Volvo C40, the first member of the family to be sold only as electric, was our guest with its twin electric motor combination.
Volvo, which is preparing to become an organization that will sell only electric cars by 2030, lays the groundwork for this with the first steps it has taken in the last few years. On the XC40 front, where the first three-cylinder engine in the brand’s history was used, the first transformation process of the new era, which was focused on electricity, was followed by the C40 in March 2021. Being the first Volvo car that can only be purchased with electric power, the C40 has the potential to attract another audience with its coupe form and sporty details compared to its brother, the XC40. Volvo C40, whose official Turkey sales started in November, was our guest for a while over its Twin version with dual electric motors. The model, which is the second electric Volvo we came together after the XC40 Recharge Twin, has the potential to respond to the expectations of the audience with some characteristic details it carries.
Changes in design and dimensions with the Volvo C40
Developed on the CMA architecture, which Volvo shares with its Chinese partner, Geely, the C40 can be seen to be noticeably different from the XC40 with its rear structure. The model, whose front part is largely preserved as a gene transfer, differs from the entire product range with its rear design, just like the C30 we know from previous generations. Along with the honeycomb-shaped spoiler integrated into the ceiling, a secondary spoiler included in the trunk lid brings sporty inspirations to the simple structure of the vehicle. The 20-inch wheel set that appears on the C40 is also an important factor in the overall ecosystem, both visually and making the vehicle look bigger. The model, which is the same as the XC40 on the wheelbase, is further behind in height, but slightly ahead on the length side.
Along with these dimensional changes, another distinction that users should be aware of is on the luggage side. In contrast to the XC40, which offers a volume of 460 liters, there is an area of 413 liters. Let’s not pass without mentioning that the 31-liter additional usage area experience offered by Volvo under the hood continues here as well. The point we need to specify here is on the access to the area under the hood. The key-access option for the hood, which can only be opened under the dashboard, as we are used to from traditional models, might not have been a bad idea. After all, if there is a use area here, there will be a need to access it. Considering that despite this detail, we can’t even open the hood of many electric models today, it should be noted that this approach of Volvo gives us pleasure. “Caesar’s right belongs to Caesar…”
Parallel living space to XC40
Despite being the same as the XC40 on the wheelbase side, the C40, which offers a largely parallel experience in the interior space, will not make its disadvantage on the height side feel much in exceptional situations. However, there is a clear transference from the other member of the family in the cockpit side elements. In the C40, which does not include any leather upholstery with the philosophy of sustainability, the majority of the materials used are made use of the recycling approach. Spreading this approach across its entire ecosystem, such as production facilities, supply chain and logistics, Volvo deserves appreciation, as we always say.
It would be a lie to say that we did not feel some shortcomings in the cabin of the C40, which can be blended with different color trim options, compared to its competitors. At this point, the point we want to underline is the driver and the interface on the multimedia screen, as we mentioned in the XC40. In terms of user experience, we can say that the experience is smooth, and points such as theme selection and customizability will make some users feel lacking compared to many competitors. In parallel, it should be noted that different driving modes are not offered in the car. At night, the ambient lighting integrated into the console on the door and passenger side brings to mind the topographic map of the earth. With this choice, we looked for a little more lighting in the night ambiance of the C40, which will be appreciated by those who love the minimalist approach.
YOU MAY BE INTERESTED
In fact, we cannot pass without mentioning a dynamic about the driving mode. An off-road mode is featured in the C40 with dual electric motors. In order to activate it, it is necessary to go to the settings section on the multimedia screen and follow the selection steps through the driving dynamics in a second tab. It drew our attention that Volvo, which differed from all models in the market as an experience with its experience of working without a contact and won our appreciation, preferred the access to the terrain mode with such steps. Although this is of course a situation that many of the Volvo users will not see as a problem, if there is a feature, just like with access to the hood, making it easier to access it will take the effect of the general formula one layer up. It should be noted that the shaft tunnel we encountered in the C40, although parallel to the XC40, has the potential to make long rides relatively more challenging for the passenger sitting in the middle. The main reason here is infrastructure partnership.
Range and charging experience with the Volvo C40
Since it is an electric car, range and charging capabilities are undoubtedly the main decision mechanisms for the end user. At this point, we can say that the Volvo C40 will meet the expectations of many users. The C40, which we have achieved a range that is largely similar to its competitors in this segment, has also managed to outperform in places. In the Volvo C40, where we saw that a range of up to 460 kilometers is possible on the trip computer, our average range data was around 360 kilometers, in the focus of both highway and city driving dynamics. This value, which can be easily carried up in city driving, is also lower in the weight of highway driving. It should also be noted that this entire range experience is largely similar to the XC40 Twin.
YOU MAY BE INTERESTED
The model, which comes with a 75 kWh battery pack, offers fast charging support up to 150 kW. Users can bring the battery from 10 percent to 80 percent charge level in about 30 minutes through such a source. On the 80 kW source, which is the highest fast charging value we have experienced during the test process, it can be reached from 12 percent to 50 percent in an average of half an hour. The C40, which showed a range of 30 kilometers at the level of 12 percent in our driving conditions, reached the level that can go 150-170 kilometers in half an hour. Starting from 12 percent at 21:00, it took about 2 hours for the charging to reach 100 percent. The main reason for this is that after reaching the 90 percent level, the charging speed is limited to 15 kW for battery health.
YOU MAY BE INTERESTED
Clear character in performance and driving
The Volvo C40 is available to users in single and double electric motor versions. In the single electric motor option that comes with the P6 badge, the users come to the fore with 231 horsepower, 330 Nm torque, 7.4 seconds 0-100 and 160 km/h maximum speed parameters. Details such as 402 horsepower and 660 Nm torque with the second electric motor included in the P8 version, 0-100 in 4.7 seconds and 180 km/h maximum speed limit take the experience to a whole new level. As we specifically mentioned in the XC40, the C40 is certainly enjoyable to drive when it comes to driving and dynamism. In the model, in which the “One Pedal” driving mode is not overlooked, it is possible to remove the use of brakes from your life to a large extent. The state-of-the-art adaptive driving assistants also manage to provide users with the support that will meet today’s expectations in long-distance driving.
YOU MAY BE INTERESTED
Current prices and audience
As of January, the C40 product range can be preferred over the P6 and P8 versions in Turkey. The long-term absence of the P8 in the XC40, we think, may increase the demand for the C40 at this point. In the model with a price tag starting from 1,883,982 TL for the P6 version, the figure can go up to 2,072,493 TL in the P8, which is our test guest with dual electric motors. Considering the family itself, when we look at the P6, we see that the C40 is approximately 40 thousand TL more expensive than the XC40. Parallel to the XC40 in terms of performance, range and hardware, the C40 appeals directly to a special audience. The C40, which will attract the attention of those who find the XC40 traditional and look for a sportier alternative in design, is oriented towards a younger audience in parallel. Offering dynamics largely parallel to its competitors in its segment, the C40 manages to stand out with its performance.
You may be interested
Polestar 3 introduction