Volvo C40 Recharge EV | Very Promising, But... 

Being a C40 owner since January of 2022, I have 7 months (now at 18 months 😀) of EV driving experience and hope to continue and keep this fine EV for years to come. 1. Gush at the Fjord Blue color and my next favorite being Fusion Red.🔥 2. The drive is beyond smooth, quiet, fun and absolutely fast (Dual Motor; 408 HP, 78 KWH battery).💥 3. Apple CarPlay through software update 2.2 works really well, albeit a few issues here and there. Always unplug your phone after you finish driving.☝ 4. The space for my 6’3” tall son and 5’7” daughter in the back is absolutely right. Now I don’t feel the need to have a 7 seater SUV like an XC90.😇 5. I am 6’ tall and could slightly afford to have a little more headroom, but when I get inside the car, I feel like I am getting ready to hit a race car rally! 🙂. 7. Time and time again I feel I lacked space in the trunk, but I am proven wrong because I can finish three grocery runs (today: Costco, Kroger and a local grocery outlet for special items). I can stash into my second row seats as well as pack up my cargo hold with no issues. 8. The Harmon Kardon system is top notch, much better than my 13 speaker Bose 305W surround sound in my XC90. Nicely plays Apple iTunes, Spotify and Sirius XM. I have a broad variety of music channels and taste that runs in my family and I can cater to all of them. 9. Super pleased with my Volvo dealership and their ability to deliver the C40 and get it ready within 4 hours for me to take home was beyond thrilling. Loved 🥰 the Volvo hospitality! 10. August 2022- getting a new windshield replaced due to a lack of workmanship from TN Tint when fixing my windshield tintstrip. It resulted in two error messages on collision and driver safety. Part was ordered and I hope to get it fixed within a week. No issues driving however! NEVER FIX A Windshield Tint strip, due to to the defogger/heater elements right in the center of the windscreen. 11. Getting ready to do a trip check end of August for a road trip to Dallas on earth September! 12. Family, friends and loved ones love the color and the ride so far. Nothing but compliments and proudly the only C40 running in a major southern metro! I haven’t see a single C40 in cities like Austin, Atlanta, Philly, Wichita, Orlando, Tampa, Bradenton, Sarasota, Longboat Key, St Petersburg, Nashville through my spring and summer travels! Sexy, Sophisticated, Suave, thrilling, beautiful and a well designed coupe SUV for a family that owned and drove a XC90 for 18 straight years without an accident! 😌☝️

This is the only EV where I nearly forgot it was an EV during the interior impressions.

Whenever I feel that other reviewers are simply talking PR smack, ”this new C40 has a really cool infotainment blablabla”, i come here. Always extremely detailed, always extremely honest, fantastic. Best review channel nowadays

My wife is currently leasing an XC40 and loves it. The infotainment just got a nice update that helped a lot. What I don't understand is the talk about the price. If you spec a Kia EV6 or Hyundai Ioniq to this same level, they are around $55k, which is right in line with an XC40. And then you have a $56k Hyundai, which I personally still have a small problem with. I agree that the c40 is too expensive, because it shouldn't cost what it does. But like you said, we are leasing the Volvo, because in 3 years, who knows how far EVs will have come? I would lease ANY EV right now because they get better every 6 months it seems.

I've watched most other reviews and you guys are the gold standard. Wouldn't consider making a purchase without your opinion. Thank You!

man, I don't even care about Volvo, but I love your reviews man, so I'll watch it and give it thumbs up every time, keep on rocking Savage Geese!

My ownership of C40 is as you said - but ultimately given crazy price gouging on the Mach-E, EV6 and Ioniq5, the price delta ends up being closer than MSRP may suggest. More importantly for me, it’s built like a tank and doors close with a more substantial heft than my EV6 or Sienna minivan

I’d love to watch a video from this channel talking about the current EVs available in the market for 2022. I’m returning a Lemon Model Y and I don’t want to remain in the comfort zone of Tesla superchargers, but as the C40, many EVs today are compromised for being an adaptation from a gas engine power train. This is the only channel I’d expect such comparison honestly addressing the bs from each of these cars. Perhaps, Doug DeMuro too, but not as complete as Jack and Mark can address my questions without me asking any.

