Volvo's first full-EV was this car, what's now called the EX40. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

The EX40 is pretty much everything you'd expect a Volvo full-EV model to be but in its earlier form, badged as the 'XC40 Pure Electric', this car needed a few tweaks. It's had them. In recent times with this design, the base single motor front-driven version's been replaced by a rear-driven variant with longer range - and the dual motor AWD model has got a larger battery, so goes further too. Adding new 'EX40' badging has completed the transition - creating the car we're going to look at in this review. As before, the drawback is premium pricing but otherwise, a lot of boxes seem to have been ticked here.

Background

Volvo's first full-EV was this car, originally called the XC40 Pure Electric and now known as the EX40. Time to take a fresh look at it. We didn't actually see this car in its original XC40-badged form until 2020 - long after most rival makers had entered the full-electric segment. And that delay was strange because Volvo had previously been near the forefront of the trend towards electrification; the company was, after all, one of the very first to popularise Plug-in hybrid powertrains in its models. And at the end of the last decade, played a significant role in helping to establish one of the most forward-thinking electric brands on the market - Polestar. That Polestar link is strong here; this model shares its CMA platform and virtually all its engineering with a Polestar 2. Which meant it also got the substantial range of engineering updates made to that small Polestar in late-2023. Shortly after these were introduced, Volvo decided that the electric side of the XC40 model line needed more of its own identity, so in early 2024 the EV variants were separated from their combustion counterparts by a new name - EX40, creating the car we're going to look at here.

Driving Experience

There are three flavours of EX40 on offer. Most customers will opt for the 69kWh 'Single Motor' version, which was once (in this car's original XC40 Pure Electric form) front-driven, but the Swedish maker's now moved the e-motor to the rear axle and slightly uprated its output to 238hp. Without any real impact on performance - rest to 62mph is dispatched in 7.3s on the way to the 112mph top speed that all Volvos these days share. EV driving range is WLTP-rated at up to 296 miles. Ideally though, you'd want to stretch at least as far as the mid-level 'Single Motor 'Extended Range' mid-level rear-driven model, which has 252hp and uses a larger 82kWh battery providing for a 358 mile range. The faster EX40 alternative is the 'Twin Motor' AWD variant, which uses an 82kWh battery pack and twin electric motor set-up that has adopted different front and rear e-motors, with 150hp and 258hp respectively. These provide for a prodigious 408hp total power output figure in the standard Twin Motor model, but if for some unfathomable reason that's not enough, you can boost it further to 442hp with the optional 'Performance' software upgrade that comes included with the two added 'Black Edition' trim grades; this upgrade was one of the few changes introduced as part of this design's transition to 'EX40' status. Even with a standard Twin Motor EX40 variant, performance is startling, a massive 670Nm of torque (at which point the main motor is spinning at a heady 14,000rpm), catapulting the car to 62mph in just 4.7s. Whatever kind of EX40 you choose, to get the kind of range figure that Volvo claims, you'll need to engage what the Swedish maker calls 'One Pedal Drive', selectable from the 'Driving' menu provided on this centre-dash screen. This dramatically increases the regenerative braking effect when you come off the throttle, to the point where the brake pedal will hardly ever be needed.

Design and Build

The switch of name to EX40 hasn't been accompanied by any significant visual changes, but this electric model had already been given some of those in recent times. You'll find most of the most recent updates at the front, where differences over the very earliest electric XC40s include a smarter front bumper and a frameless front grille. From the side, the looks of this Volvo remain distinctive - divisive even. The rear is less wilfully controversial, but very stylish with a look that if you know your premium SUVs, could only belong to a Volvo. Inside, the cabin is slightly starting to feel its age in comparison to the most modern of its many competitors. Though Volvo has done its best to lift things - notably with the striated plastic trimming panels you get if you avoid base-level trim, which illuminate translucently at night. There are few giveaways to this Volvo's battery-powered remit, save for a few EV-specific electronic gauges. There's no starter button - just a blanking plate where that would be on a petrol XC40. Delve into the workings of the central portrait-style 9-inch screen and you'll find that the infotainment system is powered by Android, which means you get a raft of over-the-air Google features, including Maps and YouTube Music built in. The other screen you'll be using is the 12.3-inch 'Progressive Driver Display' you view through the pleasingly chunky three-spoke wheel. In the rear, because the EX40's basic architecture was designed to accommodate a full-electric powertrain from the start, there are no compromises over combustion versions when it comes to rear seat legroom, aided by the relatively lengthy wheelbase. Which is just as well because legroom in the back is not overly generous in comparison to the class norm and adults won't want to travel long distances here. The boxy shape means that headroom's fine though, even if you've got a panoramic glass roof fitted. Out back, the standard power-operated tailgate raises to reveal a low loading lip over which you access a cargo area rated at 404-litres up to the window line, which is pretty much the same as in a combustion XC40. There's a ski hatch provided for longer items and if you push forward the 60:40-split back rest forward, up to 1,336-litres of total capacity is revealed if you load to the roof. This full-electric model also gets an addition 31-litre 'frunk' storage space beneath the bonnet for the charging leads.

