Twin Test: Volvo XC40 & C40 Recharge – Swede Sensations!

Can you spot the most obvious difference between the Volvo XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge?

Individually, both the Volvo XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge duo hold quite the draw as far as premium compact EV crossovers go. Yes, both are mirror images of each other in many aspects, but there’s indeed enough differences – both major and minor ones – that allow each to stand distinctively apart and appeal towards specific buying crowds.

Having spent an entire week piloting both EVs back-to-back with our BM Editorial colleagues during the recent Hari Raya Aidil Fitri break, both cars have demonstrated quite a lot of these differences well. Depending on what you seek in a compact premium EV SUV as such, there’s plenty to look forward to with either. Allow us to digress…

The ‘Practical’ Choice

Obviously, the XC40 Recharge stands as the stronger ‘traditionalist’ between the two, much of which stemming from its familiar (read: typical), squared out SUV body and tall roofline design. The combination of both sees the XC40 offer up a sizable standard boot space of 460 litres which, as far as daily needs are concerned, is sufficient.

The XC40 Recharge is the most traditional-looking crossover of the two with its squared body and taller roof.

The more traditional XC40 also arguably stands more practical with its 460-litre standard boot space.

This traditional approach also sees ample cabin space too, meaning you won’t hear cries from passengers seated in the back about lacking head- or legroom. Indeed, this bodes well with the unapologetically plush cabin ambience that Volvo have built into the XC40’s innards which, in the case of this 2023MY version tested, is now laced with new ‘sustainable’ materials all around.

In its updated 2023MY guise, the XC40 Recharge sees its cabin trimmed with even more sustainable materials.

Don’t let the eco-friendly tag of said trim materials sway you otherwise. In fact, much of which both look and feel as plush as what you’re probably used to. Key amongst which is the Charcoal Connect Suede textile lining the inner seats, as well as the faux-leather fabric it’s matched with that covers the outer sides of the seats, the steering wheel, as well as the novel shift lever.

New 'backlit Topography trim décor adds some much needed colour and lighting to this blacked-out cabin, and is a visually pleasing bit for night drives.

Apart from that, there’s also this 2023MY versions adoption of what Volvo dubs as “backlit Topography trim décor” to bask in as well. This shines – literally – stylishly during evening and night drives as it adds some much deserved colour – or a some semblance of which – to an otherwise blacked-out cabin, and it’s a visually-pleasing affair to say the least.

The ‘Fashionable’ Twin

With the C40 Recharge, it presents itself with a more youthful stance compared to its XC40 Recharge twin thanks to its sportier and, arguably, sharper looks. The difference take affect from the windscreen and just above the beltline, which is where the C40’s snazzier profile really takes shape. Best of all? This sleeker redux isn’t just a styling exercise either.

Unlike its XC40 Recharge, the sleeker C40 Recharge has a 70 MM lower roof, and sits slightly longer by 6 MM.

Additional sporty touches in the C40 Recharge include these additional rear spoilers at the top and middle.

Sitting some 70 MM lower and slightly longer by 6 MM over its XC40 twin does mean the C40 lives with a tinier 416-litre standard boot space and much less headroom. However, the fact it also boosts this snazzier twin’s acceleration and range figures is a fact that’s hard to ignore – more on which later. Certainly, those seeking something with a little more style without trading much on substance will be drawn here.

Massive panoramic glass roof is unique to the C40 Recharge only, and it somewhat mitigates the lesser headroom it has over its XC40 twin.

On board, the C40 Recharge mirrors its squared, boxy twin here in terms of cabin design and luxuries, but we’re certain its unique offer of a panoramic glass roof will impress style-conscious prospects further. If anything, this arguably also helps to mitigate the reduced headroom as it brings more illumination into the cabin, which doubles up as an ‘illusion’ of added space too.

Notably, the C40 Recharge's taillight also boasts a neater sequential activation when locking or unlocking.

Apart from that, little else separates the two, which isn’t bad news entirely given how both effortlessly deliver highly plush ambiences. In other words, if you don’t mind sacrificing a little bit on cabin real estate, then life in the C40 Recharge isn’t too shabby indeed, more so given the next set of facts.

Sportscar-like Performance, But…

The similarities comes into view once again mechanically as both underpin the same dual-motor setup – one over each axle – and adopt the same 78 kWh lithium-ion type battery to juice them. Naturally, two motors also enable all-wheel traction, altogether enabling rapid off-the-line bursts and point-to-point sprints, especially when flooring the throttle.

Thanks to its sleeker, slipperier profile mentioned, the C40 Recharge comes out on top as far as 0-100 KM/H sprints are concerned, which only takes 4.7 seconds. Even with the squared XC40 taking just 0.2 seconds slower to do the same, it’s worth noting both outshine similar-sized – and priced – segment rivals like the Mercedes-Benz EQA and newly launched BMW iX1 significantly.

Both the XC40 and C40 Recharge duo possess sportscar-like outputs and speed, with 0-100 KM/H taking just
4.9 secs and 4.7 secs respectively.

