2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin Pure Electric Review

With recent news that Volvo is no longer committing to its plans for an all-electric lineup by 2030, how does the brand’s electric offering fare today? While there are a few electrified models in the Volvo lineup, we tested the 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin Pure Electric to see if it can hold its own against the current competition of electric SUVs.

It may not be the newest electric member of the Volvo family, nor the cheapest, but on paper it looks promising. With 300kW of power, a revised battery and motor setup for 2025, the XC40 Recharge promises to be more efficient than before. But will this enough to fend off established rivals from Tesla, or another premium player from Germany? Let’s find out.

How much does the 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge cost to buy?

To keep things nice and simple, there are just two electric models in the 2024 Volvo XC40 lineup: the entry-level two-wheel drive XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, priced at $76,990 plus on-road costs (roughly $85,000 drive away), and the model tested here: the all-wheel drive XC40 Recharge Twin Pure Electric, priced at $85,990 plus on-road costs (roughly $95,000 drive away). The extra $9,000 gives you a bigger battery, dual motors with much more power, and some extra standard equipment.

XC40 Recharge Twin standard equipment:

• 20-inch alloy wheels with a tyre repair kit
• Dusk-sensing automatic LED exterior lighting
• Automatic rain-sensing wipers
• Microtech/textile seat upholstery
• 14-way electrically adjustable front seats with driver’s memory functionality
• Heated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• 12.3-inch digital driver’s display
• 9.0-inch portrait touchscreen with Android Automotive software
• Inbuilt 5G eSIM with unlimited data for live services and access to Google features like Google Maps and the Google Play Store to download apps such as Spotify
• Wireless Apple CarPlay
• AM/FM/DAB+ digital radio
• Wireless phone charger
• Keyless entry and start
• Heated and auto-folding mirrors
• Electric tailgate with kick-to-open functionally
• Panoramic sunroof
• 600W 13-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
• 4x USB-C charging ports
• LED cabin ambient lighting

XC40 Recharge Twin standard safety equipment:

• Seven airbags
• Auto emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Intersection assist with braking
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane keep assist with lane trace assist
• Adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Auto high beam
• 360-degree parking camera
• Rear auto braking
• Driver attention monitoring
• Road sign recognition
• Matrix adaptive high beam

The 2025 Volvo XC40 range received a five-star ANCAP rating in 2018 with scores of 97 per cent for adult protection, 84 per cent for child protection, 71 per cent for vulnerable road user protection and 78 per cent for safety assist. This safety rating is expired in December 2024.

XC40 Recharge Twin colour range (all no cost extra):

• Onyx Black
• Cloud Blue
• Fjord Blue
• Sage Green
• Vapour Grey
• Bright Dusk
• Crystal White (fitted to our test car)

The closest rivals to the 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin Pure Electric in our opinion are the 2024 BMW iX2 xDrive30 and the Mercedes-Benz EQA, priced from $85,700 plus on-road costs and $84,900 plus on-road costs respectively. Unlike the Volvo, which has a relatively high standard level of equipment for the price, the BMW and Mercedes require optional equipment to match the Volvo’s spec level. An additional $8,000 needs to be spent on the BMW and an extra $4,400 on the Mercedes to bring them in line with the Volvo, while the Volvo also offers more performance and practicality.

How far can the 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin travel on a charge?

The 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin features a rather large 82 kWh lithium-ion battery, giving it a claimed WLTP range of 485km. Charging the XC40 Recharge can occur at speeds of up to 200kW on a DC fast charger, allowing for a 10 to 80 percent charge in as little as 33 minutes. When using an 11kW charger, charging the XC40 from 0 to 100 percent will take about eight hours. Included in the price of the XC40 Recharge is a three-pin household plug for a Type 2 charger, enabling you to charge your Volvo at home but a Type 2 to Type 2 charging cable for public charging is not included.

The large battery powers a dual-motor all-wheel drive drivetrain, which produces 300kW of power and 670Nm of torque, boasting a claimed 0-100 km/h time of just 4.8 seconds. In the real world, that translates to impressive shove, no matter your speed, and makes for a lighting fast getaway from the lights. The claimed energy consumption for the XC40 Recharge Twin is 19kWh/100 km, which is significantly better than the previous model’s 25.5kWh/100 km.

In our testing of the XC40, we achieved an improved 17.6kWh/100 km, which included a mix of motorway stints and suburban driving. It’s clear that Volvo has worked hard on the efficiency of this electric SUV.

In comparison, the BMW iX2 xDrive30 features a smaller 64.8kWh battery with a claimed WLTP range of 449km. It also features a dual-motor setup, but it produces only 230kW of power and 494Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz EQA250 is equipped with a 70.5kWh battery that has a claimed NEDC range (not WLTP) of 578km. This model employs a single motor setup, generating just 140kW of power and 385Nm of torque.

