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Volvo C40 175kW Recharge Plus 69kWh 5dr Auto

  • Automatic
  • Electric
  • 5 door suv
  • 7.3 secs 0 to 62 mph
  • 238 bhp Engine power
  • 300.7 mi Combined range
  • 69 kWh Battery capacity
  • 8 yrs Battery warranty

Ten Second Review

Volvo knows it needs more SUVs. And it needs more electric vehicles. This EC40 model, originally known as the C40 Recharge, delivers both in one package and shows clearly the direction the brand is heading in the future. There's a base rear-driven version. And a state-of-the-art fully-electric all-wheel-drive powertrain that offers a WLTP-rated range of 274 miles on a single charge and an output of 408hp. The drawback is premium pricing but otherwise, a lot of boxes seem to have been ticked here.

Background

Given that Volvo's been making overt noises about full electrification for a decade now, it's something of a surprise to realise that at its launch in 2022, the model we're looking at here introduced the company's very first exclusively electric model line. Back then, it was called the C40 Recharge, a car substantially updated in 2023, then renamed the EC40 in early 2024. As you might expect, the EC40 borrows everything that matters from Volvo's very first all-electric model, the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric (now known as the EX40). But clothes that powertrain with more unique styling and a more swept-back coupe-style silhouette. Think of the two models as something akin to what Audi already offers in this segment with its Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron SUVs and you'll be somewhere close to what Volvo is trying to do here. Like the EX40, the EC40 will be sold primarily online. And, as with that car, it rolls down the production lines of Volvo's Belgium factory in Ghent.

Driving Experience

There's a choice of EV powertrains. The base rear-driven single-motor model offers a couple of variants, the base Single Motor version with 238hp, a 69kWh (66kWh usable size) battery and 300 mile driving range. The alternative rear-driven Single Motor Extended Range derivative has 252hp, a 78kWh (75kWh usable) battery size and a maximum 345 mile range. The alternative AWD Twin Motor model offers an 82kWh (79kWh usable) battery pack with a maximum 340 mile range. This is a twin electric motor set-up (one on each axle), a 117kW motor on the front and and a 183kW motor at the rear, the latter contributing majorly to the prodigious total system output of 408hp. Yes, you heard that right - and you can boost it further to 442hp with an optional 'Performance' software upgrade. Either way, this seems like it'd be rather excessive for the needs of most likely customers, the standard AWD variant sprinting you to 62mph from rest in just 4.5s with more torque than you'd get in a Nissan GT-R super sports car - 660Nm of it, at which point, the motor's spinning at a heady 14,000rpm. The decent ride quality of the EX40 is carried forward here as the EC40 sits on the same MacPherson strut suspension set-up up-front, with a multi-link arrangement at the rear. As a driver, you get quite a commanding seating position. It's worth noting that the EV figures we mentioned earlier are a little down on those of an identically-engineered Polestar 2. To get the claimed mileage, you'll need to engage what the Swedish maker calls 'One Pedal Drive', selectable from the 'Driving' menu provided on the centre-dash screen. This dramatically increases the regenerative braking effect when you come off the throttle, to the point where, as advertised, the brake pedal will hardly ever be needed. Other than that, no driving modes are provided, though there is a screen button to firm up the steering.

Design and Build

Though the EC40 is created from the building blocks of its EX40 showroom stablemate, Volvo wanted to add in some extra athleticism and lightness to the silhouette, as well as some appealing extra details. So there's a sleek profile and a set of emblematic segmented vertical rear lights. Up-front, the signature Thor's hammer headlights are augmented with neat pixel LEDs which automatically adjust to light conditions and switch on and off independently to optimise the light pattern. As usual with coupe-style SUVs, there are really big wheels. Inside, the design is all about light and freedom of space. Which is why there's lots of glass and a big panoramic roof that enhances the airiness of the cabin. The interior features a signature 'Fjord Blue' colouring for the large swathes carpet that extend up from the floor to the sides of the centre console and the front doors. The dashboard and the front door panels feature backlit translucent graphics with a smart atmospheric three-dimensional effect. The EC40 delivers Volvo's first leather-free interior, the main upholstery option containing naturally renewable wool fibres; the alternative uses a combination of suede textile (made of recycled plastic) and microtech material. There's plenty of room for two adults at the back - though it would be a squash with three. And the boot capacity is the same as that of the EX40, rated at 413-litres. Plus there's an extra 'frunk' area beneath the bonnet for the storage of charging cables, offering an additional 31-litres of capacity.

