Everyone has pictured themselves in the cockpit of a spaceship at one point or another. Now, those childhood dreams could become a reality behind the wheel of the 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge. 

Volvo has a long-standing history of creating innovative vehicles that still exude luxury. The all-electric Volvo XC40 Recharge is no different. This luxury SUV defies norms for the electric SUV division by offering power in an eco-friendly format. 

Electric cars aren’t generally known for incredible horsepower. However, the 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge will literally pin you to the back of your seat when you put the pedal to the metal. 

So just how did Volvo execute creating such a robust electric vehicle while maintaining its signature upscale style? Let’s take a look at all the 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge offers and why this electric SUV should be on the radar of speed demons everywhere. 

Prepare for liftoff; the 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge is ready for takeoff 

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge isn’t your typical EV. Instead of dull, lackluster performance, this all-electric luxury SUV is built to excite.

Tim Stevens of Roadshow by CNET spent some time behind the wheel of the 2021 XC40 Recharge, and his review shined a light on its driving dynamics.

“It’s a little rocketship,” Stevens said in his review. “I previously spent a lovely few months with our XC40 T5 long-termer and found it sprightly and fun. The Recharge is on another planet.”

This assessment isn’t surprising, given the innovative engineering that went into the 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge. Underneath the hood lies two electric motors and a 75-kWh battery. This powerplant sends power to all four wheels via an all-wheel-drive system for maximum traction on slippery surfaces.

The 2021 XC40 Recharge delivers 402 hp and 482 lb-ft of torque, and it rockets from 0-60 MPH in just 4.7 seconds. These numbers undoubtedly sound impressive, but many wonder if the statistics translate to on-road excellence.

According to Steven’s review of the all-electric SUV on CNET, the 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge is a smoother ride than its gas-powered counterpart. He claimed the Recharge didn’t suffer any wheelspin on a wet road, unlike the XC40 T5 he had previously driven. 

Innovation and luxurious amenities come with a steep price

The Volvo XC40 Recharge is expensive, but that’s expected from a luxury electric vehicle. It has a starting MSRP of $53,990, which is notably just a few hundred dollars more expensive than the larger XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid SUV.

Nevertheless, drivers will still enjoy the high-quality materials, cutting-edge technologies, and extraordinary safety systems for which Volvo is known.

The all-electric SUV comes with a built-in route planner, which advises drivers when they should charge the vehicle. The EPA estimates that the XC40 Recharge has a range of 208 miles, and Volvo claims the battery can be charged to about 80% in just 40 minutes.

The final verdict 

It’s no surprise that the XC40 Recharge is already making waves. Although small in stature, this SUV packs a powerful punch, both on the road and for the brand’s bottom line. Volvo is no stranger to creating luxurious cars, but their expansion into technologically advanced vehicles is nothing if not a resounding success.

Gearheads would do well to consider the 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge if in the market for an electric vehicle. This green SUV may just be the new standard for all other cars in its class, and it’s a significant model in Volvo’s effort to move toward eco-friendly vehicles in the coming years.