Of course, comparing two very different cars would be unfair, but driving a hot hatch legend has only served to emphasise one of the EX40’s biggest shortcomings: its handling. As a result of its raised height and two-tonne weight, the SUV leans significantly when cornering, and there’s not much room for adjustment, either.
There are just two steering settings, standard and firm, the latter of which adds a bit of weight but little in the way of dynamic ability. And, unfortunately, while the ride is largely settled, it ’s not much better than that of the low-riding hot Golf, either.
On the other hand, even the GTI can’t match the instant power of the EX40, and the EV is inevitably better equipped with the latest technology.
The EX40 has another card up its sleeve. Parking in the south-west London neighbourhood I’ve moved to requires a resident’s permit. A pain in the backside, but the council has at least included some incentives to ease the burden. Being electric, the EX40 has a Band A classification and thus is eligible for a cheaper rate. A standard permit is £108.50 for the year, but I’ve paid just £54.25.
More problematic is the limited number of rapid-charging stations in the area. According to Zap-Map, there’s a fair discrepancy compared with other parts of London.
Within a few miles of my flat, there are six fast chargers, three of which are inaccessible on private land, while another is at a garage and has been out of service for months. The other two are at a McDonald’s three miles away, so it might be time to explore the world of lamp-post chargers, unless I can stand going up a few trouser sizes.
Goodbye
Such is the reassuring familiarity of a Volvo SUV that when this EX40 arrived on our fleet several months ago, I knew exactly what to expect: a dependable, refined, spacious tourer with a premium feel and a dash of Scandicool. It wouldn’t be tremendously exciting, but it would fit a brief that has kept plenty of buyers happy. And, as the EX40 departs, I’m pleased to say it delivered on those expectations – mostly.