Volvo C40 Recharge Review & Prices

The Volvo C40 is an eye-catching SUV with a dose of coupe style, thanks to its dramatically sloping roof. Based on the same underpinnings as the XC40 SUV, the C40 didn’t offer the petrol or diesel engines of that car - instead, it was offered solely as the C40 Recharge, with either one or two electric motors.

With its stylish coupe bodywork and 3D-printed interior components, it’s like the younger sibling that’s annoyingly talented - even though the older car is more practical, can be just as eco-friendly and has been around for a lot longer.

In 2024 Volvo renamed the C40 Recharge the EC40, to bring it into line with its other purely electric vehicles, the EX30 and the EX90. The XC40 Recharge got the same treatment, and has been renamed the EX40. You can read our up-to-date reviews of those cars by clicking on the links.

Despite the name change, there’s very little difference between the C40 and the newer EC40. You could definitely consider a C40 from dealer stock or lightly used as an alternative to other stylish EVs such as the Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback, Ford Mustang Mach-e or BMW iX2.

Choosing a C40 can be slightly confusing, though. From launch, it was available with either one or two motors - giving a choice between front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. An update in mid-2023 installed more efficient motors - and made the single-motor car rear-wheel drive. Plus, it improved the efficiency all round, improving range.

What you need to know is that while performance didn’t change much, the post-2023 C40 is nicer to drive and will go further, with a maximum official range of up to 342 miles. Prior to this, the best the C40 could manage was 278 miles.

Regardless of what era of C40 you’re buying in, you’ll get a similar interior - and that’s a great thing. Though practicality in the rear (as well as visibility) is hampered by the C40’s dramatically sloping roofline, the front seats are very comfortable and supportive and the dashboard is built out of luxurious, premium materials. 

Almost everything is controlled through a 9.0-inch central touchscreen, which feels a little antiquated by the standards of today. This is another area where later cars have the edge - they run a much more flexible and responsive version of Volvo’s infotainment software, with built-in Google Apps - though all models can have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone mirroring.

If you’re interested in the Volvo C40, check out the best used models on Carwow right here - or look for other used Volvos here. You can check out our review and the best deals available on the newly rebadged EC40 here, and remember that you can always sell your car through Carwow too, where our trusted network of dealers ensures you get the best possible price.