The XC40 Recharge has been brought stylistically in line with the C40, which has received a single motor option.
Volvo is one of several carmakers promising to transition to fully electric, with plans to do so by 2030. The Swedish manufacturer will reveal several electrified models in the next few years. With a host of updates introduced to the brand's lineup, the company has also taken the opportunity to refresh the XC40 Recharge.
A revised front bumper and frameless grille plate lend the electric SUV a fresh look, the front end is now more striking than the outgoing model. Thankfully, the minimalistic characteristics have been retained. The facelift brings the XC40 in line with the C40 Recharge, visually. The "Thor's Hammer" headlights have also been updated. With pixel LED light technology, they can automatically adapt to traffic and illuminate the road without dazzling other motorists.
Continuing the sustainability theme, Volvo has also chosen to offer premium leather-free upholstery in the XC40 Recharge, along with new paint color choices and wheel designs. The brand hasn't said whether leather seating will remain as an option, nor has it detailed the updated hues on offer.
The company's head of design, Robin Page, said, "As we move towards becoming a fully electric company, our design language follows. With the refreshed fully electric XC40, we continue to evolve its instantly recognizable design, creating a more modern face with a sleeker front and an even more integrated grille."
The newly introduced C40 Recharge has also received a few tweaks. Visually it remains untouched, but Volvo has bolstered the range with a single electric motor variant which, says the company, will "help more people make the switch to fully electric cars."
The front-wheel-driven variant comes with a 69-kWh battery and has an estimated 269 miles of range according to the WLTP drive cycle. Plugged into a fast charger, the single motor C40 can charge its battery from 10%-80% in around 32 minutes.
Priced from £44,800 (approx $59,600) in the UK, it will likely be priced far lower as the dual motor derivative is listed at $59,845 stateside, although there's no word yet as to whether it will arrive in the US.
Additionally, both the C40 and XC40 Recharge will be available through Volvo's online ordering process. This will not only be more convenient for customers but will also increase price transparency and allow the brand to reduce complexity in its model offering, by focusing on pre-selected variants. Volvo's purely electric sibling Polestar recently introduced the beautiful O2 concept roadster which is said to preview the future of exciting electrified performance.
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