Should you buy one?

Pre-update, the C40’s disappointing range and poor efficiency made it a difficult sell. It’s much improved after the changes wrought in its 2023 upgrade, though, and now a far more compelling rival to the likes of the Tesla Model Y.

Its high price tag means the Volvo C40 is still undercut – on cash price or monthly price – by a host of seriously talented cars including the Audi Q4 E-Tron and the class-leading Kia EV6. It’s also more expensive than the mechanically identical – but boxier and significantly more practical – XC40 Recharge with which it shares a platform. We’d go for the pragmatic sibling if it were us.

But if you like the C40’s looks, then it’s no longer a choice that would disappoint.

What we like

The rakish lines are striking and the twin-motor version is rapid in a straight line. The electric powertrain is of course sans local emissions and the interior is logically laid out. Range is now competitive for the class, too.

What we don’t like

Neither the single or twin motor is much fun to drive. The ride can be a touch unforgiving at low speeds, the rear-view is poor and it feels a bit cheap in places inside.