Driving Report: Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric Twin Motor

The Volvo XC40 is a Godfall auto of segment C that the Swedish Volvo supplier started to market at the end of 2017. It is 5 seats with a transverse front motor that uses the CMA mechanical platform (COMPACT MODULAR STYLE), shared with versions of the company China Geely. The XC40 is the 3rd Godfall of Volvo, located below the Volvo XC60 and also the Volvo XC90. Amongst its competitors are the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Variety Wanderer Evolve, Jaguar E-Pace, Lexus UX, Mercedes-Benz Class GLA and also Volkswagen Tiguan, as well as the Audi Q4, Ford Mustang Mach-E and also Hyundai Ionic 5 as quickly as to electric designs. In its launch, the XC40 is provided with a 2.0-liter fuel engine as well as 247 HP, as well as a 2.0-liter diesel and also 190 HP, both with 4x4 and also automatic eight-speed gearbox. Ultimately, lower power, front-wheel drive as well as six-speed manual gearbox will be included.

As he looks: The Volvo XC40 has already given it before the fully electric recharge has gone to the grid this year. To distinguish the model with electron- from the combustion engine, you have to look closely. The connoisseur brings on the closed grille that this must be an electric drive, the Recharge label on the C-pillar is another indication, and the E-license plate anyway. The topic of compact SUVs interprets the 4.43 meter long XC40 with Nordic clarity. Technically, it is based on the so-called CMA platform, which Volvo has developed together with the Chinese Group Mother Geely. A close-related relationship is the couped-tailored Crossover C40 and the Polestar 2.

As he is set up: The interior also conveys Scandinavian style reliability in his purist elegance. What comes in front of the eyes and under my fingers looks and feels like that as well as high quality. In the field of the driver Volvo has moved the now obligatory digital instrumentation, the desire for a head-up display is not fulfilled.

It is interesting to view the high-canted touchscreen. Because he is the home of the new, along with Google on the way Android multimedia system, allows access to the map and navigation service Maps allowed to keep the speech recognition Google Assistant and takes various apps like Spotify.

Cockpit: Here, the new, jointly developed with Google Infotainment Held. Manufacturer

Our Lament about the dumpling Volvo Infotainment of former years falsified, because we are impressed by the perfection that works with the new system. Google Maps is unbeatable anyway, when it comes to the route with cutting-edge traffic data. The XC40 Recharge also refers to the battery status with the destination input, proposes — if necessary — charging points before and calculates how high the charge level will be at the destination. This works very reliable. The Language Assist or also coincides with thrilling navigation requests very well, and it also answers knowledge of a variety of ways. Dialogue examples: How did Bayern Munich played? — The Bayern Munich won the day before yesterday 5: 0 against the VfB Stuttgart. Or: Do I need an umbrella in Munich? — No. In Munich, it is not raining at the moment. It is cloudy at seven degrees.

Also over the current range, the voice gives out of the OFF information. That's a good thing, because in the driver's display, this important information is displayed only when it goes to the last reserves, otherwise only the boost is to be read in percent. Who wants to know what is possible on track, must therefore ask questions — or call a corresponding menu in the touchscreen or the Range Assistant app, which also allows the range optimizer to activate influence on air conditioning.

The Internet services it needs to be able to use the online services are included in the purchase price of the vehicle.

How much space he has: No complaints, the space offering for the occupants is commendable. Four people sit comfortably even with longer travels, just — of course rarely occupied — Central Square in the rear has what crimped. The functionally formed trunk takes 419 to 1295 liters. That's a little less than the combustion model. But: For this, under the front hood, a 31 liter of big Frank is ready, in which, for example, the charging cable may collect. We have admittedly transported it in the rear luggage compartment, it is simply uncomplicated to open the (optionally electrical) tailgate as the front hood to unlock.

For the price of 960 euros, the additional charge list will provide a trailer hitch.

What drives him: The XC40 Recharge Twin employs two electric motors, one on the front, one on the rear axle. Is called: permanent four-wheel drive. Each of the two E-engines makes 150 kW / 204 hp and develops a torque of 330 Newton meters.

The power store serves a lithium-ion battery with 78 kWh storage capacity, usable thereof are 75 kWh.

Who can do without four-wheel drive and the high performance, gets the Sweden with front drive, single engine and 170 kW / 231 hp. Built here is a 69 kWh battery.

No rotation, no press: The XC40 is automatically set in driving. Manufacturer

How it drives: Where in conventional XC40 sits the start button, the electric model has only one aperture. Sensors detect when the driver seat is occupied and automatically put the car into car service. Just sit down and losstromern — nothing could be easier. As emphatically as acoustically inconspicuous battery electrician gets going, well-measured it gives off its power and moves with uncomplicated serenity. The highway speed of 100 km / in less than five seconds reaches h, top speed limited Volvo — as in all other models — h to 180 km /.

