Volvo XC40 Recharge (EX40) Twin Pure Electric

Overview

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Twin Pure Electric, now also known as the EX40, is a cracking compact electric SUV that blends classic Volvo safety with zesty performance. This all-wheel-drive "Twin" variant packs a serious punch, making it a rapid yet practical choice for families. It’s got that cool Scandinavian design down pat and offers a premium feel. While production of this specific "Twin Pure Electric" trim under this name was for 2022, you can find used examples on the European market for around €33,000. It’s a seriously compelling package for eco-conscious urbanites and beyond.

What's New for 2022?

For the 2022 model year, the XC40 Twin Pure Electric represented the top-tier all-wheel-drive electric offering, continuing its push into the premium EV space. While major overhauls weren't the story, Volvo focused on refining the package, including ongoing updates to its impressive Google Android Automotive infotainment system. This specific "Twin Pure Electric" badging denotes the potent dual-motor setup for that year, before evolving into subsequent naming conventions. It maintained its strong performance and range figures, making it a solid contender manufactured in Belgium.

Design & Exterior

The 2022 XC40 Twin Pure Electric boasts a cool, chunky SUV stance with signature Volvo design cues. You get the iconic "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights and a distinctive blanked-off grille, signalling its electric heart. Its compact dimensions (Length: 4425 mm, Width (no mirrors): 1873 mm, Height: 1652 mm) make it city-friendly, yet it has a solid road presence. The overall look is modern, minimalist, and unmistakably Volvo, appealing to those who appreciate understated style with a premium edge. This trim often featured smart alloy wheels completing the look.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the XC40 Twin Pure Electric, and you're greeted by a minimalist Scandinavian haven, often featuring sustainable materials and seating for five. Passenger space is decent for a compact SUV, offering good comfort. Tech is a highlight, with the Google Android Automotive system running the show on a slick portrait touchscreen – think Google Maps and Assistant built-in. Cargo-wise, you get a practical 410 litres in the boot, expanding to a generous 1295 litres with seats down. Plus, there's a handy 31-litre frunk under the bonnet!

Performance & Driving Experience

The "Twin" in Twin Pure Electric means business! With two permanent magnet synchronous motors (one PMSM front, one PMSM rear) delivering a stonking 300 kW and 660 Nm of torque to all four wheels, this XC40 is seriously quick. It’ll rocket from 0-100 km/h in a mere 4.9 seconds, pushing you back in your seat, all the way to its 180 km/h top speed. The driving experience is smooth and refined, with well-judged regenerative braking offering one-pedal driving. It’s both a comfortable cruiser and surprisingly agile for its 2188 kg weight.

Range, Battery & Charging

Powering the XC40 Twin Pure Electric is a 75 kWh (usable) battery pack (78 kWh nominal), giving a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of around 357 km – pretty solid for daily duties. Efficiency is rated at 4.76 km/kWh. For charging via its CCS Type 2 port, the standard 11 kW AC on-board charger will fill its 400V architecture battery in about 8 hours. Out on the road, it can sup electricity at up to 200 kW from a DC fast charger, zapping the battery from 10-80% in roughly 30-35 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Being a Volvo, safety is absolutely top-notch, backed by a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. The 2022 XC40 Twin Pure Electric comes loaded with safety kit. Standard features typically include City Safety (autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist, and large animal detection), lane keeping aid, and oncoming lane mitigation. Many models will also feature the Pilot Assist system – a sophisticated adaptive cruise control with steering assistance – often as part of an optional pack, alongside blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert, enhancing its impressive 1800 kg braked towing capability.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Volvo offers robust peace of mind with its warranty package in Europe. Typically, the XC40 Twin Pure Electric would be covered by a 3-year/100,000 km general vehicle warranty. Crucially for an EV, the high-voltage battery usually gets an 8-year/160,000 km warranty, often guaranteeing at least 70% state of health. Electric powertrain components are also covered under this. Maintenance is generally simpler and potentially cheaper than its petrol counterparts, thanks to fewer moving parts. Reliability for Volvo's electric offerings has been shaping up well.