Volvo EX40: interior, dashboard & comfort
Stylish cabin design and slick software is let down by small central screen
The Volvo EX40 features the same modern and understated cabin design as the older XC40. That’s all well and good, but when you consider that the setup debuted in the Volvo XC90 way back in 2015, it starts to look a little dated.
The screen does run slick Google software, but at just nine inches in size, it can’t compete with the huge display in the Tesla Model Y, or the widescreen infotainment fitted to the BMW iX1. On the plus side, the EX40's system can be updated over-the-air.
Further to this, the carpet used on both the floor and doors is created from recycled bottles, which is not only in keeping with the Swedish brand’s sustainable approach, but also reduces the amount of hard surfaces in the car’s cabin. Top-spec Ultimate models get extra chintzy trinkets, but Core and Plus variants represent better value for money.
Equipment, options & accessories
You can get the EX40 with either a single or dual-motor setup and there are three trim levels to choose from: Core, Plus and Ultra. All models feature a nine-inch central infotainment touchscreen that runs Volvo’s Android-based interface. Services include Google Maps, Google Assistant voice control and access to apps enabled for automotive use through the Google Play Store, such as Waze.
The entry-level EX40 Core comes with LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, wireless phone charging, a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, a powered tailgate, rear parking sensors and 19-inch alloy wheels as standard.
Above that is the EX40 Plus, which comes with Volvo's Pilot Assist system, keyless entry, hands-free power tailgate, heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, reversing camera and front parking sensors. It also adds a heat pump that reduces energy consumption when heating up the car’s cabin, for improved range in colder weather.
Finally, there's the Ultra specification. This adds 20-inch alloy wheels, pixel-LED headlights, a 360-degree parking camera system, upgraded Harman Kardon sound system and a panoramic sunroof, plus suede and microtech upholstery.
Infotainment, apps & sat nav
The Volvo EX40's operating system has been upgraded to come with a full set of Google Automotive services, including Google Assistant and Google Maps, similar to the unit found in the Polestar 2. Despite this, users can still connect their phones via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto if they prefer.
Volvo’s Range Assistant tech is also included and, according to the brand, this is designed to help you maximise and monitor accurate, real-time electric range. It can optimise energy management and automatically adjust the climate control to a more efficient setting when required. The same app can also be found in the EX40s’s sister cars, the Volvo EC40 and Polestar 2.
