2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin Ultimate - Review by Mark Fulmer

Quiet Quick Power Enhanced by an Ultimate Trim

Mark Fulmer
Executive Producer, Editor
THE AUTO CHANNEL

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge Ultimate is an all-electric compact SUV that couples a pair of muscular electric engines with high-end tech and extras and wraps them in a stylish design.

The pair of electric motors generate 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque, and can accelerate with instant from 0-to-60 mph in 4.7 seconds. Quietly. By using a 150kW DC fast charger ( Electrify America at Walmart ) I was able recharge the battery from 20 to 80 per cent in 35 minutes at a cost of $18.50. The range of a full charge is baselined at 223 but that can be moderately boosted by using its one-pedal driving technique that uses regenerative system putting some charge back when coasting to a stop. I was reminded of my father's driving advise to "pretend there's a egg between your foot and the pedal." The ride feels solid, handles corners well, and the steering is both light and precise.

The Ultimate trim includes headlight washers, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated wiper blades. The 13-speaker 600 watt Harman Kardon sound system provides a premium sound experience shines when projecting orchestral range and separation as well as vocal textures. The adaptive cruise control with steering assistance takes care of the highway right-foot blues, and actually increases the range slightly as computer and sensors accelerate and come to a stop super gradually.

The idea of using 84 Pixel LEDs in each headlight is stylish, efficient, considerate of oncoming traffic, and worthy of being used by other car makers.

Front Head Room 37.6 in.
Front Hip Room 54.7 in.
Front Leg Room 40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room 56.7 in.

Rear Head Room 38.3 in.
Rear Hip Room 54.6 in.
Rear Leg Room 36.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room 56.3 in.

Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place 25.0 cu.ft.

Maximum Cargo Capacity 57.5 cu.ft.

Safety systems include: Blind Spot And Lane Departure Warnings
Accident Avoidance System
Cornering Lights
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags
Front And Rear Head Airbags
Post-Collision Safety System
Pre-Collision Safety System
Remote Anti-Theft Alarm System
Stability Control
Traction Control
4-Wheel ABS
Emergency Braking Assist
Rear Center 3-Point Belt
Rear Door Child Safety Locks

If you are shopping for an all electric crossover you simply must test drive the XC40 Recharge.