For the new model year
Volvo EX40/EC40 – more power, black look
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Other nomenclature: Volvo XC40 and C40 become EX40 and EC40. But – new model names and nothing else? Not quite. The compact SUV is now available in a power version. The Swedish car manufacturer has also launched a Black Edition, similar to the larger series.
XC stands for crossover and C for coupés, which was easy to understand with the Volvo models XC40 and C40. But then there was the Recharge option that the plug-in models had. And if there was a Pure Electric at the back, that meant the electric version. Oof.
With the name change, the electric model range consists of the SUV EX30 and EX90 as well as the compact models EX40 – pictured – and EC40.
(Photo: Volvo)
Now the Swedes have cleaned up and simplified their nomenclature. In the future, all fully electric series will begin with an E, followed by the letter designating the type. With the 2025 model year now starting, the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric will become the EX40, and its coupé offshoot will be called the EC40 in the future. In the future, the plug-in versions will be identified by the additional T6 and T8, depending on the power of the engine.
With the name change, the electric model range consists of the small SUV EX30, the compact models EX40 and EC40 and the large SUV EX90. For the time being, the Swedes are only offering the seven-seater EM90, which is over five meters long and whose “M” stands for Multi Purpose Model, only in China. You don't have to be a prophet that the sedans announced for 2025 will be called the ES60 and ES90.
New names and nothing else?
Volvo is introducing a Black Edition for all drive variants in the 40 series.
(Photo: Volvo)
New model name and nothing else at the start of the new sales year of the 40 series? Not quite. Customers can now order the compact SUV in a power version. For a moderate additional charge of 700 euros, the performance software increases the engine power of the all-wheel-drive twin-motor version from 300 kW/408 hp to 325 kW/442 hp. The performance model of the EX40 starts from the second equipment level Plus Dark for 62,890 euros. The C40 Twin Motor Performance costs from 64,390 euros. The 34 hp more power does not affect consumption or range. According to WLTP, the EX40 Performance, equipped with an 82 kWh battery, can travel between 485 and 537 kilometers, depending on the equipment.
And how does the power version feel? Hardly any different than the tame versions, at least when driving normally. However, if the performance mode is activated in the submenu, the whole thing becomes noticeably sharper with a more direct steering feel and a more active response from the power pedal.
At the same time, the Swedes are introducing a Black Edition for all drive variants in the 40 series. As with the Black Edition models of the larger series, the name says it all: the vehicles are completely black, right down to the 20-inch high-gloss rims in a five-spoke look.
The closed radiator trims of the E models and the radiator grilles of the combustion engines are also kept in black. It's dark inside too, but at least the anthracite-colored roof lining brightens the interior a little.
The Black Edition models are based on the two highest equipment levels, Plus and Ultra, and cost an additional 1,300 euros. The EX40 in the black look costs from 56,590 euros. For the black EC40 you have to invest at least 58,090 euros, for the XC40 with a petrol engine you have to invest 49,190 euros.
