Volvo XC40 Recharge Plus Electric Plus 69 kWh (A) Facelift Review

With Volvo's mission to be a fully-electric car company by year 2030, the XC40 Recharge (along with the Volvo C40 Recharge) takes a very crucial step towards this in a familiar and unfrightening manner.

That's because in a seamless transition from an ICE to an EV powertrain, the Volvo XC40 has lost none of its endearing qualities like good looks, cabin space or even driving delight. Hell, the Volvo tested here will even provide present quiet bursts of breathtaking acceleration, great efficiency and high levels of comfort that will please even the most demanding wives.

There's got to be some differences

Still, no matter how seamless the transition is, the XC40 Recharge has a few tricks up its sleeves as an all-electric premium crossover. As with all electric cars, the immediate acceleration response may surprise greener drivers.

Plus, if the convenient 'One Pedal Drive' is toggled on (our favourite option, by the way), the braking regeneration is much harsher than you'd expect when you ease off the right pedal. Toggling this option off allows you to drive the car like a regular petrol variant, with the addition of a smoother and longer cruise when your foot is off the accelerator.

However, comparing this to the last XC40 Recharge that we tested earlier this year, the refreshed crossover that you see here on this page comes with a smaller battery capacity of 69kWh. As a result, it has 231bhp and 330Nm of torque, which is significantly lower than the previous 402bhp and 660Nm model that we tested.

Thankfully, it doesn't mean the car is any less capable. Acceleration is still mighty strong and you're not going to be left with any range anxiety. During my time with the car, the charge was at 90% and I managed 5.1km/kWh, which is similar to the figure stated in the spec sheet. This allows me to have over 300km worth of range. In reality, it will last me about a good 10 to 12 days before I have to juice up the Volvo.

Once you're all charged up, though, the electric XC40 is compliant and refined on the go, soaking up all but the nastiest road imperfections on the road. Thus, it's quite safe to say the Volvo XC40 Recharge is a competent alternative to cars like the Lexus UX300e and the Mercedes-Benz EQA.

Minimalist at its best

On the inside, the minimalistic and simple yet functional design also showcases what Volvo is capable of. You get a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel and a 9.0-inch portrait infotainment system that runs on Google software. And as you'd come to expect, both run very well, they're very straightforward to use despite the myriads of features and they are most certainly neat and crisp.

Elsewhere, you get the best-in-business seats, USB-C ports and ample cubby holes, including a mini dustbin in the centre console to put away pesky tissues and receipts.

Space wise, the Volvo XC40 Recharge will fit three adults at the back with a bit of a squeeze, no thanks to the thick transmission tunnel in the centre rear. Stick to just two, and they'll be enjoying sufficient head, leg as well as shoulder room. And should the weather gets out of hand, which happens every other day in sizzling Singapore, the rear air-con vents will do a good job in cooling the rear occupants down.

The Recharge model also sports the same 452 litres boot space as the regular Volvo XC40 Mild Hybrid, but with an added 31 litres worth of 'frunk'.

Just as clean as the interior is the car's sheet metal. No unnecessary bold lines or folds and sharp edges for an aggressive look here. Just simple, neat and straight to the point.

Neat Swede

I reckon the Volvo XC40 Recharge is exactly what an electric vehicle should be. It's simple, unassuming and it doesn't come as a shock to drivers who are keen to do the switch to electric drivetrains.

But more than just these, this Volvo still manages to provide present quiet bursts of breathtaking acceleration, great efficiency and high levels of comfort that will please even the most demanding wives.

And, mind you, that's key.