VOLVO EX40

The Volvo EX40 is a fully electric SUV that's a stylish alternative to the likes of the Tesla Model Y, Audi Q4 e-tron and Mercedes EQA. It's actually the same car as the old Volvo XC40 Recharge, but it's been renamed for 2024 to bring it more in line with Volvo's newer EVs.

While most of its competitors are separate models in their own right, the EX40 is like a high-tech barn conversion: externally it’s the same XC40 that’s been around for a few years with petrol engines, but it’s been gutted under the skin and fitted with all sorts of electric wizardry.

Visually, then, this isn’t an EV that shouts about its battery power, and it looks very similar to the petrol and diesel XC40. Its front grille is closed off with some body-coloured plastic and there’s a little less chrome, but that’s about as much as you’ll spot if you had them side-by-side.

It’s a similar story inside the electric Volvo EX40, but changes are a little more drastic than they first appear. The overall posh, typically Swedish minimalist approach is here but the door linings and carpets are made 97% from recycled plastic bottles to add to the EX40's green credentials. It looks fine, but the simple design is starting to feel dated.

The infotainment system is Android-based, and has Google Assistant and Maps features built-in. It also supports Apple CarPlay and all trims now come standard with wireless phone charging too. It responds well to inputs, but some menus are still a little fiddly to use on the move.

The Volvo EX40 comes in well below the BMW iX3 and Jaguar I-Pace in base trim, although it is a slightly smaller car. When equipped with a single electric motor and smaller 69kWh battery it’s a closer match to the Audi Q4 e-tron, costing slightly more, but offering quicker acceleration and a greater range in base trim.

The Mercedes EQA also can’t match the entry-level EX40 in the performance stakes, but it does offer a slightly longer range, albeit at a higher starting price. That all makes a standard EX40 in Core trim relatively good value. Step up to the potent EX40 Twin and you get a lot more performance, but the pricing gets uncomfortably close to larger electric SUVs with similar capabilities.

Source: https://www.carwow.co.uk/volvo/ex40

DETAILS

Generally speaking, the battery-powered Volvo EX40 is just as good at lugging your family around as the version that's powered by flammable liquid. Boot space does take a tiny bit of a hit due to the placing of the batteries, but in terms of passenger space it’s no less roomy.

Speaking of the battery, you get a 69kWh unit if you opt for the single electric motor version, or an 82kWh one if you go for the top dual-motor Recharge Twin. This model has the same setup as you would find in the Volvo spin-off Polestar 2, and with a total output of 408hp, it’s easily the fastest EX40 on sale.

Both versions are certainly rapid – the Recharge Twin has the same 0-62mph time as a Volkswagen Golf R. However, this is no sports car – the handling is tidy enough, and there’s decent grip, but it’s not the sort of car in which you’ll be seeking out twisting back roads.