2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric

History/Overview

The Volvo XC40 Recharge is a fully electric version of the Swedish brand’s stylish subcompact luxury crossover. Introduced last year, it’s part of Volvo’s push into the electrified vehicle field, and one of three BEVs the brand now sells, if you count the Polestar 2 offered by that recently established subsidiary.

What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year

For 2022, the XC40 Recharge gets another 24 km of driving range thanks to a software update for the car’s powertrain; total range is now 359 km, and the new software nominally improves the car’s energy efficiency, too.

And by the way, that software patch can be applied to 2021 models to bring their range up to the same level.

Available Trims

Volvo offers the XC40 Recharge in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trim levels. All are powered by a twin-motor, all-wheel drivetrain.

Standard Features

Core models come with two-zone A/C, 12.0-inch driver info and 9.0-inch infotainment displays, auto-dimming/power-folding mirrors, 19-inch wheels, passive keyless entry with hands-free tailgate, heated front seats, a power driver’s seat with lumbar, and wireless phone charging.

Standard safety kit includes rain-sensing wipers, blind spot monitoring, rear park assist, lane keeping aid, oncoming lane mitigation, and road sign recognition.

Plus trim adds a heat pump, cornering fog lights, 360-degree cameras, front/rear/side park assist, a panoramic roof, suede upholstery, a configurable cargo floor, a trunk-mounted power outlet, a power front passenger seat, and power-folding rear headrests.

Ultimate trim brings a heated steering wheel, heated washer nozzles, headlight washers, adaptive cruise control, 20-inch wheels, highway driving assist, heated rear seats, and an upgraded stereo with subwoofer.

Key Options

In Core and Plus trims, a climate package adds heated washer nozzles, heated rear seats and steering wheel, a heat pump, and headlight washers.

Ultimate’s sole option is pixel headlights that adapt their light output to prevailing road and traffic conditions.

Fuel Economy

Volvo’s energy efficiency estimates for the XC40 Recharge are 2.6/3.0 Le/100 km (city/highway).

Competition

There aren’t many other all-electric small upscale crossovers on the market yet. Cross-shop the XC40 against the Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and the Audi Q4 E-Tron. Volvo also has the C40 Recharge to offer, which shares its platform with the XC40 but comes dressed in a sleeker body.