Volvo XC40 Recharge (EX40) P8 AWD

Overview

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge P8 AWD was Volvo's first all-electric firecracker, a compact luxury SUV blending Scandinavian cool with zippy EV performance. As the P8 AWD trim, it boasted a potent dual-motor setup and standard all-wheel drive, wrapped in Volvo’s signature safety. This particular model year marked its US debut. While no longer new, a used 2021 P8 AWD can be found for around $17,998 stateside. It’s a sophisticated Swede that’s surprisingly quick off the mark and packed with character!

What's New for 2021?

For 2021, everything about the XC40 Recharge P8 AWD was brand-spanking new to the US market! This model year heralded Volvo's bold entry into the pure electric vehicle segment. It launched as a fully-loaded proposition, bringing the familiar XC40 charm but with an electric powertrain. Key introductions included the powerful dual-motor AWD system, a distinctive covered grille, and an innovative Android Automotive-based infotainment system with Google services built right in, setting a new tech benchmark for Volvo.

Design & Exterior

The 2021 XC40 Recharge P8 AWD sports that cool, chunky Volvo SUV aesthetic but with tell-tale EV flair. Up front, a body-colored covered grille replaces the traditional open one, signaling its electric heart, flanked by Volvo's signature "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights. It’s a well-proportioned compact SUV, measuring 174.2 inches in length, 73.7 inches in width (mirrors excluded), and 65 inches in height. The P8 AWD trim often came with distinctive alloy wheels, adding to its premium, modern look on the road.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the XC40 P8 AWD greets you with a minimalist, yet plush Scandinavian design, featuring high-quality and often sustainable materials. It’s properly spacious for a compact SUV, comfortably seating five. Tech-wise, it pioneered Google's Android Automotive OS on a slick 9-inch vertical touchscreen, with Google Maps and Assistant integrated, plus standard Apple CarPlay. Luggage space is a decent 16 ft³ in the trunk, expanding to a generous 57.5 ft³ with the rear seats folded, and there’s a nifty 0.7 ft³ frunk for your charging cables.

Performance & Driving Experience

This Swede isn't messing about! The XC40 P8 AWD rockets from 0-60 mph in a blistering 4.7 seconds, courtesy of its dual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (one front, one rear) unleashing a combined 300 kW (around 402 hp) and a substantial 487 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels. The ride is typically Volvo – comfortable and composed, though that instant torque makes it feel incredibly eager around town, and it can even tow up to 2000 lbs. Effective one-pedal driving enhances the smooth, engaging EV experience.

Range, Battery & Charging

The 2021 XC40 P8 AWD is equipped with a 75 kWh usable battery pack, providing a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of 214 miles, with an efficiency of 2.85 mi/kWh. For home top-ups, the standard 11 kW on-board AC charger can replenish the battery in about 8 hours. When you're out and about, it supports CCS Type 1 DC fast charging at speeds up to 150 kW, enabling a 10-80% charge in approximately 40 minutes under ideal conditions – pretty handy for road trips!

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

True to Volvo's reputation, the 2021 XC40 P8 AWD is a fortress on wheels, earning a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. It comes generously equipped with standard advanced driver-assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist system, which bundles adaptive cruise control with lane centering for semi-autonomous driving capabilities. Peace of mind is definitely part of the package.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

For the 2021 XC40 P8 AWD, Volvo provided a 4-year/50,000-mile basic new vehicle warranty in the US. Critically for an EV, the high-voltage battery and electric drive components were covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles. Volvo also included complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first 3 years or 36,000 miles. As an electric vehicle, it generally requires less maintenance than its combustion-engine counterparts, pointing towards good long-term reliability and lower running costs, which is always a bonus!