As for the ride, so prevailed comfort over dynamics, malaise in the asphalt parried the electric XC40 nice conciliatory. A choice of driving modes, however, he does not provide any more than different Rekuperationsstufen. This is not a loss per se. It would be nice, however, when the one-pedal driving with its extra strong braking action activate simply by pressing a button or could disable. Instead, you have touch screen a submenu to be activated.

The driver assistance systems, the electric Volvo SUV has a broad, automatic emergency braking system with crossing and oncoming traffic function, attention Warner, lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition come as standard, such as the Road Edge Detection, a system that protects steering and braking interventions against unintentional lane departure. Equipment Depending on example, there is a cross-traffic warning or Pilot Assist, a tracking assistant with distance cruise control. The system is active but only up-tempo 130 and does not automatically consider speed limits.

As far as he is: The actual relatively large battery raises expectations. However, are disappointed. Of the 400 to 418 kilometers, called the Volvo as the standard range, we stayed far away. Even if one of the XC40 Recharge prides that at the time of our test wintry coolness — but no frost — has prevailed: At best, 300, rather 290 kilometers are not enough for a vehicle whose size and price far beyond the circumstances of a city car and the in terms of its performance and its comfort actually has long-range ambitions.

What it consumes: / km 25.0 to 23.8 kWh 100, says the data sheet. In the city, where slow speeds are introduced, and it can recuperate effectively that comes out. Given reasonably brisk freeway speed — 130 km / h — but are literally quickly and also significantly exceeded the 30 kWh. As average, we recorded 28.6 kWh.

Electricity instead Tankstutzen: The XC40 Pure Electric on the charging station. Manufacturer

As it loads: alternating current (AC) from wall box or public charging station pulls the XC40 Recharge three-phase and using an 11 kW on-board charger, at least eight hours (16 A), takes it to the battery from 0 to 80 percent charge level bring to. Direct current (DC) from the fast charger is fueled with up to 150 kW, in the ideal case, the 0-80-procedure takes about 40 minutes. In practice, and in the cool outdoor temperatures mentioned, we have the experience differently, längerwieriger., The charging speed is not necessarily meaningful, during the power-SETTING display in the unit kilometers per hour.

Standard equipment for a heat pump is part of the support for the air conditioning.

What it offers: The base model is called Core and get as a gift in addition to the mentioned assistance systems, amongst others, parking sensors front and rear (as well as with automatic brake intervention), electronic differential lock, rain sensor, reversing camera, ambient lighting, the Android infotainment Digital Services, inductive charging smartphone, dual zone climate control, steering wheel and seats, electrically folding door mirrors and a heat pump to assist the air conditioning. Further goodies like the Driver Assistance package, including the aforementioned Pilot Assist, a Harman Kardon audio system, the 360-degree parking camera or the panorama glass sunroof are the trim level, plus or reserved Ultimate.

What it costs: Proud 56,150 euros, at least. Net is the 47,185 euros. Thus, the buyer nor the small innovation premium of 7,500 euros net can avail.

As an alternative to buying Volvo also offers subscription models from 699 euros monthly rent, which then include even such items as maintenance, insurance, wear, main and emissions inspection and mobility warranty.

For the XC40 Recharge with single engine, the price list from 48,650 euros, respectively 649 euros rent.

What we mean: The Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin is an electrical compact SUV that meets its premium claim all about: impeccable processing, appealing ambience, outstanding infotainment and extremely pleasant driving characteristics. Unfortunately, however, the range leaves something to be desired, which has to be evaluated as a shortcoming regarding the not insignificant prize.

The data of the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric Twin Motor

Power 300 kW / 408 hp at 4350 – 13.900 / min, max. Torque 660 nm at 0 – 4350 / min, battery type lithium ions, capacity 78 kW / h, of which usable 75 kWh, charging port type 2 (up to 11 kW) and CCS (up to 150 kW), tip 180 km / h, Acceleration 0 to 100 km / h in 4.9 sec, range WLTP 400 – 418 km, Standard consumption 25.0 – 23.8 kWh / 100 km, Test consumption 28.6 kWh, CO2 emission 0 g / km, pollutant class Electric vehicle, Energy efficiency class A +, length 4.43 m, width 1.86 m without, 2.03 m with outside mirrors, height 1.65 m, trunk 419 – 1295 l Plus 31 L (Frank), Empty weight 2188 kg, Permissible total weight 2650 kg, Payload 462 kg. Automatic 1-speed gearbox, four-wheel drive. Insurance type classes 18 (km), 21 (VK), 23 (TK). Price from 56,150 Euro.