The 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge Twin Ultimate is a compact EV that looks cool on paper, but has quirks that detract from the overall experience. While “quirky” has been used to describe Volvos in the past, the quirks of the C40 are more confounding than fun. In this review, we’ll explore the pros and cons of this vehicle, including its driving dynamics, infotainment system, and price tag.

Driving Dynamics

The C40 Recharge offers typical EV quickness from jump, thanks to its dual electric motors that provide all-wheel drive. The 78 kWh lithium-ion battery delivers an impressive 402 horsepower and 486 lb-ft of torque, making the car’s ability to get moving from a dead stop quite impressive. However, the artificial steering feel and handling that feels a tad too ponderous for a car of this size are letdowns. The lack of connection from the steering wheel to the tire could be at issue here. The overall ride/handling/acceleration package isn’t bad, but it doesn’t live up to its initial promise. The car could be even livelier with a little extra effort on Volvo’s part.

Infotainment System

The C40 Recharge’s infotainment system has a learning curve that may be tricky to decipher if you’re new to the brand. However, the screen is huge and easy to read, which is a plus. Android phone users may find the Google-based system a bit quicker to learn than iPhone users. One annoying quirk involves the infotainment system’s menus, which can be difficult to operate at first. However, these problems go away once you learn the system, which any owner would in short order.

Price Tag

The base price for the C40 Recharge is $58K, which includes features such as the 12.3-inch gauge screen, 9-inch infotainment screen, Google services, climate pre-conditioning, Bluetooth, USB ports, wireless phone charging, LED headlights, LED fog lights, blind-spot information system with steer assist, cross-traffic alert with automatic braking for collision avoidance, collision mitigation, lane-departure alert, lane-keep assist, a fixed panoramic glass roof, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control. The base price also includes the Ultimate package, which includes 20-inch wheels, heated rear seats, keyless drive, adaptive cruise control, a power liftgate, Harmon Kardon audio, and a heated steering wheel. With the $695 metallic paint and the $1,095 destination fee, the total comes to $60,540.

Quirks

The most noticeable quirk of the C40 Recharge is the lack of a button for starting the motor. When you want to drive, you sit down and weight sensors note your presence – you put your foot on the brake and pull back on the gear shift. A “ready” notice appears in the dash and you’re ready to drive. When you park, you just put the gear selector in park and get out. It shuts down once you do. In theory, this seems nice and convenient. However, is pressing a button that hard? It’s already an EV, so you’re not waiting for an internal-combustion engine to turn over and fire. Another annoying quirk involves the absence of AM radio. While some may not miss it, others still listen to sports and news on AM and may find themselves missing it.

Conclusion

The C40 Recharge is supposed to be a reasonably-priced electric upscale urban runabout. While the car’s driving dynamics might be a bit of a letdown, the handling is still pretty decent. There’s power on tap for acceleration. The quirks mentioned above won’t annoy everyone. However, the price tag may be off-putting for some. The C40 Recharge could be a fun, relatively affordable way to introduce buyers to EVs in general and the Volvo brand specifically. However, it’s unfortunate that getting the ultimate recharge will cost so much.