Volvo XC40 Launch Recharge Tomorrow: What To Expect

Volvo is set to enter the electric vehicle market in India with the new XC40 Recharge tomorrow. The launch comes almost a full year after the company first opened bookings for the SUV last year. The electric SUV was due to arrive in India in 2021 though the launch was postponed and now it will arrive as a locally assembled model from the start. The Volvo XC40 Recharge will be available in a single variant and in terms of pricing, it is expected to sit between the new Kia EV6 and larger electric SUVs such as the Jaguar I-Pace, Audi e-tron and Mercedes EQC. Here’s what you can expect.

Design & Platform

The XC40 Recharge isn’t a ground-up new electric vehicle, with the SUV sitting on the same CMA platform as its conventional internal combustion engine sibling. In terms of styling, the biggest difference between the current XC40 and the new Recharge will be the front fascia. The standard XC40 on sale in India is still the pre-facelift model while the Recharge set to launch tomorrow will be the facelifted model on sale globally. The most notable changes are in the new front bumper that makes the car appear sleeker and newly-designed LED headlamps. The new headlamps are more angular as compared to the rectangular units of the standard XC40. The trademark Thor’s Hammer LED DRLS are retained.

Cabin & Features

Open the doors and you will be treated to the customary latest-gen Volvo interior design. The smartly turned-out cabin follows a minimalist design theme with the large central touchscreen the focus point of almost all controls typically mounted in the centre console. A screen sists in the instrument binnacle as well. Additionally, going with its environment friendly nature, Volvo doesn’t offer leather upholstery with the carpets too made from recycled materials.

In terms of equipment, we’re only getting one P8 variant and Volvo’s not holding back on equipment. Standard equipment includes LED headlamps, dual zone climate control, air purifier, panoramic sunroof, powered front seats, driver seat memory function, 9.0-inch touchscreen with in-built Google Assistant, Harman Kardon sound system, wireless smartphone integration and more.

Safety Kit

In typical Volvo fashion, there is a lot of safety tech on board. You will get 7 airbags, ABS, traction and stability control, a tyre pressure monitor system, 360-degree camera, hill descent control and a suit of Advanced Driver Aids. ADAS functions include adaptive cruise control, front and rear collision mitigation, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.

Powertrain

The XC40 Recharge will be available with a twin-motor all-wheel drive set-up as standard, and the two motors, with one on each axle. Total system output is rated at 402 bhp and 660 Nm of torque with Volvo claiming a 0-100 kph time of just 4.9 seconds. Volvo though does not offer drive modes as part of the package though you can adjust the weight of the steering via the setting on the central touchscreen and there’s a one pedal mode too that sets regen braking to maximum.

Range

One of the most important factors for buying an EV also comes down to its range. The XC40 Recharge will come with an underfloor mounted 79 kWh battery pack as standard. Volvo claims a range of around 418 km on a full charge. Volvo says the battery pack supports fast charging and can be filled from 10-80 percent in as little as 28 minutes.