"I don't even know what I just said." 😆 I'm glad you mention specifically how clear the text is and dpi. Super important for those of us that are getting older and don't want to wear reading glasses to use their infotainment. GenXers and elder Millennials are at the point where we are starting to need glasses for tiny text.

That's exactly why I would get the C40 EV, like you described it in the first 30 seconds! Increased ride height, looks like a coupe, not a wagon, not a CUV. Just perfect...except the front seats don't have enough lateral thigh support and the car doesn't feel luxurious enough for the "EV" price. But fast as hell (sub 5 seconds). Just test drove it 2 days ago.

I love how this format was like a blitz review but somehow also very informative with a ton of perspective

Glad to see one of the Volvo EVs finally make it to the channel. I'd love to see you review the Polestar 2 as well if you have the opportunity

Mark's final comments are pretty much how I feel about my Polestar 2 as well. The main difference is a different skin on Android Auto which is probably snappier, and it's sorta squished into more of a sedan-feeling vehicle so interior is a little cramped. Range is meh, sound is meh, handling and driving is AMAZiNG. Only felt worth it to lease it since it feels like such a compromised vehicle.

Thumbs up for trying to unlock dev options

I can't justify the $10k premium over the XC40 Recharge EV, and the XC60 Recharge PHEV is far nicer at a similar price to the C40. The other thing that kills this for me, at least for now, is that next year it is supposed to get a range boost to 260-270 miles (but so will the cheaper XC40)

My friend paid $48k for his XC40 Recharge after $7500 tax credit. At that price it’s a pretty good value considering that a comparable Model Y goes for $63k.

I've had my C40 for about a month, decided to watch this video and see the thoughts. Personally, I really like mine. Sure, it's overpriced for what it is, but I'm satisfied with the purchase. Software version 2.1 just released and seems to have brought things a bit more stability now.

Awesome video. I love you EV videos they are so important and keep up the great work.

XC40/C40 are awesome and very under appreciated - just. Wish they were slightly less expensive.

I don’t understand why anyone would buy one of these over the XC40, it’s better in every aspect! Also missed opportunity by Volvo to revive the C30

Mark, I was very surprised to hear that you got rid of your red XC90 after spending all that money on paint protection, etc, and wanting to use it as your long-term camera vehicle! Not sure why you complained about its gas mileage (19mpg) in this video, as heavy, boxy vehicles (SUVs) with turbos (and superchargers!) suck gas. I know, as I drive a S90 T6 Inscription, which I actually do like a lot. (My first Volvo, had though an older Saab 95 wagon 10-12 years ago, and got into this one from a '19 X3.) I would put batteries into this S90 if I could! (Convert it to an EV!)

That ikea named song on the entertainment system made ne laugh a lot.

This is a great entry level Volvo at premium Volvo pricing. For $60k+ I'm more interested in a premium EV wagon.

Wish Volvo would of kept the 3.0L straight 6 around longer.

I bought one of these and did not experience "sitting on top of" that you describe. I adjusted the seat similar to how Mazda recommends, and you definitely sit "IN" it. Just as much, if not moreso than the CX5 and RDX I used to own. Test driving a Stelvio, it did not feel any more "sit in" than this.

Is there a Polestar 2 review coming?

I drove one the other day, followed up by a Polestar 2 and an Ioniq 5. I graded them in order: Ioniq 5, Polestar 2 and C40. In terms of looks I put the C40 a distant 3rd and the Polestar 1st, but the features of the Ioniq 5 did it for me. They were all adequately comfortable for a road trip. My current vehicle is a Bolt, which was meant as a bridge from my BMW 530e to when more EVs were available this year. The Bolt is great for around town, but it isn't a vehicle for road trips - it just isn't comfortable enough. If I can't find the Ioniq 5 I want, I'll be perfectly happy with the Polestar.

I test drove an XC90 a couple of years ago, and when I got in back into my ten-year-old Lexus RX350, I could not believe how much quieter my old Lexus was.

Mark, can you kindly make a video listing pros and cons of your XC90 ownership and why you decided to sell. I remember the video of you picking that car, and doing all of the paint correction work and protection you did.

