2022 Volvo C40: Slinky SUV with electric underpinnings

Back in 2008, when BMW released the X6 - a version of the X5 SUV with a rakish coupe-like roofline - everyone thought the German firm had gone stark-raving bonkers. However, it seemed there were plenty of buyers out there, meaning BMW sold loads of them, and the smaller X4 and X2 were later spawned as a result. And now, it seems, everyone is at it.

The Renault Arkana. The Toyota C-HR. The Cupra Formentor. The list of coupe-styled SUVs goes on. And now there's another to add to that list, the Volvo C40.

The Volvo is a wee bit different to the rest, though. Many of these rivals are electrified to some extent, but the C40 is purely electric. It's based on the same underpinnings as the XC40 Recharge, and the top-spec version tested in this CarGurus UK video review has twin electric motors that provide no less that 408 horsepower to all four wheels, making this C40 capable of 0-62mph in just 4.7 seconds. Meanwhile, the 78kWh battery makes for an official WLTP range of 273 miles.

Those numbers are impressive, no doubt, but with the car costing more than £58,000, you'd jolly well expect them to be. So is the C40 worth that eye-watering sum. Rebecca Jackson finds out by assessing the C40's practicality, quality, technology and what it's like to drive.

Read our written Volvo C40 review here:

Pros
Relaxed and comfortable ride
Classy and restrained interior
Very rapid acceleration

Cons
Not as much fun to drive as it could be
The Volvo XC40 Recharge is a lot more practical
Volvo's subscription service is pricey

Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric: One of the best SUVs turns Electric

Let CarGurus help you find your next car:

▬ Contents of this video ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
00:00 – Introducing the Volvo C40
01:57 – Practicality
02:30 – The back seats
02:59 – The front seats
05:20 – Charging
04:36 – What is it like to drive
06:38 – Final thoughts
07:22 – Let us know your thoughts

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For more reviews, check out our US channel, too!
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#cargurusuk #volvoc40 #volvoc40recharge

[cannygrowabeard]

I really like this car but just cannot stomach the astronomical price that Volvo are asking.

[spaceiabox]

Problem with Polestar is that they do not have that many offices that might be near you, and driving 250 miles one way just to test it is a bit of a stretch, whereas c40 and xc40 are available pretty much everywhere.

[dcbel]

Very interesting video! V2L is getting more popular, and it's especially useful and convenient now that power outages are at an all-time high.

[Brightsparks]

I currently own the XC40 petrol and it is a great car. Whilst I would love the battery version, prices are just too high and the economics are not justifiable.

[speedandpowah]

This car is wonderful! It’s got good range, good looks, practically, tech and comfort. There are things that could be improved in it though Nice review!

[andrewmarsden]

So glad the cheaper version is available at only £47, 000. Can get a 21 plate 5 series plug-in hybrid for that.

[peppenino]

Exactly like when oldies try to speak teenage slang … exact market demo

[Treeburnify]

£47k is a joke, a low mileage 5 Series Touring or E Class Estate is a far more attractive value proposition without any of the charge station/range anxiety. They need to sort price and the charge network needs to be expanded and the app/registration nonsense needs to be scrapped.

[athollmcnicoll]

Nice enough wagon Rebecca but at the cost of us poor UK motorists, what with high import duties to pay over on top of the cars cost - No Thanks.

[Lotus.F]

For that price you've got to be a die hard fan of Volvo to buy it.

[henri-paulgrandmont]

This vehicule does not have LONG ENOUGH RANGE for the price

[jmoranretana]

How would it compare on interior and ride comfort with the Audi q4 etron sportback?

[arnoldtabor]

I wish they'd make a 3 door coupe 2+2 C20 electric or plug in hybrid

[grayone]

It is probably me but for the amount of money it seems to be a pretty drab looking EV, both inside and out. For £50k+ there is nothing to pull you towards it. Your good review seems to point to a laziness in the Volvo approach in that they are filling a niche that will have minimal additional appeal in the Volvo/Polestar universe.

[Encephalitisify]

I have the c40. I have driven the xc40, which was more comfortable with a superior interior. I’d say the c40 is for a single couple or single person who wants to feel the ride. The xc40 is for a family or person who would rather sit back and relax. Ones sporty. The other is boring.

[jeffreycooper]

It would be a dream car second-hand depreciated at £20k, it's just unfortunate that at the moment, that's almost never likely to actually happen !

[avatr]

I love the polestar more ngl...
but the Display is the same here

[ramman]

There’s something I just don’t like about it the rear legroom should be better and really think polestar should start increasing the battery size on the top performance models from 75kwh to 85 to give to equal or better range

[emiliamahoney]

Wow, there is almost no leg room, especially in the back! I am currently driving a S90 2019 - waaay better looking and huge leg room.

[menifo]

Seven minutes and forty seconds later and I still don't have a clear picture of how its rear end looks like. Who cares anyway? Right Rebecca?