Volvo XC40 P8 Recharge 2021 review: a 402bhp, 257-mile electric beast

It may look like a regular XC40 on the outside, but this family SUV will embarrass most supercars with a 0-62mph time of 4.9 seconds - all in complete silence.

The XC40 P8 Recharge is the company's first attempt at a mass-produced electric car and there's no denying it has the numbers to impress. That being said, it faces stiff competition from the new Audi Q4 e-tron, Vw ID.4 and the upcoming Tesla Model Y. It'll even go up against the Polestar 2, a car that shares a lot in common with the XC40 P8 Recharge as Polestar is the electric arm of Volvo. At nearly £50,000 it's certainly on the expensive side, but is it worth it?

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:17 Design features
3:03 Boot space and practicality
4:37 It has a frunk!
5:02 Electric motor specs
5:42 Battery range and charging
6:43 Price and ownership
8:08 Interior features
9:27 Storage
11:00 Rear seats
12:32 Driving
12:56 Comfort
13:42 Performance
14:20 One-pedal driving
14:43 Better than its rivals?

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[roelvanes]

Would easily chose the XC40 over the P2. Just about to order one to replace my 2018 D3 version, which has nearly reached the end of it's PCP. The subscription is fine value if you do the research, no deposit (as you said), but also it includes RFL, servicing, tyres, etc, in fact everything bar the electricity😁

[garthevans]

I'm in Australia and just ordered one for delivery when it is released here in Sept. Australia is only getting a fully equipped model, sunroof etc etc and it is going to be $84k Aud or 45.4k pounds so not sure the price difference?

[warrenparlee]

I ordered a Volvo C40. Maybe you will review that car as well? Living in a cold climate during the winter, I like the heat pump in the C40. Having access to DC Fast Chargers make the range a non-issue. Also, the preheating of the battery via the heat pump should aid in achieving a fast charge. Hope to take delivery in Jan/Feb.

[olovsjobergh]

Xc40 is so much more practical, than The polestar, and The Enyaq, as well.

[plushiie_]

its a great car, the only problem is the range, hope they update it.

[satheesankrishnan]

There should be a elegant grill even though there is no engine or radiator..The dignity is not there without a stylish grill ..look lovzy...

[camtait]

So what do we all think of the XC40 Recharge? It’s properly quick, but think I’d rather put my money towards a Polestar 2. For now at least… let me know what you all think!

[clivem]

How many people are going to try and drive off with their car still plugged because manufacturers leave the charge port on the left on right hand drive models?

[davidcoro]

XC40 over the polestar and model Y. I believe the P6 is here, front wheel drive, not sure about range.

[bp]

Why do car reviewing YouTubers wave their arms like Magnus Pike?

[georgetaylor]

The grill looks like a cheap after thought. Just stick a piece of plastic over this hole.

[anthonyc]

I'd take the Mustang Mach-E over the XC40 Recharge. Ford offers much more range and superior styling for the money.