2024 Volvo C40 Recharge Review

Introduction

Volvo has carved a niche for itself as a leader in safety and Swedish design, but with the 2024 Volvo C40 Recharge, it takes a bold step into the future. This electric vehicle is a striking fastback crossover that blends innovative tech with eco-friendly materials, showcasing the automaker’s commitment to sustainability. With a rear-wheel-drive configuration, a 248 horsepower motor, and a range of 478 km, the 2024 Volvo C40 Recharge Single Motor promises a blend of performance and practicality with an emphasis on style and luxury.

Thanks to Volvo Canada, I had one week to test drive the 2024 Volvo C40 Recharge. Below is my unbiased review.

Exterior

The first thing that stands out about the 2024 Volvo C40 Recharge is its design. If you’re a fan of sleek, modern vehicles, this is one that will surely grab your attention. The C40 features a streamlined silhouette that is undeniably sporty yet elegant, with sharp lines and a low stance that give it a dynamic feel. The car is available in the new-for-2024 Cloud Blue, a color that perfectly complements the vehicle's futuristic look. The large 20-inch alloy wheels add to the sporty vibe, while the distinctive Thor’s Hammer headlights and bold vertical taillights provide a signature Volvo touch.

Perhaps the most intriguing feature of the C40’s exterior is its lack of a traditional grille. In its place is a body-colored panel that hints at the car’s electric nature. It’s a small but significant detail that gives the C40 an identity that sets it apart from the competition. In addition to these stylish elements, the C40’s roofline has a slight slope, adding to its fastback charm while also cleverly hiding the rear hatch hinges. The design is sharp, clean, and undeniably Swedish—futuristic yet classic.

The rear of the C40, with its angular edges and expansive glass hatch, continues this theme. The roof’s panoramic glass provides an airy and open feeling, contributing to the modern aesthetic, though it reduces rear-seat headroom by about 25mm. Still, overall, the C40’s exterior is an eye-catching vehicle that delivers a clear message: Volvo is ready for the electric future.

Interior

Entering the 2024 Volvo C40 Recharge, you’re immediately greeted by a cabin that marries high-tech features with sustainable materials. As you’d expect from Volvo, the seats are extremely comfortable, offering excellent support for both short trips and long drives. The interior is crafted from 100% recycled materials, with the seats, door panels, and floor mats made from plastic bottles. This sustainable approach doesn’t feel like a compromise; in fact, the faux-suede seating surfaces feel soft and comfortable, making the C40 a pleasant place to spend time.

The dash features a minimalist layout, with the 9.1-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen dominating the center. It’s sleek and intuitive, though I found myself needing to poke around a bit to access basic functions like the climate control. The quality of materials continues Volvo’s reputation for creating premium interiors, with soft-touch surfaces and an overall refined look. The top-tier Ultimate trim comes with some nice touches, such as engraved plastic trim inspired by the topography of Sweden’s Abisko Park. In the evening, soft backlighting gives the interior an ethereal glow, elevating the cabin’s ambiance.

While the front seats offer ample comfort and headroom, the rear seats are a little tighter, particularly in terms of headroom. Thanks to the low roofline and sloping design, the C40’s rear-seat passengers may feel a little cramped, especially if they’re tall. Nonetheless, there’s decent legroom, and the large panoramic roof does its part to brighten up the cabin.

Infotainment

Volvo’s infotainment system is based on Google’s platform, which means it’s both intuitive and highly functional. The 9.1-inch touchscreen serves as the command center for most of the car’s tech functions, and it’s easy to navigate, with quick access to everything from navigation to media controls. The Google Maps integration is particularly impressive, providing live traffic updates and offering a visually appealing, photo-realistic display. It’s one of the better systems I’ve used in an electric vehicle, and the over-the-air updates ensure the software is always up to date.

The system also features Google Assistant, making voice commands seamless and easy to use. Whether it’s adjusting the temperature or selecting a song, the voice commands work reliably. However, despite these advancements, I did find the touchscreen to be a bit fiddly when it came to accessing HVAC controls or scrolling through radio stations. It’s not a deal breaker, but I do wish there were more physical buttons for these functions. Still, Volvo’s tech-forward approach, with Google’s backing, makes for a pleasant, modern in-car experience.

