Review: Volvo EX40
What is the Volvo EX40?
Volvo has been one of the pioneers when it comes to practical and efficient family cars. Ever since it launched its traditional ‘brick-like’ estate cars back in the 1970s, the brand has built a name for itself for making strong and dependable workhorses.
It was no surprise then that back in 2023 Volvo were dropping all of its estate models from the UK due to their slow demand to make way for SUVs. Fast forward 12 months and the Swedish firm realised that was a mistake and the V60 and V90 models started to make their way over to our shores again.
As we move towards the future, so too is Volvo, with plans to become a carbon-neutral company by the year 2040 – but in doing that it is investing its money in battery-electric technology and one of its most popular electric cars, the XC40 Recharge, has just been given a new name – introducing the Volvo EX40.
What’s new?
With the aforementioned, the name has been changed from XC40 Recharge to EX40 to prevent any confusion with other models in the range like the C40 Recharge and conventionally-powered XC40.
Apart from that, not a lot has changed from before, meaning you still get a very spacious interior with a variety of recyclable materials used throughout the cabin and there is a choice of different battery packs
What’s under the bonnet?
The EX40 comes with a variety of different powertrains and battery packs – as well as the option of either rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive.
We’re driving the middle of the bunch, which gets a 78kWh battery pack with a single electric motor sending power to the rear wheels. In terms of performance, a total power output of 248bhp and 420Nm of torque takes the car from 0-60mph in 7.1 seconds and it will go onto a top speed of 112mph.
Volvo claims that this model we’re driving can do a total distance of 342 miles on electric driving, but expect in the real world a more realistic 250 miles. DC rapid charging is compatible, with speeds of up to 175kW, which will take the car from 10 to 80 per cent in 28 minutes.
What’s EX40 like to drive?
Don’t expect the EX40 to be the most exciting drive, as its setup is focused more on comfort and refinement.
If we forgot about the slow steering, the EX40 does everything you need from an electric SUV, being quiet, smooth and comfortable; even with our test car’s 20-inch alloy wheels, the ride isn’t at all firm.
The seats are the typical Volvo-type armchairs which do a great job of preventing back aches on longer journeys. The car’s refinement is rather good with very little wind, road and tyre noise entering the cabin, too.
How does it look?
The simple answer is, just like an XC40. The only major difference when looking at the car externally is the smoothed-over front radiator grille due to the lack of an engine.
Talking of the front, this Volvo still uses the same styling as with other cars in the firm’s range such as the slim front headlights and boxy side profile – which also resembles the petrol and diesel variant of the car.
As we’re driving the top-of-the-line model, it sits on chunkier 20-inch alloy wheels and has a two-tone paint finish which does set off the design somewhat, but the car is starting to look a little archaic.
What’s it like inside?
The EX40 has an almost identical interior to the XC40, meaning that you get an excellent standard of fit-and-finish throughout with solid, robust materials.
The portrait screen is clear and easy to read, but it’s a pity that almost all of the controls for the climate control and heated seats are on the touchscreen – making it difficult to operate them on the move. However, storage is good with large front door bins and a centre console with a deep storage pocket.
Step in the back and the EX40 provides plenty of room for occupants with a sufficient amount of head and leg room – despite our test car’s panoramic glass roof.
Boot space is also impressive with a total of 410 litres with the rear bench upright and 1,286 litres with them folded down – which do lay flat.
A ski hatch located in between the seats also helps for those wintery trips away, and the handy false floor doubles up as a divider for your shopping to stop it from rolling around and separating other items.
What’s the spec like?
Volvo tends to keep its trim levels simple and consistent, and the EX40 is no different – Core, Plus and Ultra.
Starting at the basic specification, the Core, prices start at £44,601, but at least Volvo does give a substantial amount of standard equipment for the money. Highlights include a powered tailgate, Google Assistant and a wireless smartphone charger.
We’re driving the top-of-the-line Ultra with the Extended Range Single electric motor powertrain which is priced at £55,480. It boasts equipment like a panoramic glass sunroof, a Harman Kardon premium sound system and pixel LED headlights
Verdict
If you’re looking for an EV that is practical, comfortable and actually has a decent electric range in the real world, the EX40 is an ideal family SUV.
The EX40 is still a likeable and capable electric SUV that has bags of practicality and is relatively efficient.
