The C40 is based on its sibling the XC40 and this is evident in quite a few respects, which definitely isn’t a bad thing, as the XC40 is a very handsome SUV in its own right. The C40 is available solely with the same pure electric powertrains from the XC40 EV, which gives you up to 273 miles of range, and can be had in single or dual motor set ups, meaning that you can look forward to up to 400bhp! This is where a lot of the similarities stop between the two siblings, as the XC40 adopts a more conventional design at the rear, whereas the C40 takes a more graceful approach, swapping the boxier shape of its sibling for a more coupe like silhouette. This has been carried out perfectly by Volvo, the C40 looks both sporty and elegant at the same time, and is sure to turn head wherever you go!
Inside the C40
Inside the C40, it is an exercise in Swedish luxury, with a minimalist design, high quality materials and more technology than a Boeing 747. From the driver’s seat, you have an excellent view of the road and the C40’s glass roof gives you plenty of light and generally makes the cabin a nice and airy place to be. Couple this with oodles of space for the family, plenty of storage and excellent build quality that really can’t be compared to anything else and what you have is the perfect car for long journeys.
In the back of the C40 it is a similar story, the seats are comfy and there is definitely enough room for 3 people to sit comfortably abreast. What is especially surprising is the headroom in the back because the combination of the sloping roofline and sunroof would really impede this, but in actual fact, this isn’t the case.
The C40’s technology is really something quite special. Starting with the Sensus Infotainment system, although this carries over from other Volvo models, it is still one of the easiest systems to use in the industry. Like with an iPad, you can just use it without anybody showing you how to, everything is logically laid out and there is the perfect balance of physical buttons and touchscreen controls, making your life as the driver unbelievably easy. The Harman Kardon sound system, is equally a joy to listen to music through as it is just perfectly crisp and clear, and with 13 speakers it really is one of the best systems you can find in a car right now. A feature that we really like is the presence of the 360-degree camera setup. This certainly isn’t anything new in the industry but it unbelievably useful when negotiating tight streets and car parks and it really came into its own negotiating car parks.
How it Drives
As far as driving is concerned, the C40 is like nothing else we have ever driven. Obviously as an EV, it is smooth, and refined and it glides along the road, making the cabin feel like a very tranquil and relaxed environment, which we expected. But what is a surprise is how quickly the C40 is able to reach 60mph! The C40 is capable of doing this in less than 5 seconds, and it does so whilst still feeling confident and planted on the road. Equally, the way that the C40 is set up means that you don’t feel as though it is pushing you to drive it that fast, it feels more like the power is there if you need it, but there is absolutely no requirement to drive it that quickly at all. Unlike many other vehicles with this type of performance figures, the C40 is more than happy to meander along the road, but that performance is there if you want or need it.
Naturally with the C40 being an electric vehicle it is heavier than it would be with a petrol or diesel engine, but we think it helps to make it feel more firmly planted on the road. You don’t even feel remotely like the car is unsteady at any speed, it feels confident and refined, again making the case that this is ideal for long journeys. With the C40’s 273 miles range, and rapid charging capabilities, you could feasibly drive for 4 and half hours without stopping, which is generally the point you start thinking about a break anyway.
Our Verdict
Our verdict on the C40 is that this is clearly a sign of good things to come as far as both Volvos and electric vehicles are concerned. Obviously it’s hard to fathom that you could make the current lineup of Volvos any better than they are, but in actual fact, the C40 proves without doubt that maybe that isn’t the case!
