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Electrification is a scorching matter throughout the automotive spectrum, however some manufacturers are gearing up for it greater than others. Volvo, for instance, was one of many first producers to supply a plug-in hybrid model of each automotive it sells, and these have gotten more and more standard, with its hybrid and electrical fashions now accounting for nearly a 3rd of world gross sales.

Nevertheless it’s EVs the place issues are heading, with Volvo introducing the XC40 Recharge as its first fully-electric mannequin in 2021. That line-up is now rising with the brand new C40 – a sleeker nearly ‘coupe-like’ model of the XC40 (simply with out the X) that’s bought purely as an EV. However in an more and more aggressive market, is it ok?

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Although the C40 is linked to the XC40 by way of its design, it’s fairly noticeably totally different, significantly on the rear the place the roofline slopes away right into a spoiler, giving it that more and more standard ‘coupe’ styling. The front-end additionally reveals a brand new ‘electrical face’ for Volvos, in addition to that includes superior pixel LED headlights on higher-spec fashions.

Inside, the C40 is Volvo’s first leather-free automotive because the model appears to enhance its sustainability credentials, whereas additionally utilizing the identical Android-based infotainment system that debuted on the electrical XC40.

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Volvo presents two electrical powertrains on the C40. One ‘bizarre’ setup that encompasses a single entrance motor driving the entrance wheels, delivering an affordable 228bhp and vary of as much as 271 miles.

The opposite possibility is the headline-grabbing range-topper we’re making an attempt right here, which will get a second electrical motor (it’s known as the Recharge Twin), making it all-wheel-drive and growing an enormous 402bhp and 660Nm of torque within the course of.

Getting from 0-60mph takes simply 4.5 seconds, with the highest velocity restricted to 112mph. Although it makes use of a bigger 75kWh battery (the one motor’s is 67kWh), the vary may be very comparable, with Volvo claiming as much as 278 miles on a cost. With 150kW charging functionality, the battery may also be topped up from 10 to 80 per cent in 37 minutes.

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Although these efficiency stats look spectacular on paper, it’s much more shocking from behind the wheel. Put your foot down and the best way this Volvo SUV gathers tempo is unimaginable – and feels significantly brisk between 30 and 60mph. Does it must be this quick? In all probability not, nevertheless it actually must be skilled.

It handles comparatively neatly too, although its weight may be felt by the corners (it is a 2.1-tonne SUV in any case). Refinement is prime notch, whereas the protection assists are a number of the finest round, being helpful, simple to function however by no means intrusive. There are some weaknesses, although. One being, surprisingly, the journey consolation, because it’s not as silky easy as you may hope, doubtless not helped by the big 20-inch wheels on our take a look at automotive.

We additionally reckon Volvo ought to supply extra flexibility with the regenerative braking ‘one-pedal-drive’. It’s both laborious on the brakes if turned on, however non-existent if turned off. A center setting could be helpful.

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The XC40 is already a fantastic-looking SUV to our eyes, and the sleeker design of the C40 actually takes issues up a stage. The rear is the principle spotlight, as that sleeker coupe styling actually fits the form, with the black roof sloping off from the principle pillar, and with spoiler and smaller ducktail making it look the half. The downside with that is that the view out of the C40’s rear window isn’t the perfect.

There’s some enlarged LED hind lights too in comparison with the XC40, and mixed with the brand new ‘electrical’ entrance finish, appears suitably totally different to the automotive it’s primarily based on, although nonetheless simply identifiable as a Volvo.

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The inside of the C40 mirrors that of all trendy Volvos, with a minimalist Scandinavian design being fairly totally different to that you simply get from Audi and BMW.

Despite the fact that the C40’s cabin may be freed from leather-based – the fabric we’ve all related as being ‘high-end’ for years – it actually feels no worse off. All C40s additionally get a sensible fastened panoramic glass roof, too, which provides to the upmarket really feel, although our take a look at automotive did endure from an annoying rattle across the roof space.

However we now have to deal with the elephant within the room with this Volvo and that’s its compromised practicality. The roof slopes in such a approach that taller adults sitting within the again will scrape their heads on the roof, whereas the 413-litre boot isn’t overly beneficiant, and a way behind the Audi This fall e-tron Sportback.

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Costs for the C40 kick off from £47,100, which buys a ‘Core’ mannequin that comes as customary with a set of security expertise, 19-inch alloy wheels and an electrical boot. You additionally get the incredible nine-inch Android infotainment system included. That includes in-built Google Maps, it’s seamlessly capable of finding close by chargers, and even inform you the estimated state of battery cost and vary once you get to your vacation spot. It’s an actual spotlight.

Improve to the Plus, which begins from £53,100 and it brings keyless entry, heated entrance and rear seats and enhanced security package, whereas the top-spec Final provides superior pixel LED headlights, 20-inch alloy wheels and a 360-degree digicam. Costs for this begin from £56,700 for this.

You’ll pay round £5,000 extra for the extra highly effective Recharge Twin automotive, whereas the C40 on the whole prices £1,500 greater than an equal XC40. As a substitute for ‘money’, Volvo additionally presents a subscription service (costing from £669 a month) that additionally contains service and upkeep.

Volvo has produced one other glorious electrical automotive with the C40. It’s gorgeous to have a look at, has a incredible inside and presents vary and fast charging, whatever the model you go for.

Although not low cost, and when you’re shopping for with practicality in thoughts, the common XC40 makes for a greater possibility, there’s nonetheless quite a bit to love about this C40. Whereas the extra reasonably priced Single Motor model makes much more sense than this 402bhp Twin mannequin examined right here, you probably have the means and wish one thing that might outgun a Porsche 911 from the lights, you’re unlikely to be upset.