Volvo EX30 vs Volvo C40 | Which Electric Volvo Should You Buy?

[@Leander06]

Can u do Hongqi vs Ford S-Max

[@KrisRifa]

Funny you should ask! That’s our next video 😅🙈

[@volvo_kristian]

​@KrisRifa Wait wait.. Say what? 😂 Then I want the S-max

[@brycefrazier8173]

The C40 that you call "dated", I call USABLE. The "modern" EX30 is an ergonomic nightmare as you saw. Volvo is not the only offender in this regard. Loading everything onto a touch screen is cheaper to manufacture but DANGEROUS to use in a moving vehicle (and when the screen dies, the car is virtually useless...and expensive to repair)

[@accountability2000]

Agree

[@lloydranola]

We own the C40. Love it EXCEPT: road noise, rear view camera, stiff/feels heavy suspension, and when the car switches profiles (two drivers, two key fobs), it’s extremely buggy. Often when switching profiles it looses cell service or simply doesn’t finish its boot up and you need to stop the car to reboot the infotainment system. Great comparison, guys! Thanks for taking the time.

[@professionalelectronics3158]

Hey just a question: Do you have steering vibration at 100km/h (60mph?) I heard that this is a very common problem for 22/23 C40 and owners are waiting for an engineered solution from Volvo for it. I'm just wondering if the vibration feels dangerous, or if it's just annoying.

[@TheZahacristian]

c40 anytime for looks, ride comfort, performance simplicity and physical buttons. Perfect balance between software and practicality in my opinion from Volvo and other brands even. And Google's android auto superb. Overal the car is a good package for todays standards.

[@KrisRifa]

I agree with choosing the C40! But the EX40 is actually quieter, has and better ride and is quicker!

[@graafisk]

We have a top-grade EX30 on the way, and as a proud 21-year veteran VW Lupo 3L owner I am looking forward to our new Volvo. The Lupo 3L taught us how to drive different - drive better. I expect nothing less of our new EX30.

[@Colin623]

I like the format Kris, it's interesting when you both bounce off each other, as for the cars, well it's quite difficult, I prefer the front of the EX30, but I prefer the interior of the C40 including the older layout, and it has buttons, how I love buttons over diving into menus and sub-menus, also the C40 has a conventional speedo set-up with info directly in front of the driver, I hate just having a centre screen, so for the reasons given above I would go for a one year old C40 any day !

[@KrisRifa]

I am glad you like this new format we are trying out! Hopefully this these videos get many views, likes and comments. That way we will be able to do these more often with interesting and cool cars!

[@Colin623]

@@KrisRifa Well, I for one hope you continue with this idea, just makes the video more interesting in my humble opinion, I've been a subscriber to you since way back around 2017 or so, so I wish you well with this new format !

[@vincentmeier]

Like the discussions between you guys. It nice to see the different insights of the both of you.

[@KrisRifa]

Glad to hear you liked the video and this format :)

[@johno8824]

Nice and balanced review, highlighting the good and bad of both cars. I own a 2023 C40 and just love the simplicity of just getting into the car and drive, without having to select from a bunch of different driving modes. Everything just works and like Kris said, the ergonomics are well thought out and things just seem to be “in the right place”. I’m sure the EX30 will be a blast to drive, but I think that, other than the software issues that can be easily fixed with OTA updates, Volvo missed a trick by not adding at least a heads up display,or ideally, a digital cockpit with basic info like in the C40.

[@bedhedted]

The infotainment in the C40 really does date it. Once the EC40 has a single screen closer in style to a P2, it will be no question which is better from a styling perspective. It’d be nice to see them adapt some of the interior features from the EX30 in future models.

[@arronbeckett6708]

Bought a 2022 C40 Ultimate trim, twin motor and it is superb. No bugs so far in software and everything just works really well. True, the rear windscreen is very small but worth the sacrifice to create the rear slope and external looks. I really like the fact that you can turn on all the toys and drive assist, but by default they are off. Also the Google voice control works very well. Occasional misunderstandings, but once you get the key words right it is fine. The infotainment old school volume knob is great, like that too. Having owned a V70 T5, this C40 goes like a rocket when you put your foot down in comparison, just doesn't sound as nice. Coming from previous Volvos; old V40, 460 and the V70 this is a great mix of space, comfort and modernity. This video comparison reinforces our decision to go second hand, not going back to petrol now.

[@boenill]

When it comes to price, I think the EX30 twin Ultra is too expensive for a little car. The EX40 is priced ridiculous high compared to the competition.😣

[@stefanbueschi]

Yea well, size is not everhthing when it comes to value, meaning we bought one :-)

[@robertmaxwell5829]

​@@stefanbueschi and?? Good?

[@stefanbueschi]

Yes very happy with it

[@ufookoro1]

Lovely video. I have just taken delivery of the XC40 and it has all the bing and bong sounds. Still prefer the C40 in this review Nice review.

[@KrisRifa]

Thanks a lot! Glad you liked the video :)

[@Station2Station-du2gh]

...and if you live in the US, the choice has been made for you; the EC30 has been removed from the market until the tariff situation has been rectified - and we don't know if it ever will.

