First off, I like the best way the C40 seems. The roofline is completely different sufficient from the XC40’s to make it stand out, and it doesn’t matter what coloration you order, the roof is at all times black. It’s cool how the LED taillights run in segments down the rear window, ending in a strong, squared-off design. The little ducktail spoiler is a neat little aerodynamic trick, as properly, because it additionally covers the hinges for the hatchback. Powering the C40 is a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack that provides this Volvo an EPA-estimated 226 miles of vary. In real-world use, the C40 ought to return 2.9 miles per kWh, a quantity I’ve no bother matching throughout my testing. In phrases of vitality consumption, that places it between opponents just like the Ford Mustang Mach-E (3.2 miles per kWh with the usual battery) and Audi E-Tron (2.3 miles per kWh).Plugged into my house charger, I can benefit from the C40’s 11-kW onboard charger, incomes 31 miles of vary in an hour at a price of about $3. A second cost later within the week crammed the Volvo as much as 100% for $27.45 in about 10 hours, however had I been happy with 80%, it could’ve taken about eight hours. (Charging charges decline after 80%.) If you’ve entry to a DC fast-charging station, the C40 can soak up vitality at speeds of as much as 150 kW.
2022 Volvo C40 Recharge: This Electric Current Goes Blue
See all pictures When you slide behind the wheel, you do not even have to begin the C40. As lengthy as I’ve the important thing on me, the C40 registers my butt within the driver’s seat and turns itself on. All I’ve to do is put it in gear and go. Cool.Driving the C40 is a nice expertise because of its prompt electrical torque. The dual-motor setup within the C40 means I’ve acquired 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque going to all 4 wheels. That just about matches the Audi E-Tron and it is extra energy than nonluxury choices such because the Ford Mustang Mach-E or Hyundai Ioniq 5. With this a lot energy on supply, the C40 can speed up to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. There’s no hesitation in acceleration, simply pure electrical thrust. Freeway merging and passing are fast and straightforward, and every time I have to hop right into a busy carpool lane, I needn’t look ahead to an enormous hole. The C40 busts in control like a boss.You can flip a one-pedal driving mode on and off, however I like the thought of getting vitality at no cost, so I maintain it on throughout my week with the automobile. The C40 will even come to an entire cease and maintain itself there till I contact the throttle once more.
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The C40 comes normal with 20-inch wheels. Emme Hall/CNETThere are not any drive modes to manage the suspension’s stiffness, though I can alter the steering really feel. The trip high quality is not unhealthy, however some could discover it a little bit harsh, particularly over damaged pavement. Then once more, a curb weight of just about 5,000 kilos and 20-inch wheels with low-profile tires will try this to a automobile.My one large grievance is rearward visibility. The small, sloping again window actually obscures my view. Sure, I’ve acquired all of the 360-degree cameras and blind-spot monitoring tech I may need, however it’s kind of jarring trying within the rearview mirror and simply seeing the grille of the automobile behind me and never a lot else.Thankfully, the C40 comes normal with all of the driver-assistance options you possibly can need. Blind-spot monitoring is right here, as is lane-keeping help, street signal recognition, and each entrance and rear parking sensors. Adaptive cruise management is used with Pilot Assist to assist take a few of the stress out of commuting, maintaining the automobile at a set distance from the automobile in entrance in addition to centered within the lane. On the entire, this tech works easily, however it appears to push in the direction of the passenger facet of the lane a bit. However, I like that Pilot Assist makes use of map information to establish curves and hills and might adapt the C40’s velocity as wanted.
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The blue carpets are a should. VolvoI’m getting used to Volvo’s improved infotainment system, housed on a 9-inch touchscreen. It runs on the Android Automotive working system, and due to that, I’ve Google Maps, Google Assistant and entry to the Google Play retailer. It’s all acquainted and straightforward to make use of, although I do miss having Apple AutomobilePlay. The lack of Apple integration is an actual bummer, although Volvo says it is coming quickly.My tester’s darkish inside is complemented by the no-cost Fjord Blue carpets and door inserts. It’s a putting look and one you may doubtless need, as properly. I additionally dig the topographical map design on the sprint that lights up at evening. Not that I count on to take this factor off-road, however I’m a map geek, so it makes me glad.The normal heated entrance seats are fairly snug, created from artificial materials that, whereas not precisely vegan, a minimum of will not be leather-based. Also heated for no further value are the steering wheel, door mirrors and entrance badge, the latter of which ensures the forward-facing digicam at all times stays frost-free.The C40’s rear compartment suffers a little bit of headroom loss in comparison with the XC40, because of that sloping roofline, however it’s not too unhealthy. Cargo house, nevertheless, is at a premium, with solely 17.3 cubic ft behind the second row, maxing out at 48.7 cubes with the seats folded flat. There is a tiny frunk up entrance, however with solely 1 cubic foot of house, it barely holds a backpack.
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This is a very engaging EV. Emme Hall/CNETThe 2022 Volvo C40 begins at $59,845 together with $1,095 for supply, and the one choices are paint colours. And that is not accidentally both. Volvo desires to cut back complexity in its merchandise and supply clear pricing fashions.Plus, if you wish to purchase a C40, or any upcoming Volvo electrical automobile for that matter, you may should do it on-line. Volvo will nonetheless have retail companions chargeable for supply and servicing of its automobiles. However, its choices will probably be preconfigured with no room for worth negotiations. All electrical Volvos bought on-line will embrace service, guarantee, roadside help, house charging choices and even insurance coverage the place accessible.It’s a courageous new world of automobile shopping for, however a minimum of the underlying product is nice. This EV could be quick on cargo house and might’t match the longer vary of some rivals, however in the event you prioritize prime quality and elegance above every thing else, the C40 has baggage of allure.