Volvo’s all-electric C40 coupe-SUV is now available to order - and it's being described as a ‘landmark’ car for the Swedish firm.
You can think of the C40 as a more low-slung version of the Volvo XC40 SUV, sitting 70mm squatter than it’s stablemate.
But the good news is that the C40 shares the same electric CMA (Compact Modular Architecture) platform as both the XC40 and Polestar 2. That means you get two motors to drive the front and rear wheels, respectively.
And thanks to a 78kWh battery you can expect a solid range of around 261 miles between charges, which is expected to improve over time via over-the-air software updates.
That battery can also be fast charged to 80 per cent of its capacity in about 40 minutes.
It’s fair to say that the C40 is also no slouch either - it’s capable of accelerating from 0-62 mph in just 4.7 seconds.
And because the leather-free C40 is packing some serious eco credentials, it should go down a storm with lease customers looking to do their bit for the planet.
Lex Kerssemakers, Head of Global Commercial Operations at Volvo Cars, boasts:
“We call it the future of Volvo. That is because our Volvo C40 Recharge is more than just a new car.
“It is our first ever electric-only model and represents a significant step in our plan to move online for the benefit of consumer convenience. It is, in short, a completely new take on a Volvo.”
Volvo has ambitious aims on that front.
It plans to have 50 per cent of its global sales volume consist of fully electric cars by 2025. And by 2030, Volvo hopes every car it sells will be powered by electricity alone.
The exterior of the C40 features a new front design that includes headlights with state-of-the-art pixel technology.
And the interior of the C40 is equally forward-thinking. There’s an innovative infotainment system that has been jointly developed with Google and based on the Android operating system. You handily get unlimited data, too, allowing for optimum connectivity.
Meanwhile there are also subtle design nods to Volvo's heartland. A large panoramic glass roof has been designed with the aim of showing off Scandinavian landscapes on a grand tour. Even the backlit translucent graphics on the dashboard and front door panels have been created to ape the silhouette of Sweden’s mountainous Abisko national park.
Meanwhile there’s a more than liberal use of sustainable materials in the cabin, from renewable wool fibres to carpets made from 100 per cent recycled PET plastic bottles.
Robin Page, Head of Design at Volvo Cars, adds:
“The C40 is a car that symbolises electrification and delivers on it.
It has the personality of the XC40, which proved to be attractive to many, but it’s dialled up even more through its dynamic expression and sleek profile. It’s a really attractive product for people who are looking for the easy-to-live-with aspects of an SUV with more of a modern statement.”
It’s priced from £57,400, and that also includes Volvo’s Car package, which features servicing, warranty and maintenance for up to 3 years.
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