► The RWD Volvo XC40 Recharge reviewed
► Rear motor boosts range and efficiency
► Also available as single or twin-motor
The Volvo XC40 Recharge was the electric version of the hugely popular XC40 SUV, a car that nailed practicality, style and premium feel. Based on the same underpinnings as the petrol‑and‑diesel XC40, it brought electric power to a proven and desirable package.
Initially launched as a front‑wheel drive EV, it was later updated to rear‑wheel drive for greater efficiency and improved driving dynamics. Like the Polestar 2 and Volvo C40, it evolved in line with Volvo’s electric strategy. The XC40 Recharge has now been discontinued and rebranded as the EX40, which shares its underpinnings and technology, but is now available used for less than £20,000.
Should you buy a Volvo XC40 Recharge? The XC40 Recharge was an appealing premium compact electric SUV, but it’s no longer available new. Anyone considering a new XC40-shaped Volvo EV should now look to the EX40, although used XC40 Recharges are looking temptingly priced.
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At a glance
Pros: solid real‑world range, classy interior, refined ride
Cons: not a driver’s car, some interior plastics disappointed
What’s new?
During its production run, the XC40 Recharge underwent a major mechanical refresh. Volvo switched the single‑motor version from front‑ to rear‑wheel drive to improve its efficiency and range, a principle shared by other manufacturers targeting compact EVs.
The update also included Volvo’s in‑house motor for single‑motor cars, while twin‑motor versions gained a new motor layout and larger battery. These upgrades kept the XC40 relevant and reasonably competitive until the EX40 succeeded it.
What are the specs?
The single-motor version of the XC40 Recharge developed 235bhp and was powered by a 69kWh battery. Thanks to ongoing improvements in cooling and efficiency, its official WLTP range increased from 264 miles to 290 miles over the model’s life. Performance remained respectable, with a 0-62mph time of 7.3 seconds, making it more than quick enough for everyday driving.
The twin-motor version received more substantial updates. Originally fitted with two identical motors, it evolved to feature a 148bhp motor at the front and a more powerful 254bhp unit at the rear. A larger 82kWh battery replaced the earlier 78kWh pack, boosting the WLTP range to an impressive 334 miles. The twin-motor model could sprint from 0-62mph in just 4.8 seconds, although, like all post-2019 Volvos, it was electronically limited to a top speed of 112mph.
Efficiency improved across both versions. Volvo claimed up to 3.7 miles per kWh for the single-motor car, while the twin-motor achieved around 3.5 miles per kWh. Charging speeds also varied between the two. The twin-motor model offered rapid charging at up to 200kW, allowing a 10-to-80% top-up in around 28 minutes, while the single-motor version was capped at 130kW.
During our time in them, the XC40 Recharge usually impressed with reliable range predictions. The real-world figures matched closely to official numbers, a significant improvement over the earlier days of electric vehicles.
How does it drive?
Those hoping for a car that feels rear-wheel drive will be disappointed. The only real mark that this car isn’t front-driven is a lack of that trademark tyre scrabble that powerful, front-drive EVs suffer when you put your foot down.
Push the car hard and you might sense a little bit of rear-drive character – the front wheels have a little more grip not having to cope with the power, and you feel a little as though you’re pushed out of a turn rather than pulled.
The single-motor model is rapid enough for anybody, but the twin-motor is genuinely fast. Not Tesla-fast, but powerful enough to get you into trouble worryingly quickly. The XC40 handles neutrally, with a little more body lean than more overtly sporty rivals such as the Tesla Model Y. Ride comfort’s clearly been prioritised and the payoff is compliance over bumps without too much wobbling about.
There are no drive modes, although you can make the steering firmer at the touch of an icon, and there’s an off-road setting. The main choice is whether or not to go for One Pedal driving. If you do, then the electric motors do most of your slowing down for you when you ease off the accelerator.
If you don’t, the car will coast when you throttle back, and you need to press the brake pedal in the conventional way. There are pros and cons to both – potentially more energy is recaptured in One Pedal driving; it’s generally much smoother with One Pedal off. Different drivers will make their own decisions about which settings best suit which journeys.
What about the interior?
Materials lower down are a little plasticky, and we’re not huge fans of the 3D-printed dashboard inlays. They’re backlit, and look amazing at night, but during the day they look and feel nasty. The excellent Google-based infotainment system is present and correct, operated through the usual vertically-oriented 9.0-inch touchscreen.
Though Volvo’s own veneer does bury some functions quite low down in the options list, the basic package is wonderful and probably our favourite of the touchscreen infotainment systems. If you’re a Google user, you won’t miss the lack of Android Auto – you can just sign into your own Google account and you’ve got maps, voice commands etc. at your fingertips.
Otherwise, the XC40 still manages to delight with the little things. The wool upholstery of our test car was gorgeous – warm, grippy, classy, everything leather isn’t. The air vents have a pleasingly weighted action, and the controls are simple without being simplistic. Yes, we’d love a climate control panel of physical switchgear, but that’s hardly a unique complaint to this particular compact SUV.
Before you buy
Used XC40s now offer premium electric SUV appeal at lower costs. At the time of writing, Parkers quoted used XC40 Electric (2021‑on) prices from £17,850 to £27,595, with Core versions at the lower end and Twin Ultimate nearing £37,560.
That means you can pick up early‑generation XC40 Recharges from around £15,000, with newer, better‑equipped models often fetching £25,000-£35,000. In this range, the XC40 Recharge stands alongside used Mercedes‑Benz EQA, BMW iX1 and Audi Q4 E‑Tron. It also competes in value with early‑built Tesla Model Y or Hyundai Ioniq 5s.
Buyers should inspect battery health and ensure software is fully updated, especially given mid‑life drivetrain and range enhancements. Parkers notes that used EV prices have dropped significantly in the UK, making models like the XC40 Recharge now accessible at near‑ICE prices.
Verdict
The Volvo XC40 Recharge offered a refined, safe and well‑built electric SUV. Its rear‑wheel drive revision brought better real‑world performance, even if it never became a driver’s toy. We’d avoid the higher-powered all-wheel drive version – it’s suspension set-up is not up to the task of reining in all the power.
With the EX40 now available, the XC40 Recharge shines as a used choice. Starting at less than £18,000, it rivals newer family EVs like the Peugeot E‑3008, and lines up with used premium EVs such as the Mercedes EQA and BMW iX1.
For those seeking Scandinavian style, comfort, safety and long‑range practicality at a sensible price, the XC40 Recharge remains a more viable choice in the used‑EV market than it did when new.