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When the Volvo XC40 Recharge was launched in India back in 2022, it was amongst the first few luxury EVs. With two motors mounted on each axle, it came adorning an AWD badge on the boot. Now, Volvo Cars India has launched the XC40 Recharge E60, a single-motor variant powering just the rear set of wheels.

Along with the single rear axle mounted motor, it gets a smaller 69 kWh battery pack. With less power hogging going on, the range stays pretty much the same. The E60 flaunts a WLTP-rated range of 475 km, which should keep you cruising for at least 400 km in the real world on a full charge.

Now, let’s talk about the features. Volvo has skimped on some goodies compared to its top-of-the-line E80 variant. Unfortunately, you won’t find premium features in the E60, such as the signature Pixel LED headlights, fog lamps, 360-degree camera, or the sweet-sounding 13-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system.

It still retains the feature that would make a difference, i.e. the zippy 150 kW DC fast-charging capability. This means you can juice up your E60 from 10 to 80 per cent in about 34 minutes. Additionally, with the inclusion of an 11 kW home wall box, you can fully charge your vehicle in about eight hours, making it convenient for overnight charging.

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So, power’s heading straight to the rear wheels, but before you start envisioning yourself as the next drift king, think again! The moment you try any funny business with the rear, Swedish electronic nannies promptly put a stop to it. Volvo’s onboard electronics suite is tuned for safety, especially when you’re not accustomed to the torque kicking in from zero at the rear wheels, especially when the roads get a tad slippery.

It pulls 0 to 100 kph in 7.3 seconds and the acceleration is similar to that of the dual-motor version, characterised by a gentle, linear pull that’s easy to manage in traffic. Unlike a sudden surge in power, there’s a gradual increase that complements the car’s relaxed demeanour. Nevertheless, you’ll find ample power for most driving situations.

There have been no updates to the design elements, and honestly, there’s nothing wrong with that. The Volvo XC40 has always been a showstopper, earning numerous design accolades. It has the typical Volvo aesthetics, characterised by the vertical stack tail-lights and sleek silhouette which remains unchanged. The only indication that it’s got a motor is the ‘Recharge’ badge adorning the side and back. At the front, there’s no grille, but apart from that, it’s business as usual, maintaining the familiar XC40 charm.

All right, let’s dive into the nitty gritties of details of the E60’s lighter and livelier demeanour compared to its bulkier sibling, the E80. Thanks to its leaner drivetrain and battery setup, it has shedding kilos and with the reduced weight, the E60 feels nimble on the road. Direction changes are swift and effortless with loads of confidence. And when it comes to steering at low speeds, it’s like butter — smooth and easy, with none of the clunkiness you might expect from a heavier vehicle.

Now, here’s where things get interesting. Volvo has thrown in an option to firm up the steering wheel, giving you that extra bit of control and precision.

But wait, there’s more! Shedding those extra pounds doesn’t just affect the handling — it also works wonders for the ride quality. With a lighter kerb weight, the springs get a little extra breathing room, allowing them to do their job more effectively. What will likely impress most owners is the finely-tuned ride quality.

It strikes a balance, not too stiff yet not too soft, allowing the suspension to tackle bumps with precision while absorbing much of the impact. And as you pick up speed, any initial firmness melts away, paving the way for a silky smooth and comfortable ride.

My favourite feature in EVs has to be the automatic regenerative braking, which in Volvos is complemented by a one-pedal driving option. Now, the former can be a tad eager at times, the automatic function significantly simplifies the driving experience. Leveraging ADAS sensors, it assesses traffic conditions and continuously adjusts the regenerative braking level to achieve an optimal balance between energy recuperation and driving performance. This system operates smoothly in various scenarios, and users quickly adapt to its functionality. And trust me, after spending some quality time with the XC40 Recharge, you’ll find yourself barely touching the friction brakes in this mode.

There’s little distinction between this and the cabin of the E80. You’re still treated to that sleek, functional yet elegant interior theme. Despite the XC40 being on the market for a while now, it’s impressive how its interiors manage to keep up with the contemporary styles of its competitors.

Beyond the expected soft surfaces in a vehicle of this calibre, practicality is still top-notch. The front seats strike a perfect balance between cushioning and support, with extendable squabs enhancing underthigh support. Ample storage options include large door pockets, a deep cubbyhole complete with a removable garbage bin, and a well-organised centre console.

The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment screen may feel a bit odd due to its portrait orientation and it misses out on Android Auto, but the seamless Google integration remains impressive. iPhone users have access to Apple CarPlay, albeit in a wired setup, which feels somewhat outdated compared to wireless options for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay available in many entry-level vehicles. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is sleek and minimalist providing the driver with all the relevant information.

As for the rear seat, it’s adequate for most passengers, although the backrest may feel a bit upright and lacking in thigh support. Nevertheless, there’s ample knee and legroom, though taller individuals may find headroom somewhat restricted due to the raised rear seat and panoramic sunroof. The humungous transmission tunnel poses an inconvenience for the middle passenger.

As I wrapped up my short shift, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that the omission of features and the switch from AWD to RWD should have resulted in a more substantial price reduction. However, to my dismay, I discovered that the price only dropped by about Rs. 2.95 lakh compared to the E80. When considering its primary competitors, such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the newly launched BYD Seal, this price point feels a bit steep. Nevertheless, the XC40 Recharge E60 wows as an overall package with its efficiency and agility, proving that waving the green flag doesn’t mean sacrificing fun.