[@florisjanvermeer1525]

Great video, I like that you teamed up with Kristian. Are you making more videos together?

[@KrisRifa]

Awesome! Glad you liked the video 😊 Hopefully we’ll make more of these comparo videos!

[@chasf3433]

For Cold climate and/or mountainous countries We really need low power and cost AWD models not premium performance versions only. So easy to do in an EV too.

[@felixsanhueza]

I agree with the wheel arches noise. It feels scary to hear all the little pebbles hammering against the plastic.

[@ShahiAmedi]

Been waiting for this video man!!

[@KrisRifa]

Awesome mate!

[@leakmasters270]

I drove a heap of evs at an event recently and the Volvo xc40/c40 were the only cars I thought were the easiest to drive and live with. The stand out ev was the ionic 5N. But that’s another story…….

[@benjaminsmith2287]

I just feel the EX30 is more up to date and has a more interesting interior design. The C40 has a fairly dated look now. There is noticeably more road noise in the C40 in the video. I don't love tablets at all and I understand the points about the ergonomics, but the EX30's interior is really nice in many ways and all it needs is fine tuning. I just wish for a larger for it, and that's the next EX40. Still, that will take some time before it appears. The EX30 is just so small in the rear seats.

[@KrisRifa]

I agree with most of you thoughts here Benjamin! I also really like the interior design of the EX30, though simple it is very elegant and feels of high quality. It actually gets me really excited about the next generation EX40/EC40! I think that might be a car that can be very competitive!

[@robc7563]

C40!!

[@felixsanhueza]

Also, the main issue about all the new systems is that they donlt work properly. Neither the driver assist nor the speed limit warning system work well enough not to need to je turned off because of the too many times they chime for wrong reasons. If they get these to work better, no need to turn them off.

[@robc7563]

Thank you for the great review. You two do the best reviews. I was really interested in the C40, then put a deposit down for the ex30. however, in the meantime, I tried a Genesis GV60, and absolutely there is no comparison. I know it is at a higher price point, but it offers way so much more. What are your thoughts on the GV60?

[@KrisRifa]

Thanks a lot mate! Really glad you liked the video and this new format we are trying out :)

[@abrahamgillesdejager6852]

A 1 year old AWD C40 does not have the decoupable frontmoter yet. It only part of MY24+.

[@MrBamboolegend]

It’s a little too late for me, given that my EX-30 is coming in a month. If I knew the C40 was going to have a price drop, I’d probably have gone for it, for the longer range and matrix LED lights mainly

[@yupescumuk]

Good comparison! How do the HK sound systems compare?

[@johnnynylen4039]

C40 i Will choose

[@carlfe4891]

It's easy to fall into the new vs old trap, but you did a good job pointing out how newer isn't always better. Even if EX30 fixed all of its bugs, the clutch disconnect and limitations of its Performance mode are deal breakers. The buried settings for frequently accessed features is even more problematic. Price wouldn't matter at this point if the cheaper Volvo is annoying day to day. I would just get some other brand the was within budget and didn't have so many compromises.

[@SergioAguilarAntunes]

Those alerts/helper functions make you complete mad after some time. Driver alert, lane keeping aid, speed limit waring, lane departure alert... It's insane the amount of things you need to turn off to have a confortable driving experience.

[@mdshovel]

I have the XC40 Twin Ultimate and have been considering the EX30 and others as a lower cost work lease replacement later in the year. The main things I would miss are the stalk controls, steering wheel and it's buttons. Then there is the OPD, which is the best of any I've tried. The XC40 is pretty well sorted out now, but that took a few software updates. You really notice how good the Volvo is when you start test driving other brands that have manual functions that the XC40 does automatically. One alternative is the Kia Niro EV 4 .... a good car with better range ...but ... slower charging and, then other things start to be annoying such as - push to start, no profiles with linked memory seats and other settings, having to turn off Lane Keep assist every start. It all adds up to the XC40 being a better car for me - especially as I like to put large items like bookcases and fridge freezers in the back. On a budget consideration - I have a work lease plan ... a Kia Niro EV 4 is approx £300pm ... an EX30 is approx £400pm .. and an EX40 is now over £500pm (almost in range of Ipace) - that makes for a difficult decision

[@JJayJ]

Have you heard of any Volvo EV battery issues? Anything to worry about buying a used C40 or XC40?

[@manfredo4287]

What is the cool jet in the background? F5 Tiger?

[@SWR112]

Remember folks the EX30 will change to have more buttons as new regulations and safety standards begin to start. If they want that covered five star safety rating they will need to redesign the interior. And to have physical buttons back I’ll welcome. Conclusion the rear wheel drive EX30 long range is the sweet spot, still lightning quick but better range and better driving experience. You only have to turn off the driver systems once?

[@samboyle4779]

got a c40 on order just waiting for delivery date.

