Volvo XC40 Recharge (EX40) Twin Pure Electric

Overview

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Twin Pure Electric, a discontinued gem in the premium compact electric SUV scene, still packs a serious punch. This Swedish stunner offers rapid twin-motor all-wheel drive, a slick Google-powered infotainment, and signature Volvo safety, all wrapped in a stylish, eco-conscious package. For those eyeing the used market, this specific trim could be snagged for around $18,200 in the US. It’s a compelling blend of performance and practicality for savvy buyers.

What's New for 2022?

For 2022, the XC40 Recharge Twin Pure Electric largely carried over its winning formula. While its single-motor sibling joined the lineup, this dual-motor dynamo continued to impress with its all-wheel-drive grip and potent performance. The official EPA range for this model year landed very close to the 222-mile real-world range estimate calculated by Green Cars Compare. Expect the latest Android Automotive OS refinements, ensuring the tech inside felt fresh and responsive for US drivers diving into Volvo's electric future.

Design & Exterior

Rocking that cool Scandinavian design, the 2022 XC40 Twin Pure Electric is a proper looker. You get Volvo's iconic "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights and a sleek, body-colored sealed grille, hinting at its electric heart. This compact SUV measures up at 174.2 inches long, 73.7 inches wide (excluding mirrors), and 65 inches tall. The Twin Pure Electric trim often flaunted unique alloy wheels, making it subtly stand out from its petrol-powered cousins. It's understatedly chic and perfectly suited for city streets or country roads.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the XC40 Twin Pure Electric and you're greeted by a minimalist yet plush cabin, often featuring sustainable materials like wool blend or recycled plastics – very eco-chic! Passenger space is decent for a compact SUV. For your stuff, there's 16 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to a generous 57.5 cubic feet with the seats down. Plus, a nifty 0.7 cubic foot frunk up front is perfect for stashing charging cables. The star is Google's Android Automotive OS on a big touchscreen, super intuitive with built-in Maps and Assistant.

Performance & Driving Experience

Hold on tight! The XC40 Twin Pure Electric rockets from 0-60 mph in a blistering 4.7 seconds. That’s thanks to its dual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (one front, one rear) delivering punchy all-wheel drive, a stonking 300 kW (around 402 hp), and 487 lb-ft of instant torque. It’s not just quick; it offers a refined, comfortable ride, and can even tow up to 2000 lbs. One-pedal driving makes city commutes a breeze, and regenerative braking helps claw back precious miles.

Range, Battery & Charging

Under the floor, the XC40 Twin Pure Electric packs a 75 kWh usable battery. Green Cars Compare calculates a real-world range estimate of 222 miles, with an efficiency of around 2.96 mi/kWh. For charging, its 11 kW AC on-board unit will juice it up overnight. Need a quick top-up? It slurps down DC fast-charge power at up to a mighty 200 kW via its US-spec CCS Type 1 port, meaning 10-80% can be done in around 30-40 minutes. Perfect for those longer road trips!

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Volvo and safety go hand-in-hand, and this EV is no exception, boasting a top 5-star rating from Euro NCAP. Standard kit is generous, usually including Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Keeping Aid, and Oncoming Lane Mitigation. Volvo's highly-regarded Pilot Assist system, combining adaptive cruise control with lane centering, was often standard on this trim, making highway driving a doddle and keeping you secure on US roads.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Volvo typically backs its vehicles with a 4-year/50,000-mile basic limited warranty in the US. Crucially for an EV, the high-voltage battery is usually covered for a reassuring 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, against manufacturing defects and significant degradation. New Volvos at the time often came with a period of complimentary scheduled maintenance, typically around 3 years/36,000 miles. Overall, the XC40 Recharge platform has shown decent reliability, offering peace of mind for owners.