Extremely well-crafted driver's car, but let down by the infotainment system

DMayUS1

10 May 2021

Volvo XC40 Recharge Pros and Cons

Pros:

Powerful, punchy acceleration
High-end materials
Rock-solid build
Precise handling
Firm, comfortable seats

Cons:

Android automotive implementation feels half-baked
Very expensive for the relatively small size segment it lives in

Test Drive

Extremely well-crafted driver's car, but let down by the infotainment system

The XC40 Recharge exudes craftsmanship. The fit of the doors, the ride of the car, the absolute absence of any sort of chassis noise in response to any manner of bump just scream that this car was built with peerless precision. The suede on the seats, the leather elsewhere and even the plastics are all top-notch. It immediately feels like a high-end car.

On the road, the car is super engaging to drive. Acceleration is potent and explosive, and the handling feel superb. It reminds me of a larger, more solid MINI Cooper. The size of the car feels a step smaller than Mustang Mach E/ID.4 and larger than the Kona EV.

The biggest drag is that the Android Automotive infotainment system feels semi-finished. The Android home screen is very empty, and has few features, and there is one sub-menu that accesses all the Volvo features, which aren't especially clear how to reach. The 360° camera was like looking through a swimming pool (100% a software issue). It just felt like two half-systems shoved together.

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