A Driver's Candid Assessment of the 2025 Volvo EX40 Twin Motor Ultra
This comprehensive critique delivers a stark assessment of the 2025 Volvo EX40 Twin Motor Ultra, revealing that despite its notable acceleration, the vehicle struggles to justify its substantial price point. The review meticulously dissects various aspects of the car, from its problematic infotainment system to its limited interior practicality and competitive range shortcomings. Ultimately, the analysis suggests that while the EX40 boasts considerable power, its deficiencies in crucial areas render it a less compelling option compared to its more feature-rich and often more affordable rivals in the burgeoning electric SUV market.
Detailed Report: An Unvarnished Look at the 2025 Volvo EX40 Twin Motor Ultra
In a candid examination published on August 16, 2025, a seasoned automotive journalist provided an unfiltered account of their week-long experience with the 2025 Volvo EX40 Twin Motor Ultra. This highly anticipated electric vehicle, priced at $62,045, faced rigorous scrutiny and, regrettably, failed to meet the lofty expectations set by previous Volvo models, particularly the 2025 XC90 PHEV T8 Ultra AWD.
Upon receiving the EX40, the reviewer, initially impressed by its on-paper specifications—a formidable 402 horsepower, all-wheel drive, a swift 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds, rapid charging capabilities, and an approximate 260-mile range—anticipated a compelling driving experience. Its compact SUV stature, comparable to popular models like the Genesis GV60 or Hyundai IONIQ 5, suggested a versatile family vehicle. However, the real-world evaluation unveiled a series of significant drawbacks that overshadowed its performance.
A primary point of contention was the vehicle's infotainment system. The 12.3-inch display, expected to mirror the vibrant, high-resolution interface of the XC90, proved to be an unexpected disappointment. Its retro appearance, reminiscent of 1990s technology, was coupled with sluggish performance and frequent glitches. Connecting a smartphone via Bluetooth often resulted in prolonged loading times for Android Auto, sometimes failing to display the application entirely while music played. The screen's noticeable lag when navigating settings and its slow application launch times severely hampered the user experience, especially given that most essential vehicle functions, aside from basic climate and media controls, are integrated into this faulty interface. Furthermore, the low-resolution backup camera, angled downwards, offered a suboptimal view, making spatial judgment challenging.
While the EX40's acceleration was undeniably a highlight, providing an exhilarating, almost instant surge of power that impressed both the reviewer's family and themselves, this thrilling performance was unfortunately coupled with an unexpectedly noisy cabin. Despite the car's silent electric powertrain, significant road noise, including tire hum and wind rush, permeated the interior. Even with the premium Harmon Kardon sound system active and the panoramic sunroof's shade closed, the intrusive sounds persisted, contrasting sharply with quieter competitors such as the Mustang Mach-E and Hyundai IONIQ 5.
In terms of practicality, the EX40 presented mixed results. Installing child seats for toddlers was relatively straightforward due to accessible anchor points. However, the high rear windows restricted the children's outward visibility, a notable downside for family travel. The rear passenger area and trunk, while adequate for single individuals or couples, offered limited space once child seats were in place, making it challenging to accommodate items like strollers or larger luggage, especially when compared to other EVs in its segment that optimize internal volume more effectively.
The vehicle's range also raised concerns. Despite its all-wheel-drive configuration, which inherently impacts electric range, the EX40's 260-mile capacity fell short when pitted against competitors. The Hyundai IONIQ 5, for instance, offers up to 290 miles; the Nissan Ariya EVOLVE+ e-4ORCE AWD achieves around 272 miles; the Mustang Mach-E Extended-Range boasts 300 miles; and the Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD reaches approximately 295 miles. Crucially, many of these rivals also come at a more competitive price point, rendering the EX40 a less attractive option for those seeking extended range and better value for inter-city travel, despite its compatibility with Tesla Superchargers via an NACS adapter.
The discerning buyer evaluating the 2025 Volvo EX40 Twin Motor Ultra faces a fascinating dilemma. On one hand, the sheer, exhilarating power and immediate responsiveness of its electric drivetrain are undeniable and offer a genuinely thrilling driving sensation. This might appeal strongly to those prioritizing raw performance and the novelty of a rapid, silent acceleration that can bring a smile to any enthusiast's face. However, this singular advantage comes at a significant cost, both literally and figuratively. The vehicle's high price tag, particularly when juxtaposed with its notable shortcomings in user interface functionality, cabin acoustics, and practical cargo space, forces a serious reconsideration of its overall value. In an increasingly competitive electric vehicle market, where rivals frequently offer more refined technology, quieter rides, enhanced utility, and superior range—often at a more accessible price—the EX40 stands out for its speed but stumbles in areas that contribute significantly to daily usability and owner satisfaction. Therefore, while its potent performance is a definite draw, potential owners must weigh this against the compromises in comfort, practicality, and technological sophistication. For many, the collective package offered by its competitors might present a more compelling and well-rounded proposition, leaving the EX40 primarily as a choice for those who are willing to overlook its imperfections for the sake of its powerful, albeit solitary, virtue.