The first images of the 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge [minor facelift] started circulating on the web in November 2021, and Volvo has since then unveiled the model and introduced it in many international markets. The new XC40 Recharge is also now at U.S. dealers, and here are the six important changes.
Headlamps borrowed from the C40
The most significant update on the 2023 Volvo XC40 is its headlamps, which now resemble the Volvo C40 electric coupe SUV’s ‘Pixel’ headlights. Volvo Cars says that the pixel LED technology automatically adapts the headlights to traffic ahead and efficiently illuminates the path without dazzling the drivers in the oncoming vehicles. The reshaping of the headlight cluster also sees the Thor Hammer LED daytime running lights get a tweak.
Front bumper change
The 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge gets a revised front bumper that looks similar to the C40 and overall has a theme that is not very far from the Polestar models. A frameless grille plate also helps the XC40 Recharge remain visually in sync with its coupe version. The foglight enclosures get a redesign, and it appears the XC40 Recharge facelift shares the T-shaped plastic surrounds with its coupe sibling with the update.
New colors & wheels
The 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge is available in two new colors in the U.S.: Silver Dawn, Fjord Blue, and Bright Dusk. Volvo Cars offers two alloy wheel options, one in 19-inch size and one in 20-inch size. Both feature a new design and carry a two-tone finish.
New interior upholstery option
Volvo Cars is offering a leather-free interior in the 2023 Volvo XC40. Keeping in line with the C40, which uses naturally renewable wool fibers, the 2023 XC40 Recharge is available as an option with Midnight Zinc Tailored Wood Blend in Charcoal Interior [as seen in the image above].
Depending on the color of the exterior, a small piece of trim ahead of the front passenger also changes in color. The leather-free interior with black headlining uses 30 percent responsibly produced wool and 70 percent polyester and claims to be dirt-repellent as well. In total, four interior material/color options are available in the U.S.:
- Charcoal Fusion Microtech Vinyl [Microtech/Textile]
- Charcoal Connect Suede Textile/Microtech in Charcoal interior [Connect Textile/Microtech]
- Charcoal Connect Suede Textile/Microtech in Fjord Blue interior [Connect Textile/Microtech]
- Midnight Zinc Tailored Wool Blend in Charcoal interior [Wool blend]
Reduced charging time
The 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge charges faster from 10 to 80% level at DC fast-charging stations. While the previous model took 65 minutes when charging at 50 kW and 35 minutes at 150 kW, the new model completes the same in 60 minutes and 28 minutes, respectively.
Single motor variant available globally
The U.S.-spec 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge comes with a dual-motor powertrain and a 75 kWh [net] battery pack. The two motors produce 402 hp and 486 lb.-ft. of torque. A 0-60 mph sprint takes 4.7 seconds and the top speed is 112 mph. With an EPA-est. energy consumption rating of 39 kWh/100 mi, the electric compact SUV delivers an EPA-est. range of 223 miles.
| Trim | 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge Price [Incl. Destination Fee] |
| Core | USD 54,645 |
| Plus | USD 57,345 |
| Ultimate | USD 60,595 |
In the UK, the 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge is available in a new entry-level single-motor front-wheel drive-only variant as well. This variant makes 228 hp as against the AWD model’s 402 hp and packs a smaller 67 kWh [net] battery with a claimed range of 264 miles [422 km]. The AWD XC40 Recharge’s range is 259 miles [414 km]. Volvo Cars hasn’t brought the entry model to the U.S., where the range is a priority for EV drivers.
Featured Image Source: Volvo Cars
A Mechanical Engineer by qualification, I started out as an automotive editor of a regional magazine in 2011. In my 11 years of experience in creating automotive content, I’ve traveled around the world to review, analyze and report on the world’s top electrified cars.