Volvo XC40 Recharge (EX40) P8 AWD

Overview

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge P8 AWD (now part of the EX40 line-up) was Volvo's first crack at a full-fat electric SUV, and boy, did they deliver! This Swedish meatball packs a serious punch, blending familiar premium compact SUV practicality with silent, instant electric thrust. As a discontinued model (production for this P8 AWD trim ran from 2020 to 2021), it’s now a tempting used buy, with a typical price around €32,980 in Europe. Its key USPs were that potent twin-motor setup, Google-powered infotainment, and Volvo’s legendary safety credentials.

What's New for 2021?

Being the launch iteration for Volvo's all-electric ambitions, the 2021 XC40 Recharge P8 AWD largely carried over its impressive debut spec from its 2020 introduction. Significant for 2021 were ongoing over-the-air (OTA) software updates, continuously refining the groundbreaking Android Automotive OS infotainment and potentially tweaking vehicle performance or efficiency. Volvo was keen on future-proofing these early EVs, ensuring the tech stayed fresh. No major hardware changes were introduced for this final model year of the original P8 AWD badging before the branding evolved.

Design & Exterior

The XC40 P8 AWD keeps the award-winning, chunky-yet-chic design of its petrol siblings but adds subtle EV cues. You get a sleek, body-coloured covered grille up front because, well, no big engine needs that much cooling! Distinctive "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights ensure it’s unmistakably Volvo, while the P8 trim often sported unique alloy wheel designs. Dimensionally, it measures 4425 mm in length, 1873 mm in width (excluding mirrors), and 1651 mm in height, making it a perfectly city-sized SUV with a commanding, premium presence on the road.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, it’s typical Volvo – minimalist, beautifully crafted with sustainable materials, and seriously comfy for all five occupants. The real party piece is the Android Automotive OS, powering a slick portrait touchscreen with Google Maps, Assistant, and Play Store built-in – a genuine game-changer for in-car tech! You also get a crisp digital driver display. Cargo-wise, there’s a practical 410-litre boot, expanding to a hefty 1295 litres with the rear seats folded, plus a handy 31-litre ‘frunk’ under the bonnet for stashing charging cables or smaller bags.

Performance & Driving Experience

Hold onto your hats! The XC40 P8 AWD is blisteringly quick, zapping from 0-100 km/h in a mere 4.9 seconds. This rocket-like thrust comes from two Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM), one on the front axle and one on the rear, delivering a combined wallop of 300 kW and a massive 660 Nm of torque through its all-wheel-drive system. It’s not just straight-line grunt; the low-slung battery aids handling, making it feel planted. Ride comfort is typically plush, and strong regenerative braking allows for easy one-pedal driving. Top speed is capped at 180 km/h.

Range, Battery & Charging

The P8 AWD is powered by a 75 kWh (usable) battery pack, offering a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range estimate of around 345 km – decent for most daily driving and some longer journeys. Energy consumption is rated at an efficient 4.6 km/kWh. For charging, its standard on-board AC charger supports up to 11 kW, meaning a full top-up takes roughly 7-8 hours at home or a compatible public charger. Hook it up to a DC fast charger via its CCS Type 2 port, and it’ll gulp down electrons at up to 150 kW.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

It’s a Volvo, so safety is absolutely paramount! The XC40 Recharge P8 AWD proudly wears a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. You're cocooned in a fortress of tech, with most of Volvo's cutting-edge driver-assistance systems coming as standard on this high-spec trim. This typically includes Pilot Assist (adaptive cruise control with lane centering), City Safety (comprehensive autonomous emergency braking for cars, pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals), Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with steer assist, and Cross Traffic Alert with auto brake. It’s like having a very attentive co-pilot.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

For European owners, the Volvo XC40 P8 AWD typically came with a general vehicle warranty of around 3 years or 100,000 km. The crucial high-voltage battery is usually covered for a more extended period, often 8 years or 160,000 km, guaranteeing against excessive degradation (e.g., retaining at least 70% capacity). Maintenance is generally simpler and potentially cheaper than its combustion-engined counterparts due to fewer moving parts. Some markets may have included complimentary servicing for an initial period, further sweetening the deal on this already reliable electric Swede.