Volvo EX40 Twin Motor Performance in winter test: All-wheel driving fun with range loss
A TEST REPORT from Kasimir Hupe 
on March 26, 2025, 9:00 pm | Write a comment
The Volvo EX40 Ultra Twin Motor Performance is presented in the Black Edition as an electric premium SUV with a striking design and plenty of technology. We tested the vehicle for you for two weeks in December. Therefore, the focus of this test report is on evaluating the winter capabilities of the Volvo EX40 Ultra Twin Motor Performance Black Edition.
The compact premium SUV EX40 is the electric version of the successful Combustion engine compact SUV XC40, which has been on the market since 2017. The electric version, originally known as the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, was introduced in 2020 and has been available under the new name EX2024 Fully Electric since 40.
The compact SUV offers a range of engines and trim levels (Essential, Core, Plus, and Ultra), including a single-motor variant and a twin-motor version available with an optional performance software package. For this test, we were provided with the ultimate variant, the Volvo EX40 Twin Motor Performance in the Ultra trim level as a Black Edition. This special edition with its all-black look is only available for the Plus and Ultra trim levels of the EX40.
tl;dr (conclusion) on the Volvo EX40: Winter-ready companion with reduced range
With its combination of Scandinavian design, sophisticated software, and winter-proof drive concept, the Volvo EX40 Ultra Twin Motor Performance variant sets standards in its class. In winter testing, it proves the compact SUV Two things in particular: Volvo's all-wheel drive technology sets standards in traction control and handling, while the range unfortunately decreases in winter despite the 82 kWh battery (79 kWh usable capacity).
The lack of efficiency at low temperatures indicates that thermal management, aerodynamic drag, and engine efficiency should be prioritized in the next generation of electric Volvos. However, for users who primarily drive in the city and for drivers who only occasionally travel very long distances and for whom driving pleasure and safety are paramount, the vehicle remains a very good option.
Strengths and weaknesses of the Volvo EX40 at a glance
✅ Pro:
Striking Scandinavian design with an elegant all-black look
Powerful all-wheel drive with 441 hp and 670 Nm of torque
Good traction and handling in winter conditions
Extensive winter equipment (heated seats, steering wheel, exterior mirrors)
Intuitive Google-based infotainment system
Practical storage options and flexible trunk concept
Reliable safety features such as 360° camera and cross traffic warning
One-pedal driving with adjustable recuperation
Shortened charging times at low temperatures through intelligent preconditioning.
⛔️ Cons:
Limited range in winter
High consumption, especially on highways and at low temperatures
Missing manual battery preheating for optimal charging speed
No head-up display available
Pilot Assist lane keeping system does not always work reliably
Image: Volvo Germany
Design and exterior of the Volvo EX40: Black elegance with practicality
The SUV is based on the compact modular architecture (CMA), which was jointly developed by Geely and Volvo. The vehicle is 4,44 meters long, 1,86 meters wide (without exterior mirrors) or 2,03 meters wide (with exterior mirrors), and 1,64 meters high. Both exterior mirrors are electrically adjustable, foldable, and heated. The heated exterior mirrors, in particular, always worked reliably in my test and are a true winter feature.
A major difference between the electric version and the combustion engine variants is the ground clearance, which is 17,1 centimeters for the all-electric model and 21,1 centimeters for the mild-hybrid versions. This is supposed to give the Volvo EX40 an even more solid and dynamic ride, which it certainly achieved in my test. More on that later. Pixel LED headlights with 84 pixel LEDs are also available as an option. They feature extended high beam, intelligent high beam assist, adaptive headlight range control, and dynamic cornering lights, and in my test, they provided excellent visibility even in winter conditions.
The Volvo Ex40 Black Edition, the ultimate variant of the premium SUV, boasts a monochrome yet minimalist appearance: high-gloss black 20-inch wheels, dark-painted trim strips, and the iconic "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights and vertical taillights create an all-black look. The Onyx Black body color is complemented by the Volvo Iron Mark logo on the front fascia. The rear emblem is also black. These are details that I really like and that attract attention on the road. A practical side effect: the black painted surfaces visibly reduce salt residue during the winter months. All in all, the sporty yet elegant flagship edition combines everything a design-savvy user could desire.
Image: Volvo Germany
Interior of the Volvo EX40: Minimalist but winter-ready
The minimalist character of the exterior continues in the interior of the EX40 Black Edition, where Alcantara-like material in anthracite dominates, combined with recycled polyester and a black headliner.The Ex40 features a cruelty-free interior with vegan upholstery that still feels and looks good. A power panoramic glass roof (Ultra trim level) ensures a light-filled interior, which can be opened wide as a sunroof or tilted up for ventilation.
