2025 Volvo C40 Recharge Twin Motor Electric Ultimate review

The 2025 Volvo C40 Recharge is a step in the right direction for EV mobility in South Africa. While our EV market remains largely nascent compared to Europe, North America and the Far East, Volvo has managed to position itself as the segment leader locally.  

The Swedish firm has captured an impressive 50% share of the premium electric SUV market. Granted, that may only be 406 units, but there are plenty of premium marques vying for those few seats. Nevertheless, South Africa’s EV mobility landscape continues to be hindered by infrastructural limitations, lack of government incentivisation, sporadic load-shedding and high import duties.

As a result, South Africa’s journey toward widescale electric mobility has been cautious at best. Which is why manufacturers themselves have seen fit to improve the value proposition of EVs. For example, with every Volvo C40 Recharge sold, the firm offers a free charging wall box installed free of charge at your home. And two years free public charging …

2025 VOLVO C40 RECHARGE

Nevertheless, when you drive the Volvo C40 Recharge, you still get the sense it’s a bridge in Volvo’s lineup. It is evolutionary rather than revolutionary. The firm has already launched the big-volume EX30 and flagship EX90, both of which we’ve sampled. 

That said, the C40 does little to dissuade you from some impressive performance metrics. The dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain produces 300 kW and 660 Nm of torque. Which is totally nutty in a safe-as-houses Volvo. With characteristic smoothness and silence, the EV propels from zero to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds.

The 78-kWh lithium-ion battery pack offers a claimed range of 510 km (on the WLTP cycle). However, in real-world conditions, you can expect closer to 400 km per charge. And if you struggle to tame stabs with your right foot, expect to see even less. Of course, the Volvo C40 Recharge setup supports DC fast charging (up to 150 kW). But finding such a powerful charger will be difficult in South Africa. Using a standard 11 kW AC wall-box takes about eight hours, which is convenient for overnight charging.

COUPE-SUV TRADE-OFF

Aesthetically, the Volvo C40 Recharge represents a mixed bag of influences. A sloping roofline sacrifices practicality for visual drama. While ‘Thor’s Hammer’ LED headlights look great alongside the smooth, grille-less front facia. And distinctive 20-inch diamond-cut alloys come smeared with low-profile Pirelli tyres.

Inside, the Volvo C40 Recharge focuses on Scandinavian minimalism and recycled textiles. The panoramic glass roof brightens the cabin and offsets any potential claustrophobia from the sloping roof and tall beltline. Rear visibility is certainly compromised by the pinched rear and small rear window. However, this is a common criticism of most coupe-SUVs. Nevertheless, standard cargo capacity is adequate at 413/1 205 litres respectively with the rear seats in place and folded.

By the standards of newer models, the Volvo C40 Recharge has a modest 9-inch portrait touchscreen. And, while comprehensive (it’s powered by Google Assistant), the interface feels a little old fashioned. Also, the reliance on the touchscreen for even the most basic of functions might frustrate certain users.

EFFORTLESS EV PUNCH

However, once on the move, the Volvo C40 Recharge demonstrates all the best attributes of the Volvo driving experience. It’s quiet, comfortable and always controlled. The instant torque delivery provides effortless acceleration. And this is wonderful to experience in a vehicle with virtually zero sporting pretensions. There are no drive modes or variable brake regeneration programmes. Just your right foot delivering instant torque as and when you choose.

Of course, safety remains a cornerstone of the Volvo C40 Recharge experience. As a result, the vehicle includes advanced driver aids such as collision avoidance with pedestrian/cyclist detection. As well as lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert with automatic braking. No surprises the Volvo C40 Recharge earns a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, with particularly impressive scores in adult and child occupant protection.

Priced at R1 324 000, the Volvo C40 Recharge Twin Motor Electric Ultimate positions itself firmly in the premium segment. This may sound like a lot, but don’t forget you’ll never have to visit a fuel station forecourt ever again. Not to mention the reduced maintenance requirements of an EV with significantly less moving parts.

THE VERDICT

It’s no wonder the 2025 Volvo C40 Recharge emerges as a compelling, if somewhat transitional, product in Volvo’s local lineup. Its performance, safety features, and novel design make a strong case for itself in South Africa. However, it does feel something like a bridge between Volvo’s ICE past and EX-series future. While excellent in many respects, it lacks the holistic integration and efficiency of the purpose-built EXs. Therefore, we can conclude it succeeds as a logical steppingstone in Volvo’s EV evolution – and a practical daily EV – even if you can’t help but feeling the next instalment is just over the horizon …

THE FIGURES

• Volvo C40 Recharge Twin Motor Electric Ultimate  
• Drivetrain: Twin permanent magnetic synchronous motors
• Net energy: 78 kWh lithium ion battery
• Power: 300 kW, 660 Nm
• Performance: 4.7 seconds – 0-100 km/h
• Efficiency: 17.1 kWh/100 km (claimed/combined), 19.5 kWh/100 km (tested)
• Maximum range: 510 km (claimed WLTP)
• Tyres: Pirelli P Zero – 245/40 R20
• Price: R1 324 000

WHAT WOULD IT TAKE FOR YOU TO GO ELECTRIC?

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