LOOKS

With its Scandinavian heritage, the 2024 Volvo C40 offers a low-key look that is simultaneously stylish and upscale.

The 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels had a standout design, the front end is understated yet eye-catching, and the C40 includes sleek side lines. There’s also an attractive rear design including a spoiler. 19-inch wheels come standard on the C40.

Influenced in design by Volvo’s XC40 model, one notable design feature is the C40’s sloped roofline, which looks sharp but limits cargo space a bit.

One other attractive design feature is the fixed panoramic glass roof. Windows are tinted and feature high gloss, black decor. Overall, the design stands out as a beauty without being overly in-your-face.

The biggest downside of the C40’s design is that it creates a somewhat limited rear visibility for the driver.

Moving inside, Volvo has nailed the design, delivering roomy seating for all five passengers. It’s not the most luxurious interior you’ll find in an EV, but still delivers a modern feel and plenty of comfort.

Inside, the C40 is less fancy than most luxury EV rivals, but will deliver a more upscale feel than EVs from Tesla, Kia and Hyundai.

Among the features included are:
— Charcoal Fusion Microtech/Textile or Charcoal Connect Suede Textile / Microtech or tailored wool blend seating surfaces
— Power front seats with driver seat memory 
— Multi-zone automatic climate control
— 4-way power lumbar support, front seats
— Heated rear and front seats, heated steering wheel
— Air purifier
— Power-folding rear headrest
— Auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors 

Also available are heated rear seats and heated steering wheel.

One other item of note: There is no start/stop button inside the C40. Instead, you just get in, sit down, put the car in Drive and go. When you get to your destination, put it in Park and get out. All that needs to happen for you to drive the C40 is the key must be in the car. This is a sign for the future or driving as controls continue to be simplified, and the first time I’ve seen this setup.

Cargo space is not huge due to the compact size of the C40. Available space with the seats up is 17 cubic feet, and you’ll get 49 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

HOW’S THE RIDE?

The single-motor version of the C40 is powered by a rear electric motor, and features an 82-kWh lithium ion high voltage battery, shift-by-wire single speed transmission, anti-lock braking and Hill Start Assist. This version of the C40 features rear-wheel drive.

The dual-motor option is paired with a 78-kWh battery, and features all-wheel drive.

Power numbers on the single-motor are 248 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque; those numbers jump significantly to 402 hp and 486 pound-feet on the twin-motor.

The C40 features electric power assisted steering, as well as a One Pedal Drive ability. As you lift your foot off the gas, the C40 slows while it works to recover energy via regenerative braking. On rare occasions you may need to hit the actual brake, but it’s mostly avoidable. For those who don’t like the feeling of One Pedal Driving, it can be turned off in the controls.

The 0-to-60 speed of the C40 is solid. Twin motor versions are in the low-to-mid 4 second range, while the single-motor will get there in the mid 6-second range.

Even in the single-motor setup, you’ll get moving very quickly due to the strong torque figures. This type of power is not something typically associated with Volvo, and will surprise some people, but will become more common as they electrify their vehicle offerings further.

Being a compact ride, the handling and agility of the C40 is impressive on roads straight and curvy, braking is responsive, and the super quiet ride it offers, with minimal noise intrusion, is notable. 

The one-pedal driving is interesting, but I wasn't always a fan. It can slow very quickly if you lift your foot off the pedal, and takes time to get used to it. This won’t be preferred by all drivers.

With its smaller size, the C40 is only rated for towing up to 2,000 pounds.

 
TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY

The tech in the 2024 Volvo C40 is centered around a Google-based infotainment system. Its center screen features a simple design and is operable by both voice and touch commands.

Physical controls are easy to master, but I found it easier to rely on voice commands. The driver just needs to say, “Hey Google” and then provide an instruction related to music, navigation, climate or phone calls.

