Volvo XC40 electric 2024 review: Recharge Twin Motor | A better buy than BMW iX1 and Mercedes EQA?

The Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric was among the first all-electric models in the small SUV segment and it's arguably made the most of its head start, with the traditional wagon and its 'coupe'-style sibling, the C40, earning volume sales and overall segment dominance - no mean feat.
It certainly helps that the internal-combustion XC40 is a brilliant platform for any vehicle, so the Recharge Pure Electric gets a leg up there, but even so it still proves itself with high-performing single- and dual-motor powertrain options, which offer just the right amount of punch and driving range.
In this expert review, CarsGuide Contributing Journalist Emily Agar and her family of three spend a week revisiting the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric's so-called Twin Motor flagship to remind themselves just how good it is, but to also find out if it's the pick over the Mercedes EQA and recently launched BMW iX1.
#Volvo #XC40 #Review
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Timecodes:
00:00 Intro
00:33 Pricing and features
01:26 Design
02:32 Practicality
05:03 Under the bonnet
05:27 Driving
08:38 Efficiency
09:32 Safety
10:32 Ownership
11:17 Verdict
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Read Emily's full review: bit.ly/3IWh8T7
Check out our Volvo XC40 hub: bit.ly/4aAV7VX
Find more SUVs: bit.ly/3QVs1X1
Visit our EV Guide: bit.ly/3UHO9GT
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[@StephenFarrarNZ]

Would have loved to actually hear any specific comparisons to the iX1 and EQA given it's mentioned in the description...

[@ialrakis5173]

I have my xc40 for about 2 weeks and there's something I can't figure out. With apple carplay i would get calendar entries as suggested destnations in the maps app. I've been trying to get a similar flow with google calendar and maps in Android automotive but it just doesn't seem possible. Anyone experience with this?

[@mikepersichini9267]

Nice review! Surprised, though, by a couple of your negatives as I, and the vast majority of owners/other reviewers, are very complimentary re the seat comfort. Perhaps the different materials used here in the UK make a difference? Also, as someone who is new to EVs (MY24 Recharge Twin Ultimate owner), I find the One Pedal Drive (set to On rather than Auto) as a revelation and a much smoother drive than using both pedals. Again, I think I’m right in saying that the overwhelming feedback has been that the OPD is amongst the best found in any EV?

[@gethinnadin1158]

really surprising review. Good quality and thorough, but I’ve watched about 20 reviews of this car so far and yours is at complete odds with the others. They’ve all unanimously said about how comfortable the seats are, how quiet the cabin is and how good the steering is.

[@simonrichardson3167]

the seats are superb in these, wife owned one, very supportive and they don't pinch you in the seat squab like a lot of seats do

[@ErikVangeel]

Indeed, this review is in total contrast with all the other reviews. Seats are the best, noise is Ok. The only thing that was correct is the stiff suspension.

[@karacha]

Yeah, the seat confort in every Volvo is top notch.

[@gethinnadin1158]

I should add to my original comment that I have now been driving this car for over a month. The car is white inside and out, the seats are comfortable too. And I’m 6ft4.

[@fredjuengling631]

I agree, a good and surprising review. I have had the dual motor ultimate trim level model for about a month now and have taken it on a 2500 mile road trip which included a lot of 70-80 mph driving and I, too-despite what virtually every other reviewer has stated, think it's loud, especially for a luxury vehicle. I also agree the seating surfaces, as well as the other interior trim material, is of surprising low quality. Where I disagree with the review is in respect to the seat comfort and suspension stiffness. Despite spending a couple of 11 hour days in the car, and being 2 years post back surgery, I found the seat comfort surprisingly good-no issues at all. As for the suspension being too stiff no one will ever confuse the car as a racer-at 5800 pounds it has a tendency to wallow a bit but seems to take potholes and other road anomalies in good stride.

[@Ilterfilter]

Have you driven the same car as “all” other reviewers?

[@AlexSanzeni]

I like it but the price is outrageous

[@2lucaluca2]

Nice review, congrats. The car itself is not worth it. Beautiful car but 85k plus tx, is not worth it. By the time will "profitable" yiu have to huy another one. Money wise , is H No.

[@campbellreither550]

Thanks for your honest review. The price is a huge turn off. I'm not sure what Volvo and Polestar are thinking with their rock hard and weird feeling seats. It's a no from me.