Limited to just 50 units for South Africa, Volvo’s C40 signals the stride forward into electrification on South African soil for the Swedish automaker. Here is how much the model will cost in Mzansi.
Available online through the My Volvo website and offered exclusively in flagship Ultimate specification, the Swedish firm’s latest electric vehicle bears a starting price of R1 285 000. South Africa’s initial allocation is 50 units, with the first customer cars scheduled for delivery in June 2023.
Related: Volvo C40 Recharge set to hit the South African market
Included in the price is the Volvo Care package, which comprises a five-year maintenance plan and warranty (with the battery pack covered for eight years or 160 000 km), a home charging wallbox and a public charging cable.
Thanks to its twin-motor configuration – one on the front axle and one on the rear axle – the C40 Recharge benefits from all-wheel-drive traction and impressive peak outputs of 300 kW and 660 Nm. Pairing the traction to instant torque, the Swedish SUV is able to achieve the 0-100 km/h sprint in 4,7 seconds. Avoiding spurts of sporadic acceleration can help the model achieve a range of up to 444 km (according to the WLTP cycle) which is courtesy of the 78 kWh high-voltage lithium-ion battery pack.
Greg Maruszewski, Managing Director at Volvo Car South Africa, says the compact newcomer is not only powerful but surprisingly practical, too.
“The sleekly styled C40 Recharge’s low roofline and striking rear-end design contribute to its aerodynamic shape, yet it still offers the high seating position most Volvo drivers prefer. It also features a generous luggage capacity of 489 litres, accessed via the standard power-operated tailgate and supplemented by a handy 31-litre frunk,” said Maruszewski.
The C40 Recharge is the first Volvo model to be designed as pure electric-only as well as the first to come with a completely leather-free interior, instead offering high-quality sustainable upholstery.
The initial allocation of 50 units for the South African market will arrive solely in the top-level Ultimate trim. This derivative of the C40 Recharge comes standard with shipping with electrically adjustable front seats, seat heating (both front and rear), a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, wireless smartphone charging and two-zone climate control (the latter incorporating Volvo’s special air-purifying system).
The fresh-faced electric vehicle also features the latest Android-powered infotainment system, run through a 9,0-inch touchscreen and complete with built-in Google apps and services, as well as a 12,3-inch digital driver display and a 13-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system. Volvo’s comprehensive suite of driver-supporting safety features is likewise included.
The C40 Recharge is the latest step towards Volvo’s goal of half of its global sales volume comprising fully electric cars by 2025, with the remainder taking the form of hybrids. By 2030, the Swedish luxury firm plans for every new vehicle it sells to be completely electric, demonstrating its steadfast commitment to a zero-emission future.
Volvo C40 Recharge Fast Facts
Powertrain: Twin-motor configuration with 78 kw/h battery
Driven wheels: All
Power: 300 kW
Torque: 660 N.m
WLTP range: 440 km
Price: R1 285 000
