Volvo's Newest EV Is Also Their First "Coupe" Crossover | 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge

[@vikramdias5496]

Absolutely love my new C40 Recharge in Fjord Blue. This is an absolute brilliant beauty that have gotten so many compliments, looks and positive reviews from all my friends and family that have seen it. Loving the exhilarating feel of speed, precision, power, comfort, simplicity, sexiness, and safety. Hands down the best EV Volvo has designed and built out.

[@renzopanta]

Hi, is the view through the back window an issue ? I’ve read many negative reviews that you can’t even view the top of the car behind you, and one needs to duck to view it.

[@RoshanZ]

I test drove it last week, and as you mentioned the power, comfort, and acceleration is awesome, plus the road grip and steering is super awesome. Unfortunately, its beyond my budget that i have to buy a car.

[@vikramdias5496]

@@RoshanZ Volvo is coming out with the EX30 a cheaper version which will be fully electric this year. I would wait and test this out when it comes out - rumors are this year. 😀

[@wand3rlu5t]

Most desirable EV in my books. Stunning car, flawless design. The rare light graphics are brilliant. Loves me some Volvo, thanks for the review!

[@pieroroccaysj]

It looks like a cross between a Dodge and an Oldsmobile. It's subjectively not a flattering design and ill proportioned. There's also not enough differential between their Polestar brand and Volvo.

[@wand3rlu5t]

@@pieroroccaysj My condolences to your eyes.

[@johnclaeys376]

“Stunning” in the eyes of the beholder, only….🥴

[@pieroroccaysj]

@@johnclaeys376 :) Polestar 1 is an example of car most would fine stunning. A stubby C40, not so much.

[@joebazooks]

interior is butt ugly

[@youclari]

Can’t agree more and I’ll agree every time Alex says this: Put more amber signal lights please!

[@N7_Maric]

I bought a C40 this weekend in Sage Green. Easily found at MSRP (CA Bay area). Honestly the best driving EV I've been in. Build quality in and out is top notch. Smoot, quiet ride and plenty of power. Comes with all the bells and whistles stock. Loving it.

[@doctormomx39]

Awesome. I have the sage green as well. Overall, it's awesome. Still not loving the mileage, Google infotainment system (heavily prefer Andriod Auto).

[@msbgone]

Don't say Hey Google out loud please!!! My devices went crazy!!! :) Thanks for the review!

[@JRMurray]

I’ve owned my C40 for about two weeks. A minor correction: the shifter is single-tap, not double-tap. Note that the XC40 is double-tap.

[@originalpvv]

Not the XC40 Recharge. I have one. Single tap only.

[@JRMurray]

@@originalpvv I drove an ICE XC40 that was double tap. I guess the Recharges (XC40 and C40) are both single tap

[@JRMurray]

@@renzopanta I've now had my C40 for 7 months (bought in March, 2022), and I wouldn't say that the view through the back window is an issue. I can see traffic behind me in my rearview mirror well enough when I'm driving forward. Backing up, however, the view is limited, especially to the left and right (think backing out of a parking space and looking to see if there are pedestrians beside you). That said, the overhead camera view and the backup camera are excellent. Further, the C40 (and XC40, I would imagine) have cross-traffic warning, and it works VERY well, even automatically stopping the vehicle if it senses another vehicle or pedestrian in your blind spot.

[@doctormomx39]

I have the sage green c40. Exterior is pretty sleek. Acceleration is fast (my biggest selling point) and $7500 tax credit. Chargest fast enough on DC for me. My wishes: Android Auto, longer range, sunroof that opens, tighter steering, leather seats.... Would I buy again, if I had borrowed this for a few days instead...probably not. Overall, I'm going to enjoy this c40 while I can. 😉🙃

[@kevincozby]

I've had mine for 6 weeks now. I love it! Great build quality and I love the sleeker profile than the XC40.

[@renzopanta]

Hi, is the view through the back window an issue ? I’ve read many negative reviews that you can’t even view the top of the car behind you, and one needs to duck to view it.