This is one of the few cars where the speedometer has a proper refresh rate. It looks so smooth and nice, more companies should do this.

Great to re-watch this after having had a number of C40s.

Can you please do the Polestar 2?

Idk but that blue recycled material fabric looked like it was already peeling apart..

I'd love to see a review of the Polestar 2. For a similar price you get something that's slightly faster but handles and looks far better, even before the Performance software upgrade that Europe has. It's also unique and there are no dealer markups AND are generally in stock around the country. I think it does the most with the CMA platform and is the best iteration of it. I'm also biased as I own one.

The EC40 look great! ❤

First time watching, what an interesting mix of good observations and crude entitlement. All the same, I got the message and appreciate the effort to inform.

What annoys me most about the Volvo 2.0 range, is that Volvo KNOWS how to make a great motor. The 4.4 v8, the 3.0T, the na 3.2. All of these would stand up perfectly well in 2022 emissions regulations and would be just as easily adapted to the T8 hybrid platforms. How amazing would the SPA x90 be if it had the old 4.4, mated to the current extended range hybrid setup? It's almost like they wanted to virtue signal by developing these small "efficient" powertrains, when in reality, it's a step backwards.

Thank you for the brutally honest reviews

Could you please explain, how exactly is C40 compromised by not being dedicated EV platform? You repeat this fact without being specific. I believe there is no compromise at all. You have full boot capacity, you have nicely covered frunk and very good interior space considering small size of the car. Rear tunnel is not just empty transmission tunnel from ICE car. There is battery inside and the advantage is, you do not get increased floor as with skateboard platforms and much more comfortable seating position with better knee angle. You should study more ;-)

Great review. My whole life I wanted a Volvo (or Saab) until seeing the price. I guess my 2010 Ford Fusion works just fine :)

Excellent review. Very well done. No unnecessary talking but when he talked it was honest and had a lot of credibility. I have owned three Volvos but they were from the 80/90 period. The first two were 240's and they were great cars. The 740..not so much and it was the last that I have. Review substantiated my gut feeling about the C40. Actually it's quite appealing but the price is much too high for the driving range. Also, I am not in love with many things that are Chinese related. Thank you!

Thank you for the review. Hopefully you can get a Polestar 2 and tell us if the shortcomings you see in the Volvo are resolved. I have the impression that they are, even the high price, because the Polestar has a more "premium feel" to it, better handling, intelligent recuperation system and very userffriendly infotainment. I was particularly impressed by the pixel LED headlights. The major drawback is not sitting on a dedicated platform, which compromises range (fundamental flaw) and interior space.

Yup, I lost all interest in obtaining this vehicle when I saw the price. It seems fairly nice, but I just don't understand the price. I'm not seeing a level of luxury that commands that price. Performance seems strong I guess. Is that what is going to lure in buyers?

Hey guys, while you're tackling Volvo, I would love to hear your thought on the XC60 Recharge as well.

I have an xc 40 recharge and an iPhone. My wife also has an iPhone. We have no problems with the infotainment system

As a 2019 S60 T6 (with polestar tune) Volvo owner, I’m sad that your XC90 didn’t work out - so far my car has been great, but the XC90 is much heavier and stresses the components more than on the S60. I get 30 mpg and have 330 hp. Curious as to why you sold yours. That said, should Volvo build an EV that looks like the Polestar 1 and has pricing that stays on this planet, I would consider it someday. PS- there was nothing wrong with Sensus- I have that with the Bowers and Wilkins 1100 watt stereo in my S60 and wouldn’t change a thing. iPhone user so that would make Android Auto even worse. Great review as always, Mark!

Make cars that last 30 years again. That is what will reduce recycling and waste problem.

I actually like what Volvo brings to the market as a brand but this is just a non starter for many reasons.

Very much so wonder what camera your using 🤔

There really aren’t any other EV’s that can do 0-60 in 4.5 seconds for cheaper than this. And there aren’t a ton of gas cars that can for that money either. I love how quick off the line these cars are. Gas cars can match it but only if you are able to nail the launch.

These are really sharp looking in person. They did the back end very very well.

