The aging electric SUV Volvo EX40 is now available in black with black on. The new equipment level Black Edition should keep the EX40 alive a little longer.
A lot has happened to Volvo’s electric model range since this, Volvo’s first electric car, was launched back in 2020.
In fact, the very base that the EX40 is built on is all the way back from 2017, and it’s starting to show in essential places on the car. Fortunately, there have also been technical improvements since then. Among other things, the transition from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive last year is one of the big ones.
Morten has written more about this in the article below; the full test of the XC40 Recharge / EX40.
The model here is called the EX40, but it’s just a name change, and there are no technical updates from when it was called the XC40 Recharge. It’s the same car.
On the other hand, it is much easier to find your way around Volvo’s model designations, because all Volvo’s electric cars are now called something with an ‘E’.
The EX40 is now clearly a big brother to the new electric EX30 and a significantly smaller car than the big electric EX90 – which, by the way, we drive in Los Angeles these days. The XC40 Recharge name now includes only the plug-in hybrid.
To keep the aging EX40 alive, Volvo has introduced the Black Edition equipment level.
What do you get?
The Black Edition is available for two of the three engine variants available for the EX40. The smallest engine, the ‘Single Motor Standard Range’ must make do with Core equipment and therefore cannot be selected as a Black Edition.
The two larger engine variants ‘Single Motor Extended Range’ and ‘Twin Motor’ are available either with Plus, Ultra and now Black Edition. The latter is basically cosmetic touches added to Ulta gear.
Among other things, black logos, black roof rails, black 20″ rims and the color Onyx Black is standard.
It’s a matter of taste whether you like a completely black Volvo – it doesn’t seem so Volvo-like with a completely black car. Regardless, it works pretty well in terms of design, if you ask me – and if it’s attention you’re after, there are clearly more lingering glances at a Black Edition than a regular EX40.
How about that infotainment screen?
It’s no secret that at the speed of development at the moment, the small infotainment screen, at just 9”, looks rather small in the middle. It also looks quite old with the big frame around it. But honestly, I don’t care.
The screen is with Google’s operating system, and it does what it should. Compared to many of the large screens in the new electric cars, it is easy to see and easy to read.
In addition, there are simply no navigation systems that reach Google to the sock holders. It is the best updated on traffic in real time as well as current road conditions such as road closures, accidents and so on.
Little note
The Volvo EX40 is a solid electric car with excellent assembly quality, nice materials and the specifications are also quite nice after the latest update. The age is showing on the size of the screen, but it works very well regardless.
However, you should be aware that the Volvo EX40 does not have a heat pump as standard. It is part of the ‘climate package’, which costs DKK 6,000 extra. Therefore, if you are looking for a used EX40, also keep an eye out to see if it has the heat pump installed.
SPECIFICATIONS
Volvo EX40 Single Engine Extended Range
Black Edition
Motor: Electric motor
Performance: 252 hp / 420 Nm
0-100 km/h: 7.3 seconds
Top speed: 180 km/h
Consumption: 16.7 kWh/100 kilometers
Battery capacity: 79 kWh
WLTP Range: 572 kilometers
Charging capacity: Up to 205 kW
Dimensions (L/W/H): 444/187/165 cm
Curb weight: 2,075 kilos
Draw weight: 1,500 kg
Trunk volume: 410 liters
Price: DKK 420,000 (EX40 available from DKK 372,000)
Private leasing, 36 months, 15,000 km (one-off payment/monthly payment): DKK 14,995 / DKK 5,095
Tax basis, company car: DKK 399,000