[@bruintoo]

I am replacing my 2019 Jaguar I-PACE with this C40. Let’s hope the driving dynamics are similar but more reliable! Also you don't need to double tap to change gears 15:15.

[@amyisaacs3740]

Excellent all-inclusive video. I even learned a couple new things that I had not seen in some other videos, like that you can actually store the hard top away. I’m used to just leaving a hard top in my garage. Of note, I also find the start button “plug” aesthetically unattractive. My C40 will be here in ~4 weeks. :) Can’t wait. Thanks again for a great video!

[@Sahkoautoseparempiauto]

You'll love it! Had mine for 5 weeks now. Too bad the snow is almost all gone. Had some real fun this winter in C40 :D

[@Sahkoautoseparempiauto]

@@renzopanta hi, some might find it frustrating. I always thought about it like I do about downhill skiing. Skier behind you is responsible. 😁 If they "tow" in your bumber, you might not really see their headlights in dark. But for me, non-issue! 360° camera is what I use in parking etc. With 300kW I can lose anyone I want if the need arises. 😂

[@mr88cet]

As usual, fantastic preview! 14:15 - Since I drive a mere plug-in hybrid (Prius Prime), I hadn’t thought of this particular variable: whether it’s best for a route planner to plan on getting you to a given destination nearly empty vs. partly charged. If I’m driving home, then I would want it to get me there nearly empty. That might even cut out a charging stop to do so. However, if, say I’m arriving at my mom’s house for a visit, I’d definitely want to have some mileage left to putter (or “whir”!) around town a bit once I arrive.

[@timefly4221]

I have a Polestar 2, and when I took delivery it was at a space shared with Volvo. They had a C40 demo on the lot that I could check out but not drive. The biggest difference is the interior. The Polestar 2 has a cramped, compact sports sedan style interior. I mean, 1 cup holder, really? The C40 is more practical despite being coupe-ified. I would say if you want a really sporty experience then get the PS2 with the Performance Pack so that you get a real sports setup. Otherwise, the C40 is probably pretty darned close and is more practical. My PS2 also generates tons of questions and compliments from passers-by.

[@vincehicks3305]

Yeah I'm looking at the Polestar as well. One thing I wanted was a ventilated seat option which the PS2 has but the C40 does not. And the Polestar gets 34 more range in the dual motor. I to wish I could take the best of both from those 2 cars. I don't mind the "cockpit" feel of the Polestar as my current Audi A4 has the same feel. But yeah the cupholder situation is... just weird. Could have made it far more practical.

[@andersemanuel]

Very cool! I tried it a few weeks ago, and today we test drove the new XC60 plug in. Soo.. once you've gone electric.. there is no way back. The XC60 was bigger and has a bit nicer interior, but needing to start the gas engine every time one needs power, feels so wrong. I give up. I love the linear silet torque. The C40 was really nimble and soft feeling. Comfy like. Shorter and leaves you more room in the city. The KIA EV6 felt like a giant compared. Right now the C40 is my favourite EV. Blue carpet thou, is not for everyone.

[@amyisaacs3740]

Don’t worry. The blue interior carpet is an option. I got the gray carpet instead.

[@N7_Maric]

I have a Sage Green C40, the interior is black. You don't have to get the blue.

[@creativejoy08]

Yeah the blue carpet is giving Oldsmobile. I ordered the Fjord Blue with the all-black interior.

[@gamergeek8933]

I sat in this at the Cleveland Auto show. I give them props for putting out an EV at that show because most of them had them locked... but there was 0 back seat headroom. I am only 5'10 and it was just plain uncomfortable.

[@tri3pleagent]

These prices are insane!

[@GreatCreative]

Been grocery shopping lately?

[@Kurre.]

50k usd isn't that much for this type if vehicle?

[@Kurre.]

@T R I'm sorry. English isn't my first language

[@rasmusansin3273]

@T R Regular people has never really had the money to buy new, that's nothing new.

