EX40: Australia's best small luxury SUV, with added ex-factor

Volvo Cars has rebadged the best small luxury SUV in its class – and the fully electric EX40 now comes with added ex-factor as standard. Which means more range and more features – for no extra cost.

The EX40 replaces the XC40 Recharge, but it’s more than just a name change. The EX40 packs a larger battery, taking driving range up to 520km for the Ultra Single Motor Extended Range model, and with faster charging*.

Plus it comes with bigger alloy wheels (20 inch rims) and high class Harman Kardon audio system in which the 13 speakers and air-ventilated subwoofer are automatically optimised. Which means 600 watts of excellent sound quality throughout the car – and crucially, really tight bass.

The EX40 also comes with a 360-degree camera as standard – which can use the front, rear and side cameras to give drivers a birds-eye view. Which makes manoeuvring in spaces with limited visibility – along with park assist for tight parking spots – much less hassle.

The upholstery has also had an upgrade, with ‘microtech’ synthetic and recycled textile seating giving a sporty look that’s refreshingly easy to clean.

Performance-wise, the single motor extended range EX40 covers 0-100km/h in 7.3 seconds. The dual motor all-wheel drive version, with maximum range of up to 485km*, makes that sprint in 4.8 seconds.

Then there’s the EX40 Black Edition – where pretty much everything apart from the headlights and taillights is black, including the suede and microtech upholstery. It has certain swagger, which Performance mode in the dual motor powertrain version duly backs up.

All of which builds upon the huge list of features that made the EX40’s predecessor the best car in its class – according to Drive – for four years running. These include:

- Driver assistance for safety and peace of mind.
- Remote charging and climate controls to make life easier and cooler.
- Advanced air purification technology for cleaner, safer cabin air.
- Pixel LED headlights that adapt to traffic and optimise visibility without dazzling other road users.
- Advanced passenger protection, including dual stage airbags, inflatable curtain, whiplash injury protection system, side impact protection and driver’s knee airbag.
- Blind spot and cross traffic alerts and collision avoidance technology designed to first warn of a risk and then brake if drivers don’t react in time.
- Wireless phone charging, Google services included for 5 years, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Over the air updates as Volvo Cars develops the latest cutting edge technology – which means the car just keeps getting better.

There’s much more to the EX40 than meets the eye. Get the full download here, or contact your local retailer.

* Range is based on testing standards obtained under specific testing conditions for the fully electric Volvo EX40 which is not carried out on every individual vehicle sold by Volvo and outcomes are not guaranteed. Range achieved under real conditions varies depending on factors including but not limited to driving style, road and traffic conditions, environmental influences, vehicle condition and accessories fitted, means in the real world the range you experience can differ from that advertised. Advertised figures are meant for comparison purposes.