[@svenfischer9766]

I like boath and the EX30 is quiet cool. The C40 Design was done in 2017 like the Polestar 2 and as a Polestar 2 driver, I can see the simular design style between the C40 and the Polestar 2 that was create from the same Volvo/ Polestar Design Team. The Polestar 2 was actually create as the new S40?! and switched after to Polestar I mean. But I am not really a SUV Fan and because of that I am really lucky about the "older" Volvo/ Polestar 2 Design - also as an older Volvo V50 driver.

[@jespernrgaardlarsen6467]

I purchased the EX30 and I'm actually quite happy with that. First of all, I think the design is superior to the classic Volvo look, both front and back looks way better on the EX30 than the conservative oldish look on the C40 - especially the back end is kinda ugly. The EX30 is not without flaws. The back seat is not made for adults but we kinda knew that. The driver alert system is annoying but a EU directive, and it can be turned off. It's brilliant for commuting from one city to another, and the potent power comes handy when overtaking. I haven't found anyone reviwing the headlights, but they are truly great. I come from Opel Insignia, and that was a fine car but the lights on the Volvo Ex30 are actually way better and lights up the road in the best possibly way. The Harman Kardon speakers are just nice to have, and I don't miss controllers or info screens in front of the steering wheel. It makes good sense that your eyes only moves from attention on traffic to one central spot. Yes, it makes other things different, but really, it's just a matter of adjusting old habits to new ones. I've seen other reviews mentioning that the calculation of battery capacity at destination to be too optimistic. Well, I drive 60K to work, and it's normally just on spot when I arrive as it is, when I return from work. Perhaps this is an issue when driving motorways with lots of traffic (stop and go, and then of course depending on head wind) but I think it's much more precise than I expected.

[@allaboutvolvocar]

Dear Mr.Rifa Could you let me know which battery manufacturer supply the battery for EX30 in your region?

[@hereigoagain5050]

Love my used 2023 C40, which was 50% of the price of the new 2024 C40. Kris, get Volvo's arm stretcher for customers without Neanderthal genes. :)

[@michaelcolind5082]

EX30 a car where you start turning everything of😂 And then say it is a great car😂

[@chadedwards4581]

Do you have to turn off driver assist features every time or does it stay however you leave it?

[@mccharliec4989]

EX30 is the best value EV you can buy for all round luxury and performance

[@Cholo981]

the cars' license plate is like "eheh"

[@lordbachus]

Are you sure promts in a car with a single do it all screen, are just dangerous. Its so simple, make a single button with user preferences that allows you to switch them off all at once (and no are you sure prompt)

[@mart0225]

Kris, I have the same dead pedal issue with the XC40. It’s not far enough away for me to comfortably extend my legs. And pushing back put the steering wheel too far away.

[@Abcdefgh56641]

Same for me

[@zelimircabraja7529]

Was at the Volvo the other day. EX30 is definitely too small. I'm 188cm and there is no way to sit on a back seat. The car is even smaller than id3. The glass roof is ridiculous. During the summer time period the sun is killing you and with air-conditioning on, the 🔋 will last maybe for 250km per charge. Putting it in SUV category is really a joke. For 50k it's definitely over the top.

[@janolafonarheim2735]

Nå snakker vi

[@tanselbayraktaroglu3486]

does any of these has air suspension?

[@KrisRifa]

Nope!

[@cofal79]

Reality check with Volvo electric... their internett connection get dodgy at best after 2 years, and you more or less have a car you cant trust going on long trips, as you never know when your internett is gonna go bye bye. Resulting in you have to go to a service area at Volvo, they do alot of updating restarts and what not. And suddently the car decides to work again. Also this hick up, can also lock charging percent and amount of amps you have put on the car. So if you put it at 50% SOC and 10A, you cant charge faster and higher on a home charger, and not above 50 on a super charger. Also the map system will lock on to Canada/US. It will not use phone internett, as it never finds WiFi. It does when it works... This is something you should have in mind buying a Volvo EX/EC no matter model. I know what the problem is, but Volvo want to stall untill its out of warranty before changing main computer... So you have to pay for it! This is what happens when companies like Tesla get to roam free without any issues for all their issues!

[@AboveInShadow]

C40 back looks weird and the infotaiment system is so outdated...obviously these guys are biased just because the rear is more confortable. The Volvo guy sounded pedantic ad rude when I saw his EX30 review.

[@volvo_kristian]

Biased? We also talk about that the C40 has a more dated infotainment.. My conclusion was that the EX30 would win if comparing new vs new, but C40 would win if comparing new EX30 vs used C40. . The rear seats wasn't a major element in my conclusion. So don't understand your comment.

[@eilifnrgaard4855]

EX30 is beautiful to look at, very modern - and driving it is fun. It will age better than the C40, which is nice, but becoming of age. Software issues will be fixed on EX30, as this car is important for Volvo. As a family car, not so good. For two people, very attractive.

[@AboveInShadow]

@@eilifnrgaard4855 The world tendency is no kids. Most modern couples decide not to have kids even if they get married, so why are you thinking about family cars these days?

[@AboveInShadow]

@@volvo_kristian False, you sounded really annoyed about the rear seats or it's just the way you talk.

[@Elixir9]

people pay a lot of money to have cheap glossy scratched plastic in the interior ... chinese know how to rip of people