Volvo C40 Recharge Electric SUV India Launch Tomorrow, Here's What We Know So Far

The much-anticipated Volvo C40 Recharge is almost here as it is just a day away from its launch in the Indian market. The upcoming model is the Swedish manufacturer's second electric car for the country after the XC40 Recharge, which currently retails at an introductory price of Rs 56.90 lakh (ex-showroom), and unlike the XC40 Recharge, it has no petrol or hybrid variant. With sights set firmly on its market rivals such as the Kia EV6, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the Mercedes-Benz EQB, the C40 Recharge will go on sale with prices expected to be more than its older sibling. The bookings for the new SUV will begin on September 5, followed by customer deliveries. The C40 Recharge, in comparison to the XC40 Recharge, is a born electric vehicle (BEV), meaning that the SUV is designed and built from the ground up. For those unaware, the high-end SUV made its India debut in June this year, claiming to offer a driving range of 530 kilometres (on the WLTP cycle) on a single charge. 

Also Read: Volvo C40 Recharge Review: Bringing Sexy Back!

Volvo C40 Recharge EV: Design, Dimensions

As we already know, the Volvo C40 Recharge draws design inspiration from the XC40 Recharge. However, the difference is evident in a coupe-like roofline. Up front, the soon-to-be-launched coupe-SUV looks largely like the XC40 Recharge, with a blocked-off grille and signature Thor hammer LED daytime running lights, however, the C40 gets an improved headlamp set-up with new pixel technology for better illumination. Other bits include reshaped fog-light housings, plastic cladding on the rear bumper, new 19-inch aero wheels, vertical taillamps, a two-part spoiler system, and more. In terms of dimensions, the C40 Recharge measures 4,440mm in length, 1,910mm in width, and 1,591mm in height. The electric vehicle features a 2,702mm-long wheelbase.

Volvo C40 Recharge EV: Interior, Features

Inside, the black-themed cabin has leather-free upholstery, which is made of a suede textile and Microtech material that comes in two colours: Charcoal and Fjord Blue. The driver's seat has a memory feature and motorised front seats. Furthermore, it has a 13-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a 12.3-inch fully digital driver display, a panoramic sunroof, two-zone climate control, an in-cabin air purifier, and two Type-C USB ports.

Other features include a 9.0-inch Android-based portrait touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, a hands-free motorised tailgate, connected car technology, a 360-degree camera, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), seven airbags, a wireless charging pad, a hill start assist, a hill descent control, and ADAS features such as rear cross-traffic alert with brake function, adaptive cruise control, etc.

Volvo C40 Recharge EV: Platform, Battery, Output

The Volvo C40 Recharge is underpinned by Volvo's CMA platform (compact modular architecture). The all-wheel drive variant for India will be offered with a floor-mounted 78kWh (gross) battery pack and two electric motors – a 157bhp motor on the front axle and a 245.5bhp motor on the back axle. Maximum 402bhp and 660Nm can be churned out by the electric motors together. According to WLTP standards, the range for this AWD variant is 530km on a single charge. As a result, the C40 Recharge can sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds faster than the XC40 Recharge. It has a top speed of 180km/h. Volvo says that a 150kW fast charger can charge the C40's 78kWh battery from 10 to 80 percent in about 27 minutes.

Also Read: Volvo C40 Recharge vs XC40 Recharge: What's Different?

Volvo C40 Recharge EV: Price, Market Rivals

The upcoming EV from Volvo stable is anticipated to command a premium over its older sibling, the XC40 Recharge, which starts at Rs 56.90 lakh (ex-showroom). Upon launch in India, the C40 Recharge will take on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz EQB, the Kia EV6, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5.