Volvo XC40 Recharge EV launched in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's market for luxury electric cars is getting hotter as automakers are rolling out their premium EVs one after the other, thanks to the government’s tax rebates. In the period of 7 days, we first witnessed the launch of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, followed by the Mercedes-Benz EQA and now it's Volvo XC40 Recharge EV that made its way to our shores. Let’s know about the latest EV in detail.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge EV is the brand’s first electric car in Malaysia, and it is also the first CKD EV in the country as Volvo assembles it locally in Shah Alam. It will be on offer in a single variant whose price will be revealed on April 4, 2022; the automaker will also start accepting the XC40 Recharge EV bookings on the same day. The deliveries are scheduled to commence by the end of April.

The all-electric Volvo XC40 is powered by a P8 twin-motor electric drivetrain comprising two electric motors, producing a maximum power output of 408 hp and a peak torque of 660 Nm. The drivetrain together with a 78 kWh battery pack offers you a range of up to 418 km (WLTP test cycle) on a single charge. 

When it comes to Volvo XC40 Recharge charging, the EV takes almost 40 minutes to reach an 80% state-of-charge, when using the 150 kW DC fast charging socket. Performance figures include a century sprint of 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 180 kmph.

Coming to the exterior kit, here the XC40 EV sets it apart from the petrol-powered model with a blocked front grille, distinctive 19-inch alloy wheels, restyled bumper at the rear with no exhausts, and of course Recharge badges. It is crucial to note that this isn’t the new facelifted Volvo XC40, rather it is based on the pre-facelift form.

Inside, the stuff remains similar to the ICE model with the new Android Automotive OS running on the 12.3 digital instrument panel and 9-inch infotainment unit as the only major difference. Parts of the standard kit are dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents, wireless charging pad, powered front seats, powered tailgate, Harman Kardon sound system, and leather/Nubuck upholstery.

As the EV is based on Volvo’s Compact Modular Architecture, the boot volume has been slightly reduced at 413 litres. But don’t worry, you also get a front trunk with the EV offering 31 litres of storage space.

On the safety front, Volvo’s first electric car is packed with an Intellisafe advanced driver assistance pack, including City Safety suite, Driver Alert Control, Blind Spot Information System, Lane Keeping Aid, Run-Off Road Mitigation with Road Edge Detection, Park Assist, and an Adaptive Cruise Control with Pilot Assist.

So, there we go. You can check out the new Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric in person at all authorised Volvo dealers in Malaysia starting from April 4, 2022. 

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