Volvo C40 review: Electric crossover SUV test - Better than a Tesla Model Y?

Is the new 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge electric car better than a Tesla Model Y? It might well be - and it could be one of the best new EVs yet.

That's because it builds upon the smarts of the XC40 Recharge Electric SUV, but adopts a more stylish and edgy look that makes it stand out as something very similar to the shape of a Model Y. Sleek. Smooth. Smart.

There's plenty of other smarts inside, too - the carryover always-on Google media system makes this a clever car to live with, and the space utilisation isn't too bad, even with that swooping roof line.

With two different versions available - the Single Motor with 170kW/330Nm and the Dual Motor with 300kW/660Nm - it definitely has some spring in its step, too.

Tom White attended the launch of the new model in Australia, and here are his thoughts.

#Volvo #VolvoC40 #review

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Timecodes:

00:00 Intro
00:40 Pricing and features
02:32 Design
03:32 Practicality
04:43 Under the bonnet
05:13 Driving
07:36 Range and charging
08:30 Safety
09:04 Ownership
09:32 Verdict

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CarsGuide - Go beyond the test drive

[SBKPete]

You need to sort the sound out, in the test drive. It was like you were under water.
Other than that, a good review 👍🏻

[thatevchick]

Gotta try this one out, great review tom

[steve]

Switched off with the terrible in-vehicle audio.

[Roadrunnerz]

thats important to note - 9:20 - less servicing and less cost for an electric car. much better value in the long run even with the price of charging high at some outlets. always cheapest to charge at home if possible.

[glowe]

Excellent review Tom...now one of the more accomplished reviewers in Australia, whose subjective opinions are kept to himself. They way they should be. Good job bud....well done 👍

[ivankuljis]

@2:43 What's with all the Mercedes 'Flying Star' in the background?

[themarkymarkster]

I have a Tesla Model 3 LR with boost Pack. around 500 usable Ks and 3.6 to 100. Done 46K in it. Actually looking to get one of these :). these do around 500km with the AWD and sub 5 secs to 100. Some tesla things are nice. software issues though, one main screen that has gone black when driving, boring i20 feel interior, and no android auto annoy me and can be potentially very hazardous. Have been out the middle of nowhere and seeing congestion when there are no cars in sight. One of the reasons still use waze. 4 rims buckled recently and car places telling me they have soft rims. quite a few factors. Ohh Waze reports potholes

[ivankuljis]

Is it just me, or have Cars just got BLOODY EXPENSIVE?

[richardfelixgoncalves]

lt sure is a kind of a stylish coupe yes, but there could be if you want and as always in the Australian market.

[deanbennett]

So if it takes up to 6 hrs to full charge and travel 434km so if I drive Melb to Darwin it’s going to take me nearly 2.5 DAYS Extra..
And let’s face it you will need your own generator for up there. So which electric car is made for Country Australia?.

[rudykerbler]

Switched off due to muffled audio and road noise.

[onw]

I'm so sick of SUV's & crossovers. Just give me an electric V60 Cross Country and i'll be happy...

[roryreddog]

Would it be unkind to point out that the Model Y beats this car in EVERY category interior space: Cavernous with plenty of headroom. Luggage space 930L vs 420L. Performance, range, handling, charging speed 250KW vs 150KW AND it’s $3000 cheaper than the Volvo.
I somehow doubt that “compelling” is the term serious buyers in this category would use regarding the Volvo.

[mvnorsel]

I've never thought of buying a Volvo or an SUV, so why am I watching ?

[MrRedmania]

The sunroof has no screen..just pure glass and it is disgustingly hot. You can feel the heat radiate on your head on a relatively warm day. It needs a screen. It's a really poor design feature.

[planestrainsdogsncars]

In this company MB is looking almost like a bargain...
Not normally the way things should swing.

[johny]

Volvo is a scam! My 2023 Volvo has a steering wheel that vibrates very badly, making it quite annoying and UNSAFE to drive, and Volvo doesn’t want to fix it.

[asw]

Volvo is a scam! My 2023 Volvo C40 has a steering wheel that vibrates very badly, making it quite annoying and UNSAFE to drive

[busterdudefly]

Why would you not fix the audio that alone made me change from a like to a dislike. I stopped watching at that point it was so amateur of you and I thought your clip were well they have been

[aussieadventurestimetoplay]

The electronic utes in America won't suit our environment.
Towing etc you'll lucky to to 150miles which is terrible.
Only hybrid should be thought of.