An example of minimalist Scandinavian design is The frameless rearview mirror. The standard automatic dimming system delivers excellent results for both the rearview mirror and the exterior mirrors. The use of a patented subwoofer under the windshield also eliminates the need for the usual front door speakers. Volvo uses the freed-up space for particularly spacious door pockets – one of the largest in this segment. One critical aspect, however, is that the piano-lacquer surfaces of the center console are prone to fingerprints.
Space: Plenty of room
The trunk has a capacity of 410 liters. With the rear seat backrests folded down, the load capacity increases to 1.286 liters when loaded to the roof—a good figure for such a compact SUV. There's another storage compartment under the floor of the luggage compartment. Another practical feature is that the loading floor can be completely removed or folded into various positions, for example, to separate wet from dry winter clothing.
The 31-liter frunk also accommodates up to 7,5 m of Type 2 cables, while the electric tailgate remained operable even with gloves and full hands during my test thanks to a foot sensor. The compact SUV's functionality is underscored by features such as a fold-out hook in the glove compartment for securing bags and shopping bags, as well as a through-loading hatch behind the rear center armrest, which makes it easier to transport long items like skis. Overall, the EX40 offers a well-thought-out interior concept with numerous storage compartments and plenty of storage space.
Image: Volvo Germany
The standard heated seats and heated steering wheel proved to be crucial comfort features at -5°C. The Ultra trim level also includes electrically adjustable front seats with memory for the driver's seat and electrically folding headrests via touchscreen to improve rear visibility. For even greater comfort in winter, the Volvo EX40 also offers pre-conditioning via the Volvo Cars smartphone app. This allows the driver to remotely preheat the vehicle and activate the seat and steering wheel heating; the set temperature is maintained for up to 30 minutes.
The numerous infotainment, comfort, and vehicle functions can be controlled using the buttons on the steering wheel. The integrated sports steering wheel also supports a particularly sporty driving style with its grip, which suits my driving style very well. Another feature that worked extremely well is the Convenient Entry and Start function, which allows the vehicle to be quickly started and driven by pressing the brake pedal and engaging reverse or forward gear. Interfaces include an inductive charging option for compatible smartphones, a 12-volt power outlet, and two USB-C ports in the center console.
Unfortunately, music playback via Bluetooth works only moderately well. I often had connectionproproblems with my smartphone. However, it works very well with the integrated Spotify app. In the top-of-the-line Ultra trim (optional for Plus), the Volvo EX40 is also equipped with the Premium Sound audio system from Harman Kardon Equipped with a total of eight speakers, it delivers truly rich and brilliant sound. I also like the mixed control layout, with a few dedicated buttons for the most important functions and a central display for the rest—an approach that fits the minimalist overall concept. Furthermore, the backlit mountain landscape motif on the dashboard improves orientation in the early twilight.
Image: Volvo Germany
Infotainment: Google System Delivers
As with other Volvo models, the portrait-format touchscreen in the center of the center console forms the focal point of the interior of the Volvo EX40. The nine-inch screen, which is smaller than the competition, runs an infotainment system, which is Operating system Android Embedded OS and thus offers online-based services such as Google Maps and Google Assistant. The various services are seamlessly integrated into the vehicle's user interface and, in testing, offered a great and fast user experience, similar to that found on smartphones and tablets. This integration also allows smart home devices connected to the Google Assistant to be controlled directly from the car.
In addition, the streaming service Prime Video and the video portal YouTube are integrated into the EX40, allowing videos, live streams, and news to be viewed even while the car is parked, for example, while charging. Users can easily install additional apps via the Google Play Store. Another cool feature is the "Glance View" mode, which is activated when the driver approaches the Volvo EX40. In this mode, the current battery charge level and range are displayed on the instrument display. This allows the driver to check how far they can travel with the current battery power as they pass by.
During Volvo EX30 While the EX40 only has the central touchscreen, it remains a classic. A 12,3-inch digital instrument panel with two display modes shows the driver the navigation map behind the steering wheel and also provides all important information on fuel consumption, speed, and other vehicle data. Unfortunately, the premium SUV lacks a HUD (head-up display).
Image: Volvo Germany
Volvo EX40 drive: Icy conditions as a stress test
The all-wheel drive system of the Twin Motor Performance variant consists of a Volvo-developed 135 kW (183 hp) asynchronous motor (ASM) on the front axle and a 190 kW (258 hp) permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMS) on the rear axle. With a system output of 325 kW (441 hp) and a maximum torque of 670 Nm, the twin-motor variant accelerates to 4,6 km/h in 100 seconds, a performance that proves surprisingly manageable, for example, on icy roads. In the test, the all-wheel drive stabilized the 2,17-ton vehicle very precisely by distributing power between the front and rear axles with millisecond accuracy. In the special Performance driving mode, a faster response to accelerator pedal movements can also be felt, which makes acceleration easy to regulate.
