The Volvo EX40, a car that’s been around in various forms for a while, has now evolved into a fully electric option. Volvo has been refining it, and the latest Black Edition offers a striking, all-black aesthetic. This particular model is a 252 horsepower single motor version, but a more powerful 408 horsepower dual motor is also available. It boasts decent towing capacity and impressive specs, making it look quite menacing, especially in this blacked-out trim.
Key Takeaways
- Unmatched Safety: Volvo’s reputation for safety is well-earned, and the EX40 is packed with features like City Safety, pedestrian and cyclist detection, collision avoidance, and various mitigation systems.
- Striking Design: The Black Edition offers a sleek, all-black exterior with a menacing grille, distinctive headlights, and stylish rear lights.
- Comfortable Interior: Known for its comfortable seats, Volvo continues this tradition in the EX40, complemented by a premium feel and a glass roof that doesn’t compromise headroom.
- Google-Based Infotainment: The system is intuitive, featuring over-the-air updates, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice commands via Google Assistant.
- Practicality: While the boot space is a bit smaller than some rivals, it offers partitioning, underfloor storage for cables, and decent towing capabilities.
Safety First, Always
Volvo’s commitment to safety is legendary. You can tell the engineers there must not get much sleep, thinking of all the ways to keep you safe. In the EX40, you’ll find City Safety, which includes pedestrian, cyclist, and even large animal detection, along with frontal collision avoidance and full auto braking. There’s also rear auto braking, run-off road mitigation, and a knee airbag for the front passenger. On top of that, there’s side impact protection and a vehicle deceleration control system. It really feels like Volvo has thought of everything to make this one of the safest EVs on the road.
A Menacing Exterior
This Black Edition really lives up to its name. The entire car is blacked out, from the grille to the wheels. The tall headlights are a signature Volvo look, and there are some nice details, like the spotlights and airflow vents down below. It’s described as a compact family SUV, and it does look a bit like a squished XC60. The rear lights are also a standout feature, reminiscent of the XC90. And then there’s the rear wiper – it’s possibly the longest one ever made! Overall, it presents a pretty menacing and attractive profile.
Practicality and Space
When you open the boot, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. The 444-liter capacity is okay, but some competitors like the Skoda Enyaq and Kia Nero offer more. However, there are some clever touches. You can partition the boot space if needed, and there’s room underneath for your charging cables. It’s good to see a first aid kit included, as expected from Volvo. Towing capacity is respectable, with the single motor capable of 1,500 kg and the dual motor handling up to 1,800 kg. The boot itself is electrically operated, which is a nice touch.
Inside, you might notice a transmission tunnel, which is a bit unusual for a fully electric car. The cutouts on the top of the doors could also slightly impact visibility for rear passengers. However, the car is equipped with 360-degree cameras and blind-spot monitoring, so you can see pretty much everything around you. The seats fold down completely flat, creating a large, uninterrupted loading space. And yes, the rear seats are heated in this Black Edition, and they are incredibly comfortable – Volvo really does make some of the best car seats.
Tech and Comfort Inside
If you’re into technology, you’ll appreciate the EX40. It comes with over-the-air updates, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. You can even link your Spotify or YouTube accounts directly. There’s wireless charging, and the main screen is brilliant, displaying all the information you need, including navigation. Because it’s a Google-based system, you can use voice commands like, "Hey Google, direct me to the airport." It shows your estimated charge upon arrival and departure, and includes real-time traffic alerts. You get a four-year subscription for this service, which is fantastic.
The interior is very black, fitting the theme, with some high-gloss finishes. There’s an armrest and a handy secret compartment for hiding your phone. Despite being owned by a Chinese company now, the interior still feels very Swedish. A fun little trivia question: who invented the car park ticket holder first, Skoda or Volvo? Let us know in the comments!
Battery, Charging, and Performance
This model features an 82 kWh battery with a DC charging speed of up to 175 kW. There’s also a 70 kWh option. The charging port’s location on the corner of the car might be a bit awkward with some public chargers. Thankfully, the EX40 has battery preconditioning, which helps optimize charging speeds by getting the battery to the right temperature. It also includes a heat pump, which is great for efficiency.
If you’re wondering how to turn off those persistent speed limit warnings, just tap the left arrow on the steering wheel – it’s that simple. In terms of efficiency, I’m seeing around 20 to 23 kWh per 100 km, which is decent. The car is surprisingly fast, with plenty of power when you need it. The Onyx Black paint is a nice touch.
Driving Experience
Getting going is easy; just put it in drive and go. The regenerative braking system is a bit inconsistent for me. It slows the car down significantly, then freewheels, and then applies more braking as you get closer to things. It takes some getting used to. The door bins are carpeted, which is a nice detail that many manufacturers are skipping these days. These little things, along with the heat pump, battery preconditioning, head-up display, and quality materials, contribute to the overall premium feel, and you do get what you pay for.
The handling is okay. It feels like it has a low center of gravity, but the steering isn’t overly sharp. On 20-inch wheels, the ride can feel firm over rough surfaces or potholes. It’s not a bad car in corners, but there are definitely better options out there. The regen braking can be quite strong when you lift off the accelerator, which might surprise drivers behind you. When you accelerate out of a corner, it does manage the weight well, so you can have a spirited drive.
Final Thoughts
Compared to rivals like the Volkswagen ID3 GTX, which is significantly cheaper, the EX40 has a lot to contend with. While it looks great and drives pretty well, the braking system is my main gripe. The boot space might not be enough for everyone, but the rear occupants are very well catered for. And of course, it’s a Volvo, so you know safety is top-notch. Let me know what you think in the comments below!