What's the difference?
Throughout its history Volvo has been known for a lot of things. Being a safety leader, dorky but endearing station wagons, ‘bloody Volvo drivers’, and more recently, a trailblazer in minimalist premium design.
The C40 is the first step in a next chapter for Volvo, with the brand wanting to be known next for its leadership in the electric space. For the first time for Volvo, it’s a fully electric offering
But in a world of Teslas, Polestars, and Mercedes Benz EQs, where does the C40 sit, and is it worth considering in an increasingly congested premium small SUV space?
We went to its Australian launch to find out.
The e-tron S was inevitable.
The marriage of the latest automotive trends – sporty electrified SUVs with specific performance bits, the e-tron S is as much rooted in Audi’s future as it is in the present.
Having been one of the earliest fully electric German cars in the space, and now with a few years of age on it. Can the e-tron S shine as one of the best? Read on to find out.
The C40 becomes a compelling option in the electrified small SUV space, offering a premium look and feel, great range and tech inclusions at the price, as well as awesome on-road dynamics.
Its main downsides are the rear seat, which is compromised by its platform and design-led roofline, and the overwhelming power and added traction of the dual-motor makes the single motor less attractive on the value front.
Still, regardless of variant chosen, the C40 looks to offer a stand-out balance of price, range, and performance, against its traditional rivals and newcomers alike.
The e-tron S looks mean, feels premium, and blends serious power with surprising grace under pressure. I still can’t shake the feeling I had with the standard e-tron, though, that this car is an Audi sports SUV first and an electric car second, and its weight holds it back from being as fun to drive as I think some rivals are.
If you love Audi and you want to go electric without stepping into something too unfamiliar it’s a great option. If you want an electric car which takes full advantage of what the next generation of technology can offer, keep an eye out, there’s plenty of fresh metal on the way.