Overview

If you’re getting a strange feeling of deja vu from the Volvo C40, it’s probably because you’ve seen most of it before. Like rivals from Audi, BMW and Mercedes, the C40 is a ‘coupe’ version of a boxier SUV, in this case the relatively compact XC40 Recharge electric SUV.

While the XC40 is available with petrol or plug-in hybrid power, the C40 is an all-electric SUV with a choice of one or two motors. In a mid-life update, Volvo upgraded the motors of both variants, and for single-motor cars it actually changed from a front motor and front-wheel drive to a rear-mounted motor driving the rear wheels, all in the name of improved efficiency. It’s worked – the single-motor C40 has up to 297 miles of range, while the twin-motor has an impressive 342 miles on the WLTP cycle.

The C40 has a growing number of rivals including a few that share a slinkier roofline than traditionally boxy SUVs. Premium-badged opposition includes the Audi Q4 E-Tron and more rakish Q4 Sportback, the Mercedes-Benz EQA and Tesla Model Y. It’ll also be vying for sales with its own siblings – the XC40 Recharge as well as the Polestar 2.

The C40 is only available to buy outright or via Volvo’s subscription plan called Care by Volvo, which can bundle everything needed into one monthly payment. Other finance options aren’t avaliable. You can still visit a dealer, have a poke around and test drive one. It’s just that when it comes to ordering, instead of bartering and awkward conversations, you’ll simply be asked to place your order online.

Volvo hopes that the C40’s unique looks will endear it to enough people – buyers who want the ownership process to be ‘effortless and joyful’, as the brand says. But there’s a high price to pay for that ease…

Over the next few pages we’ll be reviewing all aspects of the Volvo C40 Recharge and rating them in our verdict. Our scores will take into account what it’s like to drive, how well the technology works, if the interior is befitting of the price tag, how practical it is and the associated running costs.