New Volvo EX40 hits showrooms: rebadged all-electric XC40 starts from ?45,955

While the Volvo XC40[1] is still available with mild-hybrid petrol power, the all-electric version has been rebadged as the Volvo[2] EX40. It’s available to order now, with prices starting from GBP45,955. The BMW X1[3] and Audi Q4 e-tron[4] rival’s name change to EX40 has brought it in line with the manufacturer’s other electric cars[5], the EX30[6], EX90[7] and EM90[8].

The Volvo C40[9] coupe has also been reborn as the Volvo EC40[10] for the same reason. The Volvo EX40 is available with three powertrains: Single Motor, Single Motor Extended Range and Twin Motor. The base setup uses a 69kWh battery to provide up to 296 miles of range, while a 235bhp electric motor drives the rear wheels.

Advertisement – Article continues below The mid-range Single Motor Extended Range is a new addition and is priced from GBP47,705. It features a larger 82kWh battery that boosts the EX40’s range up to 343 miles and a slightly more powerful 248bhp motor.

0-62mph takes 7.3 seconds (same as the entry-level model). Finally there’s the EX40 Twin Motor, which is available from GBP57,805. As the name suggests, this version adds another motor to the front axle for all-wheel drive and a combined power output of 402bhp and 670Nm of torque; enough for 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds.

However Volvo is also introducing a Performance software pack for the EX40 Twin Motor that adds an extra 34bhp, upping the total to 436bhp. The upgrade includes a unique pedal map for “quicker response” and a new Performance drive mode. Volvo says the upgrade will be available for electric XC40 owners in time, but hasn’t announced how much it will cost or when it’ll be rolled out in the UK.

There’s currently three trim levels to choose from: Core, Plus and Ultra. All EX40s feature LED headlights[11], a nine-inch touchscreen, 12-inch driver’s display, Google apps built-in, a powered tailgate, reversing camera and lots of safety kit. Meanwhile top-spec models get luxuries like a panoramic glass roof, 360-degree surround-view camera and Harman Kardon sound system.

Advertisement – Article continues below It’s worth knowing that the entry-level Core trim can be paired with both of the single-motor powertrains, however you need to upgrade to the pricier Plus or Ultra trim if you want dual motors. Volvo is set to introduce a new Black Edition model of the EX40 and petrol-powered XC40 down the line though, which should sport similar styling and interior changes to the XC60[12] Black Edition that went on sale last year.

Predictably, these cars will get Onyx Black paint, gloss-black badging and 20-inch black wheels, plus a choice of microtech or textile charcoal interiors. It’s not clear whether this specification will be available with all battery and motor combinations, or if it’ll be exclusive to higher-end models. Elsewhere in the Volvo range, the company has ditched the ‘Recharge’ branding from its XC60 and XC90[13] PHEVs, which will now solely use T6 and T8 badges to signify output.

Volvo also introduced a new entry-level Core version of the XC60 PHEV, cutting more than GBP4,000 off the price tag, and says its B5 mild-hybrid petrol engine is now up to four per cent more efficient, thanks to a tweaked combustion cycle.

Click here for our list of the best electric SUVs[14]…

References

1. ^ Volvo XC40 (www.autoexpress.co.uk)
2. ^ Volvo (www.autoexpress.co.uk)
3. ^ BMW X1 (www.autoexpress.co.uk)
4. ^ Audi Q4 e-tron (www.autoexpress.co.uk)
5. ^ electric cars (www.autoexpress.co.uk)
6. ^ EX30 (www.autoexpress.co.uk)
7. ^ EX90 (www.autoexpress.co.uk)
8. ^ EM90 (www.autoexpress.co.uk)
9. ^ Volvo C40 (www.autoexpress.co.uk)
10. ^ reborn as the Volvo EC40 (www.autoexpress.co.uk)
11. ^ LED headlights (www.autoexpress.co.uk)
12. ^ XC60 (www.autoexpress.co.uk)
13. ^ XC90 (www.autoexpress.co.uk)
14. ^ best electric SUVs (www.autoexpress.co.uk)