The XC 40 is Volvo's smallest SUV. It is available with four-wheel drive and four-cylinder engines. There are also three-cylinder models with the same single displacement and 95 or 120 kW, but almost all of them have been
left out. So the PlugIn has neither four-wheel drive nor four cylinders and with 132 kW (180 hp) more power than the other three-cylinder models. Presumably, the engineers payed tribute to about 200 kg extra weight due to
the additional electrical equipment.
The eight-speed automatic transmission was not adopted either. Instead, there is a double clutch transmission where the electric motor helps to drive the vehicle via one of the two output shafts. The battery is located along
the entire length above the cardan tunnel and has a gross capacity of 10.7 kWh. For the price of this PlugIn you can almost get the most expensive four-cylinder model with 4WD.
| In order to receive a new battery under warranty, the capacity of the one in this Volvo must be less than
55 %. |
That's all well and good if Volvo pays for the electricity you charge out of home for the first year. But the single-phase type 2 plug is particularly unsuitable for such transactions. Direct current does not work at all, and
otherwise, in principle, only remains the household socket. The promise does not mean a big cost risk for Volvo.
Where does the car stand out? Certainly not at the electric range. Because of the high price, you even have to be careful with the equipment to get the premium of 7.500 € instead of only 5.625 €. It
is, however, a more premium-oriented vehicle, usually pleasantly quiet and with comparatively comfortable suspension. Problematic: the enforced limitation of 180 km/h.
| Remarkable: for this vehicle category the relatively high towing capacity. |
| The pure electric XC 40 . . . |
