After 25 years, Volvo is reintroducing rear-wheel drive in its 2023 model year lineup with the updated XC40 and C40 Recharge models. Unlike its previous offerings, the new RWD models will be fully electric.

The automaker is offering two different versions, one with a 235 horsepower (175 kW) electric motor and a 69-kWh battery pack, and the other with a 248 horsepower (185 kW) motor and an 82-kWh battery pack.

Both versions will have a 0-62 mph acceleration time of 7.4 seconds and a top speed of 100 mph. The base model with the smaller battery pack will have a range of 460 kilometers in the WLTP cycle and 240 miles according to the EPA for the XC40, while the C40 will have a range of 470 km and 245 miles. With the larger battery pack, the XC40 will have a range of 520 kilometers and 270 miles, while the C40 will have a range of 530 kilometers and 275 miles.

 

Volvo has also stated that the 69-kWh battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in around 34 minutes from a 130-kW DC public charger, and the larger battery pack can charge at up to 200 kW in 28 minutes. The dual-motor XC40 and C40 Recharge models will have a WLTP-certified range of 500 kilometers and 510 kilometers respectively.

Additionally, the 2023 model year will feature newly designed 19-inch wheels with aerodynamic efficiency in mind and a new two-phase onboard charger in the plug-in hybrid models from the 60 and 90 Series, which doubles the maximum charging power to 6.4 kW.

Source: Volvo