2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge updates revealed

Two of the leading luxury cars in their segment have received an almighty upgrade that’ll make them even more enticing to buyers.

Volvo is going back in time with its refreshed EVs.

The Chinese owned car maker has revealed the updated versions of its popular XC40 and C40 Recharge electric cars.

The revised models are the first rear-wheel drive vehicles from Volvo in 25 years after ditching the front-wheel drive layout of the original versions.

The Volvo XC40 Recharge has been a hit since it went on sale a few years ago. Photo by Thomas Wielecki

Rear-wheel drive variants are powered by a single electric motor that makes 175kW – a rise of 5kW over the outgoing version.

The 69kWh battery is carried over from the old versions but cooling enhancements have increased driving range by 35km to 460km in the XC40 recharge and by 38km to 476km in the C40 Recharge.

The entry-level version is now rear-wheel drive instead of front-wheel drive. Photo by Thomas Wielecki

Each can accept a charge up to 130kW that fills the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in about 34 minutes.

The all-wheel drive versions have had a makeover, too.

Both the C40 (pictured) and XC40 now have increased driving range.

Volvo has ditched the two 150kW electric motors and installed a 117kW motor on the front axle and a 183kW on the rear. Total power outputs remain the same at 300kW and 660Nm but the rear wheel drive bias should make for a more engaging drive.

It still makes the sprint from 0-100km/h in a hasty 4.9 seconds.

Improved battery cooling tech and a slightly bigger 82kWh battery provides an extended driving range of 500km in the XC40 Recharge and 507km in the C40 Recharge – an improvement of 62km and 56km respectively.

Dual motor variants have had some tweaks, too.

The larger battery can accept a 200kW charge rate, up from 150kW in the outgoing versions, which can replenish the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in less than half an hour.

The important changes come with price rise between $3000 and $4500.

XC40 Recharge cost $76,990 (before on-road costs) for the rear-wheel drive version and $85,990 for the dual motor variants.

Prices have risen across the board. Photo by Thomas Wielecki

The C40 range kicks off at $78,990 for single motor versions and the motor powerful all-wheel drive variant costs $87,990.

The changes follow similar tweaks for the Polestar 2.

Volvo Australia boss Stephen Connor, says the update addresses two of the biggest concerns for its electric car customers.

“Two of the most frequently asked questions customers ask about our fully electric XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge are: “How far will it go on a single charge?” and “How long does it take to charge?,” he says.

“These upgrades address those questions and will make our fully electric models even more attractive than they already were.”

Volvo has also made minor changes to the styling with revised 19-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels.

The new models are now available to order with deliveries expected to start after June.