Having test-driven over twenty cars this year, from top-tier electric vehicles and versatile hybrids to efficient plug-in hybrids, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for the long-term savings EVs offer compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. However, my recent week with the Volvo Xc40 Recharge, Volvo’s pioneering all-electric model, brought a crucial aspect into sharp focus: world-class safety. While the economic advantages of EVs are compelling, the unparalleled safety features of the XC40 Recharge truly stood out, reshaping my perspective on what to prioritize in an electric vehicle.
The model I evaluated was the 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge Ultimate, equipped with a single motor and extended range. Starting at $60,095, this variant boasts a 293-mile range thanks to its 82 kWh battery, placing it squarely among luxury EVs like the Genesis GV70. While Volvo might not be the first name that springs to mind in the EV market, their commitment to electrification is evident in their expanding lineup, which includes the compact C40 Recharge, the spacious three-row EX90, and soon, the affordable subcompact EX30, starting at an attractive $35,000 in the U.S. market next year.
Eager as I am to explore Volvo’s broader EV offerings, my time with the XC40 Recharge underscored a fundamental truth about the brand: Volvo doesn’t compromise on its core values of safety and reliability, even in its electric transition. The XC40 Recharge isn’t just another EV; it’s the safest electric vehicle I’ve tested this year, featuring an exceptionally advanced safety system that I experienced firsthand.
I will delve into the specifics of these safety features, along with a balanced overview of the pros and cons of this all-electric SUV, providing a comprehensive look at the 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge Ultimate.
2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge Ultimate: Quick Specifications
| Feature | 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge Ultimate |
|---|---|
| Battery | 82 kWh |
| Motor | 135 kW |
| Range | 293 miles |
| Horsepower | 248 hp |
| Wheels | 20-inches |
| MSRP | $60,095 |
Driving the Volvo XC40 Recharge: A Week of Electric Excellence
(Image credit: Future) 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge on a test drive showcasing its smooth handling and performance.
One of the most appealing aspects of driving the Volvo XC40 Recharge is its seamless transition from traditional gasoline vehicles. It operates and feels remarkably familiar, mitigating any learning curve often associated with electric cars. While its single motor producing 249 horsepower might seem modest compared to high-performance EVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N with its staggering 610 hp, this power level is perfectly calibrated for everyday driving, making the XC40 Recharge exceptionally easy and enjoyable to handle.
The XC40 Recharge impressed with its smooth acceleration, responsive braking, and a practical turning radius. It quickly felt natural navigating both highways and winding backroads. Even without engaging one-pedal driving mode, the XC40 Recharge exhibited surprising glide and momentum, coasting efficiently and maintaining speed for longer than expected, a testament to its well-engineered dynamics.
Beyond its driving dynamics, the Volvo XC40 Recharge also boasts the fastest Level 1 charging capability I’ve encountered. While Level 2 chargers are undoubtedly more efficient for home use, the XC40’s superior Level 1 charging speed offers a significant advantage in situations where Level 2 is unavailable. In my testing, Level 1 charging for 14 hours and 35 minutes replenished 75 miles of range, equating to an impressive rate of 5.1 miles per hour.
- Efficient Driving: Achieved a peak efficiency of 3.34 mi/kWh during long-distance driving.
- Level 1 Charging Speed: Added 75 miles of range in 14 hours and 35 minutes.
- Charge Level Increase: Battery level rose from 15% to 40% during the charging period.
- Recharge Rate: Maintained a 5.1 mi/hour recharge rate with Level 1 charging.
What I Liked About the Volvo XC40 Recharge
Advanced Crash Collision Safety Features
(Image credit: Future) Volvo XC40 Recharge demonstrating its advanced collision avoidance safety features.
Accidents are an unfortunate reality of driving, regardless of driver skill. However, the Volvo XC40 Recharge’s advanced crash collision safety features are truly in a league of their own. During a long drive in congested traffic, the car ahead of me braked abruptly.
In similar scenarios with other vehicles, I’ve experienced standard alerts like audible warnings and seat or steering wheel vibrations. While effective at gaining attention, the XC40 Recharge elevated safety to a new level. Firstly, it initiated assisted braking when my reaction time wasn’t quick enough. The vehicle proactively anticipated the potential collision and applied braking autonomously.
Secondly, and most impressively, the seatbelt tightened instantly and firmly around me during the event. While I was actively braking and gripping the steering wheel, the automatic seatbelt tightening provided an extra layer of security, seemingly designed to minimize whiplash from the sudden stop. This rapid and comprehensive response in a critical situation was remarkable and, in my assessment, potentially life-saving.
Fastest Level 1 Charging I’ve Tested
(Image credit: Future) Volvo XC40 Recharge highlighting its fast Level 1 charging capabilities during a test drive.
Relying solely on Level 1 charging at home, I was genuinely surprised by the XC40 Recharge’s charging speed using this slower method. Typically, Level 1 charging with other EVs yields a rate of around 1 mile per hour. While some EVs, like the Lexus RZ 450e with its 3.43 miles/hour, offer slightly better Level 1 rates, the Volvo XC40 Recharge surpasses them all with an impressive 5.1 miles per hour, setting a new benchmark for Level 1 charging efficiency.