Directly in front of the driver is a 12.3-inch digital display, the vehicle includes four USB-C ports (2 in front and 2 in the rear), Bluetooth connectivity is standard, and Apple CarPlay is supported via wired connection only (Android Auto is basically the default setup with the Google-based design). You also get a trial subscription to satellite radio, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system is offered. Wireless phone charger is also included.

Among the built-in Google features in the vehicle are: Google Maps, Google Play Store and Google Assistant. And there’s a Volvo app you can use to remotely start your car and lock/unlock the doors.

Music options include satellite radio, terrestrial radio, and Bluetooth audio streaming from a phone or other device. Apps for Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music and TuneIn let you stream music as well.

Volvo’s brand is built on its reputation as a safety leader, and the C40 holds up that reputation well.

Its Pilot Assist driver assistance system, which uses the C40’s adaptive cruise control feature and other systems to steer the vehicle, worked effectively overall in my experience, though it was occasionally a bit jumpy.

There’s also a Park Assist feature offered, and a 360-degree camera that is tremendously helpful in parking situations.

Among standard safety features are:
— Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking (detects pedestrians and cyclists)
— Lane keeping assistance (keeps vehicle in your lane)
— Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning
— Rear parking sensors that alert you to obstacles
— Back-up camera
— Blind Spot Monitoring
— Tire Pressure Warning

The C40’s LED headlights feature advanced pixel technology. These headlights will provide plenty of light for the driver, but adjust brightness so oncoming cars are not impacted in a negative way. They also swivel as you make turns to boost what you can see ahead.

The C40 also features front, side and curtain airbags; driver-side knee airbags; and a whiplash protection system in the front seats.


RANGE, CHARGING

The official fuel economy numbers on the single-motor 2024 Volvo C40 are 107 MPGe (118 MPGe city, 96 MPGe highway)

Dual-motor versions are rated at 99 MPGe (106 MPGe city/91 MPGe). These are strong numbers in the realm of EVs.

Range is perhaps the most important number to consider when buying an EV, and the C40 offers 297 miles of range with the single-motor and 257 miles with the dual-motor.

These numbers are less than some key EV rivals, but still respectable. If distance is a major concern, choosing the single-motor option will be your better option.

Regenerative braking is featured in the C40 and will help you get a bit more juice out of each charge.

If you charge in public, the C40 is equipped for 200-kW DC fast charging (which Volvo claims can go from 10 to 80 percent charge in under 30 minutes). Charging at home overnight, with a Level 2 Charger, is preferable to limit costs.

Drivers can see on the screen in front of them multiple numbers regarding remaining range. There’s a Maximum Range listed (climate control off, lower speeds), a Minimum Range listed (highway speed, climate control in use), and a middle number based on the driver’s history behind the wheel.


PRICE

The 2024 Volvo C40 I tested was priced just under $60,000. The base model starts around $54K.

Trim levels include Core, Plus and Ultimate, with each one coming in single and dual motor versions.

The close proximity between the price of the base and top-level offerings means this is a rare occasion where opting for the higher end of the spectrum is probably worth it.

As with many new EVs, the C40’s prices may give pause to buyers looking for a more affordable option. Hardly a problem unique to Volvo, the overall price inflation in the EV landscape is definitely one of the key elements preventing them from growing in popularity more quickly.

Moving on to warranties, you get a solid amount of coverage from Volvo with the C40.

The vehicle’s overall warranty is set for 48 months or 50,000 miles; and the EV battery has a longer warranty of 8 years or 100,000 miles. Scheduled maintenance is also covered for the first four years, and you get four years of roadside assistance.

BOTTOM LINE 

The 2024 Volvo C40 is a standout option for EV buyers looking for a compact ride with an upscale design, advanced technology, and a mileage range that will calm their range anxiety.

Those who regularly travel longer distances may want to look to other EV options, but for most people’s daily travels, the C40 will do the job more than adequately, and in style.

To top it all off, the C40 is quite fun to drive. EV shoppers should give it a spin and see if it fits their needs.

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