What you see is what you get? That is not always the case. The Volvo XC40 may be called the EX40 in future, but the vehicle remains the same. This also means that the design language of the compact, all-electric SUV will continue to be characterized by clarity, elegance and straightforwardness.
With the XC40 Recharge, the first all-electric vehicle from Volvo, the Swedish manufacturer has quickly made a name for itself in the field of electromobility. Now, Volvo has renamed its driving force in the field of electric mobility—The XC40 Recharge is now called the EX40. Fortunately, however, the new successful formula—E + X + 40— does not conceal a new form. The exterior and interior design features established long before the renaming remain the same. This means that visual clarity and a focus on the essentials continue to characterize the appearance of the vehicle.
The electric identity of the compact SUV is recognizable at first glance, but does not impose itself. It can be seen at the front end, which features a clad radiator grille. The grille insert and the surround are in the same color as the car. The cover not only creates a visually striking recognition feature, it also helps to improve drive efficiency and increase the range. The EX40 has a range of up to 573 kilometers. Sharp lines run across the hood from the headlights to the A-pillar. The »Thors Hammer« light motif of the LED daytime running lights integrated in the headlight units, which is probably one of the most striking features of the current brand design language, also ensures that the EX40 is immediately recognizable as a Volvo.
The side view is also characterized by unagitated elegance and straightforwardness—a connection that also distinguishes the Scandinavian brand beyond the individual models. The clear wedge shape emphasizes the dynamic orientation of the vehicle, while the wide C-pillar gives the car stability. The rear end makes the vehicle appear wider and emphasizes the sporty and powerful side of the EX40.
The combination of clarity, sportiness, approachability and elegance is also continued in the interior. When selecting the materials used, the vehicle manufacturer focuses on quality and sustainability. For example, only high-quality leather alternatives are used in the interior. The floor covering in the footwell contains recycled plastics and the upholstery is also partly made from recycled materials. As in all other current models from the Scandinavian car brand, the large, portrait-format touchscreen—with its not always perfectly user-friendly menu navigation—in the center of the center console forms the focal point of the interior in the Volvo EX40. Everyday functionality meets comfort meets sustainability meets attention to detail—This is how the interior of the EX40 could be summarized.
In 2023, Volvo brought back rear-wheel drive for the XC40 Recharge, in addition to the all-wheel drive system. »In doing so, we are interpreting a cherished Volvo tradition in a modern way«, said Herrik van der Gaag, Managing Director of Volvo Car Germany GmbH, at the launch of the new drive concept. One thing is certain: straightforward design and driving pleasure on winding roads are not mutually exclusive. Not at all, as the Volvo EX40 shows. [SW]
VIELEN DANK AN VOLVO FÜR DAS ZURVERFÜGUNGSTELLEN DES TESTFAHRZEUGS.
