As the electric transition has gained more traction across the UK and Europe, more brands have jumped on the bandwagon and devoted more resources to supporting electric vehicles in their tug-of-war against the traditional combustion engine vanguard. Of these companies, Volvo has been one of the most active, with the Swedish firm frequently stressing its commitment to sustainability and phasing out fossil fuels.
Whereas many of its competitors have gone to great lengths to ensure their electric families of vehicles are vividly distinct from their petrol and diesel ranges, Volvo have demonstrated that they have no qualms with launching a new EV as a near-identical replacement for one of its existing models. The EX40 is the latest addition to Volvo’s rapidly expanding assortment of EVs and shares many of its features and design tropes with the XC40 Recharge, which served as the electric complement to the XC40.
Sporting its new denomination, the EX40 joins the EX30 compact crossover and EX90 flagship model as a mid-size SUV, meaning that it will be forced lock horns in one of the most congested and competitive sectors in the EV market. However, this is where its stark similarities with its most recent ancestor could pay dividends.
Most of the current batch of EVs have been subject to criticism due to the fanatical obsession with minimalism, hands-free controls, and cumbersome menus that have permeated the automotive industry in recent months. In a break from convention that will be appreciated by those not so enamoured with the Tesla mindset, the EX40 retains many of the physical buttons and controls present in the XC40 Recharge.
Nevertheless, interior technology remains formidable with a 12.3-inch digital display containing the speedometer and other instruments, and a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. In the entry-level Core trim, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility come as standard, as do an eight-speaker sound system and wireless charging. Google’s entire suite of apps, like Maps and Play Store, is also free for a four-year period in all new vehicles, although they will be a paid subscription after this expires.
Two further trim levels, which sit above Cor,e are also offered at a premium. Plus brings to the table a slew of features such as keyless entry, adaptive cruise control, air purification, heated seats, a reversing camera, and 19-inch wheels. The Ultimate trim level goes further, installing a panoramic sunroof and Harman Kardon sound system.
Practicality is also in bountiful supply. The high roofline of the EX40 maximises interior space and ensures that four tall adults will be comfortably accommodated, while various storage compartments are scattered throughout. Boot capacity stands at a commendable 461 litres, which eclipses the 340 litres in the Mercedes EQA, despite being less than some of its rivals, such as the Tesla Model Y and Audi Q4 e-tron. There is also a 31-litre frunk underneath the bonnet where the charging cables can be stored.
Speaking of charging, the single motor variants of the EX40 can charge up to 150 kW, which will replenish the battery from 10 to 80 percent in 33 minutes. Meanwhile, the dual-motor variant is compatible with slightly faster 205 kW charging and will restore the same proportion of battery in 28 minutes.
The EX40 is underpinned by the now very familiar Geely-developed CMA platform and is available with three powertrain configurations. The base model is driven by a single 235 bhp motor providing rear-wheel drive and a 66-kWh battery that yields 296 miles on a single charge. Also featuring a single motor mounted on the rear axle, the Extended Range version boasts a punchier 252 bhp and 355 miles of range thanks to a larger 79-kWh battery. Finally, the range-topping Twin Motor variant can unleash 408 bhp, to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in a brisk 4.8 seconds. However, the increase in power comes at the expense of range, which falls to a nominal 332 miles.
Over the years, Volvo cars have garnered a legendary reputation for safety, and the EX40 is no exception, with the maximum five stars for the Euro NCAP crash safety rating, and adult and child occupant safety ratings that comfortably exceed the average. As is customary for modern vehicles, the EX40 is also armoured with an inventory of driver assistance features, including lane keeping assist, rear park assist, and emergency braking.
Overall, the EX40 should be an enticing candidate for any driver searching for an upmarket electric SUV that is practical, refined, and tastefully designed. While some of its stablemates, such as the Model Y and BMW iX3 overshadow it in terms of range, technology and performance, the EX40 is by no means a slouch and will give many of its other rivals a run for their money while maintaining the guise of class and culture synonymous with the Swedish giants.