Volvo EX40

Model Overview

The Volvo EX40 is a fully electric compact SUV from Swedish luxury brand Volvo. Formerly known as the XC40 Recharge, it was officially renamed starting from the 2025 model year in line with the brand's global electrification naming strategy. Slotted between the EX30 and EX90 in Volvo's all-electric lineup, the EX40 is aimed squarely at urban professionals and young families. In terms of dimensions, the SUV measures 4,440 mm in length, 1,873 mm in width, and 1,651 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,702 mm. In the Taiwan market, the 2026 model year EX40 is available in two variants: Plus Single Motor and Ultra Twin Motor, priced at RM1,740,000 and RM1,890,000 respectively; in Hong Kong, the entry-level variant starts from RM318,800 under the "One-for-One Replacement" scheme.

Design Language

The EX40 stays true to Volvo's hallmark Scandinavian minimalist aesthetic. Up front, it sports a closed-off shield grille flanked by the signature "Thor's Hammer" LED daytime running lights, retaining a silhouette virtually identical to the petrol-powered XC40. The side profile features clean and sculpted lines, complemented by 19-inch alloy wheels and a contrasting black roof. At the rear, vertically stacked LED tail lights flank the tailgate, while the refreshed "EX40" badge typography adds a modern touch.

The 2026 model year introduces a new Black Edition, featuring Onyx Black exterior paint, gloss black badges, and 20-inch five-spoke gloss black alloy wheels, matched with an all-black cabin theme. Inside, the cabin continues Volvo's signature understated and functional design, equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9-inch portrait touchscreen infotainment unit. The interior is further elevated by translucent backlit trim decor and high-grade ambient cabin lighting.

Powertrain and Performance

The EX40 is offered in two powertrain options: single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) and dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD):

• Plus Single Motor (Single Motor): Powered by a rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering 238 hp (approx. 177 kW) and 420 Nm of torque. It completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.3 seconds, with top speed capped at 180 km/h.

• Ultra Twin Motor (Dual Motor): Powered by a dual-motor AWD system delivering a combined 408 hp (approx. 300 kW) and 670 Nm of torque. The 0-100 km/h sprint is dispatched in 4.7 to 4.8 seconds.

The Single Motor variant packs a 70 kWh battery pack, while the Twin Motor variant gets an 82 kWh lithium-ion battery. In terms of range, the Twin Motor delivers up to 554 km on the WLTP cycle and 623 km on the NEDC cycle; the Single Motor variant achieves an NEDC-rated range of 540 km. DC fast charging is supported, with the Twin Motor model accepting a maximum DC charging capacity of 200 kW, charging from 10% to 80% state of charge (SoC) in around 26 to 28 minutes.

Chassis and Handling

Underneath, the EX40 rides on a MacPherson strut independent front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension setup. The Single Motor model is rear-wheel driven, whereas the Twin Motor variant features electric all-wheel drive. Stopping power comes from all-round disc brakes paired with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) and Auto Hold function. Multiple selectable drive modes are available. With a tight turning radius of 5.7 metres, it offers effortless agility when navigating narrow city streets.

Cabin and Equipment

The cockpit features a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a 9-inch portrait-style touchscreen. The infotainment system comes with built-in Google services, including Google Maps, Google Assistant voice control, and the Google Play Store, alongside wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity.

In terms of convenience and comfort, standard equipment across the range includes a panoramic power sunroof (with anti-pinch function), a wireless smartphone charger, dual-zone automatic climate control (with PM 2.5 air purification), and a hands-free powered tailgate. The range-topping Ultra variant adds a Harman Kardon premium sound system, a 360-degree surround-view camera (with a 180-degree front view assist), and Pixel Technology adaptive pixel LED headlamps. Boot capacity stands at 410 litres, expanding to 1,400 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety is Volvo's foremost hallmark. The EX40 comes comprehensively equipped with active safety and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including: ABS, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Front and Rear Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Emergency Evasive Steering Assist, Front Vehicle Departure Alert, and Driver Alert Control. Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) are also standard equipment.

Passive safety features include dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, and a driver's knee airbag. A Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and ISOFIX child seat anchor points also come standard.

Market Performance and Reception

As the direct successor to the XC40 Recharge, the EX40 plays a pivotal role in Volvo's electrification journey. In Taiwan, the 2026 model year EX40 has received significant price cuts compared to the 2025 model year—the Plus Single Motor was reduced from RM1,910,000 to RM1,740,000 (a reduction of RM170,000), while the Ultra Twin Motor dropped from RM2,220,000 to RM1,890,000 (a reduction of RM330,000).

In mainland China, the EX40 has yet to be officially introduced. Reports indicate that Volvo has updated the new naming on its global portals, with the domestic facelift expected to debut later this year. Key segment rivals include the Tesla Model Y, Audi Q4 e-tron, and Mercedes-Benz EQA. Bolstered by Volvo's proven safety credentials, Scandinavian design heritage, and comprehensive tech suite, the EX40 offers a standout, distinctive choice in the competitive premium compact EV segment.