Volvo’s first production battery-electric vehicle, the XC40 Recharge P8, has officially launched in the United Kingdom in R-Design specification with a starting price of £53,155 ($65,343).
Shipping will commence in early 2021 but it’s probably worth the wait as the zero-emission SUV packs two electric motors, one on each axle, delivering a combined output of 402 HP (408 PS / 300 kW) and enabling a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint of 4.9 seconds.
Providing the juice to the electric motors is a 78 kWh lithium-ion battery pack which supports 150 kW fast charging and takes 40 minutes to charge up to 80 percent. The XC40 Recharge P8 boasts a total driving range of more than 249 miles (400 km) in the WLTP cycle.
Read Also: Review – 2019 Volvo XC40 Exudes Swedish Sophistication
Compared to the ICE-powered XC40s, the electric model sports a closed-off grille and ‘Recharge’ badging on the C-pillars and tailgate. Integrating the battery pack into the floor has resulted in a lower ground clearance. The boot space is also a bit reduced, but since it doesn’t have an engine up front anymore, the frunk can eat up a couple of small bags.
The XC40 Recharge is also equipped with a new infotainment system. It runs the Android operating system and is fully integrated with the company’s On Call digital connected services.
The Swedish automaker is expected to open the order books for the electric XC40 in other European markets in the coming weeks and months. The model should make its way to North America either before the end of the year or in early 2021.
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