Volvo’s updated model range is now on sale in the UK, including the new long-range fully electric EC40 and EX40 versions.
A core focus of the brand’s presence at the Great British Fleet Event this month, the revised line-up brings the brand a step closer to its goalpost of becoming fully electric only, deploying naming changes that create consistency across the UK model line-up. At the same time, new and revised powertrain options are available.
The updates are led by the fully electric C40 Recharge crossover and XC40 Recharge SUV, now rebranded as the EC40 and EX40 respectively, bringing their naming in line with their EV stablemates, the EX30 and EX90 SUVs. The XC40 name remains in place for the mild-hybrid petrol versions.
The EC40 and EX40 are offered with a new Single Motor Extended Range powertrain. This joins the existing rear-wheel-drive Single Motor and all-wheel-drive Twin Motor options, providing extra driving range – up to 346 miles in the EC40 and 343 miles in the EX40. It features a 252hp electric motor on the rear axle and a 78kWh battery able to charge at up to 140kW DC.
Also new is an optional Performance software upgrade will be available, available for the EC40 and EX40 Twin Motor versions and increasing maximum output from 408hp to 442hp. It also provides quicker acceleration response courtesy of revised pedal mapping and the addition of a new Performance mode that unlocks the increased power. This software upgrade will also be available to existing owners of 2024 model year C40 and XC40 Recharge cars. UK timing and pricing details will be announced later.
Volvo is also simplifying its price structure, with like-for-like on-the-road prices for the EC40 and EX40 Plus and Ultra models (the EX40 is also available in entry-level Core grade).
Visually, the EC40 is distinguished by a contrast black roof, standard across all versions. A new Sand Dune exterior colour option has also been introduced to the EC40, EX40 and XC40 models.
Volvo’s electrification programme also sees the deletion of the Recharge name from all plug-in hybrid models. Additionally, the Ultimate trim level has been changed to Ultra, across all models, while the Ultra specification of the XC60 and XC90 is now available with a heated windscreen as a no-cost option (which replaces the standard-fit head-up display).
The XC60 plug-in hybrid line-up has also gained an entry-level Core version, bringing the starting price for the PHEV model down by more than £4,000.
Elsewhere in the Volvo Cars range, technical adjustments have been made to the B5 mild-hybrid petrol engine featured in the XC60 and XC90 SUVs. Adopting a new combustion cycle has improved fuel economy and lowered CO2 emissions – by up to 4% in the mid-size XC60 and 2% in the larger XC90.
The updated Volvo models are on sale now, with first customer deliveries expected in the summer. Visitors to the Great British Fleet Event will also be able to see some of the latest launches in the flesh.
UK EC40 on-the-road pricing
EC40 Single Motor Plus – £52,555
EC40 Single Motor Extended Range Plus – £54,305
EC40 Twin Motor Plus – £57,805
EC40 Single Motor Extended Range Ultra – £58,355
EC40 Twin Motor Ultra – £61,855
UK EX40 on-the-road pricing
EX40 Single Motor Core – £45955
EX40 Single Motor Extended Range Core – £47,705
EX40 Single Motor Plus – £52,555
EX40 Single Motor Extended Range Plus – £54,305
EX40 Twin Motor Plus – £57,805
EX40 Single Motor Extended Range Ultra – £58,355
EX40 Twin Motor Ultra – £61,855
