New Volvo EX40 ‘Black Edition’ Really Shines.
New Volvo EX40 Black Edition Really Shines.
The new Volvo EX40 Black Edition combines the brand’s renowned Scandinavian design philosophy with a distinctive all-black styling treatment that really stands out in Volvo’s expanding fully electric vehicle line-up. Every exterior element of the EX40 Black Edition has been meticulously coordinated to create a cohesive dark aesthetic. Distinctive glossy black detailing includes distinctive 5-spoke alloy wheels, roof spoiler, front grille, badging, and bumper elements – all of which provide the car with terrific road presence. The dark tinted rear windows finish off the dynamic exterior look of the car to great effect, while also providing rear seat occupants with enhanced privacy.
Strong Design Identity.
The EX40 Black Edition’s styling is a clear sign of Volvo’s understanding that electric vehicles can maintain a strong design identity while embracing new powertrain technology. The comprehensive all-black treatment elevates what is already an attractive SUV design into something rather special, and visually distinctive. This aesthetic appeal is matched by Volvo’s renowned build quality and outstanding safety credentials, with panel gaps, material choices and overall fit and finish all meeting the exceptionally high standard expected from the iconic Swedish manufacturer.
Two or Four-Wheel Drive.
The EX40 Black Edition is available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) guises, with the AWD variant benefitting from twin electric motors, as opposed to a single motor in the RWD edition. Trim variants available are ‘Plus’ and ‘Ultra’, both of which come with an impressive array of safety, security, comfort, convenience and infotainment systems as standard. Depending on the exact configuration, drivers can expect a driving range of between 466km (Single Motor, Standard Range) and 569km (Single Motor, Extended Range), In RWD format, the EX40 Black Edition can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.3-seconds, but this reduces to just 4.6-seconds for the AWD version. The next-generation electric powertrain that underpins the EX40 is engineered to increase range and reduce charging times. As a result, DC (150kW) charging from 10-80% can be completed in as little as 27 minutes, while a 20-90% charge via an 11kW AC wallbox charger can be completed in around 8 hours. Just like a petrol or diesel-powered vehicle, a more economical driving style will help to increase the range of an electric car. Driving at higher speeds requires more energy, therefore, a smooth driving style at reduced speeds will help to improve overall range. All electric Volvo’s include the ‘Range Assistant’ app, a useful tool to check energy consumption and to help develop a more efficient driving style.
Practical & Spacious Cabin.
In the upmarket cabin of the new EX40, occupants benefit from a high seating position for a commanding view of the road ahead, and the car comes with one of the best infotainment systems on the market, jointly developed with Google, and based on the Android operating system. It provides customers with Google apps and services built-in, such as Google Maps, Google Assistant and the Google Play Store. Unlimited data enables superior connectivity, and the EX40 will receive software updates over the air, so that it will continue to improve over time after it has left the factory. All five occupants of the new EX40 will appreciate the comfort of ergonomically designed seats, along with the pleasing levels of headroom on offer too. With the rear seats up, the load compartment has 411-litres of space below the load cover, expanding significantly when the split-folding rear seats are folded. The load height is particularly well-considered, making it easy to slide heavy items in without having to lift them over a high lip. Additionally, a foldable floor acts as a handy divider to hold shopping bags secure as well as enabling hidden underfloor storage. A convenient 31-litre front load compartment (frunk) provides smart extra storage, and it is the perfect place to keep your charging cables easily accessible and well protected from dirt, dust and moisture. A lower section in this storage compartment is dedicated to the storage of a puncture repair kit, with the two sections divided by an easily removable load floor.
Test Car Details.
My test car was a new EX40 ‘Black Edition’ (Single Motor, Extended Range), which was finished in Onyx Black metallic paintwork with standard-fit 20-inch black alloy wheels. The single-motor, extended range EX40 comes with an 82 kWh battery and an anticipated range of up to 569 km on a single charge under a WLTP combined driving cycle. As is the case with all electric cars, the instant torque from the electric motor in my test car enabled outstanding linear acceleration from the get-go. Producing 252bhp and 420Nm of torque, there is always plenty of power available for overtaking slower moving traffic, and joining fast-moving traffic on a motorway. The selectable One-Pedal-Drive feature ramps up the regenerative braking function and can bring the car to a complete stop, with little or no need to touch the brake pedal at all. Some other car manufacturer’s offer a similar feature on their EV’s, but Volvo has judged it really well and it makes for very smooth progress once you get used to it. However, if you do step on the brake pedal, the car automatically mixes regenerative and friction braking in a well-controlled fashion. The steering is light and the wheel turns without any resistance but, if you prefer, you can increase the weight of the steering via the touchscreen. Overall ride quality in the EX40 is excellent, with the car’s supple suspension set-up well able to absorb road imperfections with great ease. While many cars with similar power outputs are jumpy and impatient, the EX40 allows you to layer the power on smoothly and progressively, with none of the hesitating or lurching that can often be experienced in petrol or diesel-powered cars. It has to be said that the new EX40 is a perfect all-rounder, as it tackles every task asked of it in a fuss-free, confident manner.
Verdict & Pricing.
The new Volvo EX40 has a luxurious interior, a perfectly-acceptable electric range, rapid performance, exceptional refinement and impressive safety credentials, and the sporty styling elements that come with the ‘Black Edition’ model make it a truly desirable premium compact SUV. The new Volvo EX40 Black Edition is priced from €49,990 for the Single Motor Plus variant (inclusive of SEAI Grant & VRT Relief for private buyers).
Visit www.volvocars.com for further information.