Market and Model

The EX40 model comes with a choice of single or dual-motor powertrains and a choice of either 'Core', 'Plus', 'Plus Black Edition', 'Ultra' or 'Ultra Black Edition' levels of trim. Prices start from around £46,000 for the rear-driven 69kWh Single Motor version, a base drivetrain only offered with the cheapest 'Core' and 'Plus' specs. Most customers will want to find the £1,750 extra needed for the bigger-battery 82kWh Single Motor Extended Range powertrain, offered with all the trim levels. There's then a step up in price of around £3,500 to get your EX40 with two motors rather than one and get yourself the 82kWh AWD Twin Motor 82kWh model, which costs from just under £58,000 in standard 408hp form. If you want that Twin Motor drivetrain in its upgraded 442hp 'Performance' form, then you'll need one of the two 'Black Edition' spec levels. Got all that? Good. Whatever kind of EX40 you decide upon, it's worth pointing out that almost no one considering this car will be thinking in terms of purchasing it outright. In most cases, they won't even be buying it from a dealer; this Pure Electric model was the first of the brand's cars to be offered exclusively online - which is the way that all future Pure Electric Volvos will be sold. You can still go into a dealership and order it if you want, but it's probably easier just to go online and order it from home - probably using the 'Care By Volvo' subscription service, which is the way that up to 95% of EX40 models are apparently likely to be acquired.

Cost of Ownership

We've already given you this EX40 model's operating range in our 'Driving Experience' section; a maximum of 296 miles for the base Single Motor model, up to 358 miles for the Single Motor Extended Range version and up to 332 miles for the Twin Motor version. Across the range, Volvo claims an electrical consumption figure of between 3.6-3.8 miles-per-kWh. All these figures position this Volvo competitively in its segment, but they're still some way from being up with the class-leaders; thank this Swedish contender's portly kerb weight (around 2-tonnes) for that. Even to achieve this Volvo's stated figure, you're going to need to make a lot of use of the 'One Pedal Drive' feature that maximises regenerative braking. Still, at least charging times are competitive. The base Single Motor model DC charges at up to 135kW and the Single Motor Extended Range version DC charges at up to 155kW, meaning a 10-80% public DC charge now requires 33 minutes. The top Twin Motor version DC charges at up to 205kW, which reduces the 10-80% DC charge time to 28 minutes. As for AC charging from home, well with a typical single-phase 7.4kW garage wallbox, for a full charge you'd need 11 hours with the base 69kWh battery, 12 hours with the mid-level 82kWh battery and 13 hours with the Twin Motor version's 82kWh battery. You could reduce these durations to around 8 hours with a faster 3-phase 11kW supply. With this EV, as with its main rivals, you'll be rated at just 3% for BiK Benefit-in-Kind taxation until this is reviewed in Spring 2026. Servicing will be at the same intervals as an ordinary XC40 (every year or 18,000 miles, whichever comes first), but the bill you get should be cheaper because there will be fewer consumables to replace, though remember that with an EV, tyre wear tends to be greater than with a combustion model.

Summary

The government talks about incentivising the sale of electric vehicles. But then progressively reduces buying incentives on them. Car manufacturers talk about wanting to increase the EV percentage of their sales: but then price full-electric models beyond the reach of most buyers. It's a conundrum. And for the time being, it doesn't show any real signs of being solved. This EX40 model is a case in point. This Volvo is a very well engineered little electric vehicle. But, like all its direct rivals, it costs quite a considerable amount. There are lots of things we like though, about what this Swedish maker has tried to do here. The accessible 'Care By Volvo' finance package; the sophisticated Google-based tech for the media and Pilot Assist driving systems; and the practical front storage area. The brand's really thought carefully here, not only about what customers might want but also what they might really need in a premium EV of this kind. All of which makes this EX40 model a difficult car to ignore if you're seeking a premium compact crossover that allows you to more easily make that seismic switch to EV motoring. It's an electric vehicle; and a design that these days, has just a bit more of a spark.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Rain sensor with automatic windscreen wiper activation

Dark tinted windows - rear side windows and rear screen

Brakes

Hill start assist

Electronic parking brake with auto hold

Vehicle deceleration control with Anti-lock Brake System, Electronic Brake Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist

Hill descent control - Off-road drive mode

Carpets/Rugs

Floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Touring chassis

Communication

Wireless/Inductive Mobile Phone Charging

Bluetooth handsfree system

Volvo on call with charge station locations and route planning and pre climatisation

Wired Apple CarPlay

Driver Aids

Speed sensitive steering

Front park assist

Adjustable steering wheel force

Oncoming Lane Mitigation

Driver alert control with lane keeping aid

Driver assistance (pilot assist and adaptive cruise control)

360 degree surround view parking camera with side proximity sensors

Intelligent speed assistance

Rear park assist sensors

Driver Convenience

Emergency services call system

Handsfree tailgate opening/closing

Driver Information

9" centre console touch screen

12.3" Progressive Driver Display

Driver awareness - Blind spot information system with steer assist, cross traffic alert with autobrake and rear collision warning and mitigation

