Volvo

EX40

The Volvo EX40 may look rather familiar as it is very much based on the XC40 Recharge model. It is a fully electrified SUV and available in a wide range of trims and with a choice of battery sizes. It brings to the mix a range of Volvo’s qualities, including performance, safety, a beautifully crafted interior and lots of high-end tech.

Test Drive

Volvo EX40 Single Motor Extended Range Ultra (2024)

To clear any confusion upfront, the Volvo EX40 was previously known as the XC40 Recharge. Essentially, it’s the same vehicle but with several updates.

The EX40 is available in three trims called Core, Plus and Ultra, with newly introduced Black Edition stylings for both the Plus and Ultra models. Prices start at £45,955, so it’s certainly not a budget option. And for those opting for the higher trims, the EX40 Ultra Black Edition will set you back £63,105.

You can choose between rear-wheel drive single-motor models or all-wheel drive twin-motor versions, with various battery sizes available and some models offering a driving range in excess of 300 miles on a single charge.

Competing in the premium electric SUV segment, the EX40 faces competition from big hitters such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes, and Tesla. For our test, we selected the EX40 Single Motor Extended Range RWD model in the Ultra trim.

The EX40 is a stylish five-door family SUV with a sleek design that features Volvo’s signature Thor’s Hammer front lights, a smooth grille, black pillars, wheel arch cladding, dark tinted windows, and bold 20-inch alloy wheels. The rear has distinctive upright tail lights, completing the modern look.

Moving inside, the cabin is minimalist yet generously equipped. The comfortable powered seats are heated and come with memory settings. Even the outer rear seats are heated, adding to the car’s appeal. The panoramic sunroof lets in an abundance of natural light, making the cabin feel bright and spacious.

Tech-wise, the EX40 is packed with features, including a large portrait infotainment touchscreen, voice-activated Google Assistant, sat-nav, DAB radio, Bluetooth, along with full Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Our high-spec Ultra trim also comes with a fantastic 12-speaker Harman Kardon Dolby surround sound system.

The 12.3-inch driver display provides essential information like speed and range, while the 360-degree camera gives you a helpful overhead view, making parking alongside high kerbs less risky to the alloys. We’d like to see more physical buttons, particularly for climate control functions, but the touchscreen is easy to use and nicely responsive.

Our test car, priced at £58,355, with no additional options featured a 78kWh battery and an electric motor on the rear axle, delivering 252hp and 420Nm of torque. This allows it to accelerate from 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds, with a top speed of 112mph. Given that this is a family SUV, those are solid performance numbers.

Lower-powered models with a 69kWh battery offer a slightly shorter range (270-295 miles), while our Extended Range model can manage between 309 and 343 miles on a full charge. These figures are based on the official WLTP tests, but real-world driving will likely yield slightly lower numbers depending on driving style and road conditions.

In terms of driving dynamics, the EX40 is agile and well-suited to city driving. The One-pedal Drive mode is particularly effective in heavy traffic, recapturing energy as the car slows. On open roads, acceleration is smooth, and the car handles corners confidently. The EX40 also includes Volvo’s Pilot Assist system, which maintains a safe distance from the car ahead and helps keep you within lane markings making motorway miles more enjoyable

While not as dynamic as some rivals, the EX40 excels in comfort, stability, and ease of driving, with exceptional refinement and a smooth ride, even on pitted road surfaces.

As a compact family SUV, the EX40 offers plenty of space. It measures 4,440mm in length, 2,034mm in width (including mirrors) and is 1,651mm in height, with a 2,702mm wheelbase. Front passengers, even taller adults, have ample space and the powered seats make finding a comfortable driving position easy. Rear passengers also benefit from generous levels of legroom, although three adults might feel a bit cramped, especially with the centre passenger having to straddle a large transmission hump. However, it’s ideal for three youngsters or two adults.

The boot offers 536 litres of storage space, expanding to 1,286 litres with the rear seats folded flat. There’s additional underfloor storage, and the frunk (front trunk) keeps the charging cables neatly tucked away. Useful features like seatback nets, a wireless charging pad, door bins, a glovebox, central cubby and cup holders are scattered throughout the car, enhancing day-today practicality.

Charging the 78kWh battery is straightforward. Using a 155kW fast charger, you can go from 10-80 per cent in just 33 minutes. At home, an 11kW wallbox will fully charge it in about eight hours. For towing, the rear-wheel drive version can pull up to 1.5 tonnes, while the all-wheel-drive models can tow up to 1.8 tonnes.

While the EX40 is essentially a rebranded XC40 Recharge, it retains a lot of appeal. It may not be the fastest or most dynamic SUV on the market, but it excels in so many other areas. It’s stylish without being flashy, practical enough for families, packed with safety features and offers a solid range alongside an enjoyable driving experience.