Swedish carmaker Volvo is all set to enter into the electric vehicle segment of the country with XC40 Recharge. It is scheduled to be launched in October 2021. Pre-launch bookings for the electric SUV will commence from June 2021, whereas deliveries are expected to begin from the launch month. Currently, its IC engine counterpart is available in the Indian market.
Design-wise the XC40 Recharge will look largely similar to its petrol version with some definite visual differences, including an EV-specific front grille and redesigned alloy wheels. However, the crux of the matter will lie under the hood as it will be powered by a 150kW dual-motor AWD setup, making out 408PS of maximum grunt (218PS more than its petrol version) and 660Nm of peak torque. The electric SUV will draw its power from the 78kWh battery pack and will come with fast charging capabilities that can juice it from 0 to 80 percent in just 40 minutes. It can deliver a WLTP-claimed range of 418km on a single charge.
The XC40 Recharge can sprint from 0-100kmph in just 4.9 seconds and has a top speed of 180kmph.
The cabin of electric XC40 will also be similar to the standard model, except for some minor feature differences. The XC40 Recharge will get a 9-inch vertical stacked Android-powered infotainment system with built-in Google apps and Google services like Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Play Store. Further, it will also get a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, powered driver’s seat, front and rear heated seats, dual-zone climate control with rear AC vents, 13-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, panoramic sunroof, six airbags, and a radar-based level 2 autonomous driving safety features such as autonomous braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, etc.
Being an electric offering, the XC40 Recharge will carry a significant premium over its petrol version, which is priced at Rs 39.90 lakh (ex-showroom). In our opinion, Volvo could price it around Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom). If it happens then it will undercut the Mercedes-Benz EQC (Rs 1.04 crore) by a huge margin.