Easy to Use Drive Shifter
(Image credit: Future) Interior view of the Volvo XC40 Recharge, emphasizing its user-friendly and traditionally placed drive shifter.
Vehicle controls should be intuitive, and the XC40 Recharge drive shifter excels in user-friendliness. Unlike some EVs that experiment with unconventional shifter placements, such as the Hyundai Ioniq 6 integrating it into the steering wheel or the Genesis GV60 featuring an ornate crystal sphere, the XC40 Recharge opts for a traditional, familiar placement. Positioned conventionally on the center console between the front seats, the shifter is immediately accessible and requires no adjustment for drivers accustomed to standard vehicle layouts.
Unique Ambient Lighting
(Image credit: Future) Volvo XC40 Recharge’s unique interior ambient lighting with a subtle camouflage pattern.
Volvo takes a distinctive approach to interior ambient lighting in the XC40 Recharge. Departing from the LED strip lighting prevalent in many EVs, the XC40 Recharge features a unique camouflage pattern integrated throughout the interior. Subtle during daylight, these lights emit a gentle glow in darker conditions, offering a calming and sophisticated ambiance, a refreshing alternative to the often overly flashy lighting found in other electric vehicles.
Splash-Free Window Wipers
(Image credit: Future) Animated view of Volvo XC40 Recharge’s innovative splash-free window wipers in operation.
Simple yet effective innovations enhance the driving experience, and the XC40 Recharge’s windshield wipers are a prime example. Unlike conventional systems that spray washer fluid from the hood, the XC40 Recharge dispenses cleaning solution directly from the wiper blades themselves. This design minimizes overspray and splashback onto the windshield and surrounding areas. Furthermore, the system intelligently dispenses fluid only during the upward stroke of the wipers, enhancing efficiency and reducing fluid consumption.
Sharp Cluster Display
(Image credit: Future) Volvo XC40 Recharge’s sharp and easily readable cluster display showing driving information.
The XC40 Recharge’s cluster display stands out with its exceptional clarity and visual appeal. Boasting high brightness, strong contrast, and rich colors, the display remains easily legible even in direct sunlight. Its straightforward layout effectively presents essential driving information, such as speed and power usage, without overwhelming the driver with complexity, striking a perfect balance between information delivery and visual simplicity.
Textile Cloth Sunshade for Panoramic Roof
(Image credit: Future) Animated view of Volvo XC40 Recharge’s panoramic roof featuring a unique textile cloth sunshade.
Panoramic roofs are increasingly common, but Volvo’s approach in the XC40 Recharge is unique. Instead of a typical solid or automatically dimming glass, the XC40 Recharge employs a textile cloth sunshade for its panoramic roof. This textile shade effectively diffuses sunlight entering the cabin, providing ample shade while still allowing a soft, natural light to permeate, creating a comfortable and airy interior environment.
What I Didn’t Like About the Volvo XC40 Recharge
Obstructed Rear Camera View
(Image credit: Future) Rear view of Volvo XC40 Recharge, illustrating the slightly obstructed view from the backup camera.
Maneuvering the Volvo XC40 Recharge is generally easy, but the obstructed view from the backup camera is a minor drawback. The camera’s placement within the trunk lever housing causes a portion of the upper field of vision to be blocked. This obstruction limits the visible horizon, which can be slightly inconvenient when reversing or parking, requiring extra caution in judging distances.
Not a Fan of the Wool Blend Upholstery
(Image credit: Future) Close-up of Volvo XC40 Recharge’s wool blend seats, highlighting the texture and material.
Personal preference plays a significant role in interior material choices, and the wool blend upholstery in the XC40 Recharge is not entirely to my liking. While perhaps an eco-conscious choice, the wool blend doesn’t exude the same sense of luxury as leather or premium leather-like materials commonly found in EVs in this price bracket. Beyond aesthetics, there’s a practical concern about the material’s durability and ease of cleaning, particularly regarding spills and stains.
Dynamic Cruise Control is Too Reactive
(Image credit: Future) Volvo XC40 Recharge steering wheel, focusing on the dynamic cruise control buttons and system.
Expectations for dynamic cruise control systems are high in modern vehicles, but the XC40 Recharge’s system proved to be overly sensitive. The system reacts too aggressively to changes in traffic flow, often accelerating too rapidly to reach the set cruise speed rather than gradually building up to it. A more proactive and smoother response would be preferable, anticipating traffic conditions ahead to avoid abrupt accelerations and decelerations.
Conclusion: Volvo XC40 Recharge – A Safe and Practical Electric Choice
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When purchasing a new vehicle, safety and reliability are paramount considerations often overshadowed by other features. My week-long test drive of the 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge Ultimate provided firsthand evidence of its exceptional safety capabilities, features that demonstrably prevented a potential collision. This peace of mind, knowing the XC40 Recharge is designed to protect its occupants, is an invaluable asset.
Beyond its advanced safety technology, the XC40 Recharge is remarkably user-friendly, especially for those new to electric vehicles. Coupled with its efficient driving performance, rapid Level 1 charging, and spacious interior, the Volvo XC40 Recharge presents a compelling package, making it an excellent choice as a family car that prioritizes safety without compromising on electric vehicle practicality and convenience.
