2022 Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric

Overview
Volvo has chopped the roof on its electric XC40 Recharge SUV to create the more stylish 2022 C40 Recharge. It shares a lot with the XC40 Recharge, including its all-electric powertrain: two electric motors that provide a whopping 402 horsepower, and standard all-wheel drive. The interior is also similar to the XC40's, including that model's clever storage solutions, high-tech Google Android-based infotainment system, and lofty seating height. A large battery pack with 75-kWh of usable energy storage is said to provide an estimated 225-mile driving range per charge. The C40 Recharge will compete against a growing number of small luxury EV SUVs, including the Audi Q4 e-tron, the Mercedes-Benz EQA, and the Tesla Model Y. But don't expect to see the C40 Recharge at your local Volvo dealership as it will be available exclusively via online ordering.

What's New for 2022?
The C40 Recharge, despite sharing much of its mechanical bits and interior design with the XC40 Recharge, is an all-new model for the Volvo lineup.

Although the boxier XC40 Recharge is offered with the entry-level Plus trim, the more stylish C40 is offered only in luxury Ultimate trim, which adds niceties such as a panoramic sunroof, a Harman/Kardon stereo system, and a 360-degree exterior camera system.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance
All C40 Recharge models come with two electric motors—one mounted in the front and one in the rear—which can deliver up to 402-hp; all-wheel drive is standard. Volvo claims this powertrain can propel the C40 Recharge to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. This powertrain can be found in the XC40 Recharge as well as the Polestar 2 electric car, the latter of which blasted to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds at our test track. Its no surprise that the C40 Recharge drives much like its squareback sibling. Its ride is compliant and its handling is composed, but it lacks the crisp steering and eager demeanor that endears us to rivals such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E. When we get a chance, we'll take the C40 Recharge to our test track and update this story with test results.