Is the 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge Worth the Luxury Price?
Wow, there is already another electric SUV to consider as the 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge joins the party. The Volvo XC40 is an all-electric option that joins a broad line up of hybrid plug-in options, and let’s see how it compares.
Is the 2021 Volvo XC40 P8 Recharge worth buying?
First things first, the 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge P8 is small. It’s a compact, all-electric SUV that is cute as can be. But the way it has a roof that’s a different color from the body is reminiscent of the Nissan Kicks, an underpowered economy SUV.
But the Volvo XC40 Recharge is far from underpowered and economical. It has a starting price of $55,000 before options. However, I guess you could have a tax credit to factor in. The gas-powered XC40 T5 Inscription trim, the highest trim option with all the bells and whistles, begins around $42,445, including the destination fee. So the electric version is about $13k more.
What comes standard with the Volvo XC40 Recharge?
If you go for a fully loaded Volvo XC40 Recharge, the price could easily climb to over $60,000. But standard features include an Android-based infotainment center with a 9-inch display.
It also includes standard assistance and safety features like blind-spot warning, rear-cross traffic alert, collision avoidance, and curve-adaptive headlights. Don’t worry, the system works with iPhones too.
But according to Cars.com, to add premium paint, larger wheels, heated windshield wiper blades, wireless charging, semi-autonomous driver assistance, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and more, you’ll have to purchase optional packages ranging in price from $50 to $1,300. Also, a 12,3-inch digital cluster display is optional as well.
To address range anxiety and calm charging concerns, Volvo decided to partner with ChargePoint to provide access to the ChargePoint charging network. ChargePoint has agreements with companies like EVgo to give access to more than 80% of the current public charging stations in the U.S. and Canada.
2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge power and features
A 75-kWh battery pack powers the dual-motor powertrain with a total of 402-hp, and it comes with standard all-wheel drive. Meaning, it’s powerful and at least capable enough to tackle snow and other challenges.
It has a 200-mile range per charge, which is disappointing. Many rivals like Tesla Cybertruck have over a 350-mile range. But at least this little SUV can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7-seconds. That’s pretty fast and exciting, even though the Mustang Mach-E can do that in 3 seconds.
Luckily, there is more cargo space in the XC40 Recharge. CarandDriver with 23 carry-on suitcases with the rear seats folded. They also noted that the frunk or front trunk area is very spacious. It provides an excellent place to store charging cables.
The NHTSA and IIHS haven’t performed safety crash tests yet. But the gas-powered Volvo XC40 models did earn a 5-star safety rating and a top safety pick award, so it’s a safe bet that Recharge will be safe too.
But the 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge feels overpriced. There is nothing spectacular to say about the interior or tech. Many of the optional features should be included for the price, and it has a range that lacks compared to rivals.
