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MY2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge & C40 electric SUVs updated, RWD added

Volvo has announced some updates for its fully electric XC40 Recharge and C40 small SUV range in Australia, for MY2024, with a rear-wheel drive setup introduced for the entry model.

Can you believe this is the first rear-wheel drive Volvo in 25 years? The new platform is for the single-motor electric models, featuring a 175kW e-motor at the rear axle (up from 170kW).

A 69kWh battery carries over, however, the company says it has received some revisions to help with cooling efficiency. As a result, the range is increased to 460km (from 425km) in the base XC40 Recharge, and to 476km (from 438km) in the C40.

The dual-motor all-wheel drive versions also receive some updates, with a new rear motor generating 183kW and a new front motor developing 117kW. Combined, the system continues to offer 300kW and 660Nm.

Range figures climb from 438km to 500km in the XC40 Twin, and from 451km to 507km in the C40 Twin. The 82kWh battery is now capable of 200kW DC rapid charging as well (up from 150kW).

Performance across the 0-100km/h run takes a claimed 7.4 seconds in the new RWD models, with the twin motor versions requiring just 4.9 seconds.

Volvo Australia is aiming to become a fully electric car brand by 2026, meaning it will be offering only electric vehicles in its showrooms by then. Its last combustion-engined model sold here is set to be the XC60.

The timeframe is ahead of the companyโ€™s more broader goal (on an international scale) of becoming full electric by 2030. Volvo Car Australia managing director, Stephen Connor, said:

โ€œGlobally, Volvo is firmly committed to becoming an electric-only carmaker by 2030, but in Australia we’ve previously announced we will make the transition to full EV happen by 2026.

“The powertrain and battery upgrades in XC40 and C40 Recharge models will help us achieve this goal and accomplish our aspiration of selling 20,000 fully electric cars every year in Australia.โ€

Also new for the MY2024 update are a set of new-look 19-inch alloy wheels for both the XC40 and C40. These have been designed to reduce drag and help with aerodynamic efficiency.

Volvo says the new models are available to order now, however, local deliveries are not scheduled to commence until the third quarter of this year. See below for the starting prices (before on-road costs):

MY2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge RWD: $76,990
MY2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin AWD: $85,990

MY2024 Volvo C40 RWD: $78,990โ€จ
MY2024 Volvo C40 Twin AWD: $87,990

Maverick

I like to think that I'm a car fanatic, but more of a driving fanatic. There's nothing better than getting out onto the open road, almost regardless of the car, and enjoying dancing with the controls and gathering up the moving scenery. If I'm not driving I'm either at the gym or sinking a few beers with friends.
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