I recently had the great privilege of a week at the electrified helm of a Sage Green Volvo XC40 P8 Recharge. It’s the Twin Motor variant, so think compact SUV with an explosive punch. Blessed with 300kW of grunt and 660Nm of shunt, it can go ten rounds with most larger, heavier EVs on the market. Twin-motor means both axles are motorised hence all-wheel-drive, which translates to a 0 to 100 kph sprint a rapid 4.9 seconds, so one of the quickest Volvo models you’ll encounter, and grippy too. So don’t be taking one on, unless you’ve got some serious power under your own bonnet, consider that a warning.
Naturally, the pragmatic folks at Volvo have endowed the Recharge with more than mere straight-line alacrity. It also has a range of 418 km, making it one of the most affordable fully electric SUVs in South Africa, that you could actually live with, without crippling range anxiety. Also great to live with, an Android-powered infotainment system, complete with built-in Google apps and services. So, stylish outside and within, thanks to a well-appointed, tastefully designed cabin. And a bloody good audio system too, which appeals to my sensibilities no end.
And it wouldn’t be a Volvo if it wasn’t bristling with a comprehensive array of safety features including Intellisafe Assist featuring City Safety (pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection), plus front and rear collision warning with full automatic emergency braking, and more. Naturally the obligatory army of safety acronyms ala ESP, EBD, ABD can be found here too.
During my week, I pointed its flat-grayish bonnet (Sage Green, in name) down many a gravel road, windy asphalt and comfortably filled it’s seats with my brood of five. And besides enjoying the aforementioned performance, I also came away a fan of it’s Scandi aesthetic, the way it handled (bottom heavy, thank you batteries), planted and pointy. A Volvo remains a lesson in minimalism and restraint, therein lies its charm, and I’m here for it. And on the topic of minimalism, I’ll admit the fact that it doesn’t have a start button freaked me out initially but you do get used to the fact you just drop your bum in the driver’s pew, stick it in D and go.
So if you’re looking for a small, stylish, and powerful electric SUV that doesn’t compromise on safety, the Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin Motor Ultimate is a great option. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road, because this thing is quick. At R1,2mil it is clearly a luxury car. But one with a conscience, and that can deliver performance car perks to boot.
