Volvo EX40 : In the rapidly evolving landscape of electric vehicles, Volvo has established itself as a formidable contender with the 2025 EX40 electric SUV.
Formerly known as the XC40 Recharge, the rebranded EX40 represents Volvo’s commitment to electrification while maintaining the brand’s hallmark emphasis on safety, comfort, and Scandinavian design sensibilities.
As we delve into what makes this compact luxury electric SUV a standout in an increasingly crowded market, it becomes clear that Volvo has crafted a vehicle that masterfully balances practicality, performance, and premium features.
A New Name, Same Exceptional Foundation
The transition from XC40 Recharge to EX40 marks Volvo’s strategic realignment of its naming convention to better distinguish between its electric, hybrid, and conventional combustion engine vehicles.
While the name has changed, the vehicle’s DNA remains intact – the distinctive boxy yet elegant silhouette, thoughtfully designed interior, and remarkably capable electric powertrain continue to define this model’s character. The name change reflects Volvo’s broader commitment to clarity, as all fully electric Volvo vehicles now begin with an “E” designation, making it easier for consumers to identify their powertrain type at a glance.
For those familiar with the previous XC40 Recharge, the transformation might seem subtle, but the continuity speaks to the strength of the original design. Rather than completely reimagining an already successful formula, Volvo has refined and enhanced what was already working well.
This approach stands in contrast to competitors who sometimes sacrifice cohesion and practical functionality in the pursuit of futuristic aesthetics.
Powertrain Options That Deliver
The 2025 EX40 offers two compelling powertrain configurations to suit different driving preferences and needs. The entry-level Single Motor variant delivers 248 horsepower through a rear-mounted electric motor, providing a well-balanced combination of efficiency and performance. This rear-wheel drive configuration offers enhanced range capabilities, with Volvo estimating up to 296 miles on a full charge – a significant improvement over previous generations.
For those seeking more exhilarating performance, the Twin Motor option provides a substantial 402 horsepower from dual motors (one at each axle), creating a full-time all-wheel drive system. This configuration doesn’t just offer superior traction and stability; it transforms the practical family SUV into a surprisingly spirited performer.
With the ability to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 4.6 seconds (though some drivers report it feels even quicker), the Twin Motor EX40 outpaces many sports sedans while maintaining its practical utility.
What’s particularly impressive is how the EX40 delivers this performance without sacrificing efficiency. The Twin Motor variant still achieves an EPA-estimated 94 MPGe combined, while the Single Motor extends this to an impressive 106 MPGe combined. These figures put the EX40 in a favorable position compared to many competitors, though it still falls slightly short of the segment-leading Tesla Model Y in terms of maximum range.
Refined Driving Dynamics
Beyond raw acceleration figures, the EX40 delivers a driving experience that feels distinctly premium. The powertrain’s instantaneous torque delivery creates a smooth, responsive feel that makes everyday driving a pleasure. The regenerative braking system is particularly well-calibrated, offering strong yet predictable deceleration that enables true one-pedal driving – a feature that many EV enthusiasts come to prefer once they’ve experienced it.
While the EX40 isn’t marketed as a performance vehicle per se, its handling characteristics might surprise drivers coming from conventional combustion-engine SUVs. The low center of gravity created by the floor-mounted battery pack reduces body roll, while the firm suspension setup strikes a commendable balance between comfort and control. The steering offers good feedback by electric SUV standards, creating an engaging driving experience that belies the vehicle’s practical nature.
Despite its firm underpinnings, the EX40 manages to deliver a relatively refined ride quality that absorbs most road imperfections without transmitting excessive harshness into the cabin. This is particularly impressive given the vehicle’s compact dimensions and the large wheels featured on higher trim levels. The cabin remains well-insulated from wind and road noise, contributing to the premium feel that buyers in this segment expect.
Interior Excellence: Where Scandinavian Design Meets Practical Luxury
Step inside the EX40, and the Scandinavian design influence becomes immediately apparent. The interior features clean lines, thoughtful ergonomics, and an uncluttered aesthetic that creates a sense of calm sophistication. Unlike some competitors that rely heavily on flashy screens and gimmicky features, Volvo has created a space that feels both contemporary and timeless.
The materials throughout the cabin reflect Volvo’s increasing focus on sustainability, with several upholstery options featuring recycled and renewable materials. These eco-conscious choices don’t compromise on quality or comfort – the seats remain supportive for longer journeys, and touch points throughout the cabin feel substantial and well-crafted.
The panoramic glass roof, available on higher trim levels, enhances the interior ambiance by flooding the cabin with natural light and creating an airy, open feeling despite the vehicle’s compact external dimensions. Thoughtful details abound, including an automatic closing feature for the sunshade when temperatures exceed 25°C while the vehicle is parked – a small but significant touch that speaks to Volvo’s attention to detail.