Safety and Driver Assistance

As you’d expect from Volvo, the 2024 C40 Recharge is packed with an array of safety features designed to keep you and your passengers protected. The standard suite of safety systems includes blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assistance, and pedestrian and bicycle detection. I had the chance to test the blind-spot assist, and I can attest that it works flawlessly. On one occasion, as I began to change lanes, the car gently steered me back into my lane when a vehicle entered the space I couldn’t see. It’s this kind of thoughtful tech that gives the C40 a real sense of security.

For those willing to step up to the Plus or Ultimate trim levels, you’ll get even more advanced safety features, including surround-view cameras and adaptive cruise control with highway driving assist. It’s clear that Volvo takes safety seriously, and the C40 is equipped to provide a reassuring driving experience. 

Driving Experience

On the road, the 2024 Volvo C40 Recharge Single Motor impresses with its smooth, quiet acceleration and overall comfort. With 248 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of instant torque, it’s far from a slouch, though it’s not as blisteringly quick as its Twin Motor sibling. The C40’s rear-wheel-drive setup offers a nice balance between performance and comfort. Whether you’re navigating city streets or cruising on the highway, the C40 delivers a composed and confident ride.

The driving feel is refined, with a calm, almost serene quality. The steering provides decent feedback, and the car feels eager to dive into corners, though it’s not quite as sporty as some rivals, such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E. On the highway, the C40 remains quiet and smooth, with only minimal road noise making its way into the cabin. I particularly enjoyed the one-pedal driving feature, which allows for deceleration by simply lifting off the accelerator. It’s a smooth, intuitive way to drive, and it’s easy to modulate the braking force as needed. However, it may be difficult to navigate your way inside a tight parking lot with one-pedal drive.

When it comes to fuel economy, the C40 excels, with a claimed range of 478 km per charge. This figure is impressive, especially considering the vehicle’s performance. On my test drive, I found the vehicle’s real-world range to be in line with Volvo’s claims. The car’s energy consumption stands at 17.8 kWh/100 km in the city, 21.8 kWh/100 km on the highway, and a combined 19.6 kWh/100 km. It’s not the most efficient electric vehicle on the market, but it’s certainly competitive in its class.

Cargo Space & Storage

When it comes to cargo capacity, the 2024 Volvo C40 Recharge is a bit of a mixed bag. While the rear seats fold flat to offer a maximum cargo space of 1,205 L, the sloping roofline limits the practicality compared to the more upright XC40 Recharge. The C40’s cargo space with the seats up is 489 L, which is plenty for most day-to-day needs but falls short of the XC40’s 578 L. The rear opening is a bit narrow, but it’s still functional for most purposes.

There’s also a small frunk, which is ideal for storing smaller items like an overnight bag or charging cables. Inside the cabin, there are long door pockets and a decent-sized storage bin between the front seats, ensuring that there’s plenty of space for everyday items. Overall, while the C40 isn’t the most spacious in its class, it’s still a practical option for those who don’t need an abundance of cargo room.

Conclusion

The 2024 Volvo C40 Recharge Single Motor offers a unique and compelling package. It combines striking design, impressive performance, and the eco-friendly appeal of an electric vehicle, all while staying true to Volvo’s reputation for safety and quality. The cabin is comfortable and stylish, though the rear-seat space may be tight for taller passengers, and the tech-forward infotainment system is easy to use, though not entirely free of frustration when it comes to basic controls.

Where the C40 really stands out is in its driving experience and range. It offers a smooth, quiet ride with excellent acceleration and a solid 478 km of range, making it a practical option for those looking to make the switch to electric driving without sacrificing performance. While the C40 isn’t the most spacious or the most affordable option in its segment, its distinctive style, premium features, and Volvo’s legendary safety make it an appealing choice for those who prioritize design and a more sustainable driving experience.

In a crowded electric vehicle market, the Volvo C40 Recharge has carved out a space for itself as a stylish, premium option for those looking for an EV that doesn’t compromise on luxury, performance, or safety. If you’re looking for something that stands out from the crowd, the C40 Recharge is worth considering, though it’s important to weigh its smaller size and higher price against some of its competitors, such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E or Hyundai Ioniq 5. Nonetheless, the C40 Recharge proves that Volvo is serious about its future in the electric vehicle space.