Overview
The Volvo EX40 shows off the Swedish brand's updated identity for its fully electric premium compact SUV. The EX40 occupies a vital position in the luxury EV market. It competes directly against rivals such as the Renault Scenic E-Tech, Audi Q4 e-tron, and Mercedes-Benz GLA Electric. Offered in both RWD and AWD configurations, the EX40 delivers a compelling mixture of strong performance, advanced safety features, high-end Scandinavian interior styling, and respectable real-world efficiency.
Design
Visually, the EX40 retains the muscular, upright stance that made its combustion-engine predecessor iconic, while integrating distinct EV cues. The front features a fully enclosed body-coloured grille panel that optimizes aerodynamic drag. Volvo's signature Thor's Hammer LED headlights anchor the front end, giving the vehicle a recognizable lighting signature. High-gloss black details surround the windows, side mirrors, and integrated roof rails on higher trims, creating a crisp contrast against the paint finishes. The side profile reveals short overhangs, bold shoulder lines, and standard 19-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels, with 20-inch option upgrades available. At the rear, tall vertical LED taillights extend up the tailgate, accompanied by a subtle roof spoiler and high-gloss black lower skid plates to enhance the SUV's athletic appearance.
Interior
The cabin of the EX40 is a masterclass in Scandinavian minimalism, prioritizing high-grade sustainable materials, tactile textures, and ergonomic comfort. Upholstery choices favor leather-free alternatives, including Connect Suede Textile and synthetic Microtech fabrics. The dashboard layout centers around a vertical 9.0-inch portrait touchscreen powered by an Android Automotive operating system. This system integrates native Google services, including Google Maps for EV-optimized route planning and all-new Google Gemini for precise voice commands. Drivers benefit from a 12.3-inch progressive digital instrument cluster that displays crucial telemetry and mapping directly in the line of sight. Cabin ambient lighting, a tailored heated steering wheel, and optional 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio systems enhance the premium environment.
Performance & Powertrains
Volvo offers three distinct powertrain options for the EX40. The entry-level Single Motor features a rear-mounted motor generating 238 hp and 420 Nm of torque, powered by a 70 kWh battery pack. This powertrain achieves 0-62 mph in 7.3 seconds and offers a range of up to 296 miles. Peak DC fast-charging for the standard battery tops out at 135 kW, executing a 10 to 80% charge in approximately 33 minutes. The Single Motor Extended Range variant boosts output to 252 hp while utilizing a larger 82 kWh pack. This setup provides a maximum driving range of up to 356 miles. The maximum DC charging speeds increase to 205 kW, reducing the 10 to 80% charge time to just 28 minutes. For ultimate speed and traction, the Twin Motor AWD variant adds an electric motor on each axle, delivering a combined 408 hp and 670 Nm of torque. Utilizing the same 82 kWh battery, it rockets from 0-62 mph in 4.8 seconds while offering a range of up to 332 miles.
Practicality
Despite its compact footprint, the EX40 offers impressive interior space management. The boot provides 410 litres of cargo capacity up to the parcel shelf with all seats upright, expanding to 1,400 litres when the 60/40 split rear seats are folded flat. Additionally, a 31-litre frunk under the bonnet holds charging cables and smaller items. Passengers enjoy excellent headroom and legroom throughout the cabin. Smart cabin storage solutions include oversized front door pockets, a dedicated removable waste bin, foldable bag hooks in the glovebox, and underfloor boot dividers.
Buying
The Volvo EX40 line-up starts from £43,860 for the entry Core trim with the Extended Range powertrain. Trim levels are structured into Core, Plus, and Ultra specifications. The Core trim features 19-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, LED headlights, Google Infotainment, reversing camera, powered tailgate, and heated front seats. Plus adds keyless entry, heat pump, front parking sensors, hands-free tailgate operation, and enhanced driver assistance features. Ultra tops out with 20-inch wheels, 360-degree parking camera, panoramic glass sunroof, matrix LED headlights, and the Harman Kardon audio system. The EV Hub Recommended Configuration is the Single Motor Extended Range in Plus trim. It delivers the full 356-mile range, 205 kW rapid charging, and essential winter luxury additions like the efficiency-boosting heat pump without pushing the price tag into Twin Motor territory.