[@seabream]

@T R While I want to see economical zero emissions vehicles, in volume, outside of Asia, ASAP (or effectively migrating more places to mass transit designs so that those volumes are not required), given the ongoing component shortages automakers probably can't deliver them in the near future. And if that's the case, I think that it makes sense to build and sell the higher priced low volume vehicles now to gain experience and raise money to build the production capacity and supply chains for the lower priced higher volume cars of the future. The sooner they get the money, the sooner we can have the cheaper cars. It takes a lot more money to set up high volume production than low volume production (IIRC from Munroe and Associates, at the low end, tens of billions of USD vs. hundreds of millions), and if they can't get enough materials and components to feed a high volume production process at capacity then they'll have burned through so much cash without being able to earn it back fast enough to keep going. And higher profit margin, lower volume products are significantly less risky if you have problems that need to be fixed by a recall. You want to get some practice on a lower volume car first so that you don't bankrupt the company if something goes wrong with it. Currently car companies mostly aren't able to produce enough to meet demand. Asian, European, and North American factories have had to stop or slow production due to lack of components for weeks on end multiple times in the past year. And that's not improving with Russia's war. Inventory is really low and wait times are high, (not just for finished vehicles, by the way, but also parts for repairs) so may as well make the types of vehicles that you can make money on at the volumes you can get the supplies to produce. Lower price vehicles lose money unless you can make and sell a lot of them, and right now, that's very challenging.

[@lrosengreen]

I love it. It's a shame we don't get the subscription service in California. With how quickly the EV market is changing, it seems like a lease or subscription is the best option right now.

[@N7_Maric]

You can lease it and Volvo passes the $7500 tax credit to you. You also get the CA. CVRP rebate.

[@lancesteinbeisser3528]

Are they ever going to make an EV that mere mortals can afford?

[@paulholterhaus7084]

Probably not in My Lifetime.............Paul

[@FuncleChuck]

Volvo? No. they don't do that... but seriously, this doesn't even a very large battery - the price is criminal. It's just a "Luxurious" XC40 for thousands more.

[@davidclark538]

Buy used.

[@etbadaboum]

Based solely on looks they wanted to have something cool but the front fascia, especially where the grille was, is quite dull. I really like the interior though with the blue parts all around the vehicle. Based on efficiency, it still feels it is based on a ICE-adapted platform.

[@arealgoodman]

Sequential taillights are only allowed if the first light that comes on is a certain size, so sequencial would be redundant.

[@pedropierre9594]

I’m looking into future proofing vehicle this one looks fine to me

[@jeffrey_njrealestate]

Picking up our Thunder Grey C40 this week.... can't wait. Then it goes to our Xpel clear film guy. After that to our detailer for minor paint correction and ceramic coating.

[@jeffrey_njrealestate]

@@renzopanta yeah.. the rear window is fairly useless. I do kinda have to duck down a bit if i want a full view of the car behind me. But I never really feel a need to do it. So it's just something I've become accustom to.

[@dcbel]

Very interesting video! The Volvo C40 is a good electric car with an excellent turn of pace, enough range and a quality interior.

[@WOOF95]

Great review! For practical reasons, a mild hybrid powertrain works best for me and I was wondering if you have posted a video about Volvo's mild hybrid system and vehicles. Thanks.

[@jimji2774]

Disappointingly small UI screen. I like the one in the Polestar so much better. Lowest range of all the comparable EV's out there. Looks nice though.

[@glloyd9707]

Alex your shirt patch matches the C40 paint job. Do you have a new stylist working on your desert production team? Good review as always. I didn't see a rear wiper is this a new trend from Korea that is spreading to Sweden now?

[@EggertOlafs]

Get mine tomorrow, Can't wait!

[@EggertOlafs]

@@renzopanta The view back isn't good but that isn't an issue for me, you see enough and the side mirrors are very good.

[@OldDood]

It is beautiful. I like it. What kills it is the LACK of a Start Button. I can see my wife complaining when I stop at the convenience store and it shuts off while I am inside. Especially when it is either very hot outside or very cold. I do not understand WHY Volvo would design it that way....

[@patrikstenberg34]

Passenger just has to press the home button to reactivate infotainment and AC etc. while waiting

[@leovanorden4243]

Alex, do you know what the specific battery chemistry is? The range would indicate LFP type.