Yes, these are indeed sprightly acceleration figures, more so when you digest the fact that each tips the scale at over two tonnes. However, said heft, which is typical of most EV SUVs as such, is perhaps the underlying factor stymying both from having sportscar-like agility and nimbleness to match. Simply put, these aren’t the sharpest tools in the shed – or driveway – to carve corners with.

Thankfully, both the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge make up for this lack of handling sharpness through their refined ride comforts – a trait Volvo’s are renowned for next to safety. Coupled with the cabin’s high noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) suppression, what you have are brilliant comfort cruisers instead. Indeed, this will sit well with many prospects eyeing either choices, more so given the next set of facts…

Common Grounds – Tech & Safety

Again, both the XC40 and C40 Recharge duo mirror each other in terms of on board tech, as well as the arsenal of advanced and active driver assists primed on top of basic safety hardware too.

Android-powered 9-inch infotainment touchscreen proved to be a winning feature in both, offering loads of connectivity-driven functions on top of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Other premium amenities present include a wireless smartphone charging pad plus a thumping Harman Kardon 600-watt 14-speaker audio suite.

Starting with on board tech, we’re certain fuss-free amenities such as the hands-free powered tailgate opening and closing, seamless keyless entry and go function, intuitive Android-powered and internet-enabled 9-inch central infotainment touchscreen display with connectivity functions plus both Apple and Android smartphone compatibility, amongst many, stand as sweet treats for plenty of prospects.

For us, the equally high quality end game delivered through the addition of a crisp-sounding 600-watt Harman Kardon 14-speaker audio suite, the neat 12-inch digital driver display panel with navigation display (amongst many), as well as the addition of a PM2.5 air purifier built into the automatic climate control suite, sweetens the overall package for both too.

Critically, Level 2+ semi-autonomous driving abilities sees both Volvos deliver nearly-unrivalled driving ease

and safety.

The the presence of Level 2+ semi-autonomous driving capabilities, on the other hand, ought to be the crowning highlight in both. Key features amongst which include the City Safety suite (collision avoidance & mitigation with intersection support; pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection), front and rear collision warning and mitigation support, Driver Alert Control, Lane Keeping Aid, Run-Off Road Mitigation with Road Edge Detection, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Steer Assist and Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) with Autobrake.

Evidently, besides electrifying performance style, it is these two fronts that provide both cars with winning substances, and we’re certain many prospect will agree with us on this.

Range & Charge Times

Between the two, the C40 Recharge holds the most in terms of claimed range with its 450 KM (WLTP) figure. The XC40 Recharge, on the other hand, isn’t too far off said sporty twin’s mark with its 438 KM (WLTP) claim. Clearly, if you wanted the combination of both greater range and, arguably, style too, you’d know which of the two to opt for.

Realistically, even with single-pedalled driving style applied, 380 KM to 420 KM of mixed, urban driving is indeed possible with each full-charge in either. In fact, those are the exact figures we charted during our week-long stint testing both. Against similar-sized and priced rivals, we’re certain that both Swedes have enough range to either match or perhaps surpass any.

With 11 kW AC charging, full charges (0-100%) take about 7.5 hours in both. DC Fast-charging at a rate of 150 kW, on the other hand, sees 0-80% charges in just 28 minutes instead.

This was a crucial feat considering none of us amongst the CariCarz.com Editorial staff own dedicated EV wallbox home chargers. Compounding said challenge were the non-routine and, sometimes lengthier, driving stints both cars were subjected to during the festive holidays. Thankfully, even without consistent charging, neither failed to deliver when the need to helm their wheels rose.

Obviously, with better access to charging points, range anxiety should be the least of your worries with either, especially given the decently flexible charging inputs – both AC and DC – that either accepts. The only ‘challenge’ each of these Swedes pose perhaps lay in the premium asking price it rightfully commands.

Justifiable Premiums?

At RM278,888 and RM288,888 respectively, the Volvo XC40 and C40 Recharge aren’t bargains, but said figures could’ve been much higher. That’s because both EV SUVs roll off the Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) assembly plant in Shah Alam instead of overseas. Moreover, compared against key rivals, said prices both Swedes hold stand more tempting than its rivals, especially when the next facts are factored in.

Included in said prices besides a basic 5-year, unlimited mileage base vehicle warranty is a separate 8-year or 160,000 KM EV battery warranty, as well as both a 5-year or 100,000 KM free service deal and roadside assistance lasting up to 5 years. Yes, VCM covered all the angles well here to perhaps make both the XC40 and C40 Recharge just that bit more tempting over the usual German affair.

The only question left is which of the two would be your choice then. Would you prefer the sleeker, sportier C40 Recharge and its slightly longer range? Or would you not mind sacrificing a few KMs in the name of useable daily driving practicality with the more ‘traditional’ XC40 Recharge instead? Hit the comment below with your thoughts then…

Specifications

The Competition