Volvo has revealed its first pure-EV, the XC40 Recharge, which shares a body and platform with the company’s baby SUV but packs some serious all-electric punch.

With a blanked-out grille the only obvious visual differentiator between the new electric and ICE-powered XC40, while a ‘frunk’ under the bonnet in place of the engine is another clear giveaway, it’s under the skin that the bulk of the changes come, with it packing a big-enough punch to make it the XC40-line’s performance flagship.

In the P8 variant, 300kW and 660Nm is delivered courteous of dual-electric motors and all-wheel drive – enough to see it complete the 0-100km/h sprint in an impressive 4.9 seconds.

Packing a 78kWh lithium-ion battery pack, of which 75kWh is usable, Volvo claims an estimated range of around 400km based off the WLTP standard. The XC40 Recharge’s, err, recharging time should see it fill up to 80 percent in as little as 40 minutes using a fast charger – something that can scarcely be found here in Australia.

Although full details are yet to be confirmed, a new Android-based infotainment system and an Advanced Driver Assistance System will also feature.

When it comes to the Australian market, a 2021 launch is currently looking likely, with Volvo yet to announce a clear date for such an event, with Australian pricing and specifications also yet to be announced.

Set to arrive slightly sooner, however, is the plug-in hybrid XC40 T5 Twin Engine, which is set to arrive locally in Q3 next year.


Patrick Jackson
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