Volvo's grill is the most handsome grill out there. Even if non-functional they should have kept it because it looks weird af with that blank billet in there.

Nice to know Volvo is still around. Nice.

Now I'm intrigued on what you would think of the polestar 2

In two years, he’ll be a Volvo Customer again. They are about to release everything they’ve been working on. And they have been far ahead of the curve. The next generation Volvo is like a spaceship had a baby with a second gen XC90

Says "blast your gentetalia" without pausing or acknowledging, love it 🤣

I can't speak about pricing in the US but I don't find the C40 "overpriced" here in Canada. I have a loaded C40 on order that will cost about $74k Cdn. (before tax). I previously had a loaded VW AWD ID.4. on order for about $60k. (Both qualify for $9k in government rebates). I am happy to pay the $14k premium to get the Volvo. By contrast, a well-appointed AWD BMW i4 costs more than $90k in Canada (and doesn't qualify for the $9k rebate). Even if that model were priced the same as the C40 I'd take that C40 (just me). In any event, I've not heard a single reviewer assert that the i4 is "overpriced". I also find it curious that many reviewers refer to Tesla cars (all models) as "expensive", but rarely as "overpriced".

How is it that 10 millions people living near the arctic circle can have their own indigenous car industry, indigenous airplane and armament industry, has one of the highest standard of living in the world, excel at many sports and look good doing all of these things.

Is the affordable "hot hatch" comparison still coming? You guys showed some footage in the Elantra N video, and I've been eagerly awaiting it since. Or was inserting that footage in the N video a way of saying the N is the uncontested king of the segment?

Spoon is being played from the Bluetooth connection. Good choice :D

What is the mileage of this demo Volvo Mark. Because I can clearly see that centre console carpet on the driver side is worn out.

For all the talk of Jack and all the Volvo videos here, we've never seen him in one.

You hit the nail on head regarding leasing this gen. In the UK esp, leasing say a (near 30k new) fiat 500 EV for 3 yrs and 10000 Miles p.a works out at around £10k. The tech will have moved on and then a new EV will make more sense

I would never buy a CUV, but price and that aside it seems pretty nice. Very cool interior design!

So Android Automotive doesn't allow you to enable developer mode? That's interesting and important to know, thanks.

What did you replace your Volvo XC90 with?

Definitely not a stiff ride (11:50)! Test drove it the other day. Could actually be a little stiffer.

I only click to hit the like button and support the team... To me cars like this are too expensive and boring to ever imagine owning. If I'm paying this money, I want a used M3 or a Porsche. I'll continue to get my groceries in my old V6 Honda.

I very much dig your videos. And I love that Volvo is going very publicly leather-free on these cars. :)

Looking forward to your review of their "newer" PHEV drivetrain with the XC40 Recharge. We're debating picking up a 2023 XC90 Recharge as a family hauler, but your comments on the T6 have me concerned about the reliability of the 4-banger supporting the whole thing.

As a v60 owner last 3 years I’ve had zero infotainment problems and no mechanical problems from the t5. The xc90 I’d stay away from for sure.

My neighbor has one and I was really impressed with the vehicle. Smart design, pracitle for me, good size and the use of materials is great except for the gloss black. So I gos home and built one on line and it came out at $57k. I just shake my head. Again, when are regular folks going to get a good electric car? (rhetorical question)

Jack; “…the problems with their interaction combustion drivetrains. They aren’t reliable, they are underpowered, they aren’t efficient…”. Oh really?! My Volvo V60 t5 FWD sportwagon has performed flawlessly for over 50k mi since 2016. I’ve only replaced the battery - period. It even has the original brakes! It has very good acceleration at 255 horsepower excellent 8 speed transmission that is always where you need it and on the highway I’m getting 36 mpg with an aero roof rack. The handling is drive flat awesome. Perhaps if you guys didn’t horse the crap out of your cars you’d have better luck. Jack, you might also visit Mark’s 2019 S60 review to update your information.

Volvo = Pay more get less. 200 miles range for almost 60K? WOW. No Apple support? WOW.