[@cdbuiles]

I like vertical screen for navigation; would be nice if it were skewed towards driver though. dont like floor hump on the rear. oh and that blue on the floor is going to get dirty so early...

[@syper9113]

Test drove one and the rear window is the size of a dinner plate. Not a fan of the fastback style.

[@squaresphere]

hmm, i'm actually like the exterior styling but this is an automatic no for me with that big glass roof with no cover :(

[@paulholterhaus7084]

Does not have a transmission.....Hence, Not automatic...........Paul

[@FuncleChuck]

@@paulholterhaus7084 Paul. You don't need to put your name every time. We can see it when you post. and he means the GLASS ROOF makes it automatically a "no" for him.

[@amigajoe]

I want to consider this, but the range is so disappointing, as compared to a similarly priced ev6, Ionic5, and upcoming Arriya.

[@drambie]

Just like the Ioniq 5 and the EV6, Volvo chose to not include a rear window wiper; do you not think that the C40 body style requires one for areas getting some rain or snow?

[@TheKiing81]

This is perfect for me

[@future62]

We need more EV sedans

[@Kurre.]

Polestar 5 comming soon

[@pedrito77]

Piano black. When will this awful trend end? Buttons, when will those amazing devices return? Love the blue scents and the EVSE.

[@alanmclaughlin5275]

Alex - Great Review! Question for you: My wife has a neck condition that makes a "comfortable road" ride imperitive. I am determined to find an EV that can provide a comforable ride for her. H does that for her now. I have owned 3 EVs so far and not have been comfortable for her. A Model S, and I-Pace (no adaptive dampers), and now an XC40 Recharge. All have been too rough of a ride for her. The only one that I have tested and found to date is an e-tron which alittle bit big (193") for me. You mentioned in your review that the C40 Recharge had a comfortable ride. I will go test drive one. What other cars (under 190 inches in length) would you recommend for a comfortable ride. Thanks in advance for thinking about this.

[@alejandrodelavega1063]

Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Kia EV 6 are probably good options. He seemed to really like the drive, its very "float"-y.

[@N7_Maric]

I highly recommend you test drive a C40. It's the smoothest, most comfortable ride I've had in an EV. You don't feel the bumps. It's phenomenal.

[@john_dee1431]

So informative. Well done.

[@ColJonSquall1]

I really like Volvo's designs, I just wish they didn't cost so much in Canada for the EVs.

[@James-il3tq]

Expensive everywhere. Batteries are expensive and prices for them only skyrocketing. Tesla has raised their prices twice recently.

[@souslicer]

Trash mileage too

[@EllysaE]

Wishe the range or charge time was better on these!!

[@doctormomx39]

Right! One of my.main disappointments with mine. They do charge fast though on DC chargers!

[@13noman1]

My wife and I like Volvos (design, features etc) but having had a few, I'm personally very leery of a Volvo EV since every one I've owned -- and even a brand new test drive w/ "auto on/off" had electrical gremlins! I always carried a box of fuses with me. An entire electric Volvo? !?! Not for me

[@tocor71]

Thanks... from Portugal

[@ystebadvonschlegel3295]

If it had heads up display I’d buy. Pisses me off when they remove features just because it’s not “top of the line” - make me pay an upgrade charge, that’s fine but let me have what I want. I don’t WANT a large SUV.

[@tomdac]

An HUD would be really nice.. as would a LCD rear view mirror to help with the rear visibility.

[@kevyNova123]

Love your reviews buy please spare us the manufactures press releases on how great they are.

[@wtfx5757]

87 MPGe is a bit weak...I do hope this is very conservative

[@phileasler5401]

226 epa is not enough 👎

[@doctormomx39]

Right!

[@gbgary]

fantastic looking...for another crossover.

[@shamanthjilla]

Why did they ditch the crystal shift?

[@patrikstenberg34]

They didn't. It comes with the grey wool seats option only.

[@harryaxe5167]

Again! No spare tire? Really stupid for the American consumer.