Market and Model

The EC40 comes with a choice of single or dual-motor powertrains and and a choice of either 'Plus' or 'Ultra' levels of trim. Prices start from around £52,500 for the base 69kWh Single Motor rear-driven version, while the rear-driven 78kWh Single Motor Extended Range variant costs from around £54,500. The even bigger-battery 82kWh Twin Motor model costs from just under £58,000. Primarily, ordering will be online, though you can do that from a dealer showroom if you'd prefer to have someone guide you through the process. Rather than buying outright, the brand expects most customers to use its 'Care by Volvo' subscription options - there two, both with no deposit and both including servicing and maintenance. There's a 'Flexible' contract, which includes a 30 day trial period at the beginning and requires three month's notice before contract end. Or you can take out a subscription-based contract with a fixed 36 month tariff. The standard subscription rate gives you 6,000 annual miles and customers can top up their limit at the rate of £15 a month for each additional 2000 mile block, up to 10,000 miles, and then add £10 extra on top for the maximum limit of 12,000 miles. Whichever trim level you decide upon, there's plenty of equipment included - as you'd hope given the figures being asked here. Tick off automatic LED headlights with active high beam, high gloss black roof rails, rear parking sensors, a powered tailgate and 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside, across the range there's 2-Zone climate control, a 12.3-litre 'Progressive Driver Display' instrument cluster screen, a wireless 'phone charger and heated front seats with lumbar support. Media stuff's taken care of by a 9-inch Centre Console Portrait Touch Screen with navigation, a 250-watt 8-speaker DAB audio system, voice recognition, wired 'Apple CarPlay' and four years' use of Google Automotive Services.

Cost of Ownership

We've already given you this EC40 model's operating range in our 'Driving Experience' section; a maximum of 300 miles for the base Single Motor model, up to 346 miles for the Single Motor Extended Range version and up to 340 miles for the Twin Motor version. These figures postion this Volvo much more competitively in its segment, but they're still some way from being up with the class-leaders; thank this Swedish contender's portly kerb weight (around 2-tonnes) for that. Designers of other comparable rivals have done better in trimming off the kilos - and that shows in the projected range figures they deliver. A Tesla Model Y Dual Motor manages 331 miles; a BMW iX3 delivers 285 miles; an Audi Q4 e-tron 50 quattro manages 295 miles; a Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor model (with exactly the same battery pack and powertrain as the C40 AWD) manages up to 298 miles; and a Ford Mustang MACH-E AWD Extended range model delivers up to 341 miles. Even to achieve this Volvo's stated figure, you're going to need to make a lot of use of the 'One Pedal Drive' feature that maximises regenerative braking. Still, at least charging times are competitive. The base Single Motor model DC charges at up to 135kW, the Single Motor Extended Range version DC charges at up to 140kW and the Twin Motor version now DC charges at up to 205kW. In each case, a 10-80% DC charge will take around 33 minutes. Overnight AC charging via a home wallbox will occupy around 8 hours. There are of course, lots of taxation advantages in running an EV. With this one, as with its main rivals, you'll be rated at just 2% for BiK Benefit-in-Kind taxation until this is reviewed in 2025.

Summary

This model, in the company's own words, is 'the future of Volvo'. Over 75% of the cars the company sells these days are SUVs. In future, 100% of them will be EVs. But not yet. And certainly not at the kind of prices the Swedish maker is asking for this EC40 in its current forms. For the time being, you can't help but feel that many of those who choose an EC40 are people would have also been quite satisfied with the EX40 crossover model it's based on. Volvo talks of the need for the kind of younger demographic who'll presumably find the EC40's more coupe-style looks appealing. But then adds that it expects older folk to like it too. Ultimately, no one is quite sure how precisely the EV market is going to develop. But Volvo is keen to make sure all the bases are covered.

