Volvo XC40 Recharge long term test: report 9

The car Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin AWD Ultimate | Run by Claire Evans, consumer editor

Why it's here To see if the pricey pure electric version of the XC40 is as much of a leader in the family SUV segment as its conventionally fuelled siblings were when they first went on sale

Needs to Be a safe, fault-free commuter car part of the week, and cope with the demands of rural family life without running out of range at the weekends

Mileage 7378 List price £61,855 Target Price £60,635 Price as tested £61,855 Official range 270 miles Test range 214 miles

26 September 2023 – Wireless wonders

I’ve been trying out the over-the-air (OTA) update function in my Volvo XC40 Recharge recently and have added some useful features to its already impressive roster of driver assistance and safety kit. 

Tesla was the first to introduce remote updates for software systems in its cars, and the concept has been taken up by many other car makers in the past couple of years. 

I can certainly see the benefits, because it means new and improved functions can be added to the car without the need to visit a dealership. 

My last two updates have provided some useful features. One enabled me to view the XC40’s remaining mileage as well the percentage of range left on the dashboard, meaning I don’t have to delve into the range app in the infotainment system to access this information.

And the latest lets me schedule future OTA updates for the time that suits me best. It also lets me watch YouTube videos while waiting for the car to charge up, which is handy for when I've forgotten to bring my book along for the journey.

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