Volvo Car India has recently revealed its second electric model, the C40 Recharge, which is slated to be launched in the country in 2023. The C40 Recharge is a pure electric vehicle, meaning it has been designed from scratch as an electric car. It shares the compact modular architecture (CMA) platform with the XC40 Recharge, Volvo’s first electric SUV in India.
The C40 Recharge is a coupe variant of the XC40 Recharge, with a lower and sleeker roofline and a more sporty appearance. It has Volvo’s distinctive Thor’s hammer LED headlamps, a closed front grille with a Volvo logo that serves as a sensor unit, and a unique rear design with vertical LED taillights. The C40 Recharge also has a 100% leather-free interior, which is made of eco-friendly materials such as recycled plastic bottles and wool. Have a detailed look at its features.
Interior:
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The C40 Recharge has a spacious and luxurious interior with a simple design and high-quality craftsmanship. The interior is dominated by a 9-inch vertical touchscreen infotainment system that runs on Google’s Android operating system. It supports Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Play Store, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The infotainment system also shows various information related to the battery status, charging options, and driving modes.
The C40 Recharge also has a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster that displays the speedometer, navigation, media, phone, and other driver information. The instrument cluster can be customized according to the driver’s preference and mood. The C40 Recharge comes with a 13-speaker Harman Kardon sound system that delivers a premium audio experience. The sound system also supports Spotify integration for seamless music streaming.
The C40 Recharge has a panoramic sunroof that enhances the sense of space and light in the interior. It also has ambient lighting that can be adjusted to suit different moods and occasions. The C40 Recharge offers comfortable seats for five occupants, with ample headroom and legroom. The front seats are power-adjustable and have memory function. The rear seats have a 60/40 split-folding feature that allows for flexible cargo space.
The C40 Recharge has a boot capacity of 413 litres, which can be expanded to 1,328 litres by folding the rear seats. The boot also has an underfloor storage compartment that can store the charging cable and other items. The C40 Recharge also has a small front trunk or frunk that can hold up to 31 litres of luggage.
Exterior:
The C40 Recharge has an eye-catching exterior design that combines elegance and sportiness. It has a coupe-like silhouette that gives it a dynamic and agile look. It has a low and aerodynamic profile that reduces wind resistance and improves efficiency. It has a distinctive front fascia that showcases Volvo’s brand identity and electric ambitions. It has a closed front grille that enhances the aerodynamics and houses a Volvo logo that acts as a sensor unit for various driver assistance systems. It also has Thor’s hammer LED headlamps that provide excellent visibility and style.
The side profile of the C40 Recharge is characterized by smooth lines and curves that create a sense of motion and sophistication. It has flared wheel arches that accommodate 19-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels. It also has roof rails that add to the practicality and versatility of the vehicle. The rear profile of the C40 Recharge is equally impressive, with vertical LED taillights that extend from the roof to the bumper. It also has a roof spoiler that enhances the aerodynamics and aesthetics of the vehicle.
The C40 Recharge is available in eight exterior colours: Black Stone, Crystal White Pearl Metallic, Fusion Red Metallic, Glacier Silver Metallic, Onyx Black Metallic, Pebble Grey Metallic, Sage Green Metallic, and Thunder Grey Metallic.
Build:
The C40 Recharge is built on Volvo’s compact modular architecture (CMA) platform, which is designed to accommodate various powertrains, including electric ones. The CMA platform is shared with the XC40 Recharge and other models from Volvo and its sister brand Geely. The CMA platform is engineered to provide high levels of safety, comfort, and performance. It also allows for a spacious and flexible interior layout that maximizes the cabin space and cargo capacity.
The C40 Recharge has a body structure that is made of high-strength steel and aluminium. It also has a reinforced passenger compartment that protects the occupants in case of a collision. The C40 Recharge has a battery pack that is integrated into the floor of the vehicle, which lowers the centre of gravity and improves the handling and stability. The battery pack is also protected by a safety cage that absorbs the impact energy and prevents any damage to the battery cells.
Performance:
The C40 Recharge is powered by a 78 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that feeds two electric motors, one on each axle. The electric motors generate a combined output of 408 hp and 660 Nm of torque. The C40 Recharge can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and has a top speed of 180 km/h. The C40 Recharge has an all-wheel-drive system that provides optimal traction and performance in different road conditions.
The C40 Recharge has a claimed range of 530 km (WLTP) on a single full charge. The battery pack can be charged from 0 to 80% in 33 minutes using a 150 kW DC fast charger. It can also be charged using a standard AC wall socket or a public charging station. The C40 Recharge supports over-the-air (OTA) updates that can improve the battery performance and range over time.
The C40 Recharge has four driving modes: Comfort, Eco, Off-road, and Dynamic. The driving modes can alter the throttle response, steering feedback, suspension settings, and brake regeneration according to the driver’s preference and road conditions. The C40 Recharge also has a one-pedal drive feature that allows the driver to accelerate and decelerate using only the accelerator pedal. This feature reduces the need for braking and enhances the efficiency and convenience of driving.
Features:
The C40 Recharge is equipped with various features that enhance the comfort, convenience, and safety of the driver and passengers. Some of the notable features are:
- Adaptive cruise control with pilot assist
- Lane keeping aid
- Blind spot information system with steer assist
- Cross traffic alert with brake support
- Rear collision warning with brake support
- Park assist with rear view camera
- Driver alert control
- Road sign information
- Hill start assist
- Hill descent control
- Rain sensor
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Wireless phone charging
- Keyless entry and start
- Power tailgate with hands-free operation
Safety:
The C40 Recharge is designed to provide high levels of safety for the occupants and other road users. It has a strong body structure that can withstand impacts from different angles and directions. It also has a comprehensive airbag system that includes dual-stage front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, knee airbags, and whiplash protection system. The C40 Recharge also has various active and passive safety features that can prevent or mitigate collisions. Some of the safety features are:
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD)
- Electronic stability control (ESC) with traction control
- Brake assist
- Emergency brake light
- Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
- Isofix child seat anchors
- Seat belt reminder
- City safety with collision avoidance and mitigation
- Run-off road protection
- Oncoming lane mitigation
Expected Price:
The C40 Recharge is expected to be priced around Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom) when it is launched in India in 2023. It will be available for online booking through Volvo’s website after the prices are announced. The deliveries of the C40 Recharge will take place through Volvo’s dealerships across the country.
The C40 Recharge will compete with other luxury electric SUVs such as the Mercedes-Benz EQC, Jaguar I-Pace, Audi e-tron, and Tesla Model Y.
Conclusion:
The Volvo C40 Recharge is an electric SUV that offers style and sustainability for the Indian market. It offers a spacious and luxurious interior, a powerful and efficient performance, and a host of features and safety systems. It is Volvo’s second electric model in India after the XC40 Recharge, and it showcases Volvo’s commitment to electrification and carbon neutrality. The C40 Recharge is expected to be launched in India in 2023, and it will appeal to customers who are looking for a premium and eco-friendly SUV.