  • Emergency services call system
  • Hands free power tailgate
  • DAB Digital radio
  • High performance sound, 8 speakers/250W, 2 front USB and 2 rear type C USB
  • Low speed exterior sound speaker
  • Steering wheel remote infotainment controls
  • Black stone boot spoiler
  • Black stone roof
  • Body colour pillars
  • Body colour roof spoiler
  • Colour co-ordinated front grille and surround
  • Fixed panoramic glass sunroof
  • Front recharge tread plates
  • High gloss black rear bumper lower deco
  • High gloss black window trim
  • Rear side wing doors
  • Roof antenna
  • Visible VIN plate
  • 12V socket in front tunnel console
  • 3 spoke sports tailored steering wheel
  • A-pillar parking ticket holder
  • Bright metal luggage compartment threshold
  • Centre console cupholders and storage
  • Charcoal headlining
  • Charcoal lower dashboard, upper tunnel console and armrest
  • Flexible load floor and grocery bag holder
  • Front load compartment (31 litres)
  • Front tunnel net pocket and integrated waste bin
  • Glovebox bag hook
  • Height/reach adjustable steering column
  • High gloss black centre tunnel and centre screen surround deco
  • Load protection net
  • One pedal drive mode
  • Rear armrest with cupholder
  • Underfloor cargo storage
  • Climate pack - C40/XC40
  • 3x3 point rear seatbelts
  • City safety includes pedestrain and cyclist detection, front collision warning with full and rear auto brake
  • Drivers knee airbag
  • Dual stage driver/passenger airbags
  • First aid kit
  • Front and outer rear seatbelt reminder and pretensioners
  • Front seats SIPS airbags
  • IC (Inflatable Curtains) - Full Length
  • ISOFIX attachment (Front passenger and Rear outer seats)
  • Passenger airbag cut-off device
  • Power child locks on rear doors
  • Road sign information display
  • Run off Road Mitigation
  • Run off Road Protection
  • SIPS (Side Impact Protection System)
  • Slippery road and hazard light alert
  • Tyre pressure monitoring system
  • Warning triangle
  • WHIPS whiplash protection system - front
  • 2 x Key integrated remote control central locking including recharging port with deadlocking system and auto open/close power windows and sunroof
  • Anti-theft alarm including immobiliser/volume sensor + level sensor
  • Care key with user defined top speed
  • Convenient entry and start
  • Keyless drive with keyless entry and keyless start
  • Locking wheel nuts
  • Private locking for tailgate
  • Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: N
  • Battery Capacity in kWh: 69
  • Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 2100
  • Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100
  • Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3
  • Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 1260
  • Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100
  • Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 3.7
  • Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 660
  • Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-100
  • Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 7.4
  • Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): 34
  • Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: 10-80
  • Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: 130
  • Battery Leased: False
  • Battery Type: Lithium-ion
  • Charging Port Location: Left Side Rear
  • Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2
  • Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 130
  • Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000
  • Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8
  • Usable Battery Capacity: 66
  • WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 17.5
  • WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 16.2
  • WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 3.6
  • WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 3.8
  • WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 484
  • WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH: 445
  • WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL: 486
  • WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 300.7
  • WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH: 276.5
  • WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL: 302
  • CO: N
  • CO2 (g/km): 0
  • HC: N
  • HC+NOx: N
  • Noise Level dB(A): N
  • NOx: N
  • Particles: N
  • Standard Euro Emissions: N
  • Camshaft: N
  • Catalytic Convertor: N
  • CC: 1
  • Compression Ratio: N
  • Cylinder Layout: N
  • Cylinders: N
  • Cylinders - Bore (mm): N
  • Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N
  • Engine Code: N
  • Engine Layout: N
  • Fuel Delivery: N
  • Gears: 1 SPEED
  • Number of Valves: N
  • Transmission: AUTO
  • EC Combined (mpg): N
  • EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: False
  • EC Extra Urban (mpg): N
  • EC Urban (mpg): N
  • Alternative Fuel Qualifying: True
  • Badge Engine CC: 0.0
  • Badge Power: 238
  • Based On ID: N
  • Coin Description: Recharge 175kW
  • Coin Series: Plus
  • Generation Mark: 1
  • Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 37E
  • Man Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12
  • Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3
  • NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 92
  • NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 89
  • NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5
  • NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 70
  • NCAP Safety Assist %: 89
  • Safety Concerns: False
  • Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24
  • Service Interval Mileage: 18000
  • Special Edition: False
  • Special Order: False
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3
  • Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N
  • Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N
  • Vehicle Homologation Class: M1
  • 0 to 62 mph (secs): 7.3
  • Engine Power - BHP: 238
  • Engine Power - KW: 175
  • Engine Power - PS: True
  • Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 310
  • Engine Torque - MKG: 42.8
  • Engine Torque - NM: 420
  • Engine Torque - RPM: N
  • Top Speed: 112
  • Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP
  • RDE Certification Level: N/A
  • Alloys: True
  • Space Saver: False
  • Tyre Size Front: 235/50 R19
  • Tyre Size Rear: 255/45 R19
  • Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT
  • Wheel Style: 5 SPOKE
  • Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY
  • Height: 1596
  • Height (including roof rails): N
  • Length: 4440
  • Wheelbase: 2702
  • Width: 1910
  • Width (including mirrors): 2034
  • Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N
  • Gross Vehicle Weight: 2460
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1205
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 413
  • Max. Loading Weight: 483
  • Max. Roof Load: 75
  • Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1500
  • Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750
  • Minimum Kerbweight: 1977
  • No. of Seats: 5
  • Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.4