The 2025 Volvo EX40, which used to be called the XC40 Recharge, is a compact luxury electric SUV that shows Volvo’s ongoing commitment to electrification. It combines Scandinavian design, cutting-edge technology, and great performance. The EX40 is ready to compete in the crowded luxury electric vehicle (EV) market against the Tesla Model Y, Audi Q4 e-tron, and Genesis GV60. It has a new name that fits with Volvo’s EV lineup, small improvements, and a focus on sustainability. This is a detailed look at what the 2025 Volvo EX40 has to offer.
The EX40 is basically an XC40 Recharge with a new name. Volvo simplified its naming system to make it easier to tell the difference between its fully electric models (which start with “E”) and its hybrids and gas-powered cars. The EX40 is built on the same Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform as the Polestar 2. It keeps the same practical yet upscale personality that made its predecessor stand out. Its boxy, retro-inspired look hasn’t changed much, and its small size (174.8 inches long, 73.3 inches wide, and 65.0 inches tall) makes it perfect for city living while still giving you plenty of room inside.
The EX40 comes in three trim levels: Core, Plus, and Ultra. The base model costs $53,795, and the Twin Motor Ultra model costs $62,045, including shipping costs. This price puts it in a good position against competitors, with Kelley Blue Book saying that depending on the trim, you could save between $2,690 and $2,895 off the MSRP.
Powertrains and Performance
The 2025 EX40 has two powertrain options to suit different driving styles:
Single Motor Extended Range (Rear-Wheel Drive): This setup has a 79-kWh battery (usable capacity) that gives it 248 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It can go up to 296 miles on a single charge and goes from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds. It has a combined efficiency rating of 106 MPGe, which makes it great for people who want a long range and good gas mileage.
With two motors that produce 402 horsepower (or 436 hp with the optional Performance software pack), this setup has 494 lb-ft of torque and can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. The downside is that the range is only 260 miles and the combined MPGe is 94. The Performance pack, which is only available in some markets, makes the accelerator respond faster and adds a Performance drive mode.
An 82-kWh battery (79 kWh usable) powers both powertrains. This is an upgrade for the Twin Motor version, which used to have a 75-kWh pack. The EX40 can charge quickly with DC power at up to 205 kW. It can go from 10% to 80% in about 28 minutes for the Single Motor and 34 minutes for the Twin Motor. Level 2 home charging takes about 8 hours to fully charge, so it’s easy to charge overnight.
The EX40’s ride quality is great. Its suspension strikes a good balance between comfort and handling, and it can handle most bumps in the road, even with the Ultra trim’s 20-inch wheels. Its electric powertrain lets it speed up almost silently, and the Twin Motor gives it exciting performance for a family SUV.
Interior and Design
The outside of the EX40 is a lesson in how to be elegant without being flashy. It has a blanked-out grille, LED headlights, and vertically stacked LED taillights. The Black Edition package adds Onyx Black paint, gloss black badging, and 20-inch gloss black wheels for a sleek, modern look. The colors Sage Green, Cloud Blue, and Sand Dune give you a natural and elegant look.
The cabin of the EX40 is a great example of Volvo’s simple Scandinavian style. It has high-quality materials like vegan-friendly Microtech upholstery, recycled textiles, and trim made of open-pore woodgrain or driftwood. The Core trim has a lot of nice features, but the Ultra trim adds even more, like a Harman Kardon sound system, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and Pixel Technology headlights that change direction with the steering wheel.
There is 40.9 inches of legroom in the front and 36.1 inches in the back, but tall people in the back may find it cramped if the front seats are all the way back. The cargo space behind the second row is 16 cubic feet. When the seats are folded down, it grows to 57.5 cubic feet. A small front trunk (frunk) gives you extra space to store small things or charging cables.
The Google-based infotainment system has a 9-inch portrait touchscreen and is easy to use. It works with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Google services like Maps, Assistant, and the Play Store. The standard digital driver display is 12.3 inches, but some reviewers say the interface could have more interesting EV-specific metrics.
Safety and Technology
The EX40 shows that Volvo is known for making safe cars. It comes with a full set of driver-assistance features, such as the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Cross Traffic Alert, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Ultra trim comes with a 360-degree camera and Pilot Assist, a system that helps you drive on its own. The IIHS gave the EX40 and the XC40 Recharge a Top Safety Pick+ and the NHTSA gave it a 5-star rating, which shows how safe it is.
The Volvo On Call app makes it easier to connect to your car and lets you check on its charge levels, climate control, and access from anywhere. The Car Sharing feature lets owners give other people temporary access, which is helpful for families or people who share a car.
Efficiency and Range in the Real World
The EPA says that the EX40 can go 296 miles (Single Motor) or 260 miles (Twin Motor), which is competitive. However, real-world testing shows that these numbers are lower. In the winter, ranges as low as 198 to 220 miles have been reported. However, in warmer climates and with careful driving, the ranges are closer to what the EPA says. Preconditioning the cabin while charging helps get the most range, especially in very hot or very cold weather.
The decision
The 2025 Volvo EX40 is a great option for people who want a compact electric SUV that is safe, stylish, and comfortable. It has a good mix of performance, comfort, and cutting-edge technology, making it a strong competitor in the luxury EV market. However, its range and charging speeds aren’t quite as good as those of the best in the segment. The EX40 is a great choice for Volvo fans and people who value refinement over range. It starts at less than $54,000 and comes with a lot of standard features, making it a good choice for the modern EV buyer.