CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: N/A
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.9%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 3.7 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 40
Average Price: Around £21,000

Volvo C40 (2021-2024) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Relaxed and comfortable ride	Not as much fun to drive as it could be
Classy and restrained interior	The Volvo XC40 Recharge is a lot more practical
Very rapid acceleration	Volvo's subscription service is pricey

Quick Summary

The Volvo C40 (2021-2024) is a stylish, all-electric coupe-SUV crossover based on the XC40 Recharge platform. As Volvo's first solely electric model, it combines dramatic swooping design with practical electric performance. The C40 features twin electric motors delivering over 400 horsepower, 660Nm of instant torque, and a 78kWh battery offering 273 miles of official range. The beautifully designed interior features a backlit dashboard inspired by Swedish mountain topography and recycled plastic carpeting, creating a classy, restrained atmosphere that sets it apart from glitzier rivals.

The C40 excels in comfort and acceleration, with an impressively smooth ride even on rough surfaces and thumpingly powerful instant acceleration. However, the more raked roofline compromises rear headroom, and the letter-box-like rear window limits visibility. The 413-litre boot is average for the class and smaller than some rivals. Driving dynamics are less engaging than sportier alternatives, with noticeable body lean in corners. Running costs are minimal, with approximately 2.8 miles per kilowatt hour efficiency and low benefit-in-kind tax for company car users. Charging takes around eight hours on an 11kW wall charger or ten minutes for 50 miles on a 150kW public charger.

Best for: Buyers seeking a relaxed, comfortable electric SUV with classy design, those prioritising smooth ride quality and instant acceleration, and company car users benefiting from low benefit-in-kind taxation.

Not ideal for: Drivers wanting engaging handling dynamics, those needing maximum practicality (the XC40 Recharge offers more space), or buyers seeking a sportier driving experience like the Ford Mustang Mach-E.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the C40 if: You seek a relaxed, comfortable electric SUV with classy design, prioritise smooth ride quality and instant acceleration, or benefit from low company car taxation on electric vehicles.

Consider alternatives if: You want engaging handling dynamics, maximum practicality, or a sportier driving experience like the Ford Mustang Mach-E.

Competitive Position: The Volvo C40 (2021-2024) occupies a unique position in the electric coupe-SUV market, offering a relaxed, comfortable alternative to sportier rivals. Whilst the Ford Mustang Mach-E provides more engaging driving dynamics and the Audi Q4 E-Tron Sportback offers greater practicality, the C40 distinguishes itself through its classy, restrained interior design and exceptionally smooth ride quality. Its instant acceleration and low running costs make it an attractive proposition, particularly for company car users. The C40 was rebranded as the Volvo EC40 in 2024, continuing this lineage with updated naming conventions.

Read our full Volvo C40 Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from May 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.

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