What you see right here is the brand new entry level to Volvo’s India vary. This is the all-electric XC40 Recharge Single Motor and because the identify spells out, it drops the worth by dropping a motor. The Single Motor mannequin options solely a rear axle-mounted motor versus the Twin Motor, which has a motor at every axle. It’s acquired a smaller battery too and makes do with fewer options as effectively. For all of the paring down, you’d anticipate it to be a complete lot extra reasonably priced than the Twin Motor, proper? Well, your financial savings are solely to the tune of Rs 3 lakh. Volvo gross sales executives would have to be at their A-game to steer a possible purchaser from a Twin Motor to this Single Motor. But let’s choose the SUV for what it’s.

Volvo XC40 Recharge single motor: powertrain and drive expertise

Peak energy and torque stand at 238hp and 420Nm, which is an inexpensive determine for this class of EV. Performance is pleasant with straightforward responses to the accelerator pedal. Mashing your foot down gives you a pleasant burst of acceleration, however it’s not as extreme or long-lasting as what you get on the 408hp and 670Nm Twin Motor. Incidentally, it’s this very character that Volvo believes will resonate with patrons who need their EV to be brisk and unintimidating, and never essentially sportscar fast and thrilling. The Single Motor is a pleasing drive and admittedly offers you all the facility that you possibly can use safely (and legally) on a public highway. Yes, the Twin Motor does the 0-100kph sprint in 4.8 seconds, however for perspective, the Single Motor’s 7.3 second 0-100kph time makes it faster nonetheless than like-sized petrol/diesel entry luxurious SUVs.

There’s no energy button. Engaging D or R does the job.

Other takeaways from the driving expertise embody the texture of being in a strong and difficult SUV, however there’s a firmness to the suspension setup that you may’t escape. You’ll additionally word the rear finish jump over the odd pace breaker taken at pace. The XC40 Recharge is a simple SUV to steer and the choice to extend steering weight (by way of the touchscreen) is one thing you’d be inclined to make use of at larger speeds or on a curvy highway. The different setting of curiosity buried within the touchscreen is for regen braking. The 2024 mannequin 12 months XC40 Recharges add in an auto mode that modulates brake power based mostly on the gap to the automobile forward decided by the ADAS system, and it really works rather well even on our chaotic roads. As earlier than, there’s a one-pedal driving operate too (regen kicks in as you lift-off the accelerator) that may convey the automobile to a standstill. However, the sturdy engine braking-like impact is greatest utilized in slow-speed city settings alone. Of the opposite settings is an off-road mode that lightens steering weight and engages hill descent management.

Auto mode for regen braking is new; works rather well.

The Single Motor attracts energy from a 69kWh battery pack that allows a WLTP vary of 475km. Expect a real-world determine of about 350-380km. The Twin Motor with a 78kWh battery boasts a 505km WLTP vary. Charging choices embody DC charging as much as 150kW, although AC house charging would be the go-to possibility for many patrons.

Volvo XC40 Recharge single motor: inside

Outside and inside, the Single Motor doesn’t come throughout as a ‘lesser’ XC40 Recharge. The cabin is a pleasant place to be (even when it’s not leading edge anymore) and there’s a sense of safety that stays with you. Quality is sweet, the entrance seats are comfortable and the rear seat is roomy sufficient for 2, albeit a tad upright on the backrest. What’s a pity is that you just’ll have to ditch the spare tyre positioned on the ground to suit massive suitcases. And whereas there’s no entrance motor, frunk capability stays unchanged at 31 litres. 

Volvo XC40 Recharge single motor: options

Single motor misses out on some options, however consists of ADAS tech.

The Single Motor does miss out on some options although. Multi-way adjustable Pixel LED headlights make manner for less complicated LEDs, there’s no 360-degree digital camera and the Harman Kardon sound system has been dropped too. Even so, there’s fairly a bit packed in with dual-zone local weather management with an air air purifier, digital dials, a 9-inch touchscreen, wi-fi telephone charger, panoramic sunroof and a powered tailgate. Safety equipment consists of seven airbags, ESC and a full suite of ADAS capabilities, together with emergency braking and lane preserve help.

Volvo XC40 Recharge single motor: verdict

By marrying all that we like about EVs and all that we like about Volvos, the XC40 Recharge Single Motor makes for a really likeable product. Were it the one XC40 Recharge on sale, it’d be a simple mannequin to advocate. Trouble is, the Single Motor’s case falls aside while you evaluate it to the XC40 Recharge Twin Motor, which prices only a bit extra in relative phrases however is in a unique league by way of energy, efficiency and tools. So whereas by itself the Single Motor can be simply fantastic, up towards the Twin Motor, it’s the latter you’ll actually need.

Also see:

Volvo XC40 Recharge video evaluate