My Thoughts Exactly: 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge

Before I begin, let me make a couple of points about this Volvo…

Number one, this is not a Polestar. That brand is an offshoot of Volvo, but it offers its own level of electric performance and design benchmarks. Therefore, Polestar has their own exclusive systems in place that distinguish it from more mortal Volvos. 

Secondly, this does look familiar. It is an XC40 with a completely different propulsion set-up. 

If it is not a Polestar and it looks like an XC40, then why should we even consider the Recharge battery-electric version of this small SUV/crossover?

Because, you would still be paying north of $5.00 a gallon to fill up your turbocharged XC40.

That’s the rub. Gas prices. It is why people have become more curious about EVs. It comes with many perceptions that might confuse Volvo customers. 

However, demographics will tell you that Volvo owners are more intelligent than customers of every other brand? Sounds insulting? It is a stereotype that has been proven for decades. 

Yet, with the addition of Polestar and it electrified lineup, there may be some confusion surrounding Volvo’s new EV models. It also creates a form of chaos when you add the Recharge model to the XC40 lineup with its R-Design looks and quicker off-the-mark performance. 

As already established, one could be confused if they were seeing an XC40 R-Design or a Recharge EV. One glance at the front end is an easy clue that this is the electric one. The grille has been replaced by a plastic solid panel adorned with the Volvo logo and diagonal trim line. The word “Recharge” is found on the black trim on the C-Pillar, along with the badge on the liftgate. 

Otherwise, it just looks the same as an XC40 R-Design. The 20-inch alloy wheels are no different than on the gasoline-fueled model. Nor is the stance. Perhaps that’s what make an EV more desirable?

Stepping inside, you are subtly reminded that this is the Recharge model at the door sills. Then, you are reminded immediately that this is not your ordinary XC40. Find the start button. Oh, there isn’t one! Once you sit down…it’s on! Just like a Volkswagen ID.4. All you have to do is tyo toggle the shifter to either reverse or drive and tap the accelerator – and you’re off!

That is the only difference with the XC40 Recharge. Otherwise, the interior was the same as the R-Design model. That included the leather/suede upholstery with nicely bolstered seats up front and plenty of rear seat space. It also included the cargo hold that would measure out to 57.5 cubic feet with the rear seats down. 

The instrumentation is a fully digital affair, similar to what I experienced in the V90 Cross Country from earlier this year. It’s clear with information, which is helpful. I just wished they displayed the range on the instrumentation screen than in the 9-inch Google-driven infotainment screen in the center stack. 

My XC40 Recharge Twin Ultimate tester came with the Harman/Kardon premium audio system. It sounds just fine, even with some basic audio controls. Not to mention the advantage Android device users will have to integrate with the Google architecture Volvo uses. Forget about us iOS users…

As the name indicates, the Recharge Twin is equipped with two electric motors – one at each axle. Both motors are electronically connected to provide an all-wheel drive system. Therefore, you get a whopping 403 horsepower rating and 486 pound-feet of torque. Once you press the accelerator, you will feel all that power. 

Around town, it whips around quite nicely. On the highway, the XC40 Recharge holds its own. That translates into energy consumption. Now, Volvo claims you can go 223 miles on a full charge at 100%. Because of the charging speeds, I was unable to get to 100% in a timely manner. At around 92%, I was able to get up to 190 miles of range. The XC40 Recharge will draw a decent amount of energy while driving.   

Meanwhile, I will admit that the XC40 Recharge had a more balanced ride that absorbed rougher surfaces very well. It makes highway driving less of a chore. You will find some softness in the cornering, even with quick response through key handling maneuvers. Watch for lean and roll on the turns, too! 

The steering wheel had a very soft feel with some on-center softness at lower speeds. The turning radius could be tighter, but response at the wheels is quite good. The brakes needed some pedal intervention in normal and panic situations. You can use the one pedal option, which works just fine.  

Even for all of this, you still have to pay a premium for the privilege of electrified motoring. There is only one Recharge Twin model, and pricing starts from $51,700. Add the Ultimate package, and you get exactly what I drove. The sticker price on my tester was $60,090. For reference, gasoline fueled XC40s start from $35,100. 

I want to make it clear that the Volvo XC40 Recharge is more than a decent EV. It mainly acts like the gasoline version of the same vehicle, with a few twists to the plot. Those twists take some time to get used to, but they are rewarding in their own way.

Volvo also proved that you can create an EV without having to distortion to the eye. Yes, the Polestars follow this convention, but they were not created from existing Volvo models, per se. 

Then again, the EV market is heating up, especially among legacy manufacturers. If the XC40 Recharge fits your electrified lifestyle, no one should penalize you for owning one. Neither will I. 

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Volvo Cars North America

All photos by Randy Stern