[@hereigoagain5050]

Yeah! Shout out for "rest of America" where the roads aren't smooth! Great car.

[@stuartmarshall7099]

XC 40 Recharge is the same ground clearance. You're quoting the ice XC 40

[@scootercrossking]

Anyone know the part number of the 40A charger the C40 comes with? I might need to pick one up to charge the Kia EV6 since it didn't come with one.

[@FuncleChuck]

EVSE are incredibly common now. Just buy any 40A EVSE. There are probably 100 out there, including an open-source verson.

[@seabream]

@@FuncleChuck Dual voltage, portable 40 or 50 A EVSE are not all that common. Most of the major EVSE manufacturers don't offer one.

[@Godric_9000]

Change the grill, or do an R design version

[@razorraysolarsavings72]

Nice car but too expensive.

[@davidclark538]

Buy used

[@amigatommy7]

I consider a spare tire a must.

[@solidaverage]

Wait, normal door handles on an EV?! Is that legal?

[@ElroyMcDuff]

😃

[@jml9550]

$60K for this? Wow. Personally I would buy the Ioniq 5 or EV6, more range and lower price. Volvo maybe a Luxury brand but the other I mentioned as just as luxurious without the brand.

[@itsatoolthing6323]

It's Alex on autos not his questionable doppelganger

[@centauri0]

Buying a EV is like buying a computer. Once a faster and better system comes out on the market for the same price why would you want to buy something that's already obsolete. Not enough range and charging is to slow.

[@bruintoo]

You don’t buy EV cars! You lease them!

[@juanplus3324]

I like the back. The front not so much. Not digging the “grill” cover. It looks like an afterthought. It may look better in all black.

[@kristians2704]

Did you go to the Cayman GT4RS press event?

[@amigatommy7]

Nice car.

[@AB-jk7tw]

I love the new Volvos but not sure I want to support a Chinese owned company any longer.

[@ElroyMcDuff]

I HATE the fact that they sold out like that.

[@rzu7120]

Deal breaker

[@benjaminsmith2287]

@@ElroyMcDuff Well, it is what it is. FWIW, Geely Holding has been great for Volvo. If they stayed with Ford, Volvo would not be producing as good a lineup of cars as they have or the increase in sales that they've had. Volvo has more autonomy under Geely as well.

[@brucerosner3547]

It seems to me hybrids and plug-in hybrids combine the worst features of both ICE and EV cars. You have all the maintenance issues of ICE cars --- oil and coolant leaks, ignition problems, gasoline expenses and fire danger, poisonous exhausts, etc as well as the problems of EVS - battery weight and fire hazard

[@miata1370]

I would add that in my opinion, the hybrids and plug-in hybrids DO make sense in a one vehicle family situation in particular if you live in a winter climate area with a minimum of public EV chargers. If fortunate to be able to afford two vehicles, yes, I'd buy the full EV and avoid all the ICE maintenance issues. As you say, why have two propulsion systems with all the disadvantages of ICE vehicles.

[@shrinermonkey1]

These electrified Volvo's are somewhat half baked in their approach and WAY too expensive for a non-dedicated EV platform car. I would only lease these and wait for a dedicated EV from Volvo. The E-GMP cars are superior choices right now.

[@Boomtendo4tw]

Raised wagon

[@harryaxe5167]

Obvious now. U.S. automakers are able to produce more car for the cost to the consumer in the United States.

[@Ben-bs4od]

It's too big. Wish they made a smaller size EV like the Seltos or CX-30 size, subcompact, even smaller than the Corolla Cross, which is also bigger than I want. Not a fan of the Kia or Hyundai EVs so much that are this size. Wish there was a 68-70 inch ev hatchback or wagon that looked good.

[@normt430]

The Polestar 2 us smaller than this. Or the Chevrolet Bolt EV would fit but is not premium. An old Smart EV?

[@conbon654]

How's it a coupe

[@benjaminsmith2287]

It's not. It's marketing BS.

