Volvo Cars is reporting global sales of 65,838 in April, up 27 per cent year over year. A strong sales performance in Europe is a big reason for that, but so is their push towards SUVs, according the company – the fully electrified small SUV, the EX30, and the hybrid models are right there as well.
The company’s electrified models, with a fully electric or plug-in hybrid powertrain, grew 53 per cent compared to the same period last year and accounted for 48 per cent of all cars sold during April. The share of fully electric cars constituted 26 per cent for the month.
“This performance demonstrates we are making good progress on our guidance of retail sales growth of at least 15 per cent for the full year 2024,” said Björn Annwall, chief commercial officer and deputy CEO at Volvo Cars. “I am also happy to see the positive reception from EX30 customers as we ramp up deliveries of the car, as well as the continued growth of our electrified models. This reinforces our confidence in the strength of our balanced portfolio of fully electric, plug-in hybrid and mild hybrid cars.”
2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge AWD Ultimate
The 2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge AWD Ultimate, a mid-sized luxury SUV, looks great, that’s for sure (MSRP $93,550). The spacious, modern and rich interior (Nappa leather upholstery in blond/charcoal) helped take the sting off a three-hour drive east through Toronto traffic. A Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound System is a stand-alone option ($3750). The test vehicle was equipped with Harman Kardon premium sound.
Power? Plenty, via a 2.0L, direct-injected turbocharged engine, 455 hp (combined) / 312 hp @ 6,000 rpm (max engine), 143 hp @ 15,900 rpm (max electric motor); 8-speed Geartronic Automatic Transmission. Pure electric range for the Volvo XC90 is 53 kilometres. Competitors include the Porsche Cayenne, Genesis GV80, and the Mercedes-Benz GLE-class.
What did we think? Full-on luxury in a mid-size Volvo SUV for below six figures (great blend of opulence and price point), with the electric option, is the way to go if you live in a big city and you’re thinking sports utility.
2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge
2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge, click on image to enlarge and view gallery
2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge
Same feel with the 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge, but obviously on a smaller scale, making it better suited for city drivers, and street driving conditions that are far, far worse now. In fact that’s become a litmus test for the luxury SUV buyer – how can this vehicle best prepare me for the slug-like conditions of downtown, big city driving these says, especially in Toronto, with the ongoing effects of shitty city planning and ensuing street shutdowns.
“Perky” is a good word to describe, and we loved it down downtown driving. It seats five. Cool and chic on the outside, with a very comfortable interior, with all the features conveniently placed. And that EV power train (there’s a gas-powered version as well) gives it plenty of pep if you absolutely need to get out of the city for a break – which we understand (0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds; 402 hp for the all-wheel powertrain, 293 miles of driving range on the single motor model, 254 miles for the all-wheel).
Out of three trims, for the money, go with the Ultimate (Harman Kardon stereo system, 20-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control, and more). It’s worth the extra $7,000 or $8,000. Fold down the back seat and you’ll easily fit over ten carry-on bags in there, so plenty of cargo space.
Volvo 2024 XC40 Recharge, click on image to enlarge and view gallery
I am a 50-something Torontonian who loves everything about my city. It’s been my home, my playground, for my entire life. I went to school here. I met my wife here. I own real estate here. I love writing about the transformation of my city on the world stage, which hasn’t been anything short of dramatic. That continues on, as I write this. I write on the real estate scene. I write on travel and fashion. I like following the world of luxury watches.
But I love writing about cars – check that, luxury cars, a level of superior, engineering sophistication, high performance and style, that transports you not just from one destination to another but also out of whatever you are going through on a particular day, whatever mood you are in, all to another head space. It’s complete and total exhilaration, head to toe.
Check out my stories, and email me direct at mkeast@regardingluxury.com
