Too Thirsty? (Volvo C40 2023 Range Test & Review, 78kWh AWD model)

Curt reviews the new fully-electric Volvo C40 coupe SUV that is proving popular in Australia alongside its XC40 Recharge sibling.

The Volvo C40 is available with FWD or AWD (and soon RWD or AWD). It is fully electric with no petrol option, unlike the XC40 which can be had as petrol or EV. The C40 AWD on test makes a staggering 300kW of power (402 hp).

In this video, we conduct our Chasing Cars EV highway range and charging test. How much range does the C40 have? Let’s find out together!

The C40 competes with the Tesla Model Y, Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Polestar 2 and other midsize moderately priced EVs.

As always, we don’t accept advertising from car manufacturers, and we’re powered by Budget Direct - so this is an independent, honest review of the Volvo C40.

Time codes:
0:00 - Intro
0:06 - Budget Direct
0:12 - Volvo’s EV Plan
1:11 - Specs
2:46 - Interior
4:34 - Back Seats
5:15 - Cargo Room
5:33 - Range Test & Charging Test
6:34 - Service & Warranty
6:48 - Driving
9:27 - Verdict

Chasing Cars is Australia's most independent source of new car reviews, car industry news, comparisons and car guides. We give you a critical look at every new car you should consider!

[chasingcars]

Do you prefer the design of the C40 to the more conventional XC40?

[speedymini]

Nice work with the real world EV range / efficiency test. Relevant, comparable, and easy to understand.

[tc]

Bought an XC40 Recharge Twin in January 2022. 28, 000 km on the clock. Overall very happy with the car, biggest gripe is with public charging stations - or lack thereof. One recent software issue that required a dealer intervention. Winter driving or very hot weather (Ireland) has a serious impact on range. Realistically the range is 280 km to 320 km but can be more or less depending on how you drive it. I have it on one pedal mode and got so familiar with it that it makes driving very smooth. It has the aerodynamics of a John Deere and the effect is I think a few kW off the range. Very comfortable to drive. Towbar is very useful feature. Tyre (Continental) wear is probably 30, 000 km. could do with more range, fully auto lights, a charging point on the left rear is not optimal at charging points. I envy Zoe and Leaf drivers ease of access. 8/10 I think.

[irishirish]

Such a concise story, straight in the style of Volvo

[purplehazeffc]

I still don't understand both Volvo & Polestar for that matter having glass roofs without any cover. Specially here in Australia with our summers.
That alone is the sole reason why I wouldn't be getting either of those brands. Being in Perth, it's going to be cooking heads in summer.
Then there is the options list of only getting certain equipment in 1st getting a higher-grade model. Turns a say $4k option into a $10-$12k option.

[zplvnok]

My 2023 Volvo C40 has been causing me trouble lately. When I'm driving at 65 mph, the steering wheel vibrates very badly, making it quite annoying to drive, not sure if the steering wheel vibration cost the accident or not. Unfortunately, the dealership informed me that they cannot do anything about it. If you're considering purchasing a Volvo C40, I advise you to be careful and aware of this issue.
Additionally, I've been experiencing frequent failures in the data signal almost every week. To restore the signal, I have to manually turn the SIM data off and on again, which is quite inconvenient.

[js-hlhv]

The c40 is far more refined than a model Y. To get comparable performance, you need the performance Y which is quite a bit more expensive. The infotainment is functionally the best I have ever seen. It is a bit more tablet than car, but functionally it leaves the others in the shade. The voice assistant is also amazing

It isn't everyones cup of tea, but it is a really, really good well made car. Anyone complaining about ev only platforms needs tolook at the engineering effort of using a common base vs redesign. Far better value for money using a common platform.

[keithweybury]

I own a Volvo C40 single motor version. I must say I find economy is very good especially without aggressive driving. Speed and a quick take off was far from my mind on the purchase. I do town and country driving here in Australia and have found the car to be excellent to drive. I am getting between 16-17 kwh per 100 kilometres. I am no lead foot and getting from point A to B safely is critical to me.

[MrBobberone]

We own an xc90 inscription and a c40. The difference in quality for the interiors is huge, everything is cheap in the c40, and forget the 440km range. In highway a charge lasts 240km.
Last idiocy, that glass roof. Heat and sun in the eyes for rear passengers. I simply can't stand that kind of roof, i painted it.

[matthewpettigrove]

Thanks for the review, if you had to choose between the XC40 PE and the C40, which would you choose and why?

[alereon]

That rear transmission tunnel in an electric car

[seth]

$80, 000 car and the cabin trim is budget. Really ?

[narvuntien]

Seems like Hyundai and Kia are better but.. this might be more available since those two are still struggling with supply. Taking the jump into EVs early allows you to ramp up production faster. With the recent Polestar 2 upgrades I expect that to flow through to Volvo over the next year.

[baltvdb]

Again pausing to calculate what 300 KW is in BHP

[Decebal]

my wife ask me what think about the i said for the same price you can get a tesla model y and teslas are far superior with more experience with ev

[textliter]

It's amazing how similar the polestar interior is, it looks like they are now just sharing parts between the two. Obviously both volvos but wondering if they are diluting the two brands. The instrument cluster is pretty maddening on the polestar and offers pretty much no customisation just like here.

[chung]

Test drove this a few weeks ago in the same week I test drove a Model Y. The ICE platform really holds this back, one pedal driving and instant torque aside it feels and drives like a small Volvo crossover. Perhaps if a Tesla is too big a change for you then the Volvo is worth a go, but my wife was shocked that this is in the same price bracket as a Model Y given the trim level. This really needs to be priced $20k less to be competitive with Tesla's, Hyundai's or Kia's in a similar price bracket.

[gregj]

The front Volvo badge just screams out “cheap bling “….

[TheYoyoma]

I wont buy an EV unless its built on an electric car platform

[pradeepmagan]

To expensive needs to be cheaper to compete with the Chinese companies