Video Summary
The Volvo XC40 EV is more successful in its switch from combustion to electric, with over 50% of buyers choosing the EV version. The tested vehicle is a base, fully electric version, which was a recent addition.The 2024 model year received major upgrades. It now primarily uses rear-wheel drive. Price has improved. Standard gear is great; however, the cloth seats are unexpected for a luxury segment. Heated front seats with memory functions, a heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate, LED headlights, 19-inch alloys, and tinted windows are included.
The inside feels ready for the internet age with a Google-based always-online operating system. Google accounts can be synced and map preferences stored. It has proven to score meaningful software updates regularly and has a phone app.
The XC40 isn't the most modern or well-equipped luxury or electric car today. Rivals often have head-up displays, standard leather seats, surround parking cameras, and vehicle-to-load functionality, none of which this entry-grade has.
The electric version will be renamed the EX40 before the end of 2024, but this name change won't come with any spec changes initially.
The XC40 is well-designed, and could have been released today without looking out of date. Unlike some rivals, it isn't extreme or ostentatious; there is an elegance to its simplicity.
Inside, it is simple without being boring and is luxurious without being lavish; however, it is very grayscale compared to some luxury small SUVs. The brand adds intrigue through a rubberized embossed map of Sweden running through the dash. There are small limited door pockets, hard plastic around, and two cup holders with an "ashtray".
During long-term testing, reviewers found the storage a little limiting, and that energy consumption spiked significantly on the open road.
With the new drive unit, the reviewer was seeing about 16.8 KWh/100km; however, it can achieve 70kms/hour. The XC40 can charge up to 150kW on DC, allowing 10% to 80% charge in 34 minutes.
Charging the car is good. It achieved a 5-star ANCAP rating in 2018.
The change to RWD has improved the driving experience compared to earlier versions.
