Volvo EC40 Plus long-term test: clever infotainment helps avoid jams

The more time I spend behind the wheel of our Volvo EC40, the more I like its infotainment system. Navigation is clearly labelled on the 12.3-inch screen, and traffic hot-spots appear as red, with route variations and time savings marked. Charging stations are also indicated with the speed and number of chargers displayed, along with if they’re free or in use. I even get a warning for speed cameras and their location. Not that I’d ever require that function, of course. 

Volvo EC40 Plus: first report

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Does the Volvo EC40’s style get in the way of its substance? We find out as it joins our fleet

• Mileage: 1,504
• Efficiency: 2.7miles/kWh

I’ve switched one small premium electric SUV for another, as the Auto Express fleet waves goodbye to the MINI Countryman and says hello to the Volvo EC40. Eagle-eyed readers might have spotted both cars together in our car infotainment system mega-test. Both fared very well. More on that shortly.

First impressions of the Volvo have been positive. I really like the shape. It’s probably more of a coupé-crossover than an SUV but looks squat and safe, while retaining some stylish flowing lines. It looks like the kind of car that would fly down my Seventies Hot Wheels track if it were a model version of itself. What’s not to love about that?

The characteristic Volvo light detailing looks sharp, especially at the back, while the swooping black roof gives it a sporty feel, but hides the fact that it’s actually panoramic glass until you climb inside and see the light. The interior is good, too – very logically laid out, which suits me. The steering wheel controls are how I’d design them, and the driver’s display is fantastic. It is perfectly possible to follow sat-nav directions on that map and not look at the main nav screen at all. It sums up the whole system, really, which is very intuitive. One example is being able to find the option to reduce the brightness of the almost-blinding interior lighting with two touches of the main screen. I’ve also found phone pairing and setting up my Google account and Spotify playlists straightforward.

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My first shift at the wheel of the EC40 was a 70-mile January night trip on the M2/A2 coming into London in the rain at rush hour. Having not driven a Volvo since a stint in a long-term S90 about 10 years ago, that could have presented a steep learning curve, but I had no problems working out the heating controls, navigation or music while on the move. The journey was smooth and enjoyable, and illustrated why the Volvo came fourth in our recent touchscreen test. Incidentally it was pipped by the third-placed MINI, although I’d rate the Volvo over the MINI system for simplicity, if not functionality.

Where the Volvo can’t touch the MINI is interior build quality. The EC40 looks and feels a bit dated by comparison. The plastics are hard and some of the central console storage bins make little sense to me.

Unsurprisingly, the seats are comfortable and supportive, but lack the MINI’s massage option. Volvo’s audio system is also good, but noticeably not as strong as the MINI’s Harman Kardon set-up (it really is all about the bass). To get a similar set-up in the EC40 from the same maker, I’d have to upgrade to Ultra trim.

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Whenever I take custody of a new car, I like to drive it for a while without knowing how much it costs. So, based on interior finish and tech alone, I’d expect the Volvo to be cheaper than the Countryman, but I was surprised to learn that spec for spec, it isn’t. The Countryman SE JCW costs £56,200 with all the bells and whistles. The EC40 is £54,305 for just the 78kWh Single Motor Extended Range.

It’s probably worth noting a few early gripes at this point, too. The reversing camera isn’t great, again suffering in comparison to the MINI’s excellent 360-degree system. Unfortunately, it’s needed because the rear visibility is awful. However, that’s about all I’ve got to moan about so far.

The Volvo has been fine to drive. It’s not especially quick, but motorway journeys have been particularly relaxing. An economy figure of 2.7 miles per kWh may sound disappointing, but I’m finally getting my head around the mid-winter effect on electric cars. The EC40 has been driven with the heating on ever since delivery, and I’m sure the efficiency will improve with the weather. Likewise, the overall suggested range comes in at around 280 miles in the current conditions, and worth noting is that the EC40’s winter figure is greater than the MINI Countryman SE’s predicted summer figure of 265 miles.

A UK driving holiday in March will give me the ability to explore those figures further.

*Insurance quote from AA (0800 107 0680) for a 42-year-old in Banbury, Oxon, with three points.