Volvo is switching back to rear-wheel drive for the first time since the S/V90 Classic, which went out of production 25 years ago. Not for every model, but for the C40 and XC40 Recharge, which will always have the electric motor on the rear axle in their basic versions. This not only provides more driving dynamics because the steering wheels no longer have to take on the drive, but thanks to the new generation of permanent magnet electric motors, it also provides more efficiency.
Extended Range
In addition, three motorisations are now available for Volvo’s smallest electric SUVs: a Single Motor with 67 kWh and 238 hp, a Single Motor Extended Range with 78 kWh (net) and 252 hp, and finally a Twin Motor with 78 kWh and 408 hp, although a larger part of the power now comes from the rear axle. The driving range of the base XC40 Recharge climbs from 425 to 463 hp, the Recharge Extended Range reaches 514 km and the Recharge Twin can drive 500 km on a single charge according to the WLTP.
The slightly more streamlined C40 Recharge reaches 482 km, 533 km and 506 km respectively on a charge. A charge that does not have to take as long, because the versions with a larger battery can quickly charge up to 200 kW, which takes you to 80% in 27 minutes. And that 80% is now sufficient for about 400 km. A welcome progress! The updated XC40 and C40 can now be ordered with a single engine for a starting price of 50,650 and 52,150 euros respectively. The Twin Motor will follow a little later.
