Driven: New Volvo XC40 Recharge P8 Guns For Tesla’s Model Y

When Volvo declared in early July 2017 that it was shifting exclusively to EVs and hybrids electricity, the movement seemed pretty bold. Gas prices were low and the very first Tesla Model 3 hadn’t really rolled from the Fremont plantlife. Back then, much of the world hadn’t really shifted on to this idea of electric-powered automobiles.

Lots has changed between 2017 and this March, when Volvo made its next big eco-friendly statement: by 2030 it could offer just full electrical vehicles. And with nine years to proceed until that deadline, we’ve got our hands to the very first, the (deep breath) Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric P8.

OVERVIEW
Think about Volvo’s EV as a SUV-shaped Polestar 2. The XC40 Recharge gets the same 402 hp running gear, allowing it to reach 60mph in just 4.7 seconds. It’s an appealing package, however other E-SUVs offer more driving range for less money.

QUICK FACTS
› 0-60mph 4.7 seconds
› 208 miles EPA/257 WLTP
› 40 minutes to bill to 80 percent › Built in Google Assistant
› Price: $53,990£53,155

Taking Aim At The Tesla Model Y

Even the XC40 is a Tesla Model Y-sized SUV which ’s been on sale across the planet as 2017 with a variety of petrol, diesel and hybrid powertrains. However, now it’s offered in P8 EV form, which you are able to pick out from the ICE brothers by the body colour blanking plate in which the grille ought to be.

The P8 lists in $53,990 at the US, or you can rent you 625 per month after setting down $4,125. Within the UK, a P8 will put you back a scarier £53,155 ($72,815), though Volvo has some revolutionary no-deposit leasing prices, including one you can exit any moment, that mean many won’t purchase the old fashioned way.

Read Also: Driven: The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Isn’t A One-Trick Pony

More combinations of battery capability and drivetrain configuration can accompany , lowering the price of entry. However, for the Recharge comes just with a 78 kWh electricity pack that feeds two electrical motors, one driving each axle.

Basically it’s the same apparel we’ve seen under the skin of Volvo’s sister company Polestar 2 sedan, also provides precisely the same 402 hp. However, the XC40’s thicker, boxier shell has any side effects we’ll come into afterwards. And should you would like something which sits somewhere between the Polestar sedan and XC40 in your body style, you’ll soon be able to obtain the C40 Recharge crossover.

Google Is Riding Shotgun

At first glance the inside of this Recharge looks identical to the regular XC40’s. But closer examination reveals a new 12.3-inch digital instrument pack and an updated Android-based infotainment program . You are able to register with your Google account and personalize everything, just as you would on your telephone, and unlike the voice activation on most automobiles, the Google helper on this one works nicely.

You’ll be grateful it will, because the majority of the vehicle ’s functions, including the temperature settings, are operated via the infotainment system. The screen isn’t particularly large by modern standards and a number of the digital buttons are too little.

Larger Than It Looks

On the plus side, there’s a useful quantity of space given that the XC40’s quite small footprint, even in case you can purchase more room for less money by choosing something like that the Volkswagen ID.4. The Volvo doesn’t even have the VW’s horizontal floor because it wasn’t equipped exclusively as a EV. However four adults could fit comfortably, along with the 14.6 cu ft/414 liter trunk is backed up with a 1.1 cu ft/13 litre frunk which ’so good for keeping the charging cable or a squashy bag.

Effortlessly Fast

We love a sleeper in Carscoops. You know, the kind of car that looks like butter wouldn’t melt in its mouth right up till the moment it smokes which noisy Camaro at the next lane. Even the XC40 Recharge is among these cars.

Interestingly, there’s no more starter button. A sensor in the seat understands you’re there, which means you only climb in, tug the stubby shifter back to select D, and you’re . The twin engine installation gives it 402 hp along with a thumping 487 lb-ft of torque, and this can feel like plenty for the majority of drivers. Zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) requires 4.7 seconds, making it nearly a perfect fit for the similarly priced Tesla Model Y Long Range. It requires off , and unlike many EVs, whose functionality tails off fast after the initial initial rush of speed, it has the muscle to maintain this kick in the trunk outside 60 mph.

Performance Doesn’t Equal Fun

That sense of effortless performance creates the Recharge a very relaxing car to drive, something that the Volvo’s one-pedal mode must reevaluate. At the push of a button that increases the regenerative braking impact, meaning you rarely need to get the true brake pedal. And it really will work, but we’ve got a feeling some motorists might find it too aggressive.

For all its performance, but the beefy 4658 lb (2113 pound ) XC40 isn’t even hugely entertaining to toss around in the way a Mustang Mach-E, or the mechanically identical, but lighter Polestar two is. Nonetheless, the treatment is safe and predictable, it rides nicely, also now there ’s no question of it being in a position to put its power down .

For Sprints, Not Marathons

Among the P8’s few drawbacks is its modest selection. It’s rated in 208 miles by the EPA and 257 miles in line with this European WLTP protocol (however a new over-air upgrade should have pushed that past 260). That contrasts with 233/292 miles for the Polestar 2 sedan with the same powertrain, and over 300 EPA miles for the priciest Tesla Model Y Long Range.

Even the Model Y also has the benefit of accessibility to Tesla’s Supercharger network and a quicker charging speed than the Volvo’s 150 kW maximum, though ’s nevertheless great enough to take the battery up to 80 percent in 40 minutes. Get set up using a 11 kW wallbox in your home and you’re able to charge in about 8 hours, or include 30-37 miles of driving range each hour.

Verdict

Volvo has done a wonderful job of its very first EV. We were fans of this ICE XC40’s styling, usefulness and quality , along with the electrical version is considerably quicker and more elegant. If anything, the P8 probably offers more performance than most small SUV buyers need, and we’ve got a feeling some of these would happily trade another from this impressive zero to 60mph time for a lower cost and a few more miles of driving range — something which may happen when the lineup will be expanded later on.

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