VM Test Drive Volvo XC 40 RC Single Engine: Tough Decision

Volvo makes it really difficult! The Swedes are expanding their XC-40 Recharge program, just like their sister brand Polestar did with their Model 2, by introducing a "Single-Motor" version with front-wheel drive instead of all-wheel drive and 231 instead of 408 horsepower. Depending on how you look at it, this saves about 6,000 euros gross (or 40 euros monthly lease fee). And since the models are already sold out again and Volvo is struggling with delivery capabilities due to missing chips, it makes everything even harder to decide... But let's take it step by step!

If you order now, you'll get the 2023 model year

Because the car we are currently driving will no longer be available for those ordering now. Starting in May, the 2023 model year will go into production, featuring optical details (lights, bumpers) adapted to the C40 Recharge – which, incidentally, will also be available as a front-wheel-drive model from then on. The equipment packages will also be slightly modified.

But let's get to the important facts: Instead of two 204 hp electric motors, this model has a single electric motor at the front axle, boosted to 231 hp. Its 330 Nm of torque is enough to make the front wheels spin slightly even in damp conditions – there's plenty of power and force here too. It claims to reach 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds, and overtaking, merging, and pulling out are also super swift. It feels like it lacks less power compared to the over-400 hp all-wheel-drive model, and more traction. And since the battery has been discreetly reduced from 75 kWh net to 67 kWh net, Volvo claims that together with the omission of the second electric motor, around 150 kilograms of weight is saved – and it even gains some range: From 422 to 415 kilometers according to WLTP, though realistically it's more like 300 kilometers. Nevertheless, the electric XC-40 remains a veritable two-tonner even as a front-wheel-drive vehicle.

Even with one motor: Sturdy, solid – and not really frugal

Which also translates in the driving experience – in a positive way: Sturdy, Swedish-solid and not necessarily super frugal: Officially, it should consume 18.6 kWh/100 km and therefore noticeably less than the Twin Engine, which Volvo states at 23.8 kWh/100 km. But in reality, even with careful driving in winter, it’s hard to get below 20.0 kWh/100 km; on the highway (where it's limited to 160 km/h), it tends more towards 25 kWh/100 km.

This was somewhat expected, as the top model is not among the most efficient – the company could still improve in terms of efficiency. At least it can be charged at up to 150 kW, so a 10 to 80 percent charge should be done within 37 minutes – although depending on the charging station, you might want to allow up to 45 minutes.

Swedish Premium Cruiser

Otherwise: Rich premium feeling, relaxed Scandinavian atmosphere, and a smart Google Maps navigation system that guides you through traffic in real-time intelligence – always providing information on what taking a different turn would cost in extra time. The abstract command "I'm cold" is cheekily answered by Google with the statement: "No matter how cold you are, I get warm at the thought of our friendship"....better understood is the clear command: "Increase" or "Decrease the temperature to xx degrees". The system also struggles with the phonebook, especially with Apple: even clearly spoken phonebook entries are rather not recognized, or if someone wants to call a "Sonni", they instead receive all addresses related to "Sony".

Which brings us to the somewhat convoluted infotainment system that also controls the climate and deactivates the "One-Pedal-Drive". Here, even Volvo has gotten a bit too involved in menus and sub-menus, which sometimes simply draw too much attention away from the road. This could be reprogrammed during the next major model update.