Ugh, companies just keep making lease-focused vehicles.. I guess it's good in some way I'm guessing they end up in the second-hand market after the first owner dumps their lease after a few years. On the other side that might be pushing cars even further down a path where it's fine if it runs great for a few years and after that ... who cares right? Let the second owner deal with the issues/breakdowns. It also feels like a giant waste to build these massive cars at massive prices when they are only enjoyed for a few years only to pass it on and jump on something new. I hope they can deliver on the promise that the cars will last and enjoy a long life with other owners and won't end up in landfills "waiting for recycling". Considering this car, I'd be much happier in a competitor like the Ford or Hyundai/Kia. Thanks for the review

12:28 "bridge product", great point, maybe they are going with a smooth transition and focusing more on Polestar for their EVs? Really useful review, thank you for sharing!

Don't know if you've been able to get your hands on the Polestar 2 yet, but it seems to be the only EV I can find without a massive markup where I live. Wondering if there's a negative reason for that similar to your points on the C40, or if it's worth looking into.

Coupe CUV's are so ugly, same story with the VW id.5

Wonder why they put Lincoln logos for the air vents.

I don't understand the disadvantages of a shared platform besides less space optimization. Is it really that big of a deal? Could be a lot cheaper this way with a lot more shared components.

Whatever my generation's radwood is gonna be in 30 years this will be the halo car

Funny in my country, XC40 EV has the same exact price as the EV6 and Ioniq5.

Why cant the infotainment screen be matt?

nanosuit synchronization complete..cloak engaged..transphasics engaged

Wait?!….what happened to your xc90? I thought that was supposed to be your long term work horse….

Really curious on your thoughts on the new EX30 they announced. I feel like that vehicle fixes every single issue you had with this car.

Ioniq 5 and EV6 less money? In their lower trims, yes, but in a trim to match this, they are within a few thousand. In any event, this feels like a luxury car inside vs the Hyundai/Ioniq products which I think feel more pedestrian in comparison. Saw one at the dealership and the build quality on this thing seems amazing. Those doors are solid as a rock! Pano sunroof is also very cool. Also on the leasing front, it seems to me that the dealers are really fleecing you now on the EVs. You'd be paying out like $35k to lease this thing for 3 years. By 2026, this car likely be worth way more than $27,000 ($62k-$35k=$27k), so why would you lease? I would buy and sell for like $38k at the end of three years. If I was looking at one of these I would wait, because I think prices will be down by the end of 2023 on most cars, especially some EVs. Most dealers in MA are marking these up from the mid $50k range to $60k rn. Like the Hyundais, I will likely wait to get one until they figure out the Wireless Apple Carplay, and a rear windshield wiper in the case of the Ioniq 5/EV6. Wth, Kia/Hyundai?? My Suby Outback has Wireless Carplay that works almost flawlessly.

Who said the modern power trains aren’t reliable??? And is 316hp from a four cylinder not a decent amount for a 2L?

Does this have any kind of driver assist? Also have the Apple CarPlay issues been fixed since this video came out?

I ended up lemoning my 2019 Jaguar I-PACE (due to HVAC, not EV components). That was the best driving EV IMHO. I ended up replacing it with a leased 2022 C40. Like you suggested, I am leasing this for 3 years until Volvo/Polestar come up with bespoke BEV.

What about It´s quirks and features?

The price for this range and interior design is just not acceptable. For sub-40k, maybe. Also, Volvo’s infotainment system has had issues with CarPlay for years. I rented some models between 2018-2020 and the system would crash or freeze at least once per drive.

Really digging that trucker hat!

Watching a savagegeese video between iRacing sessions is the best ☺️

So glad I watched this video to learn the new google based system is not IOS friendly, which means newer Volvos are not for me ☹️

so when are y'all gonna make a video about the Polestar 2

Get it below 10% state of charge when you enter turtle mode will change your mind about fixed power train. Being an iOS user is enough for me to walk away but more so than that would be it’s dangerous because you can’t go over 17 mph at 3% state of charge. 😳

I guess this is what the market wants, I would prefer Volvo to bring back the c30 hatch. That was my favorite.

I think the main problem with the C40, is that the XC40 is about 10k less.

Did you show the frunk? Did I miss it?