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Volvo XC40 Recharge – Should Rivian build a competitor?

2843 Views 11 Replies 4 Participants Last post by CommodoreAmiga, Jan 14, 2021

R99

Discussion Starter · Oct 25, 2019

I've been reading about the new Volvo XC40 Recharge EV and I have to say I'm pretty impressed by its specs for a subcompact SUV. The range is solid, it has a solid recharge time and it also doesn't hurt that it looks great.

Here's a list of the XC40 Recharge's specs that have come out so far: https://www.rivianownersforum.com/threads/2020-volvo-xc40-recharge-specs.193/

It got me thinking about Rivian and whether or not they should eventually make a smaller SUV like this to compete with Volvo. I think it's a no brainer because not everyone needs/wants a full-size SUV or pickup truck and it would also be the most affordable model in the lineup. I know I'd sign up for one.

If Rivian were to make a small SUV, what would you want to see them do with it?

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Logan

· #2 · Jan 12, 2021

According to the CEO, his vision is to do the most he can to benefit Planet Earth. I expect the max benefit to be achieved in the form of an EV for the masses, which is what VW is focused on. I would hope they adopt a similar approach to Tesla and move toward much more affordable models once they develop a reputation.

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R99

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jan 12, 2021

Logan said:
According to the CEO, his vision is to do the most he can to benefit Planet Earth. I expect the max benefit to be achieved in the form of an EV for the masses, which is what VW is focused on. I would hope they adopt a similar approach to Tesla and move toward much more affordable models once they develop a reputation.

It seems to be a good SUV in terms of driving experience and quality but it's range is pretty low compare to the competition.

Volvo XC40 Recharge - 208 miles range (EPA)
Tesla Model Y long range AWD - 326 miles range (EPA)
Ford Mustang Mach-E AWD extended - 270 miles range (EPA)
Audi e-tron - 222 miles range (EPA)

2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge First Drive: The Good, The Bad And The Efficiency

We test-drive Volvo's first all-electric vehicle, the XC40 Recharge subcompact SUV, to see how it compares to the other all-electric SUVs available today.

insideevs.com

See less See more

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CommodoreAmiga

· #4 · Jan 12, 2021

The XC40 is a "city" SUV. I've driven one, and they're great cars. But they really are designed for urban living, imo.

I don't think there will be many cross-shopping of XC40's and Rivian's.

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R99

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jan 14, 2021

CommodoreAmiga said:
The XC40 is a "city" SUV. I've driven one, and they're great cars. But they really are designed for urban living, imo.

I don't think there will be many cross-shopping of XC40's and Rivian's.

I haven't had the chance to drive one. How are they on city roads?

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CommodoreAmiga

· #6 · Jan 14, 2021

R99 said:
I haven't had the chance to drive one. How are they on city roads?

Excellent. It really is a great urban get-around vehicle. I was disappointed they don't offer ventilated seats, otherwise we may have bought one for my wife.

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Rivian-WI

· #7 · Jan 14, 2021

CommodoreAmiga said:
Excellent. It really is a great urban get-around vehicle. I was disappointed they don't offer ventilated seats, otherwise we may have bought one for my wife.

I have the XC60 with ventilated seats. Soon as it starts getting warm out, they go on.

I too was disappointed when I looked at the XC40 and the Inscription level did not have them. Thought it odd that the XC40 at that level was missing alot of the options that the XC60 had at that level. Actually at launch, the XC40 did not have an Inscription level.

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Rivian-WI

· #8 · Jan 14, 2021

Here is an interesting tidbit about Volvo, When I got my 2018 XC60, they were doing updates to their system (Sensus, pilot assist, and such). About a year later they said they were going to stop doing it. I thought it was really odd considering everyone else was going to over the air updates and what not. They still do map updates which is cool. Recently the dealership had to do a reload of mine because the maps stopped updating.
Since they are transitioning over to Android base, maybe that is why they decided to stop.

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R99

Discussion Starter · #9 · Jan 14, 2021

CommodoreAmiga said:
Excellent. It really is a great urban get-around vehicle. I was disappointed they don't offer ventilated seats, otherwise we may have bought one for my wife.

I'm surprised Volvo wouldn't add that as an option. What did you and your wife end up getting instead?

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CommodoreAmiga

· #10 · Jan 14, 2021

R99 said:
I'm surprised Volvo wouldn't add that as an option. What did you and your wife end up getting instead?

We decided to hold off on replacing her Infiniti.

I currently drive an XC60, and our plan is for that to become her vehicle when I get the Rivian R1T.

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Rivian-WI

· #11 · Jan 14, 2021

Sweet hand-me-down, upgrade action going on there!

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CommodoreAmiga

· #12 · Jan 14, 2021

Rivian-WI said:
Sweet hand-me-down, upgrade action going on there!

Lol. We've talked about it, and she doesn't have to take the hand-me-down. I told her I can sell the XC60, if she doesn't want it. But she wants the XC60. Honestly, I do, too, but I miss my old truck, and want that functionality back. We agree that the R1T and XC60 are the most practical choice for our garage, at this time.

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