[@islamsheik221]

👍

[@paulholterhaus7084]

Nice car.........But I can buy 2 CX30's for the price of one of these.........My new AWD CX30 list for $30k...And is EXTREMELY nice..........PAUL

[@normt430]

Half the range for Mazda, so it is half the car!

[@DoctorSkillz]

Those four LED pixel lights look very tacky.

[@bahtCBR1000RR-RSP]

🙏🙏🙏

[@222INFINITY]

Wheels look out of place, interior looks cheap with strange styling.

[@Superfastjellyfish669]

Love the reviews but not a big fan of this vehicle

[@asw2005]

Volvo C40 is a scam! My 2023 Volvo C40 has a steering wheel that vibrates very badly, making it quite annoying and UNSAFE to drive, and Volvo doesn’t want to fix it. Lemon Law

[@devongee1776]

Ug

[@minniesaab7255]

💙💙💙💙💙💙

[@FuncleChuck]

Nerfed by the Google infotainment. I don't trust that crap. They're going to require a subscription to keep using it after 4 years? Like, a subscription to use your built-in maps? Who's buying these things?!

[@FuncleChuck]

$60k and it can't even drive 200 miles real world...

[@doctormomx39]

I have the sage green c40 and I want Android Auto. Make it make sense....smh. However, the Google will probably remain free. Hopefully, they update to be able to use Android Auto

[@my1vice]

Another crossdresser..... Just what we need.

[@garrettglass8854]

We are all so stupid. Batteries are worse for the environment than petroleum. There is no reason an eletric car must be connected and smart and able to be shut down by tge manufacturer remotely. What is impressive about iot? Engineers can build it right the first time and forgo any need for updates. Updates could be made at the dealership. We are cuffing ourselves with the adoption of electric cars.

[@mizillich8228]

Who gives a damn. You buy it for me and I'll drive it.

[@ElroyMcDuff]

Good luck with that! 🤨

[@legambaz]

Don't like the styling from all angles. I cannot believe this was styles by Volvo at all

[@joebazooks]

the interior is butt ugly

[@moozillamoo2109]

Holy cat, either Alex is huge, or this car is tiny. This is a tiny car with a very limited range. Volvo has earned a solid "F" for this green fail.

[@syn3rgyz]

if only it wasn't made in china and owned by a chinese company

[@amyisaacs3740]

It’s my understanding that Volvo Cars is a multinational company with plants located in China, Sweden, and the U.S.A. For most global markets, all Volvo cars are produced and assembled in Sweden. The plant in Chengdu, China, is responsible for Asian market vehicles.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

This car is not made in China. It's made in Belgium.

[@syn3rgyz]

@@benjaminsmith2287 if I were to buy one i'd get one from china. its still owned by a chinese company regardless.

[@pieroroccaysj]

Saw it yesterday. It looks like a cross between a Dodge and an Oldsmobile. i.e. it's ugly. Charging is slow. Range is meh.

[@sprague49]

I'm thinking like AMC Gremlin ugly.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Nope, charging is not slow. This car was just tested by the biggest EV enthusiasts, Bjorn and the charging was consistently around 150 kw. That's not slow. Others can charge faster but they don't do it consistently.

[@pieroroccaysj]

@@benjaminsmith2287 10%-80% in 37 minutes is slow compounded by the measly 225 mile range. Tesla charges in 27 minutes, Kia/Hyundai in 18, BMW 30 minutes, even the lackluster VW ID4 at 34 minutes. Why anyone would spend $60K on already obsolete charging tech is beyond me.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

@@pieroroccaysj I don't love the car but it is extremely well built and pretty refined in some areas. I don't agree with you that it looks like any American car. It looks like a Volvo with a chop top. Inside it looks like a Volvo. The charging speed overall isn't the best but it has good handling, good ride, and better than that excellent acceleration and one-pedal drive/breaking feel. The strength of the car is the built and refinement.

[@pieroroccaysj]

@@benjaminsmith2287 I have to disagree. The interior is awkward, the screen small, the air vents reminiscent of GM vents, no flat floor in the back really??, uncompetitive range and charging for the price, off material choices, and pricing is $10k above better cars.

[@artagain8977]

Meh