The Volvo C40 has officially launched in the electric vehicle market. The price of around $88,000 and a range of 438 kilometers per charge. This vehicle offers impressive range, performance, and practicality. In this post, we’ll discuss the Volvo C40 pricing, range, performance, and overall specifications. So, let’s start with the details.
Performance and Specs
This particular model is the lower-performance Volvo version and it has 170 kilowatts motor driving its front wheels. The battery capacity is 69 kilowatt-hours, allowing for a respectable 0 to 100 km/h time of 7.2 seconds. This means that it’s not a sports car, it certainly has enough power to make your daily driving enjoyable.
When you think of the Swedish design, you might think of a minimalist aesthetics and functional beauty. The Volvo C40 does not disappoint in its design and performance. While the front design might not be the showstopper, the rear end features striking tail lights and large buttresses that give it a distinctive profile. And let’s not forget that massive glass roof, standard across all models and which adds a sense of openness inside the car.
Interior Design and Comfort
Inside the Volvo C40 is a blend of luxury and practicality. The design features topographical maps of Swedish cities and even Gothenburg on the dashboard, which adds a unique touch. There’s ample storage space with a boot capacity of 413 liters, which expands when the rear seats are folded down. This makes it practical for family outings or weekend getaways.
However, a couple of points to consider, that is the rear visibility is limited due to a small rear window and the reversing camera. This function may not be helpful provide the best perspective on what’s behind you. So, make sure to rely on those side mirrors as well.
Technology and Gadgets
The Volvo C40 is packed with gadgets and tech. It has a 9-inch center display that runs on an Android operating system. This means you can access a plethora of apps through Google Play, making it feel like you’re driving a smartphone on wheels. Apple users will be pleased to know that it also supports Apple CarPlay.
In terms of charging options, the Volvo C40 comes with a standard emergency charger. But it’s worth noting that charging via a regular outlet can be slow. For quicker charging, a wall-mounted unit is recommended, which can fully charge the car in about seven hours. The C40 also supports DC rapid charging, which can significantly reduce charging time.
Driving Experience
The driving experience itself is smooth and refined. Despite the gloomy weather outside, the interior feels bright and welcoming, thanks to that cathedral-like glass roof. The car handles well and you can feel a solid connection to the road, which is often lacking in electric vehicles.
Upon entering the Volvo C40, the first thing that surprises you is the spaciousness. The front seats are comfortable and equipped with heated adjustments and lumbar support. Ensuring that even the tallest passengers will feel at home. However, rear seat passengers might find the headroom a bit limited, especially if they are over 5’10”.
Safety Features
Volvo is strong with its safety features and the Volvo C40 doesn’t disappoint. It comes equipped with various driver-assist features, including lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. These features work seamlessly, making highway driving enjoyable.
Child safety is also a priority, with two ISOFIX connections available in the rear seats. This makes installing child seats straightforward and secure.
Efficiency and Charging
The Volvo C40 can be charged in several ways. The emergency charger is handy for slow charging overnight. But if you’re on the go, a rapid charger is the way to go. At a rapid charger station, the C40 can reach impressive charging speeds, allowing you to get back on the road quickly.
In terms of efficiency, the official stats claim an energy consumption of 18 kilowatt-hours per 100 km. However, real-world testing may give different results. Especially in New Zealand’s hilly roads and unpredictable weather conditions.
Conclusion
So, is the Volvo C40 worth it? If you’re in the market for a spacious, stylish and safe electric vehicle, the Volvo C40 doesn’t disappoint overall. It offers a unique blend of practicality and luxury, with enough tech to keep any gadget lover satisfied. While it may not be the most stylish design on the market, it certainly doesn’t skip on important features and performance.
For those considering the switch to electric vehicles, the Volvo C40 is a strong contender that combines style, safety and efficiency. It combines all these features in a package that’s sure to impress. So, if you’re ready to embrace the future, the Volvo C40 might just be the car for you.
