2022 Volvo C40 Recharge Australian launch confirmed! New Mercedes-Benz EQA, Audi Q4 e-tron and BMW iX1 rival to put hatchback spin on SUV body-style

Volvo has not only confirmed that its first dedicated all-electric model, the all-new C40 Recharge small SUV, will enter Australian showrooms, but also when.

When the C40 Recharge was revealed in March, Volvo Australia was unable to confirm local launch timing, but now it’s locked in the “end of 2022” for the small SUV, which the company says blends in elements of a traditional hatchback, such as a lower ride height.

The C40 Recharge will probably be widely viewed as another coupe-style crossover, though, which wouldn’t be too surprising given it’s essentially a rebodied XC40 Recharge Pure Electric small SUV with a sloping roofline.

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Either way, pricing and full specifications details for the C40 Recharge are yet to be released, but expect it to command a small premium over the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, which is priced from $76,990 plus on-road costs.

So, what else do we know about the C40 Recharge? Well, just like its sibling, it comes with a 300kW/660Nm dual-motor powertrain with all-wheel-drive, which helps it sprint from a standstill to 100km/h in just 4.7 seconds.

The C40 Recharge also has a 78kWh lithium-ion battery that provides an estimated 420km of WLTP-certified range and can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent capacity in 40 minutes with a 150kW DC fast charger.

Measuring 4431mm long (with a 2702mm wheelbase), 1850mm wide and 1582mm tall, the C40 Recharge has a cargo capacity (VDA) of 413L, although it can be increased to 853L by the stowing the rear bench.

When the C40 Recharge arrives, it will go tyre to tyre with the Mercedes-Benz EQA, while the yet-to-be-confirmed Audi Q4 e-tron and yet-to-be-revealed BMW iX1 are waiting in the wings. Stay tuned.