It’s been a busy day for Volvo. Not only will it go all-electric by 2030, the brand has a new coupe-crossover – and it’ll be in Australia by the end of 2022.
When it launches the C40 will be sold through Volvo’s online sales portal, as will the rest of its pure-electric cars.
The new C40 Recharge is a coupe based on the XC40 crossover. Naturally, the C40 has a lower and more steeply raked roof line, as well as hatchback-style tailgate.
While the tail lights retain their familiar hockey stick silhouette they have been pared back to the lighting elements and now stretch into the tailgate.
Other changes include new rear doors with a revised window line, and new rear spoilers, including raised lip spoiler above the Volvo word mark.
There are also changes up front, with the C40 sporting a smaller set of headlights that include a large cutaway on the inside corner.
The frame has also been removed from the grille, while the bumper has been redesigned. It now features sharper creases, and a T-shaped black plastic area around the fog lights.
The C40 Recharge shares its all-wheel drive electric drivetrain with the Volvo XC40 P8 Recharge and the Polestar 2.
With identical motors for each axle, the C40 Recharge has a total of 300kW and 660Nm at its disposal. Like the XC40 Recharge, the C40 Recharge should have a 0-100km/h time of just under five seconds.
Fitted with a 78kWh battery pack, the C40 Recharge is expected to have a driving range of 420km according to the WLTP standard.
Using a fast charger, the C40 Recharge’s battery can be topped up to 80 per cent with 30 minutes.
The cabin is largely carried over from the more practical XC40, and it includes the company’s Android-based infotainment system with Google Maps, voice assistant and app store all pre-loaded.
As with the XC40 Recharge, the C40 supports over-the-air software updates.
Production of the C40 Recharge at the company’s factory in Belgium begins during the third quarter of 2021.
Overseas the C40 Recharge will be exclusively sold online. We’re waiting to hear back about local availability and its method of sale.
The closely related XC40 Recharge is expected to become available in Australia in the latter part of 2021.
