Plumb in any satnav and just before you press ‘go’ it offers the driver an option – ‘avoid motorways’.
Most of the time, most of us, just want to get home so we ignore that and opt for the fast but boring.
Let me offer a word of advice; if you happen to be driving Volvo’s latest electric vehicle, the EX40, then you really should avoid the motorway – you certainly won’t regret it.
Why? Surely, this is just the EV equivalent of the popular XC40, that much-loved-by-the-ladies, including Lara Croft, family SUV. Why wouldn’t you stay on the dual carriageway?
Well, here’s one reason. The EX40 has dual electric motors that hurl 408HP at the tarmacadam. And here’s another; each motor sits on a separate axel so, by default, it’s also all-wheel-drive.
Now there’s an interesting combination for anyone who loves to drive and it’s absolutely stunning with a knockout punch and limpet levels of grip.
That 408HP is so much more instant than the equivalent petrol powered engine. It hits you like a hammer pushing you back into the comfy sports seats and thank goodness for deep side bolsters as you can pull serious G in the bends.
EX40 also has the ‘one pedal’ function which means you seldom need to move your right foot away from the throttle as lifting it off the pedal causes the car to brake, and recharge the battery along the way.
It actually makes you a better driver as you soon take pride in using your judgement more when approaching bends to carry the correct speed through them without slowing too much.
It also makes it rapid cross-country because its overtaking ability is immense and you are blessed with the confidence of super grip from the AWD system. It is amazing.
With all this performance on tap you wouldn’t expect the range to be that impressive yet 100 per cent charge equates to a very usable 250 miles.
It also charges quickly from the super-fast chargers and will even take power from the home mains via the three pin plug for topping up overnight.
The rest of the car is pure XC and, like I said, I have never come across anyone yet who has ever said a bad word about this particular model.
Surprisingly, well I’m surprised because I have just Googled it, the XC40 came out in 2017 and it has stood the test of time. The look is still fresh and modern and the test vehicle was in a very fetching shade of ‘vapour’ grey; very stylish, very contemporary.
The interior is timeless too with tech that we have become familiar with, and therefore comfortable, over the years.
It feels plush and well accommodated, there’s plenty of room in the cabin and boot and the ambience is nice and calm. It’s great on a long journey or on the commute home after a hard day, especially when you dial in your Spotify tunes and crank up the superb Harman Kardon infotainment centre.
The package is so much fun that it seems to shorten long journeys and you actually feel a little sad when you get back home after a twist and turn foray.
So the next time you happen to be in a Volvo EX40 and need to get home, don’t worry about the time, just stay clear of the motorways.
Factfile
| Engine: electric, dual motors |
| Power: 408hp |
| Range: up to 250 miles |
| 0-60mph: 4.5 secs |
| Top speed: 112mph |
| Transmission: Automatic, rear-wheel-drive |
| CO2 g/km: 0 |
| Price: from £61,900 |
