• 8 months ago
But with Volvo now launching a range of new dedicated EVs, including the EX30 and flagship EX90 (due in late 2024), it seems fitting that the electric XC40s will be renamed EX40. At the same time, the coupe-style C40 will soon be called EC40. But while there's a new name, not much has changed other than a minor software-assisted power upgrade and the nifty Black Edition hardware level.

The EX40's interior is business as usual and remains unchanged compared to the current electric XC40 Recharge. Although Volvo has more recently developed the vertical 9.0-inch touchscreen to run on Android software, you get the same layout that this SUV has had since its original introduction; It enables built-in Google Maps, Google voice assistant and Play Store.

The screen remains largely intuitive, but the small buttons for highly critical controls like climate settings are difficult to use. While the overall look and layout remains smart, when seen next to Volvo's latest generation of cars (primarily the EX30) it starts to look a bit dated as its screen also looks quite small.

One thing you can't do without is the EX40's interior fit and finish. Although it's one of Volvo's cheaper models, the quality never feels that way due to an array of luxury materials used throughout. The Swedish firm has also ditched leather and adopted a range of sustainable alternative materials with its EX40 model. Our test car also has gorgeous wool cloth upholstery, giving it the feel of a more luxurious Scandinavian lounge rather than the interior of a compact SUV.

These seats play an important role in the overall feel of the EX40. We've spent a lot of time in XC40s over the years, and their seats are among the best on the market; offers plenty of power adjustments as well as an extendable seat base; Ideal for tall drivers.

Although theoretically no different from the XC40, we'll need more time to make a more definitive judgment on comfort with this newly updated Volvo.

Volvos are renowned for their safety, and there's little to suggest the EX40 will be any different. All of our time with the EX40 was spent on ice, but although there's no physical switch to turn off or reduce any of the electronic stability control aids, we'd say this is a car designed with safety rather than fun in mind.

The new EX40 will largely carry over the same two powertrains that have served the XC40 Recharge since its launch: a 238-hp single-motor, rear-wheel-drive model and a twin-motor, all-wheel-drive flagship model that produces a healthy 408 hp. .

But opt for the latter on the EX40 and you'll be able to add a new 'Performance' software upgrade that gives the engines an extra 34hp, bringing the total to a whopping 442hp.

Source: https://www.parkers.co.uk/volvo/ex40/review/

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