The XC40 Recharge EV's instant torque helps it from standstill. But will that help it win the quarter mile drag race?
Published on May 23, 2023 09:00:00 AM
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Volvo's first electric vehicle in India, the XC40 Recharge EV, is an entry-level premium SUV with two electric motors, one on each axle, with a combined output of 408hp and 660Nm. And, at an ex-showroom price of Rs 56.90 lakh, the Volvo is the most powerful car in the market, for its price. Its closest ICE alternative, which comes close in performance, is the BMW M340i, although it is much pricier.
| BMW M340i vs Volvo XC40 Recharge specs | ||
|---|---|---|
| BMW M340i | Volvo XC40 Recharge | |
| Powertrain | 3.0-litre, 6 cyls turbo-petrol | 78kWh battery, dual electric motors |
| Power | 387hp | 408hp |
| Toque | 500Nm | 660Nm |
| Gearbox | 8-speed automatic | 1-speed automatic |
| Weight | 1,762kg | 2,188kg |
| Power to weight ratio | 219.6hp per tonne | 186.47hp per tonne |
| Torque to weight ratio | 283.76Nm per tonne | 301.64Nm per tonne |
The pre-facelift BMW M340i we got our hands on is powered by a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that makes 387hp and 500Nm. It has all-wheel drive, and in addition, it also has launch control that helps propel it to 100kph from a standstill in just 4.4 seconds. The Volvo, on the other hand, has a 0-100kph claimed time of 4.9 seconds and weighs 2,188 kg, making it heavier by 426kg. So the numbers aren’t in the EV’s favour, to be sure, but can its torque advantage give it a fighting chance in a quarter mile (402.34m) drag race?
The electric Volvo scampers into the lead thanks to instant torque by its two electric motors channeled to all four wheels. Not only did it accelerate with gusto, it kept pulling relentlessly and widened the gap with the BMW till the finish line. The M340i clocked times of 13.54 and 13.21 seconds with a trap speed of 159kph and 165kph, respectively. This, however, was no match for the Volvo XC40 Recharge EV that finished the quarter mile in 13.05 and 12.99 seconds, with a trap speed of 167 and 168kph, respectively. The electric Volvo blew our minds with its sheer pulling power, but its silent performance was simply no match for the M340i's glorious six-cylinder sound track and thunderous exhaust note.
| BMW M340i vs Volvo XC40 Recharge drag race | ||
|---|---|---|
| BMW M340i | Volvo XC40 Recharge | |
| Race 1 | ||
| Quarter mile time | 13.54 seconds | 13.05 seconds |
| Speed at the line | 159kph | 167hp |
| Race 2 | ||
| Quarter mile time | 13.21 seconds | 12.99 seconds |
| Speed at the line | 165kph | 168hp |
We race the cars multiple times and publish the quickest elapsed time only. Elapsed time is what each car takes to cross the finish line. We don’t consider reaction time since it could skew the result due to human error. Our drag races are conducted on closed stretches of road, in controlled environments, and the cars are driven by professionals. We urge you to drive safely and responsibly, and not indulge in racing activities on public roads.
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Mahindra Scorpio N vs Toyota Fortuner drag race: Legend vs Legender
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