Review of the new 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge

The Volvo XC40 petrol version was launched with great fanfare at the end of 2017 as a 2018 model. It made a strong impression on the automotive press, winning the title of Car of the Year in both Europe and Japan. The Recharge version of the XC40 was introduced in 2020. In Canada, we initially had access only to the all-wheel-drive version with two motors. However, in some markets, it was also available with a single front motor, offering front-wheel drive.

For the 2024 model year, the configurations of the XC40 Recharge available in the country have undergone significant changes. Our AutoPassion team took the opportunity to test this new version and provide you with an overview of its innovations!

Article summary:

• Nomenclature
• Volvo Canada Spokesperson
• Safety
• Changes under the Hood
• Price and Competition
• Exterior and Interior Design
• Final Thoughts

What Does Recharge Mean?

For those unfamiliar with Volvo's nomenclature, let me explain it simply. V represents wagons (V60 / V90), S represents sedans (S60 / S90), and XC represents SUVs (XC40 / XC60 / XC90). It's important to note that all these models are fundamentally plug-in hybrids. Now, regarding the Recharge designation, it refers to plug-in hybrid models—except for the XC40 and its coupe version, the C40. For these models, Recharge signifies electric.

That being said, the model we tested was the XC40 Recharge, an electric version, but not just any electric version...

Did You Know?

The vehicle loaned to us by Volvo Canada was none other than the demonstrator of their spokesperson, Julie Snyder, one of Quebec's most popular producers, hosts, and businesswomen. Why is she part of the Volvo family? The story began sadly in 2019 when she survived a serious car accident as a passenger in a small rental car. This left her not only with two fractures but also, like anyone who experienced such trauma, with a certain fear of driving again.

Fortunately, Volvo's excellent safety reputation convinced her to get back behind the wheel, and that's how she became the brand's spokesperson.

For more information on the partnership between Volvo and Julie Snyder: 

Safety, Let's Talk About It!

When Gustav Larson founded Volvo with Assar Gabrielsson in 1927, he said:

"Cars are driven by people. Therefore, the guiding principle behind everything must be and remain safety."

Safety has been part of the company's culture and DNA for almost a century. Volvo, in fact, invented the three-point safety belt in the late 1950s, rear-facing child seats in the early 1970s, and numerous other innovations over time, earning Volvo the reputation of manufacturing true tanks.

It's not surprising, then, that last year, all models of the brand received the Top Safety Pick Plus rating. This is the highest distinction awarded by the IIHS, the world's leading authority on impact testing.

Build your XC40 Recharge 2024

Changes Under the Hood

Several changes have taken place under the hood of the 2024 XC40. First and foremost, the Canadian market now has access to a single-motor version, which this year is located at the rear, providing rear-wheel drive. This motor produces 248 horsepower and 310 ft-lb of torque, and the battery size powering it has increased from 69 kWh to 82 kWh, allowing for a range of up to 472 kilometers on a full charge.

As for the two-motor all-wheel-drive version, it offers an autonomy of approximately 409 kilometers, but combined power increases to 402 horsepower and 486 ft-lb of torque, enabling a 0-100 km/h time of 4.8 seconds.

Our test model had two motors, and honestly, I didn't expect to have so much fun behind the wheel. The acceleration was genuinely impressive! Of course, there are electric vehicles with higher performance, such as the upcoming EX30, arriving this spring with a promised 0-100 time of 3.6 seconds, which is getting serious.

Despite the excellent performance of the XC40 Recharge, let's be honest; it's probably not the top priority for Volvo customers. This raises the question, who is it for?

Price and Competition

Three versions of the semi-hybrid petrol variant are available, all equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder producing 247 horsepower, along with a small 48-volt electric motor adding 13 horsepower and 30 ft-lb of torque. As for the prices, roughly ranging from $50,000 to $60,000, this positions the XC40 against competitors like the BMW X1, Audi Q5, and Mercedes GLA.

For the Recharge model, prices range from $63,500 to $78,000. Three versions are available, and they can be delivered in all-wheel-drive format for an extra $2500 to $3500. The good news here is that Volvo's clever way of detailing the XC40 Recharge by offering an entry-level version at a low price and adding option groups as extras makes it eligible for $12,000 in government incentives!

Build your XC40 Recharge 2024

A lovely Scandinavian Look

Since its launch, the XC40's appearance has always been well-received. It's beautiful, stylish, clean, and especially appealing to a younger clientele compared to other products from the brand. For the 2024 model year, no aesthetic changes have been made, which is far from being a criticism. Our Ultimate test version was in a beautiful two-tone Blue Fjord, complemented by 20-inch two-tone wheels, exclusively offered for the Recharge. Aside from the solid grille, the aesthetic differences with the petrol model are subtle.

Regarding the practicality of the XC40 Recharge, two-motor versions can tow up to 2,000 lbs. In terms of cargo space, there's 1,328 liters with the seats folded, which is excellent compared to the rest of the segment.

Build your XC40 Recharge 2024

Clean and Highly Functional Interior

Upon entering the XC40 Recharge, Volvo's very Scandinavian philosophy is immediately apparent—everything is clean, functional, and honestly well thought out. The steering wheel, for example, is quite large, and its physical buttons are intuitive. Behind it, there's a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster displaying navigation, which I love!

Speaking of navigation, Volvo probably has the best system on the market right now. You should know that the multimedia system displayed on the 9-inch vertical screen is the latest iteration developed by the brand in partnership with Google. So, we get over-the-air updates, the Google voice assistant, and especially ultra-precise navigation maps!

Otherwise, the presentation is beautiful, the materials are of good quality, and the Harmon Kardon sound system plays wonderfully. What's also good is that there are plenty of well-thought-out storage solutions. For example, despite the XC40 Recharge having 13 speakers, none are found in the doors, making the door spaces extra-wide. There's also a small tray between the seats that can be removed for washing, and even a hook on the glove compartment to hold your bag. So, just because the interior looks clean doesn't mean it's less functional, and in this regard, I tip my hat to Volvo!

As for the rear seats, the presentation and finish quality are excellent. What impresses me the most, however, is that for a small SUV with batteries in the floor, there's a lot of space—plenty of legroom, shoulder room, and headroom. Finally, interestingly, there's no leather in the XC40 Recharge, as the seats are available with a blend of wool or vegan synthetic leather, and other surfaces like the door interiors and carpet are made from sustainable materials, which is not only good for the environment but also personally appealing.

Build your XC40 Recharge 2024

In Conclusion

After spending a few days behind the wheel of the XC40, the impression it left me with is that it aims right at what people want today. It's spacious but not too big, beautiful but not flashy, powerful but comfortable, the interior is very clean but very practical, and above all, it's available in both petrol and electric versions. So, in the end, the offering it provides is truly complete. However, it's certain that this vehicle remains a luxury product with a price that may not always be accessible to everyone. The good news here is that Volvo will introduce the EX30 next year, which will be smaller, more affordable, more technological, and more powerful. It's safe to say that the new electric era at Volvo looks quite promising!