The C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge are getting three new powertrains including two rear-wheel drive variants, which will become the first RWD Volvos since 1998. The new lineup begins with a rear-mounted 235 hp electric motor, which replaces a front-mounted motor that developed 228 hp. It enables the C40 and XC40 to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 7.4 seconds and hit a top speed of 180 km/h.

More importantly, the XC40 Recharge sees its range increase from 425 km to 460 km, in the WLTP cycle, despite featuring a familiar 69 kWh battery pack.  In the United States, that should result in an EPA range of 240 miles. Likewise, the C40 Recharge can now travel up to 476 km in the WLTP cycle or 245 miles under the EPA. Customers looking for more range can get a larger 82 kWh battery pack, which is paired with a rear-mounted motor developing 248 hp. While the motor has extra oomph, the dash to 100 km/h still takes 7.4 seconds and the top speed remains 180 km/h. But the WLTP range increases to 520 km for the XC40 Recharge and 530 km for the C40 Recharge.  In America, drivers can expect an EPA range of up to 275 miles.

 

Besides being able to go the distance, the Extended Range variants have improved charging technology.  The models now support DC fast charging at 200 kW, which is 50 kW more than their predecessor and apparently 70 kW more than the entry-level rear-wheel drive variants. Customers seeking the added performance and traction of all-wheel drive will find a new dual-motor setup.  While the outgoing models had 201 hp motors front and rear, the new versions have a 157 hp motor up front and a 245 hp motor out back.

The motors are paired to an 82kWh battery pack, which benefits from “overall efficiency improvements” in cooling. Thanks to the changes, the XC40 Recharge Twin Motor AWD now has a WLTP range of 500 km, while the C40 Recharge Twin Motor AWD can travel 507 km. In terms of performance, the all-wheel drive XC40 Recharge can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and hit a top speed of 180 km/h. The C40 variant is two tenths of a second faster to 100 km/h, but the top speed remains unchanged.