Google automotive services - Enabled entertainment apps, navigation with google maps, voice recognition with google assistant

Volvo cars services with app

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming interior mirror

Auto dimming exterior rear view mirror

Black stone autofolding heated power door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Origin inlay

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

Steering wheel remote infotainment controls

Low speed exterior sound speaker

Premium Sound by Harman Kardon, Dolby Pro Logic II Surround Sound, Dirac Unsion,12 speakers/600W and subwoofer

Exterior Body Features

Roof antenna

Black stone roof

High gloss black window trim

Visible VIN plate

Power glass tilt and slide panoramic sunroof with sun curtain

Additional metallic paint

Integrated roof rails in high gloss black

Rear side wing doors

Black stone roof spoiler

High gloss black rear bumper lower deco

High gloss black front bumper deco

High gloss black rear skid plate

Front metal tread plates engraved with EX40

Black stone A pillars

Roof side cant-rail

High gloss black front grille strikethrough and ironmark

High gloss black rear model and engine and volvo logo badges

Exterior Lights

Automatic headlamp levelling

Home safe and approach lighting

Puddle lights

LED daytime running lights

Adaptive brake lights with high level LED brake lights

LED front fog lamps with cornering function

Headlight cleaning system

Active bending pixel LED headlights with adaptive shadow technology

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

2 zone electronic climate control with Clean zone air quality system and pollen filter

Heat pump (Enhanced cabin heating and cooling efficiency with optimal vehicle range)

Interior Features

Sports steering wheel

Rear coat hook

Load cover

Height/reach adjustable steering column

Rear armrest with cupholder

Load protection net

Flexible load floor and grocery bag holder

Charcoal headlining

12V socket in front tunnel console

Glovebox bag hook

Centre console cupholders and storage

Underfloor cargo storage

Front load compartment (31 litres)

3 Spoke tailored steering wheel with chrome trim

Integrated waste bin

One pedal drive mode

Bright metal luggage scuff plate

Connect suede textile/microtech upholstery

Front door pocket illumination

High gloss black centre tunnel deco

Interior Lights

Illuminated glovebox

Front footwell illumination

Illuminated luggage compartment

Illuminated tailgate

Front and rear reading lights

Front and rear courtesy lights

Front side step illumination (under door)

Instrument panel and front door inlay lighting

Packs

Climate pack - EC40/EX40

Safety

Driver and passenger airbags

First aid kit

Warning triangle

SIPS (Side Impact Protection System)

WHIPS whiplash protection system - front

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Passenger airbag cut-off device

Drivers knee airbag

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Power child locks on rear doors

Road sign information display

Run off Road Mitigation

IC (Inflatable Curtains) - Full Length

Front seats SIPS airbags

Slippery road and hazard light alert

Front and outer rear seatbelt reminder and pretensioners

City safety with steering support with Pedestrian + cyclist + front collision warning with full auto brake and rear auto brake

ISOFIX attachment (Front passenger and Rear outer seats)

Seats

Heated front seats

Front headrests

Power driver seat with memory + exterior mirrors memory

Multi directional lumbar support

Power passenger seat

Front seat cushion extensions

Power folding rear headrests

60/40 versatile split folding rear seat

Single front passenger seat

3 bench rear seats in 2nd row

Security

Locking wheel nuts

Anti-theft alarm including immobiliser/volume sensor + level sensor

Private locking for tailgate

Convenient entry and start

Care key with user defined top speed

Remote door locking and unlocking

2 x Key integrated remote control central locking including recharging port with deadlocking system and auto open/close power windows and sunroof

Keyless drive with keyless entry and keyless start

Vanity Mirrors

Illuminated vanity mirrors + ticket holder

Vehicle Charging

11 kW three phase onboard charger

Recharging port located in nearside rear wing

6m 3 phase 32 amp type 2 / mode 3 charge cable

Wheels

Summer tyres

Wheels - Alloy

20" 5 spoke high gloss black alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre sealant kit and compressor

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 2280

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 1440

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 3.7

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 720

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 7.4

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): 33

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: 155

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 78

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 536

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL: 552

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH: 498

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 16.6

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 18.3

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 3.4

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 3.7

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 333.1

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH: 309.4

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL: 343

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: N

Charging Port Location: Left Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: 75

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 155

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

Noise Level dB(A): N

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Engine Code: N

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Coin Series: Ultra Black Edition

Coin Description: 185kW Single Motor Extended Range

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 36E

Badge Power: 252

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 7.3

Top Speed: 112

Engine Power - BHP: 252

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 185

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 310

Engine Torque - NM: 420

Engine Torque - RPM: N

Engine Torque - MKG: 42.8

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 235/45 R20

Tyre Size Rear: 255/40 R20

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Wheel Style: 5 SPOKE

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4440

Width: 1938

Wheelbase: 2702

Width (including mirrors): 2034

Height: 1651

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2001

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2520

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1500

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 519

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 410

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 75

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1286

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.4

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Onyx black

Towing

Retractable towbar

Trim - Cloth

Connect suede textile/microtech - Charcoal + carpet and mats, door panel insert and centre armrest, topography inlay and standard gearknob