THE VOLVO XC40 RECHARGE IS AS COMPACT, SWIFT, AND COMFORTABLE AS A LUXURY EV CAN GET

UNLIKE MANY CARS THAT 'GO ELECTRIC', THE XC40 RECHARGE HAS HELD ITS OWN WITH A SMOOTH TRANSITION INTO PERFORMANCE AND PRACTICALITY BUNDLED IN A READY-TO-COME HOME PACKAGE

- Dhiram Shah

I REMINISCE about the time when we fantasised about automatic, electric-powered cars and thought of how conceptual and unreal they would be when they finally arrive. Cut to my grateful being nestled in the comfy confines of the Volvo XC40 Recharge, and it looks like more utopia than dystopia from here. This practical, family-luxury SUV has normalised what electric can do with effortless grace.

Unlike many cars that 'go electric', the XC40 has held its own with a smooth transition into performance and practicality bundled in a ready-to-come-home package. It is sporty, gritty, and comfortable even when you choose to drive with a reserved mindset, citing the battery range. Yet, the 418km range doesn't seem to wear out all that easily.

With an electric charging infrastructure that is growing in the country, you can imagine the privilege of this generous driving range. In fact, you need to just stop by for a 40-minute grub break and voila, your car is 80 per cent charged.

While the car has put on several hundred kilograms in its transformation into an electric beast, it manages to be incredibly lithe. It can go from 0-100kmph in just 4.9 seconds. Positioning the driving experience as responsive and responsible, Volvo adds the advantage of its high-performance electric powertrain to the well-established obsession with safety that has become the company's chief credo.