Volvo Cars India has entered the electric vehicle market in India with the new Volvo XC40 Recharge today. The launch comes almost a year after the company first listed the electric SUV on its India website as well as commenced pre-bookings for the SUV. The Volvo XC40 Recharge electric SUV was due to arrive in India in 2021 though the launch was postponed and now it will arrive as a locally assembled model from the start. The Volvo XC40 Recharge will be available in a single variant and in terms of pricing, it is expected to sit between the new Kia EV6 and larger electric SUVs such as the Jaguar I-Pace, Audi e-Tron, and Mercedes EQC.
Also Read: Volvo XC40 Recharge Review: Taking Charge
At the heart of the Volvo XC40 Recharge is an electric motor drivetrain that develops a combined output, from both the axles, of 405 bhp and 660 Nm of peak torque, transferring power to all wheels via a single-speed transmission, which is good enough to accelerate to 100 kmph from a standstill in 4.9 seconds. The EV is also equipped with a 79 kWh battery, which translates to a range of around 400 km.
The Volvo XC40 Recharge will be available in a single variant
The XC40 Recharge isn't a ground-up new electric vehicle, with the SUV sitting on the same CMA platform as its conventional internal combustion engine sibling. In terms of styling, the biggest difference between the current XC40 and the new Recharge will be the front fascia. The standard XC40 on sale in India is still the pre-facelift model while the Recharge launched today is the facelifted model on sale globally. The most notable changes are in the new front bumper that makes the car appear sleeker and newly-designed LED headlamps. The new headlamps are more angular as compared to the rectangular units of the standard XC40. The trademark Thor's Hammer LED DRLS is retained.
The XC40 Recharge isn't a ground-up new electric vehicle, with the SUV sitting on the same CMA platform as its conventional internal combustion engine sibling.
Open the doors and you will be treated to the customary latest-gen Volvo interior design. The smartly turned-out cabin follows a minimalist design theme with the large central touchscreen the focus point of almost all controls typically mounted in the centre console. A screen sits in the instrument binnacle as well. Additionally, going with its environment-friendly nature, Volvo doesn't offer leather upholstery with the carpets too made from recycled materials.
In terms of equipment, we're only getting one P8 variant and Volvo's not holding back on equipment. Standard equipment includes LED headlamps, dual-zone climate control, air purifier, panoramic sunroof, powered front seats, driver seat memory function, 9.0-inch touchscreen with in-built Google Assistant, Harman Kardon sound system, wireless smartphone integration, and more.
