Volvo EX40 review

Volvo EX40 verdict

The Volvo EX40 may have a new name, but underneath this is still the Volvo XC40 Recharge that we’re all familiar with. Despite being based on a petrol SUV, the EX40 is relatively spacious and easy to live with, plus it’s decent enough to drive and mid-spec versions don’t scrimp on kit – meaning there’s little reason to fork out for pricey top-of-the-range models. Volvo prides itself on safety and it’s fair to say the Volvo EX40 is a pretty secure bet if you’re after a posh electric family car.

Range details, specs and alternatives

The electric SUV space is one of the most competitive in the industry right now, with numerous models from mainstream manufacturers like the Skoda Enyaq and Volkswagen ID.4, as well as more premium offerings like the Tesla Model Y, BMW iX1 and Audi Q4 e-tron. That’s before taking into consideration hatchback rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. It almost goes without saying that this is a competitive area of the market.

The Volvo EX40 is the Swedish manufacturer’s entry into the ring which, somewhat confusingly, originally shared its name with the XC40 – we’ve reviewed that model separately.

Before being renamed, the XC40 Recharge had already been on sale for several years, which meant it was starting to show its age in places. In response to this, Volvo treated its electric family SUV to a series of upgrades to help it stay relevant next to the smaller EX30, as well as some much newer rivals. 

The 235bhp entry-level Single Motor model is now rear-wheel-drive (as opposed to front-wheel-drive) and utilises a 69kWh battery in standard form, or a 78kWh unit in the Long Range variant. These packs return up to 295 and 343 miles on the WLTP combined cycle respectively.

Moving to the top of the line-up introduces an extra motor into the mix, transforming the Volvo EX40 into a four-wheel drive model. The suitably named Twin Motor model pumps out a very healthy 402bhp, and its 82kWh battery offers up to 332 miles between charges.

No matter which version you choose, all EX40 models come equipped with 175kW DC charging capability. 

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Once you’ve chosen whether you want one or two electric motors – we think the former will be sufficient for most UK buyers – you must then choose from one of three different specifications: Core, Plus and Ultra. Core kicks off the range and comes with everything you might expect of a premium family SUV such as LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, a wireless phone charging pad, a powered bootlid, lane-keep assist, rear parking sensors and a nine-inch portrait touchscreen running the latest Google software. All cars still get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, bolstered by a 12-inch digital instrument cluster.

Step up to the ‘Plus’ specification and this adds things like keyless entry and a host of other driver aids including blind spot monitoring, a reversing camera and adaptive cruise control, as well as a heated steering wheel and a heat pump for greater efficiency during the winter months.

Finally there’s the Ultra which, as you may be able to tell by the name, comes with all the bells and whistles, including a panoramic sunroof, a Harman Kardon sound system, adaptive pixel-LED headlights, and electrically-operated synthetic leather and suede seats. These cars are quite expensive; we don’t think the extra outlay will be worth it for most buyers.

If you like the EX40, but want something a little more style-focused, Volvo also offers the rakish EC40 (formerly known as the C40 Recharge).