This week, I bring you the contemporary, stylish, and, buckle up, 400+ horsepower 2025 Volvo EX40 Twin Motor Ultra with All-Wheel Drive. This quite likable all-electric compact SUV is the rebadged EX40 Recharge - and the top trim now goes by Ultra, not Ultimate. Also, don't confuse it with the XC40 which is a mild hybrid.
Exterior
The EX40 is a stylish SUV. It's classy and refined with creases and curves in all the right places. A new Sand Dune metallic paint hue looks sophisticated with the Ultra's contrasting black roof, high gloss black window, and 20-inch Diamond Cut alloys.
The front end is equipped with Volvo's 84-LED pixel headlight technology that adapts to traffic. The Ultra trim adds headlight high pressure cleaning and fog lights.
Under the hood, a front load compartment provides a bit of extra storage space.
Powertrain
Don't let the EX40's smaller size fool you - its next-generation Twin Motor 82 kwh battery EV powertrain packs a punch. It delivers a fantastic 402-horsepower and 494 pound-feet of torque. Yes, I think you know where I am going here. Its power, performance (0-to-60 in 4.6 seconds) and quick off the line acceleration are nothing short of impressive.
Interior
Volvo's interiors are modern, minimalistic and I have to say very serene. You just feel at peace in their confines, no matter how hectic your life is.
The commitment to quality materials and craftsmanship shines through in the cabin. While refined, it's approachable. The cabin features driftwood woodgrain inserts and one of Volvo's leather-free upholsteries - Dawn Fusion Microtech/Textile. The suede-like material is made from recycled polyester, and looks and feels upscale.
Now to the heated, power adjusting driver's seat. It is fantastic! It's so well designed for comfort and support. If you have hip or lower back pain you will love sitting in them. The seat cradles/hugs your lower back - and with the heating element engaged - you may never want to leave the vehicle. That is no joke. It also has a mechanical thigh seat cushion extender. The seats are however on the smaller side since this is a small SUV.
Volvo is clearly serious about its heating elements - as the three-level heated, tailored sport steering wheel is also 100% and gets quite warm.
The EX40 has two 12.3-inch screens. The digital driver display with full screen navigation is always a highlight. A 12.3-inch tablet-style driver display does seem a wee bit small, but it's bright with a great resolution, graphics and map quality. It's responsive, too, a good thing considering you'll access and control a lot of the car's functions through it, including the climate, one pedal driving, drive modes, the power-folding rear headrests and more. Volvo's multi-media system incorporates Google Built-In and Google Assistant as well as Apple CarPlay. The Ultra's 13-speaker Harman Kardon sound system produces fantastic sound quality. Volvo is also big on cleaner air. Its air purification system filters out up to 80 percent of hazardous particles from entering the cabin. Four USB-C ports keep everyone connected and charged.
Smartphone charging is located just under the center stack. I wasn't in love with the charging pad material as it scuffed easily. A slim center console houses a sculpted gear shift knob and two cupholders. The glossy black trim does tend to attract lint and such. The center console bin is on the small side.
The front seat backs are a mix of soft touch and plastic along with mesh holders. Silver-trimmed AC vents add an upscale appeal to the second row, though the door panels lack the interest of those in the front. While the second-row is a bit tight, and stadium seating reduces head room, passengers enjoy heated seats thanks to the Ultra trim.
Above, the Ultra's panoramic roof allows a lot of natural light in, for an airy and open vibe throughout the cabin.
Cargo space is great for an SUV this size, and the Ultra adds a 12-volt power outlet.
Ride and Drive
The Volvo EX40's driving dynamics really shine. It is lighting fast, with oh-so-smooth off-the-line acceleration thanks to the rear torque. While not a "sporty" ride, handling feels great, too - especially when you tighten up the steering response in the drive setting.
It's a wonderfully smooth ride as well thanks not just to the acceleration but the comfortable suspension. The ride is enjoyably quiet. There are just two drive modes: standard and off-road, along with one pedal drive which you can set to auto, on or off.
Range and Charging
The EV40 Twin Motor AWD variant offers an up to 260-mile range and delivers a 10-80% in 28 minutes using DC Fast-Charging.
It's not equipped with an integrated NCAS port, but an adaptor is included, giving you access to 17,800+ DC fast chargers. Volvo's system can locate compatible NCAS charging stations in the area.
Range assistant, accessible in the infotainment system, tells you what vehicle function is using the most energy - be it your speed, driving style or the climate controls. In testing, I noted a loss of about 5 miles of range using some climate functions. The Ultra is also equipped with a heat pump which will help extend range by increasing battery efficiency in colder weather.
Safety
Volvo's driver assistance features are among the best and most intuitive out there. Very simple to operate from a button on the steering wheel instead of dealing with a stalk on the steering wheel column. The Ultra is equipped with Volvo Pilot Assist, a fantastic semi-autonomous driving system. The Ultra also adds a 360 Surround View Camera and rear side door Power Child Locks.
Other safety features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning/Lane Keeping Aid, Road Sign Assist, Blind Spot Information System with Steering Assist and Cross Traffic Alert, Driver Alert Control, and Ready to Drive mode which alerts you to when the vehicle in continuing to drive. You also get Park Assist, front, rear and side.
Verdict
The 2025 Volvo EX40 Ultra is a compelling package with its modern style, comfort features, outstanding EV performance and driving dynamics as well as excellent tech and safety features. While range could be improved on the AWD model, I find it's priced just right in the EV luxury segment.
- What I Liked Most: EV performance and driving dynamics, upscale leather-free interior, the heated front seats and overall cabin ambiance along with Harman Kardon sound.
- What I would change: AWD variant could use a bit more range and I'd love a Sport drive mode.
- MSRP: Base Price: 60,750. As equipped: $62,045 with transportation.
- Fuel Economy: 103 MPGe city/ 85 MPGe highway/94 MPGe combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 100.6miles.
- Official Color: Sand Dune
- Weight: 4,612 pounds.
- Spare tire: Tire Repair Kit.
- Length-Width-Height: 174.8" length/80.1" width w/side mirrors/65” height.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: N/A. Charging port.
- Towing Capacity: 2,000 pounds.
- 2025 Volvo EX40 Twin Motor in a few words: A overall stylish package that delivers EV performance, fantastic ride and drive quality and superb safety.
- Warranty: 48 Month/50,000 Mile Limited Warranty Coverage; 96 Month/100,000 Mile Hybrid Battery Warranty; 144 Month Corrosion Protection "Unlimited Mileage"; Volvo On-Call roadside assistance, complimentary factory maintenance for first 4 years or 40,000 miles.
- Final Assembly Location: Ghent, Belgium.
- Manufacturer's website: Volvo
