CHENNAI: Volvo lit up a revolution in the luxury electric car segment with its SUV XC40, which, while boasting great power and range, is also affordable. Now, with the introduction of C40, the Swedish carmaker has also added charm to the equation
Car manufacturers around the world are busy switching their products from fuel-based to electric. Volvo, the Swedish luxury brand, is no different. However, unlike other luxury brands, who price their new electric line at exorbitant rates, Volvo ensures that it remains on par with their current vehicles, making it easier for people to adopt an eco-friendly version. This has not come at the expense of safety, which Volvo is renowned for. A laudable feat!
Before Volvo introduced its new line in India, electric cars from mass-market manufacturers were going for approximately Rs 40 lakh. The luxury brands priced their vehicles upwards of Rs 1 crore. Volvo created a revolution by introducing their premium SUV XC40 Recharge at Rs 57 lakh. Now, more than one in four Volvos sold in India are electric. Here, we list what’s special about the latest Volvo to hit the streets — the charming C40 Recharge, which is priced at Rs 63 lakh.
Unlike other electric vehicles available in the market today, this coupe-style car was born as a fully electric car. There exists no petrol/hybrid siblings or variants for the C40. Like the XC40 Recharge, it has a 78kWh battery pack and motor, but the range is about 120km longer (530km). Part of what facilitates this is the aerodynamic coupe design.
Though a coupe, it still boasts an SUV character. From the front, it looks similar to the XC40 Recharge. The side view is that of a swooping roof line, merging seamlessly into the rear spoiler.
C40 uses 84-pixel LEDs in each headlight unit, which adapts to traffic in front of the car whilst continuing to light up the road ahead efficiently. A new addition to Volvo.
The cabin is made of ‘pure vegetarian’ materials, i.e. no animal skin is used. It fuses functionality, simplicity and craftsmanship. The high seating position in front seats and ergonomic design are
commendable.
The standard panoramic roof has laminated, tinted glass. This helps create an airy, more natural environment in the cabin. The sunroof is fixed and has no sun blind.
The 9-inch touchscreen of the infotainment system and the 12.3-inch instrument cluster are decent. But these don’t convey the ultra-modern character we see in luxury cars nowadays.
While the advanced driver assist system and the 360- degree camera, along with Volvo’s list of safety features, increase our confidence whilst driving, features like the advanced air purifier system and Harman Kardon audio system make the journey all the more enjoyable.
There’s no start/stop button. The car is activated once you are in the driver’s seat. The biggest issue one faces inside the cabin is the poor visibility offered by the rear-view mirror’s small viewing area.
The sheer power and acceleration make the C40 Recharge a delightful driving experience. The twin-motor, four-wheel drive power train oozes out 408Hp power and 660Nm torque. The comfort level offered by the suspension is also good. In short, C40 is an electric car with long range, high build quality, high-tech safety systems, style and driving comfort. All this come for an ex-showroom price of Rs 62.95 lakh.
Highlights
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