Cargo capacity impresses given the vehicle’s footprint, with up to 57.5 cubic feet of space available with the rear seats folded flat. The trunk floor remains level when the seats are folded, making it easier to load larger items. Additional storage can be found in the underfloor compartment and a small but useful 0.7 cubic foot “frunk” (front trunk) that provides a convenient space for charging cables and other smaller items that drivers might want to access regularly.
Technology Integration That Enhances Rather Than Distracts
The EX40’s technology suite centers around a Google-based infotainment system that strikes a fine balance between functionality and usability. Unlike some competitors that overwhelm drivers with complicated menu structures and endless customization options, Volvo’s approach focuses on intuitive operation and quick access to essential functions.
The portrait-oriented central touchscreen serves as the hub for most vehicle functions, including navigation provided by Google Maps, climate controls, and entertainment options. Voice commands via Google Assistant allow drivers to control many functions without taking their hands off the wheel, while the integration of Google Play allows for easy installation of additional apps to expand the system’s capabilities.
Audio options include a standard system that delivers competent performance, but the available Harman Kardon Premium Sound system truly transforms the listening experience. With 13 high-fidelity speakers (including a subwoofer) powered by a 600W digital amplifier, the system delivers impressive clarity and depth. The inclusion of Dirac Unison Tuning technology optimizes the response of each speaker to ensure balanced audio throughout the cabin.
Safety has always been a cornerstone of Volvo’s brand identity, and the EX40 continues this tradition with a comprehensive suite of active safety features. Standard equipment includes lane-departure warning and blind-spot monitoring, while higher trim levels add adaptive cruise control and a semi-autonomous driving mode that can assist with steering, acceleration, and braking in certain conditions.
Charging Infrastructure and Range Considerations
As with any electric vehicle, charging capabilities play a crucial role in the ownership experience. The EX40 supports fast charging, allowing drivers to replenish the battery from 10% to 80% in approximately 40 minutes when connected to a suitable DC fast charger. For home charging, Volvo recommends installing a wallbox, which provides more efficient charging than a standard household outlet.
Convenience features include the ability to precondition the battery while charging, ensuring optimal temperature conditions that can help maximize range before beginning a journey. The Volvo Cars app also allows owners to locate public charging stations, including those offering preferred rates for Volvo drivers.
While the EX40’s range figures (up to 296 miles for the Single Motor variant and 260 miles for the Twin Motor) don’t set new benchmarks for the segment, they provide more than adequate coverage for typical usage patterns. The recent compatibility with the North American Charging Standard (NACS) further enhances the vehicle’s practicality by expanding access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network.
Trim Levels and Value Proposition
For 2025, Volvo has realigned the EX40’s trim structure, renaming the previous Ultimate trim as Ultra while maintaining similar feature content. The lineup progresses from the well-equipped base Core trim through Plus to the range-topping Ultra. Even the entry-level Core model comes generously equipped with features that would be optional extras on many competitors.
The sweet spot in the range might well be the Ultra trim, which adds distinctive 20-inch wheels, automatic high-beam headlamps, the previously mentioned Harman/Kardon premium audio system, adaptive cruise control, and a semi-autonomous driving mode. These enhancements significantly elevate the driving experience without pushing the price point to unreasonable heights.
When comparing the EX40 to its most obvious competitor, the Tesla Model Y, several distinctions become apparent. While the Tesla offers advantages in terms of maximum range and cargo capacity, the Volvo counters with superior build quality, more cohesive design, and a cabin that feels genuinely premium rather than minimalist. The EX40 also avoids some of the polarizing aspects of Tesla ownership, presenting itself as a more conventional luxury experience that happens to be electric rather than making its electric nature the defining characteristic.
A Compelling Package in a Competitive Segment
The 2025 Volvo EX40 may not break new ground in the electric SUV segment, but it excels by delivering a thoroughly well-rounded package that addresses the priorities of luxury compact SUV buyers. Its combination of distinctive design, premium interior ambiance, capable performance, and Volvo’s reputation for safety create a compelling proposition for those transitioning from conventional luxury vehicles to electric alternatives.
In a market segment where competitors often emphasize a single standout characteristic – whether extraordinary range, blistering acceleration, or futuristic technology – the EX40’s balanced approach may lack headline-grabbing extremes. Yet this balance is precisely what makes it so satisfying as a daily companion. It doesn’t sacrifice practicality for performance, comfort for efficiency, or usability for novelty.
As electric vehicles continue their transition from early-adopter curiosities to mainstream transportation options, vehicles like the EX40 that normalize the electric experience while maintaining traditional luxury values will play an increasingly important role. The 2025 Volvo EX40 doesn’t just represent a renamed XC40 Recharge; it embodies Volvo’s vision for electrification that enhances rather than fundamentally alters the driving experience that luxury consumers have come to expect.
For prospective buyers seeking a premium electric SUV that blends Scandinavian design sensibilities with practical functionality and engaging performance, the 2025 Volvo EX40 deserves serious consideration. It may not be the most radical option in its segment, but its thoughtful execution and attention to detail create an ownership experience that promises to satisfy long after the initial novelty of electric driving has worn off.