Volvo EX40: a new badge for an electric favourite
There’s a lot of change at Volvo right now as it moves towards a fully-electric line-up. The popular XC40 is getting a few new features, but more importantly, a new name. Meet the Volvo EX40.
Luke Hopewell is a car and motoring reviewer with over 10 years of experience. He’s driven everything from Ferrari and Lamborghini supercars, through to Nissan and Ford family cars. Plus, he’s been to the magic factories where they’re all made.
Volvo EX40: What is it?
Volvo’s EX40 is more than a simple badge swap for the old XC40 Recharge. Sure it looks similar, but arrives with a bigger battery in some versions, faster charging, and a dose of new tech.
On the outside, the familiar silhouette remains, but under the surface, this SUV is all about making your everyday drive smoother and more efficient.
The EX40 can travel up to 485 or even 520 kilometres depending on the model you choose. It still feels compact enough for city streets, yet spacious enough to seat five people comfortably. Thanks to an 82kWh battery, it also has the muscle to handle light towing duties—up to 1,800kg if you plan on hauling a small trailer or a couple of motorbikes.
Performance upgrades
Acceleration varies depending on which version you choose. The single motor extended-range setup covers 0-100km/h in around 7.3 seconds, which is no slouch for a compact SUV.
If you crave more punch, the twin motor AWD does it in 4.8 seconds, and you’ll feel that extra grip when roads get slippery.
Both versions benefit from rear or all-wheel drive dynamics that make day-to-day driving a breeze.
Design, interior and comfort
The EX40’s cabin merges Scandi minimalism with modern tech. A panoramic roof brightens the interior, and Volvo’s approach to seating materials strikes a balance between sporty aesthetics and easy maintenance.
The brand’s air purification system aims to keep dust and pollen at bay, while Google built-in provides a familiar interface for maps and infotainment—though Apple CarPlay is there too if you prefer it.
The cabin is calm and surprisingly quiet once you’re on the move, helped by the fact that electric motors don’t produce the usual engine noise and vibrations.
Beyond that, Volvo continues to excel in safety tech, with blind spot alerts, cross traffic alerts, and collision avoidance systems all carried over from previous models.
On the practicality front, Volvo has built the EX40 to seat five adults with a decent 410-litre boot for luggage. It measures 4,440mm in length and 1,873mm in width, so it’s not a beast to park.
Loaded with premium features
What’s great about a Volvo is that so much of the gear you get standard is an optional extra with other manufacturers.
For example, Volvo’s 360-degree camera is standard, stitching together views from four cameras to give you a top-down perspective. Parking becomes less nerve-racking, especially if you’re squeezing into a tight spot.
There’s Harman Kardon in-car audio, adding 13 speakers plus a subwoofer for cleaner, more immersive sound.
And you finally get over-the-air software updates, meaning the EX40 should evolve with new features and improvements over time, minus the hassle of a dealership visit. Pro tip from owning one of the non-internet connected XC40 models: visit the Volvo support downloads page so you can update it yourself at home with a USB stick.
Volvo EX40 vs Volvo XC40 and EX30: what’s the difference?
The XC40 Recharge was Volvo’s first fully electric take on the XC40 platform. The EX40 picks up that torch but adds extra range and a quicker DC fast-charging setup, which Volvo says will take you from 10% to 80% in around 29 minutes if you find the right charger.
It also features upgraded interior materials, like the “microtech” upholstery that mixes synthetic and recycled textiles and is designed to be spill-friendly if your morning coffee goes flying.
If you’ve heard of the EX30, that’s a smaller, city-friendly SUV with a lower price point. It’s perfect for short hops but won’t match the EX40 in space or driving range.
Meanwhile, the older XC40 range has mild hybrids (MHEV), plug-in hybrids (PHEV), and used to have the Recharge badge for the full-electric version. It’s the latter model that is replaced now by the EX40.
If you’re sure you want a pure electric Volvo in this size category, the EX40 is the main option. If you’re still dipping your toes in electrification, the hybrids are worth a look.
Should you buy it?
An SUV that’s easy to park yet big enough for family or friends is usually the sweet spot for many drivers. Factor in the electric range, the quick charge times, and all the infotainment and safety goodies, and the EX40 starts to look like a strong contender.
It’s neither the smallest electric SUV on the market nor the largest, so it appeals to those who want a balanced approach—roomy enough without feeling oversized.
It also arrives with that classic Volvo peace of mind. Solid safety features, well-made seats, and a fuss-free driving experience are all part of the deal. If you’ve been eyeing an electric car but don’t want to sacrifice comfort or practicality, the EX40 might be the perfect introduction to an electric lifestyle.
My take
Volvo has carved a clear path to electric driving with the EX40. It swaps out the old XC40 Recharge badge for a more polished range of features, more battery capacity, and a few thoughtful improvements that address real-world daily needs.
If you liked the original XC40 (I know I did, I still own mine), you’ll probably love what the EX40 offers. It’s both a nod to Volvo’s heritage of sensible, user-friendly cars and a nudge toward a cleaner, quieter future on the road.
