2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric P8: Key highlights

Volvo Malaysia has finally launched the much-talked-about XC40 Recharge Pure Electric. As one can guess by the name, it is the all-electric version of the ongoing XC40 crossover. Thus bringing the total down to three variants - the petrol-only T5 AWD, the petrol PHEV Recharge T5, and the latest Recharge P8 AWD.

As for now, it would be correct to say that Volvo Malaysia has introduced the XC40 Recharge, as the model’s official pricing is not revealed. The same will happen come April 4, on the Volvo Cars Malaysia website, when the bookings for the XC40 Recharge will commence as well. In the meantime, interested buyers can check the new electric Volvo out at the company's authorized dealerships nationwide.

Enough with the blabbering, let’s now discuss XC40 Recharge Pure Electric P8’s key highlights -

Malaysia’s first CKD EV

Yes, the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric P8 will be locally-assembled, thus making it the country’s first CKD EV. Like all the other locally-made Volvo cars, this one too will be exported to neighbouring ASEAN countries like Thailand.

Attractively priced

The Malaysian government's current exemption of import and export duties covers CKD parts, meaning Volvo’s latest EV will be attractively priced. However, we’ll have to wait for next month for the exact figures.

Malaysia-spec model is the pre-facelift version

What we are getting is the pre-facelift version of the XC40 Recharge P8 and not the one revealed globally last November. Meaning, the pure electric version showcases pretty much the same design as its sibling. There however is a differentiating element, the converted front grille which is unique to the pure electric version.

As for similarities, like the Recharge T5 it gets the Recharge script on the C-pillar and charging port on the left side.

Somewhat PHEV version like cabin

Like the exterior, the cabin also looks very much similar to the plug-in hybrid version. However, there are a few differentiating factors like the revised 12.3-inch digital instrument panel with model-specific displays for EV powertrain. The infomatinent system has Android Automotive OS as its base which provides users access to services like Google Play Store, Google Maps, and Google Assistant.
Several remote services onboard

Volvo has turned the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric P8 with the Volvo Cars companion app and telematics. Thus allowing owners to perform several functions remotely like checking vehicle status, pre-conditioning, lock/unlock, and requesting roadside assistance during emergencies.

As per Volvo Malaysia, these services are free for the first four years, subscription renewing prices are yet to be revealed.

Heavy in comparison to the other two XC40 variants

The all-new XC40 Recharge P8 is heavy compared to its two petrol-powered siblings. Thanks to its large battery pack, the EV weighs 2,150 kg, which is 275-440 kg more compared to the other two variants.

Slightly small boot, but still a win-win situation

 

Being an EV, the XC40 Recharge P8 gets a large battery pack which is stuffed into the floor of the car’s Compact Modular Architecture platform and encroaches a little bit into the boot load floor. This in turn results in a slightly less luggage space of 431-litre, compared to 460-litre offered by other XC40 models. It however, gets compensated by the front trunk with 31-litre storage space.

Loaded with features inside & out

The XC40 EV showcases the same set of amenities as the non-EVs. Part of the kit is - full LED headlamps with "Thor's Hammer" LED DRLs, LED taillights, front fog lamps with cornering function, 19-inch wheels, and gloss black roof rails.

On the inside, the EV comes with a 9-inch touchscreen with Android Automotive OS-based infotainment system, wireless charging pad, 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, power-adjustable front seats with driver’s side memory function.

Strong safety profile

The all-new XC40 Pure Electric P8 showcases a strong safety shield, thanks to the full suite of safety and driver assistance systems like -

• City Safety suite, including collision avoidance & mitigation with intersection support; pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection
• Front and rear collision warning and mitigation support
• Driver Alert Control
• Lane Keeping Aid
• Run-Off Road Mitigation with Road Edge Detection
• Oncoming Lane Mitigation
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Steer Assist
• Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) with Autobrake

Tough competitors

No doubt the XC40 EV is a strong player in the EV field, however, the cars it will be going against are no less, thus calling for a pretty amazing fight. In the Malaysian market, the XC40 Pure Electric P8 will compete against the recently-launched Mercedes-Benz EQA.

What are your thoughts on Volvo Malaysia's latest EV? Impressive? Let us know in the comments.

Also Read: Future of electric car charging is Volvo’s wireless tech