Volvo updates the EX40 and EC40 electric SUVs

What’s changing for the EX40 and EC40?

Both cars get refreshed styling on the outside, with new headlights — that feature a very slim interpretation of the long-running “Thor’s Hammer” signature — and new brake lights that also feature slim LED strips (not for the EC40 though, which retains its existing rear design).

The new ‘Matrix’ headlights come with 15 segments each, allowing for a long and wide beam spread that shouldn’t dazzle other road users.

There are also new grilles at the front, new bumpers, new bonnets and new front wings — extensive changes forward of the windscreen, in fact.

As before there will be a ‘Black Edition’ option, which will bring black paint and blacked-out exterior trim for both cars.

Any changes inside?

Yes, both the EX40 and EC40 get updated interiors with new materials and new ambient lighting that Volvo describes as bringing: “A warmer and more contemporary atmosphere.”

Part of that comes from the addition of optional ‘Arianne Cardamom’ leather upholstery which comes with brown ash wood trim. You can also have black ash wood or aluminium trim if you like.

There’s also a big tech update, with a new 11.2-inch touchscreen — similar to the one used by the Volvo XC60 — which runs Google-based software. That software now includes Google’s Gemini AI voice assistant, and it gets over-the-air software updates. The ‘40’ cars get an updated wireless phone charger too. 

What about the EX40 and EC40’s batteries and motors?

Both the EC40 and EX40 will be getting new model lineups which adopt the ‘P’ badge used by the larger EX60 electric SUV. The range includes P4, P5, and P8 AWD models.

The P4 Long Range version of the EX40 and EC40 will probably be the most significant for Ireland, as it pairs a single 204hp rear-mounted electric motor with a 79kWh battery for a range of 575km in the EX40 and 584km in the EC40 — a marginal improvement compared to the outgoing Long Range cars.

P8 AWD variants get two electric motors and up to 442hp, but that extra power will cost you a bit of range, with the P8 Performance model managing 538km between charges.

Some markets, including the UK, still get B3 and B4 mild-hybrid petrol versions of the XC40 but these won’t be coming to Ireland.

Are the EX40 and EC40 still safe?

Both EX40 and EC40 get updated safety cameras with higher resolution lenses, improved ultrasonic sensors and new radars which are claimed to make their electronic driver assistance systems more responsive.

New functions include a warning if you’re about to open the doors into the path of a pedestrian or cyclist; lane keeping steering that can now change lanes for you and which Volvo claims ‘follows the road more smoothly’; and a new optional all-round camera system with a 3D view.

When can I have one of these SUVs in Ireland?

The updated EX40 and EC40 can be ordered from today, but production of the new models won’t start for a few weeks yet, so they won’t arrive in Ireland until closer to the end of the year.

What does Complete Car think?

This isn’t a wholesale reinvention of the EX40 nor EC40, but the new touchscreen is welcome, as is the quality boost for the cabin, and the slight improvement in electric range for both models. They remain a solid electric choice for someone who wants a bit of style, and a lot of safety, to go with their EV.