Tesla Model Y vs. Volvo XC40 Recharge – In Photos & Specs

Among the factors customers choose the Tesla Model Y over the Volvo XC40, are the desirability, price, and range. For those reasons, the Swedish EV SUV probably won’t take the Tesla Model Y’s spot as the segment topper anytime in the coming years. However the Swedes have made a sincere first attempt at trying to woo away Tesla buyers with the conversion of the XC40.

Here’s how the Volvo XC40 Recharge compares with the Tesla Model Y in visual and technical specs.

Features

Standard equipment in the U.S.-spec Volvo XC40 Recharge includes Active Bending LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof with power sunshade, 12.3-inch virtual instrument cluster, 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dual-zone auto AC, four USB-C ports, and reverse camera. On the safety front, Blind Spot Information System with Steer Assist, Run-off Road Protection, Cross-Traffic Alert with Autobrake, and several other features are standard. Many features are available as an option, either a single option or a package option, such as a 360-degree camera, 13-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, Adaptive Cruise Control, heat pump, etc.

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The Model Y is available in Long Range and Performance trims. LED fog lamps, tinted glass roof with UV and IR protection, power-folding & heated ORVMs, 15-inch center touchscreen, 19-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable and heated front seats, heated and flat-folding rear seats, custom driver profiles, two smartphone docks, and premium audio system (14 speakers, 1 subwoofer, and 2 amps) are some of the main standard features Tesla lists for the Model Y Long Range. 20-inch alloy wheels (USD 2,000), tow hitch (USD 1,000), two-tone interior color scheme (USD 1,000), two third-row seats (USD 3,000), and full self-driving capability (USD 10,000) are paid options.

The Model Y Performance has 21-inch alloy wheels as standard, and its other feature upgrades include performance brakes, lowered suspension, and aluminum alloy pedals as well. All this is in addition to a more powerful and torquier, two-motor powertrain. There’s no seven-seat option, but two-tone interior color scheme (USD 1,000) and full self-driving capability (USD 10,000) options are available.

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Specifications

Though the Volvo XC40 electric shares a lot in common with the XC40 compact SUV, engineers have reinforced the frontal structure to account for the absence of the engine, and the 78 kWh battery which lends its juice to twin electric motors, gets a separate cage to protect it during an incident of a roll-over.

The combined output of the Volvo XC40 electric is 304 kW (408 hp) and 487 lb.ft (660 Nm) of torque, which makes it smoke the 0-60 mph drag (on paper) in 4.7 seconds and hit a top speed of 112 mph. For reference, the Tesla Model Y Long Range hits a top speed of 135 mph and its nought to 60 mph sprint time is 4.8 seconds. The Tesla Model Y Performance has a 155 mph top speed and a rather quick 0-60 mph acceleration time of 3.5 seconds.

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While the Tesla might sport better figures in the range and performance column, the Volvo XC40 electric aims to one-up its rival by offering a premium interior experience with high quality switchgear and upholstery, and a more SUV-ish driving position.

Aspect	Tesla Model Y Specifications	Volvo XC40 Recharge Specifications
Length	187 in.	174.2 in.
Width	75.6 in.	73.7 in.
Height	63.9 in. (coil suspension)	65.3 in.
Wheelbase	113.8 in.	106.4 in.
Seating Capacity	5 or 7	5
Cargo Volume	68 cu ft	57.5 cu ft
Peak Charging Power	250 kW	150 kW
Range (EPA)	326 miles (Long Range)/303 miles (Performance)/244 miles (Rear Wheel Drive)*	208 miles
Acceleration (0-60 mph)	4.8 seconds (Long Range)/3.5 seconds (Performance)	4.7 seconds
Top Speed	135 mph (Long Range)/155 mph (Performance)	112 mph

The Volvo XC40 Recharge range (EPA) for the U.S. market is a disappointing 208 miles. That’s far lower than the WLTP range of over 249 miles in Europe. However, knowing the EPA’s conservative rating method, Volvo Cars was expecting a lower number when it unveiled the model. The Model Y can deliver a range (EPA) of 303 miles in the Performance variant and 326 miles in the Long Range variant. There’s a Rear Wheel Drive variant coming soon with 244 miles of range (EPA) but a more economical price compared to the existing variants.

Price

The Volvo XC40 Recharge price is the USA is USD 53,990. Some customers may qualify for a federal tax credit of up to USD 7,500, lowering the price to USD 46,490. Further benefits, in select locations, may include state and local incentives.

The Volvo XC40 Recharge for the American buyer is served in a single variant, while the Telsa Model Y is available in two – the base variant ‘Long Range’ costs USD 51,490, while the top-end variant ‘Performance’ retails at USD 60,990. Potential savings can bring down the Tesla Model Y prices to USD 45,690 in the Long Range variant and USD 55,190 in the Performance variant. The upcoming Rear Wheel Drive variant would make the Tesla Model Y more accessible.

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Deliveries

The Volvo XC40 Recharge is built in Ghent, Belgium, and deliveries have just begun in the United States. On the other hand, the Tesla Model Y, which is made in America, is already on sale for several years. Elon Musk claims that with new Gigafactories coming online next year, the Model Y could become the world’s best-selling car in 2022.

Verdict

The Volvo XC40 Recharge is a semi-finalist for the 2021 North American Utility of the year. Clearly, the Volvo electric car is packing a lot of heat, but dethroning the Model Y is a big ask. We think sales of the XC40 electric could be muted in its first year, but that could be owing to production constraints. However, by the end of the decade, we reckon the Swedes will catch Tesla with next-generation products that are based on the SP2 and SEA platforms.

The next 40 Series model is an XC40-based coupe – the Volvo C40 electric, and it could be launched in the U.S. market by early next year. By 2025, electric cars will account for 50 percent of Volvo global sales, and Recharge models like the XC40 and C40 should see to that.

Features image: Volvo Cars