In addition, the Volvo also allows for adapted one-pedal driving, a feature that I have come to love over the past two weeks – on slippery roads, the weaker recuperation level is recommended to prevent the wheels from locking up. The connection between the gearshift lever and the transmission in the EX40 is entirely electronic: This weight-saving "shift-by-wire" technology ensures particularly fast transmission of inputs to the transmission. In addition, frequency-selective dampers reduce the impact of bumps at 80 km/h on snow-covered country roads by around 23 percent compared to conventional suspension, resulting in greater ride comfort, especially on snow-covered roads in winter.
Unfortunately, the Volvo EX40 isn't equipped with active air suspension. However, the lithium-ion battery, positioned deep in the vehicle floor and centrally between the axles, contributes to the high driving stability and improved roadholding, which is clearly noticeable during dynamic driving. Unfortunately, like all other Volvo electric models, the top speed is limited to 180 km/h. Overall, however, the compact SUV offers a sporty all-wheel-drive experience with plenty of driving fun. Especially on ice and snow, you'll definitely have a good time in the Ex40, but also a great sense of safety.
Assistance systems: Good performance but not excellent
Among the assistance systems, the 360° camera deserves special mention. Its wide-angle mode enables parking accuracy of ± 5 cm, even in snowfall. However, the lens located under the tailgate tends to get dirty. In this case, the use of de-icer spray is recommended. The system also includes reliable front, side, and rear parking assistance (with automatic rear braking intervention).
Pilot Assist, which allows automated driving up to 130 km/h (130 mph), unfortunately performs rather ambivalently in winter: While the adaptive cruise control reliably maintains a safe following distance on snowy highways, the lane-keeping system regularly fails in freezing wet conditions. The steering assistance also often responds with a delay on slippery roads. This becomes noticeable during sudden evasive maneuvers. Also somewhat annoying is that Pilot Assist immediately shuts off without warning at speeds above XNUMX km/h (XNUMX mph).
The Cross Traffic Alert, the Automatic Emergency Braking System, and the Rear Collision Warning System were very convenient and, in my test, impressive. These assistance systems aren't overly sensitive, but they respond whenever you need them.
Image: Volvo Germany
Fuel consumption and range of the Volvo EX40: There is room for improvement
The 82 kWh lithium-ion battery offers a usable capacity of 79 kWh and a maximum operating voltage of 400 volts. A heat pump that uses the waste heat from the two electric motors and the battery as well as the ambient thermal energy to heat the interior – standard from the Core trim level onwards – reduces heating requirements by up to 15 percent.
In pure city traffic, we measured consumption of approximately 17 kWh/100 km. On the highway, however, the EX40 consumed over 130 kWh/27 km at 100 km/h. The energy required for air conditioning the interior (+23 °C at an outside temperature of approximately -9 °C) drove consumption up to 28 kWh/100 km review with mixed driving. Heating the cabin from -9 °C to +23 °C therefore initially requires approximately 3,5 kWh. Added to this is the drag coefficient of 0,34, which is certainly not a top value and drives up consumption, especially at higher speeds.
This reduces the range from 485 to 537 WLTP kilometers to a realistic 340 to 420 km with mixed driving. This is still an acceptable range, but could pose a problem for skiers on long motorway journeys, for example.
Charging and route planning: Solid performance
With a DC charging power of 200 kW, the EX40 reached 400% SOC (state of charge) in just 10 minutes in my test thanks to its 28-volt system from 80% charge level. This is due, among other things, to its good charging curve, as my colleague Leander explains in his report on the EX40 has already shown. An 11 kW on-board charger also enables AC charging at home and on the go, providing a range of approximately 55 to 60 kilometers. pro hour. An option to upgrade to 22 kW wouldn't have hurt, however, and is certainly possible with some competing vehicles.
One minor criticism: The lack of manual battery preheating extends charging processes by an average of 0 minutes at outside temperatures below 9°C, unless you navigate to a charging station using the integrated Google Maps navigation system, thus triggering automatic preconditioning. A major advantage, however, is that if the driver also uses Google Maps on other devices such as smartphones or tablets and logs into the on-board system, destination entries, routes, and preferences are automatically synchronized, significantly simplifying route planning and accessing frequently used charging stations.
Image: Volvo Germany
Price and warranty of the Volvo EX40
The compact premium SUV The Single Motor Essential variant is available starting at €49.990,00 (including 19% VAT). The price for the all-wheel drive variant currently ranges from €59.590,00 (including 19% VAT) with Core equipment to €65.890,00 (including 19% VAT) with Ultra equipment. The Performance package costs an additional €700. If you want to purchase the Black Edition, the price starts at €56.590,00 for the Single Motor Plus variant, while the fully equipped Twin Motor Performance Ultra variant costs €71.170,00 (including 19% VAT).
When purchasing the vehicle, the buyer receives a new car warranty of 3 years or 100.000 kilometers and a battery warranty of 8 years or 160.000 kilometers.
Image: Volvo Germany
Many thanks to Volvo Germany for providing the Volvo EX40 Black Edition for this test report. This did not influence our opinion!