2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge EV P8 AWD Review

Today, Malaysia's C-segment SUV market is undergoing an electrification transformation, and more and more family buyers are considering pure electric models when changing cars — they want to retain the practicality of an SUV while enjoying the low running costs of an electric vehicle. As one of the few pure electric options in this segment focusing on safety and luxury, the Volvo XC40 Recharge EV P8 AWD, with its 408PS dual motor powertrain, 418km official range, and Volvo's signature safety features, has become a contender for many consumers. In this test drive, we focus on its daily driving quality, spatial practicality, and whether its range can meet the needs of intercity travel for Malaysian users.

From the exterior, the XC40 Recharge EV P8 AWD continues the design outline of the petrol version of the XC40, but includes exclusive details unique to electric vehicles. The front features a closed grille, paired with the iconic "Thor's Hammer" LED daytime running lights, offering high recognizability; the side of the car maintains the compact SUV proportions with 19-inch dual-tone wheels (front 235/50 R19, rear 255/45 R19) adding a sporty touch, while the muscular lines of the rear fenders retain the robust feel of an SUV. The rear is highlighted by the Viking Axe-shaped LED taillights, which remain striking, but due to it being an electric vehicle, the exhaust layout is removed, giving it a simpler overall appearance.

Stepping inside, the interior style leans towards Scandinavian simplicity, with a 9-inch touchscreen at the center of the dashboard and very few physical buttons for a clear operational layout. In terms of material usage, the upper part of the dashboard is made of soft textured plastic, the door panels are wrapped in leather, complemented by silver trims, offering a quality feel that matches its luxury C-segment positioning. The front seats are power-adjustable, with memory functions for the driver’s seat; the cushioning is firm but provides good support, making long drives less tiring. The rear seats support a 60:40 split-folding configuration, offering 460L of trunk space in the standard state, which can be expanded to accommodate larger items like strollers or suitcases when folded down. With a wheelbase of 2,702mm, the rear legroom is sufficient; a 175cm passenger sitting in the back has two fists' worth of space between their knees and the front seat, with a fist's distance above their head, making it suitable for family use.

In terms of power, the XC40 Recharge EV P8 AWD is equipped with front and rear dual motors, delivering a combined maximum power of 408PS and a total torque of 660N·m, achieving an official 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 4.9 seconds. During actual driving, the response upon start is immediate; a light press on the accelerator provides a noticeable push-back sensation, and when overtaking at high speeds, pressing harder on the accelerator still delivers ample power without needing to wait for the revs to build. It offers multiple driving modes: the eco mode softens the power output, making it suitable for daily commuting, while the sport mode delivers more aggressive performance, catering to users seeking driving excitement.

As for handling, the front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension setup is tuned for comfort without compromising resilience. When going over speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, the suspension effectively filters out most minor vibrations, and the body remains stable without significant sway; when cornering, body roll is well-controlled, the steering wheel turns with precision, with minimal play, providing confidence to the driver. However, due to its weight of 2,150kg, the car's heft can be felt during fast lane changes, but the added stability from the all-wheel-drive system ensures consistent body balance.

In terms of range and charging, the official range is 418km. During our test under mixed urban and highway conditions in Malaysia, with the air conditioning on and music playing throughout, the actual range was approximately 360km, achieving a rate of about 86%—a fairly average performance. The battery capacity is 78kWh, and using DC fast charging, it takes about 40 minutes to go from 10% to 80%. With AC slow charging, it takes around 8 hours, which comfortably meets daily household charging needs.

In terms of comfort, the noise control of the XC40 Recharge EV P8 AWD is excellent. At speeds below 60km/h, external noise is nearly inaudible. At higher speeds, wind and tire noise are present but remain within acceptable limits. The seats offer great support and cushioning, and the rear row is equipped with independent air vents, ensuring passengers don't feel stuffy during long-distance travel.

Safety configuration is Volvo's strong point. This car comes standard with 7 airbags, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and also features automatic parking and front and rear parking sensors, making it convenient for new drivers to park. Compared to competitors in the same class, such as the Tesla Model Y or Volkswagen ID.4, the XC40 Recharge EV P8 AWD offers more comprehensive safety features and a more luxurious interior quality.

In summary, the core strengths of the XC40 Recharge EV P8 AWD lie in its strong performance, comprehensive safety features, practical space, and luxurious Nordic design. It is suitable for families who prioritize safety and comfort as well as young people who desire performance without compromising practicality. If your budget is around RM260,000 and you're looking for a well-rounded electric SUV, the XC40 Recharge EV P8 AWD is worth considering.