
It's a battle for compact all-electric SUV greatness; welcome to the Volkswagen ID.4 vs. Volvo XC40 Recharge comparison. Who will come out on top? Both are great eco-friendly choices, and both have their own unique points to set them apart from one another. Both are in the same segment, with similar value propositions that make the comparison a natural one.
But let's start with what makes a Volvo XC40 Recharge for sale an attractive offering. She's a huge step forward for the all-electric lineup Volvo Cars is aiming to have. That doesn't take away from the focus you know and love the brand for; rather, it makes it better. All the sleek Scandinavian style, market-leading safety, and sumptuous luxury you'd expect is right there waiting for you.
The Volkswagen ID.4 meanwhile fulfills a similar role in the VW lineup. When you look at the exterior design of the Volkswagen ID.4 vs. Volvo XC40 Recharge, you'll also find similar futuristic styling cues, a similar size, and similar all-electric power to lead both brands forward into the future. There's much more to the story, so let's take a look.
Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric vs. Volkswagen ID.4 Range and Specs
Naturally, what EV buyers look for first and foremost are the electric specs, most notably the estimated range. So how does the Volkswagen ID.4 vs. Volvo XC40 Recharge comparison play out in this realm? Let's find out:
|
2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge |
2021 Volkswagen ID.4 |
Usable Battery Capacity |
75 kWh |
77 kWh |
EPA-estimated range |
Up to 208 miles |
Up to 260 miles (on ID.4 Pro) |
DC fast charging capabilities |
Up to Level 3 |
Up to Level 3 |
Dual-motors |
Standard |
Optional |
Regenerative braking |
Yes |
Yes |
Eligible for potential Federal Electric Vehicle Tax Credit |
Yes |
Yes |
Time to concede defeat; the Volvo XC40 Recharge loses out in the battle of range. We're just joking, one area of deficiency doesn't tell the whole story, and the XC40 Recharge dominates elsewhere. You may know it already; the XC40 Recharge is more about luxury and performance. That's not to say one isn't excellent for daily driving, like her ability to charge from an empty battery to 80% charged in an estimated 40 minutes with a 150 kW DC fast charger.
Volkswagen ID.4 vs. Volvo XC40 Recharge Performance
In the Volkswagen ID.4 vs. Volvo XC40 Recharge comparison, practicality-oriented electric specs are great, but so is the performance of an all-electric powertrain. Instant torque, non-stop linear power delivery, and the subtle whir of the motors make it a thrill and a half. As we mentioned, this is one area that the XC40 Recharge wipes the floor with even the performance trim Volkswagen ID.4 GTX. Let's see the difference:
|
2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge |
2021 Volkswagen ID.4 |
Horsepower |
402 |
201 |
Torque (lb-ft) |
486 |
228 |
0-60 mph time |
4.7 seconds |
7.6 seconds |
All-wheel drive |
Standard |
Optional |
Double the horsepower, double the torque, and nearly two seconds shaved from the 0-60 time; how's that for a second-round comeback? But it gets better. Want to add some sporty style? Choose the Volvo XC40 Recharge R-design. What you won't have to choose with an XC40 Recharge is incredibly agile and precise handling. That's because every XC40 is built on a smooth yet nimble Dynamic Chassis — one of the many innovations from Volvo Cars waiting in store. The same can't fully be said about the VW ID.4, and while it drives smooth, there's not much twisty backroad fun to be had.