2024 Volvo C40 Recharge Ultimate

The C40 Recharge is Volvo’s small "crossover coupe" EV, a sleek, sloped-roof version of the boxier XC40 Recharge (see page TK) with which it shares a platform and many components. The C40’s exterior is bold and stylish, and fit and finish are excellent throughout. Our test vehicle’s powerful twin electric motors (402 hp) produced blazing speed and impressive low-end torque. Its EV range, 257 miles, is decent (the single-motor version is rated at 297 miles). The C40 delivers a comfortable ride, and overall handling is good. Fuel efficiency increased in 2024, from 87 MPGe to 99 MPGe in combined city/highway driving, and charging times are quick. We tested the high-end Ultimate trim. Features included 20-inch wheels, heated front and rear seats, an especially robust set of advanced safety features, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. C40 owners receive 4 years/40,000 miles of complimentary routine maintenance. The C40 could use some improvement in a few areas, however. Most of the infotainment system’s functions are controlled by a hard-to-manipulate touch screen. Visibility to the sides and rear, as well as cargo capacity, are restricted by the low roofline, and the rearview camera’s image quality lacked crispness. The standard panoramic sunroof has no protective cover. Finally, the ride tends to be bouncy (a.k.a., porpoising) at high speeds.