge compare to the 2023 (outgoing) models? We have compiled a specifications table to offer more clarity on the matter:

Aspect	2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge (Single Motor FWD/Twin Motor AWD)	2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge (Single Motor RWD/Single Motor RWD Extended Range/Twin Motor AWD)	2023 Volvo C40 Recharge (Single Motor FWD/Twin Motor AWD)	2024 Volvo C40 Recharge (Single Motor RWD/Single Motor RWD Extended Range/Twin Motor AWD)
Drivetrain Layout	FWD/AWD	RWD/RWD/AWD	FWD/AWD	RWD/RWD/AWD
No. of Electric Motors	One/Two	One/One/Two	One/Two	One/One/Two
Power	170 kW (228 hp)*/300 kW (402 hp)	175 kW (235 hp)/185 kW (248 hp)/300 kW (402 hp)	170 kW (228 hp)*/300 kW (402 hp)	175 kW (235 hp)/185 kW (248 hp)/300 kW (402 hp)
Torque	330 Nm (243 lb.-ft.)*/486 lb.-ft.)	420 Nm (310 lb.-ft.)*/420 Nm (310 lb.-ft.)*/670 Nm (494 lb.-ft.)*	330 Nm (243 lb.-ft.)*/487 lb.-ft.)	420 Nm (310 lb.-ft.)*/420 Nm (310 lb.-ft.)*/670 Nm (494 lb.-ft.)*
0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) Acceleration Time	7.4 s*/4.9 s*	7.4 s/7.4 s/4.9 s	7.4 s*/4.7 s*	7.4 s/7.4 s/4.7 s
Top Speed	160 km/h (99 mph)*/112 mph	180 km/h (112 mph)	160 km/h (99 mph)*/112 mph	180 km/h (112 mph)
Battery Capacity (Net)	67 kWh*/75 kWh	67 kWh/78 kWh	67 kWh*/75 kWh	67 kWh/78 kWh
Range	425 km (264 miles) [WLTP]*/223 miles (EPA-est.)	240 miles (EPA-est.)/270 miles (EPA-est.)/~249 miles (expected EPA-est.)	438 km (272 miles) [WLTP]*/226 miles (EPA-est.)	245 miles (EPA-est.)/275 miles (EPA-est.)/~252 miles (expected EPA-est.)
Max. DC Charging Rate	150 kW	150 kW/200 kW/200 kW	150 kW	150 kW/200 kW/200 kW
DC Charging Time (10-80% SoC)	28 minutes*/37 minutes	27 minutes*	28 minutes*/37 minutes	27 minutes*
Max. AC Charging Rate	11 kW	11 kW	11 kW	11 kW
AC Charging Time (0-100% SoC)	7 hours*/8 hours	7 hours*/8 hours*/8 hours*	7 hours*/8 hours	7 hours*/8 hours*/8 hours*
Towing Capacity	1,500 kg (3,307 lbs.)*/4,409 lbs.	1,500 kg (3,307 lbs.)*/1,500 kg (3,307 lbs.)*/1,800 kg (3,968 lbs.)*	1,500 kg (3,307 lbs.)*/4,409 lbs.	1,500 kg (3,307 lbs.)*/1,500 kg (3,307 lbs.)*/1,800 kg (3,968 lbs.)*

*Swedish specification

Price & Release Date

The 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge and 2024 Volvo C40 Recharge, if offered in the new Single Motor RWD and Single Motor Extended Range RWD variants in addition to the familiar Twin Motor AWD variant, could be priced from around USD 50,000. The launch of the new 40 Series (EV) could take place later this year.

The starting prices of the 2023 XC40 Recharge Twin Motor AWD and 2023 C40 Recharge Twin Motor AWD are USD 53,550 and USD 55,300, respectively.

TopElectricSUV says

What we reckon as the 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge and 2024 Volvo C40 Recharge for the U.S. pack substantial technical revisions and offer newer and better power-electric choices than the outgoing models. Additionally, they could be more widely accessible, thanks to lower base prices. We think these compact EVs might be the most enticing entry-level luxury EVs in the U.S.

Featured Image Source: Volvo Cars