Volvo XC40 Recharge Electric Mk1 (2022-Present) Expert Review
24 March 2022
Overall Rating
With a century sprint time of 4.9 seconds, the electric XC40 is the hardest accelerating Volvo SUV that you can currently buy. It won't please keener drivers, but the regular Joe will love everything it has to offer.
Performance
For the money, the twin-motor P8 AWD variant offers ample shove at just about any speed. With 408 PS and 660 Nm available on tap, even hot hatches will have a hard time keeping up. All this for RM262k? Win.
Ride & Handling
This is one of the XC40 EV's worst traits. Volvo made no special tweaks to the suspension, despite the battery adding close to 500 kg over the petrol T5 variant. As a result, it wallows in the corners and the ride becomes palpably busy over poor road surfaces.
Comfort
On regular roads, the XC40 rides pretty well. NVH is far removed compared to the petrol-only T5, but drivers must learn to modulate the one-pedal driving mode for the sake of passengers.
Safety
Volvo is a constant tenner when it comes to safety. Not only does it have the full range of advanced driving aids, the EV also adds on rear AEB. Truly leading by example, this.
Space
The XC40 is a small compact SUV, with space being a little lacking compared to something like the Volkswagen Golf. Individuals taller than 180 cm may find long journeys to be taxing, and the boot space is slightly compromised due to the battery pack.
Value
Like most Volvo models offered in Malaysia, the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric offers more performance-per-dollar compared to its rivals. At RM262k, it undercuts the CBU Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 and range-topping Hyundai Ioniq 5, yet comes fully loaded with safety features, creature comforts and performance.