What is the 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin like to drive?

Sturdiness is a term that aptly describes the 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge, which extends to its ride and driving characteristics. The ride is not overly firm, as can sometimes be the case with electric vehicles, yet it isn’t too soft either. It strikes a balance that makes it easy to live with daily while effectively supporting the weight of the heavy batteries and motors. Both in town and on the open road, it has a flowing gait and settles nicely over larger bumps. A job well done, Volvo.

For an electric SUV, you might be surprised by how dynamic the XC40 Recharge can be. The power distribution is rear-biased, promoting a sportier driving experience that enhances its excellent cornering ability. The steering is on the heavier side, which we appreciate; it contributes to the sturdy, solid feel that modern Volvos are known for.

As expected from a Volvo, the safety systems perform flawlessly—and, unsurprisingly, they do. The adaptive cruise control with adaptive lane guidance works exceptionally well on the motorway, while the forward collision assist is appropriately calibrated, avoiding overly sensitive responses. The lane keep assist effectively keeps you centred in your lane without being intrusive. We particularly appreciate that these systems enhance the driving experience rather than detract from it, which can be an issue with some other brands.

How practical is the 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin?

Step into the 2024 Volvo XC40, regardless of trim, and you’ll immediately notice a well-crafted cabin filled with recycled materials and thoughtful design elements. While the touchscreen may not be large by today’s standards, it remains the centrepiece of the cabin, showcasing a user-friendly infotainment system that is both intuitive and visually appealing.

The door panels, centre console, steering wheel, and all the switchgear in the interior of the XC40 feel solid and of high quality. This attention to detail enhances the sense that the car is built to last. We especially appreciate the amount of storage on offer. There are deep, flock-lined door bins, a convenient storage ‘bin’ in front of the centre console, the centre console itself, a wireless phone charger, a spacious glove box, and two cup holders positioned behind the gear selector. These thoughtful touches add to the overall practicality of the interior.

The 9.0-inch touchscreen that sits in the centre of the dash is nothing new for Volvo; this same screen has been utilised since 2015 across various models. Nevertheless, the Google-based infotainment system is remarkably easy to navigate, and the wireless Apple CarPlay feature simplifies the connection process for iPhone users. The inclusion of Google Maps navigation is a standout feature (we wish more cars had this), offering real-time updates and user-friendly functionality. Additionally, the excellent Harman Kardon sound system provides crisp audio quality for music and calls alike.

Rear seat space in the XC40 is more than respectable for the class. There is ample legroom and headroom, along with a variety of amenities to keep rear passengers entertained. The rear seats boast the same flock-lined door bins as the front, a fold-down centre armrest with cup holders, rear air vents for climate control, heated seats for the outboard passengers, two USB-C ports for charging devices, and map pockets for additional storage.

Open the power tailgate of the 2025 Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin and you’ll find 419-litres of cargo capacity and this expands to 1,295L of space with the rear seats folded. In the boot, you’ll also discover bag hooks to secure items, under-floor storage for smaller belongings, cargo tie-down hooks to keep larger items in place, an in-built boot floor divider for organisation, and an LED boot light for visibility in low-light conditions. Additionally, there is even 31L of extra storage under the bonnet.

What warranty covers the 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge?

As with other new Volvo products, the 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin Pure Electric is covered by a five-year/unlimited km warranty, along with an eight-year warranty on the battery and eight years of roadside assistance.

Helping running costs further is that the XC40 Recharge is equipped with a complimentary five-year service plan from new. In comparison, the BMW iX2 offers a similar service plan structure, with a six-year/unlimited kilometre service pack costing buyers $2,200 (averaging $366 per service).

Should I buy a 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge?

So, do we think the 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge is worth a test drive? Absolutely. We love the solid feel of the driving experience, the well-built interior, and the impressive power and overall performance. It stands out as a strong contender in the electric vehicle market, boasting an efficient drivetrain, commendable range, and an extensive list of standard equipment. It’s certainly worth considering alongside other electric rivals, as we believe it offers excellent value for money.

While Mercedes-Benz and BMW rivals may be a bit more eye-catching and luxurious, the understated elegance of the Volvo appeals to those who prefer a more subtle aesthetic. The BMW also requires significant add-ons to reach the same level of features and performance as the XC40 Recharge. We know where our money would be headed. If you’re in the market for a reliable and stylish electric SUV that doesn’t compromise on quality, the 2025 Volvo XC40 Recharge is well worth a visit to your local dealership for a test drive.