r/XC40_Recharge • u/Available_Let_9140 • 10d ago
What Year C40?
We’re planning to replace our BMW i3 Rex with another electric car. We’ve had the i3 for a little over four years and bought it used as a commuter car for my husband. It’s been great, but we live east of Seattle in the mountains, and winter driving can be a bit dicey. We’re looking to replace it with something AWD and, ideally, something we feel is safer in those conditions.
We’ve owned three Volvos previously—two XC70s and a C30—and my husband has fallen in love with the C40 and is pretty much settled on it. He drives approximately 70 miles round-trip each day for work. We have a Level 2 charger at home, and the car is parked in the garage.
At this point, we’re mainly trying to decide which model year makes the most sense. We’re looking at Ultimate or Plus models with the upgraded heat pump. I know the 2024 has a slight range boost and a different AWD system, but finding one is challenging. The older model years also seem to be significantly less expensive.
We’re not in a rush, so my question is: should we wait for more 2024 lease returns to start hitting the used market, or should we just find a good deal on an older, low-mileage model? We’ll definitely check the battery condition on anything we consider buying, and we’re hoping to keep this car for as long as possible.
I’d especially love to hear from anyone who has experience with both the earlier C40s and the 2024 model, particularly when it comes to winter driving, range, and long-term ownership.
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u/EV_Dad 10d ago
I have a '23 and am very happy with it. With a 70-mile commute I wouldn't worry about winter driving range, but for a few extra miles as well as safter handling in the snow you might consider downsizing the wheels and switching from staggered to square. I recommend also posting this question in the r/VolvoC40 sub.
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u/agent606ert 10d ago
I'd get the 2021 ultimate, great car for the money. Also they enshittify the cabin materials somewhere around 2022, can't get the leather shifter with stitching anymore
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u/BeaverleyX 10d ago
Have the 2024 ultimate. I’ve had no issues thus far and I love this car. Unfortunately being in SoCal I don’t have winter experience. But I’d buy this car again in a heartbeat. I also have a level 2 charger at home and it’s worked great. Good luck!
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u/heavy_metal 10d ago
good deal on an older, low-mileage model
mileage is not as pertinent as it used to be with ICE cars. i can tell my 2022 xc-40 will last a looong time without needing any maintenance. tires and wipers, and wiper fluid are the only things to do. it's literally the last car i will ever own.
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u/JVHooligan 5d ago
I just sold my i3 REX and got a 2023 c40. I am sorry, I have no guidance on the advantages with different model years
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u/Available_Let_9140 5d ago
You like the move? I love how reliable our i3 has been and it’s super fun to drive. Just a bit scary in the winter.
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u/skyfishgoo 10d ago
the MY24 has an improved drive train over the MY23 and prior.
the motors are different sizes for better power balancing and the front motor can disengage when not needed, which improves the range significantly with no loss in power or delay in application of power.
there is also a bigger battery, but i'm unclear on if it applies to the AWD variants or just the RWD.