The 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge AWD Ultimate SUV

What is a XC40? The XC40 is a subcompact luxury crossover SUV built in Ghent, Belgium and sold worldwide by Volvo. The XC40 combines the size of a small all electric SUV with twin electric motors that can be driven 223 miles on a full charge.

The overall fuel economy rating for this Ultimate Edition all wheel drive (AWD) EV is 85 MPGe, and it can be recharged on a level II 240 volt charger in about 8 hours.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge is an electric SUV based on the gas powered XC40 small crossover. It’s part of a growing number of premium electric SUVs , such as the Audi E-tron, Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Jaguar I-Pace and the Tesla Model Y. The XC40 was introduced in the 2019 model year and for 2023 it’s been nicely updated, modernized and electrified. It comes with more safety, luxury and technology options.

Both the gas and electric XC40 vehicles have received significant exterior and interior upgrades with the new 2023 redesign. They feature a new front bumper, a different headlight shape, a leather free premium edition upholstery option, a new alloy wheel design and additional exterior color choices. The 2023 XC40 models just look great.

To prove that point, this week Volvo sent me a 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge AWD Ultimate SUV to test drive and review. The base window sticker price for this Recharge Ultimate model is $59,500. The options on the test SUV are: the metallic paint for $695, the vegan cloth interior for $250 and the LED pixel headlights for $350. The MSRP manufactures suggested retail price, including the $1,095 destination fee is: $61,890.

After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealers fees, the out the door and in your garage total purchase price came to: $69,626. If you want a premium electric car, and value Volvo’s performance, technology, luxury appointments and safety, and you have an extra $70 Grand in your pocket, then this is the luxury EV SUV for you.

Power comes from a pair of front and rear electric motors with a total of 420 horsepower and 486 lb-ft of torque, electrified by a 78 kWh lithium ion high voltage battery, bolted to a shift by wire single speed transmission, routed into a permanent AWD system. Traction and control are assisted by electric power steering, electric anti-lock braking, and electric hill start assist, while producing zero tailpipe emissions.

The Ultimate Edition model features include: a panoramic moonroof with a power sunshade, power front seats with driver seat memory, Homelink garage door openers, LED front fog lamps, a 360 degree surround view camera, front and rear parking assist, power folding rear head rests, a 12 volt outlet in the cargo area, a removable and folding rear cargo floor cover, pilot assist, adaptive cruise control, heated rear seats, a heat pump, high pressure headlight washers, a Harman Kardon premium sound system with a 600 watt digital amplifier, 13 speakers with an air ventilated subwoofer and a set of dark painted diamond cut 20″ alloy wheels with low rolling resistance performance tires.

All Volvo Recharge electric cars have what’s called One Pedal Driving. They did not invent OPD but they refined it. In this mode, the vehicle recovers energy as the throttle pedal is released; decelerating the vehicle thru regenerative braking. This results in a smoother driving experience by lifting your foot off the pedal slowly and the car brakes itself. In normal driving, the brake pedal is not needed but drivers can still use the brake pedal to engage the power brakes at any time and stop the car immediately.

Volvo’s association with the word Recharge in the model name means that the vehicle is electrified, either as a 100% electric vehicle (EV), or as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Soon all vehicles will be built as PHEV’s, with an electric driveline optional. All electrified hybrid vehicles can drive on electric power alone with zero emissions on a daily basis.

The Volvo XC40 Recharge makes a valid case for electrification. Sure it’s not cheap but it’s loaded with technology and the twin motor AWD version has enough power and balance on a twisty road to keep more sporting cars in check.

So, call, click or visit your local Volvo dealer for a test drive and a Bottom Line price review on the new 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge AWD Ultimate SUV. And remember that the base price for a XC40 starts at only $53,550. Volvo – Style Design Power – For Life.

Be smart, stay safe, and just breathe. Remember, You Are What You Drive, and maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should Drive one, Buy one, Today. Have a great day, take care, drive safely, and enjoy the ride – Tony the Car Guy.

This Bottom Line new vehicle review is a Nut & Bolt and Dollars & Sense editorial provided by Tony Leopardo. Tony the Car Guy is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to tonyleo@pacbell.net and visit AutoWire.Net at www.autowire.net