Efficiency & Charging
8.5/10
Performance & Driving Dynamics
8/10
Interior & Technology
8/10
Practicality & Usability
8.5/10
Value & Running Costs
8/10
Overall
8/10
Overview
The Volvo EX40 continues to hold a prominent position in the premium compact electric SUV segment. This revised iteration benefits from refreshed exterior styling, upgraded onboard technology, and refined active safety equipment. Designed to compete directly with rivals such as the Audi Q4 e-tron, Volkswagen ID. Tiguan and Mercedes-Benz GLA Electric, the EX40 emphasizes traditional Scandinavian design, effortless daily usability, and robust build quality. Positioned as a versatile, family-friendly crossover, it serves as a core pillar in Volvo's ongoing transition towards a fully electric lineup.
Design
The refreshed EX40 introduces a sharper interpretation of Volvo's Scandinavian design. Up front, the closed-off grille has been updated alongside a restyled front bumper, reshaped bonnet, and subtly revised front bumper sides. The most striking update is the refined Thor's Hammer Matrix LED headlights, which feature tighter elements for a cleaner look. Along the side profile, the high waistline and sculpted lower doors remain defining traits, complemented by new 19-inch and 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. At the rear, updated vertical LED lights frame a subtly reshaped boot lid and clean rear bumper. The Black Edition brings high-gloss black badging, window surrounds, and dark alloy wheels for a more aggressive look.
Interior
Cabin updates focus on technology and material selection. Dominating the dashboard is a new, larger 11.2-inch portrait touchscreen running Volvo's latest operating system, designed to reduce menu navigation for critical controls. Integrating into the display is Google Gemini, providing conversational voice control for navigation, messaging, and vehicle settings. Drivers face a clear 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster behind a tactile three-spoke steering wheel. Trim choices feature sustainable upholstery options alongside refined inserts like Brown Ash wood, Black Ash, and sculpted aluminium. Storage highlights include an optimized wireless phone charging pad, large door pockets, and a removable waste bin.
Performance & Powertrains
The EX40 is offered in three primary powertrain setups to balance distance driving and performance. The P5 variant features a rear-mounted motor generating 238 hp, while the P5 Long Range boosts output to 252 hp. The range-topping P8 AWD setup places an electric motor on each axle, delivering a combined output of 408 hp and 670 Nm of torque for a 0-62 mph acceleration time of 4.8 seconds. Battery options include a 70 kWh pack on the base model and an 82 kWh pack for Long Range and Twin Motor configurations. Range figures span up to 296 miles on the P5 trim, to 358 miles on the Long Range, and up to 332 miles on the AWD version. DC fast charging peaks at up to 205 kW on the larger battery, enabling a 10-80% top-up in under 28 minutes. On the road, the ride prioritizes smooth comfort and high-speed refinement over agility.
Practicality
Packaging efficiency remains a key strength despite sharing platform roots with internal combustion models. The boot provides 452 litres of luggage with the rear seats upright, with a flat loading floor and a fold-up divider with shopping bag hooks. Folding the 60/40 split rear seats expands total cargo capacity to 1,328 litres. Up front, a 31-litre frunk easily accommodates charging cables. Passengers are well accommodated in both rows, offering ample headroom due to the tall roofline, though three adults in the rear may feel the intrusion of the central floor tunnel.
Buying
Pricing for the updated EX40 starts at around £45,000 for the entry-level P5 and extends past £58,000 for top-spec Twin Motor versions. Safety tech is extensive across the range, benefiting from updated radar and camera hardware for the upgraded Pilot Assist with lane change and a 3D 360-degree parking camera. The EV Hub recommended configuration is the P5 Long Range. This setup delivers the maximum range of 358 miles while providing essential luxuries such as heated seats, a heated steering wheel, a powered tailgate, and dual-zone climate control without the price premium of the Twin Motor.