Despite its original launch dating back to 2018, the Volvo XC40 still maintains a fresh and modern appearance, thanks to Volvo's ongoing efforts to evolve the model, making it an option that’s certainly worthy of the shortlist for those interested in buying a used EV. For this review, we delve into the single-motor Ultimate trim, highlighting its standout features and offering some valuable insights for those interested in buying a pre-owned electric vehicle.

Battery Health & Warranty

The Volvo XC40 is equipped with a 69 kWh battery, offering a practical 67 kWh of usable capacity. When it’s time to charge up, it’s capable of handling up to 11kW on AC and 136kW on DC charging, achieving a 10-80% charge in about 30 minutes.

This specific model includes a Type 2 charging cable, a must-have for charging convenience when purchasing a used EV. It's also advantageous to have the 3-pin socket charger, affectionately known as the granny charger cable. A smart tip for used EV buyers is to request a state of health report on the battery. Spirit Volvo readily provided this, revealing an impressive battery health of 95% after over two years of driving, equivalent to four average years on Irish roads, covering nearly 70,000kms, highlighting the XC40’s remarkable durability.

When purchasing a used EV from a dealership, one crucial advantage is the warranty coverage. Typically, warranties are based on either mileage or time. The Volvo we had the chance to review was still covered under warranty. When visiting a main dealer, it’s always good to inquire about the available warranty coverage and the service intervals for the EV that takes your fancy.

Interior Inspection

The Volvo XC40 boasts a sleek nine-inch portrait touchscreen, powered by a user-friendly Google-based operating system. With built-in Google services like mapping, search, and entertainment apps, along with Bluetooth, DAB radio, and wireless smartphone charging, you're equipped with everything you need for an enjoyable drive.

One of the perks about buying used in this case, is the Volvo XC40 features over the air updates. So even though this car is two years old, it still has the YouTube integration, which is a feature that didn’t originally come with this car. You can easily check for updates yourself in the settings, ensuring your system stays current. Overall, the infotainment system remains crisp and responsive, delivering a like-new experience. Aside from the nice infotainment set up, other stand-out features include a Harman Kardon 12-speaker stereo with Dolby surround sound, a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree cameras, and extra ambient lighting for a comfortable driving experience.

When it comes to space and practicality, the XC40 Recharge offers ample room for rear passengers, particularly in the two outer seats. However, the middle seat is a little bit hindered by a raised transmission tunnel, which can limit foot space. While this may not be a concern for buyers seeking a premium EV built on a dedicated electric car platform, it's worth considering for those who frequently accommodate three passengers in the back. The boot is a decent size, with additional room for storage beneath the floor. While you can stash charging cables there, we find it more convenient to keep them in the 'frunk' under the bonnet for easy access and to separate them from other belongings.

Overall, considering the mileage and use it has seen, the car is in remarkable condition, showing minimal signs of wear and tear. With its up-to-date technology, it feels as good as new.

How is it on the Road?

Navigating the XC40 Recharge is effortless, simply use the keyless entry system to hop in, press the brake pedal, select drive, and you’re off. It's very refined and comfortable in almost every situation. Despite sporting large 20-inch wheels, ride comfort remains uncompromised, albeit a tad bit of road noise. A couple of good tips for buying used is to always check if a spare key is available, and to ask about the cost of replacing those tyres with the dealer.

During our drive, we had the opportunity to experience Volvo's adaptive cruise control system, which smoothly adjusts the speed. Taking manual control, Volvo has finely tuned the throttle so that significant torque is only delivered when you press the pedal firmly. Put this feature to use, and the XC40 feels exceptionally quick—plenty fast to question the need for a 408hp model. This model boasts a 0-100km/h time of 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 160km/h, which is more than sufficient for family needs and daily errands.

Overall, the XC40 Recharge is good to drive, and is helped by its responsive steering. You can fine-tune the steering weight through the touchscreen menu, but honestly, we found the standard setting to be just right. Plus, there are options to tweak the pedal response for one-pedal driving. Beyond these adjustments, the XC40 maintains a consistent driving feel no matter the journey.

Conclusion

As a used EV option, there are few flaws with the XC40. While efficiency could be a bit better, it's hardly a deal-breaker considering the benefits it offers. From over-the-air updates to exceptional build quality and a reliable warranty, not to mention its timeless exterior design, the XC40 more than makes up for any minor drawbacks.