We recently tested the Volvo XC90 and found the 3-row plug-in hybrid a delight to the eye and to drive. The XC90 is also the company’s largest offering. Maybe you’d like something else. How about a smaller EV with that Swedish goodness, and oh, say jaw-dropping performance? Well, come right this way, and let us show you the 2025 Volvo EX40.

Name Game

Ok, you say, Volvo EX40 never heard of that. An all-new model?

Well…no. Volvo is reshuffling the cards to have names that are consistent across the board. So, the EX40 is basically last year’s XC40 Recharge. Still, the manufacturer’s smallest EV/Crossover is certainly worth another look.

Fun-Size Fun

If you think all Volvo’s are just boxy fare, the EX40 will change your mind.

The front is friendly, with “Thor’s Hammer” LED driving lights creating an unmistakable first impression, while the front panel keeps a stylish home to the oversize Volvo badge. With a tight folded front bumper and blacked out lower and side grilles, the XC looks sporty and still manages to smile at you.

The profile looks modern and keeps up that athletic vibe with flared fenders, deep cut-ins in the lower doors, and a swept-back A-pillar that merges to an equally swept back C-pillar. Blacked-out trim on the roof, mirrors, and lower side skirts create a svelte line on the 4-door hatchback. What really sold the whole package was our tester’s 5-spoke, 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels that really fill out the wheel wells and give a tough look

The rear echoes the front, with a large, deep hatch, hockey stick-shaped wraparound taillights, and V O L V O spelled out in nice block letters. An aero rear spoiler sits above the rear window, while a lower blacked-out fascia gives a little tough-truck attitude.

Finishing up the look was our tester’s Sand Dune paint, a rich unusual metallic that sparkles in the right light. Volvo says it was inspired by the sand dunes of Sweden’s West Coast. We’ll just say we got plenty of thumbs up on our West Coast as well!

Sensibly Swedish

Inside, you have that wonderful mix of rich materials, common-sense design, and friendly tech that is the hallmark of the brand. The power heated front seats have a sporty look, but are easy to get into, and we like the pull-out lower cushion that’s a real plus for longer-legged drivers. Being eco-conscious, you find that seats are faux leather with wool, but they look upscale. There are some items like the door panel trim and hard plastics that hint that this is a less-expensive model, but in general you get that clean, minimalist vibe Swedish-ness that keeps it apart from other manufacturers.

Minimalist, indeed, you soon notice that there’s no start/stop button – you unlock the door and get in, and the EX recognizes the key fob and gets things in motion. Just step on the brake, select a gear and off you go. It’s a little unnerving to get out of the car and not hit a button to shut things off, but the Volvo’s got your back.

Smart tech is also present with the excellent driver’s display, and a large tablet size screen in the center dash. Like our XC90, it’s beautifully integrated into the design, and this system does the heavy lifting – just about all settings for info-tainment, navigation, climate and more are handled here.

That may sound like too much, but we found the Google-based info-tainment system is extremely clever and handles much of your needs by simple voice commands. It will also tell you terrible Dad jokes if you ask for them! Volvo does us a solid by including a Volume knob at the bottom of the display with a couple other switches you might use often.

The system works well with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and while it doesn’t have the instant connection and ease of use of the Lexus UX we recently tested, after a few tries it’s relatively easy to figure things out.

Being an Ultra model, Volvo really brings on the goods, including Panoramic sunroof with power sunshade, Harmon Kardon Premium Sound, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, 360-degree SurroundView Camera, Air Purifier, 12V power outlet in the cargo area and more.

The rear seats are adult friendly, with excellent support. The relatively short wheelbase means no recline on those rear seats, so your good posture will be rewarded! Cargo area with the rear seats up is quite good for an EV, and the seats fold easily to create a flat floor. The large rear hatch makes loading even easier.

An added bonus with the EV design, you also have a “frunk” front trunk – perfect to keep your charging cables easily accessible and well protected from dirt, dust and moisture. Clever!

By Thor’s Hammer, another Electrifying Drive!

We thought our recent XC90 tester was quick. Well, the EX40 Twin Motor is even better – it’s jaw-dropping quick!

You have 2 engine choices in the EX40, a single-motor, rear wheel drive version pumping out 248 horsepower. That’s probably a fine choice for most folks, but for enthusiasts, go straight to the Twin Motor All-wheel-drive like our tester with 402 horsepower and 494 lb.-ft. of torque.

Those are muscle car numbers, and in something relatively small like the EX, the performance is thrilling, pulling away from a stop the Volvo pushes you deeply into your seatback, and 0-60 comes in right around 4 seconds. It’s addictingly fast, and you’re going to put the hurt on a lot of more expensive and sporty machines. In a cute little Volvo!

EV abilities are good with a claimed range of 260 miles – which you will not see if you’re taking advantage of all that power! Fast charging brings you from 10-80% charge in as little as 28 minutes – perfect for grabbing a quick meal or workout.

Other fun can be had with one-pedal driving, and once you get used to the significant braking that comes from just easing off the accelerator, it’s simple and kind of fun.

The EX’s small size makes for a nice handling package, and it’s especially good at darting in and out of traffic and grabbing a tight parking space. Kudos to the SurroundView monitor that makes placing the vehicle super easy.

Easy is a good way to describe the driving experience. The EX trades off some overall sportiness for luxury, and we think that’s entirely right for those who will be buying the EX – it provides an impressively smooth ride, even on our tester’s massive 20-inch wheels and tires. And of course with an EV, it’s so silent, you just whoosh along in limo-like quiet.

Volvos have a sterling reputation for safety, and the EX tips the scales in your favor with standard Blind Spot information with Steer Assist and Cross Traffic Alert, Collision Mitigation that detects Vehicles, Pedestrians and Cyclists, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure warning and Lane Keep Assist, along with Driver Alert Control, Road Sign Information, and Park Assist for Front, Rear and Side. You feel well protected.

Small Price?

That would depend on your tastes and budget.

Your most basic EX40 is the Core model, at $53,795 for a single engine, 2WD model. With the handsome styling, beautiful interior and excellent drive, that’s a great price for a luxury EV.

Our tester was the full-lingonberry version Twin Motor Ultra 4WD, starting at $60,750, and with no options, and $1,295 for Destination, we rang the bell at $62,045. We think for the relatively small upcharge the Twin Motor Ultra is the way to go, for the massive improvement in performance and added goodies.

In the competition department there’s a wide range of interesting luxury EV’s to consider, but we’d definitely check out the all-new Porsche Macan EV, comparably equipped at $86,000. You do get the P-car experience with the Macan and the chassis dynamics are sure to be next-level. That said, the EX40 Twin motor is notably faster! (and much less expensive)

We’d also look at the 2025 Genesis Electrified GV70 with similar power and sumptuous luxury, but it’s also pricier, coming in at $75,275 comparably equipped.  The Volvo looks like an exceptionally good value.

Impressively quick, stylish with a chic Swedish interior and luxurious ride, the 2025 Volvo EX40 Twin Motor is an amazing EV that’s easy to love!