Volvo C40 recharge in the MZ test: the Sweden-Stromer is fast as a sports car

Halle / Saale-Volvo was hit by blow for seven years. Eleven new models were launched on the market. The XC 90 was at the start, the all-electric C40 Recharge is the last new model of the Swedes so far. This year one seems to be breathing, for December only the successor of the XC90 is planned. What happens in the next few years? Volvo still hides itself in silence, of course, one wants to build more and more models that are under power. And with which Volvo may be surprised at a completely different level: for the first time, the future models will bear names. So far, letters and numbers have provided a distinction. In which direction do you nei think the name? Top secret.

In the previous year, Volvo was able to sell 43,610 cars in Germany, 46 percent of which were plug-in hybrids and 2.8 percent pure electric cars. He is Volvos second Stromer after the XC40 Recharge (38,650 euros). But if the XC40 had simply electrified an existing model, the Volvo C40 Recharge (62,050 euros) is a fully developed electric car.It is powered by two electric motors with 204 HP each, which together send enormous 660 Newton meters of torque to the wheels and enable up to 180 km / h. If you Don & APOs; t always drive this speed, you & APOs; ll be promised a maximum range of 444 km before you have to recharge for good. If you have powerful charging technology at hand, the batteries are recharged up to 80 percent after 37 minutes. The high-voltage battery with 78 kWh is installed flat in the floor under the five seats.

In the C40 you Don & APOs; t have to put an ignition key in the lock-that & APOs; s what many manufacturers have been doing for some time.But a start button, as usual, you look for in vain, you have taken a seat behind the handlebar. The car recognizes that someone wants to drive, provided he has the ignition key in his pocket. Then the C40 automatically turns sharp. Just step on the brake, push gear selector lever on drive, "step on the gas." The ride with the electric Sweden is a lot of fun. At least for all those who like the brilliant drivage of strong electric cars. A strong portion of this is offered, because the C40 can be on temp 100 in 4.7 seconds, making the car a sprinter.

At first, it is irritating how energetic the car alone "goes from the gas" when you take your foot off the accelerator pedal. It's like bravely stopping. The battery is charged each time, which is good for the range. Soon you make friends with the strong brake jerk and let the Stromer slow ahead of each intersection or if an obstacle appears, alone-an energy-saving service. The English words for this way of driving will have to be added to his automotive vocabulary: one pedal drive. A sports car is not the car despite its acceleration values, you can imagine in fast, tight curves. In spite of the flat roof line, the C40 has a certain height (1.58 meters). But it & APOs; s perfectly on the road, supported by the usual Armanda of assistants who help brake and drive curves, keep distance safer, react to pedestrians in time.

The C40 is an SUV of the particularly elegant category, both front and rear, with the rear being the most expressive part of the design and providing a slightly coupé-like style.On the front, it is rather simple, just like with all electricity whose face is no longer marked by huge cooling ribs-there is nothing to cool at the front. Where burners have been working for decades, there is suddenly space. Volvo has installed a load load here that fits two not too large travel bags-or charging cables. When you get in the back you can see the price of beauty. You have to pull your head in under the early roof falling backwards. Despite the large battery, the C40 offers good space. The loading volume above the trunk floor is 413 litres. Numerous details make it easier to store and secure loose things.

Inside, the design is the way you & APOs; re used to from the brand-North cool and unmistakeably elegant. The large Volvo display in portrait format also shapes the dashboard of the Stromer C40. The 12.3-inch touchscreen allows you to control the Android Automotive infotainment system. The system, newly developed together with Google, provides easy, intuitive and fast access to functions such as Google maps map and navigation service, Google Assistant voice recognition, third-party apps and services, and features specifically designed for electric vehicles. The Internet connection required for the online based services and apps is included in the scope of delivery.

If you want to buy the car, you will find Swedish innovation again: the C40 Recharge can be purchased from Volvoim Netz. Retailers would, of course, not close themselves to traditional customer advice, according to the manufacturer. Among other things, he wants to attract new customers with various car subscription models, where, for example, you can subscribe to the car for three years for 699 euros a month, including insurance, TÜV and maintenance, as far as the theory is concerned. In practice, electronics supply problems and high demand are currently messing up the idea. Right now on the first page of Volvos online appearance you can read: "C40 currently sold out-back soon!"

Technical data: engine: two electric motors with 204 HP each, torque: 660 Nm acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h: 4.7 s, maximum speed: 180 km / h, range: 444 km, consumption: 20.8 kWh to 100 km (standard consumption), length: 4.43 m, trunk: 413 l, price: from 62,050 Euro