2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge First Drive: A Good Transition

Auto123 gets in a first drive of the 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge.

Recently, we attended a presentation that shed more light on what the Volvo XC40 compact crossover’s switch to electric “Recharge” form meant, and we were intrigued. After all, it’s not every day that a manufacturer takes not just a platform but a whole vehicle and changes it from an internal-combustion vehicle to a fully battery-electric vehicle, but here we are.

The XC40 Recharge is essentially the fully electrified version of Volvo’s popular compact crossover, but aside from the lack of a front grille, some unique wheels and a few badges, you probably wouldn’t be able to tell from looking at it. Still has the great two-tone paintjob, the tall roof and Thor’s Hammer DRLs; all the hallmarks of Volvo’s current design signature are present, and that’s a very good thing.

Inside, the differences are even fewer and farther between, although there is one big difference, one element that is exclusive to the XC40 Recharge, at least for now. That would be the infotainment display. Actually, that’s a bit of a lie; the screen itself is still the 9-inch vertical number that all Volvos get, but what’s displayed on it is a whole other kettle of fish, for the XC40 Recharge is the first Volvo model in which we’re seeing the new Android Automotive infotainment interface. Actually it’s just the second time we’ve seen it in a car of any kind, after it debuted on the Polestar 2 earlier this year.

The interface was developed in partnership with Google, and it essentially allows your car to be turned into your Google device. That means you can access your contacts, playlists, and even gain access to Google Home, and all you have to do is sign in.

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