Volvo XC40 Ownership review 😎 Bad & Ugly

[@vitalyromas6752]

Kristian, thank you for this very informative review. I have the same feelings regarding the voice commands. Millions years of evolution gave us several channels of info perception. And now automakers(with good exceptions like Mazda), cut off the kinesthetics, removing convenient buttons which allow the fast, precise, safe, convenient operations. At the same time automakers overload the visual channel, and push you to jabber to a car to activate a function... Madness producing the only desire - to keep the old Focus MkII (with no ESP) as long as possible ((

[@volvo_kristian]

Glad you enjoyed it 👍 Yeah I need a older car. Can't stand the voice command and one screen solution that's flushing over us. I prefer physical buttons.

[@TheTZSoftware]

I already have written a comment. But since I have (except for the darkened rear windows) exactly the same spec., I thought I can give you an advice. I have tested EQA, iX1, EV6, Ionic 5, Enyaq, Model Y, Model 3, GV60, #1 and XC40. XC40 was in non of my 20 categories best in class. And especially the infotainment did not convince me. But I can tell you, it was not the worst in the row of these cars. Overall, the XC40 was the best "package" I could get for the money. It is a well-balanced car with a high everyday value. F*+- the things that bother you. You have other problems with other cars. I like the voice command in the meantime. Because it is one of the best.

[@volvo_kristian]

Yeah absolutely. The sweet thing with XC40 are indeed the package you get. Not the best but it masters so much.. It's just sad that it's small things that causes these issues. Things Volvo could "fix". At least many of them. Well well.

[@jiikoo2000]

Every car has its annoying features, but overall XC/C40 is one of the best cars around. It is safe, well equipped, warm, very nice to drive, so hell of to good car. I have noticed same challenges with it as you have, but to my opinion you are over reacting those issues. I have 2022 C40 Twin Engine and it is also my opinion ”tail happy” but it is safe feature to me, because it helps with little push of the pedal correcting front end loosing grip. Volvo has obviously idea to develop car for that big majority of drivers that just want to drive their car safely, not need to adjust everything. I just drove Polestar 2 and noticed that differences are so small there is no reason to change to Polestar. You should consider to get rid of your XC40 asap and buy car that is made for more active driving.

[@volvo_kristian]

Overreacting? Have you driven the MY24 Twin on winter driving. It's not the same type of tail happy as your MY22. So for me not comparable. But agree that every car has annoying features. This was just my top three annoying elements with my XC40. Also made a good video. XC40 are a good car, but personally I would never say that it's one of the best cars around. But glad that you enjoy yours.

[@panameradan6860]

Right, Volvo is now made for "soccer moms" who don't care about anything but steering and putting their foot on the pedal. For serious drivers, Volvo has betrayed them, and for anybody who feels the need to adjust things while driving that can only be done in a touchscreen, Volvo has absolutely failed as a maker of safe cars.

[@NevilleWatkins-j1f]

My Polestar has similar random software issues, so they are no better. I won't be buying one again because of Google

[@rogerbakke2566]

I have the XC40 2021 model and have followed all the 20+ software updates OTA and additional google updates. Yes, the infotainment is not perfect, but it is getting better all the time. It seems different users experience different issues in different software versions, which puzzles me. But I agree with those reviewers who think this system is one of the two best systems along with Tesla. I also have a VW ID, and it’s night and day

[@fmsantoscar]

The ugly for me in my (now sold) XC40 P6 was the complete lack of any kind of light to the backseat passengers. There’s no light, none whatsoever 😂

[@volvo_kristian]

Yeah 😂 Weirdly enough that's bundled up to packages and interior upholstery options. I have it since I have the Tailored Wool. Should be a Ultimate option, but I've also seen Ultimate without 😂 Weird

[@medi288]

Volvo XC60 owner here! I share the frustration you have about infotainment systems and all the stupid touchscreen. To me they did it just to save money. To me the ugly part is those people that not only don’t t complain but say that we should use voice commands! They are dumb enough to not understand that voice commands in Volvos don’t change the drive mode or don’t increase the screen resolution!

[@volvo_kristian]

Yeah definitely cost savings to remove physical buttons with the display light adjustment. Useless 😂 Same as the voice command. Wish I could permanently disengaged that function 😂

[@allanmacaulay1326]

Kristian after watching both of your videos on the XC40 I agree 100% especially on voice control. I know no one who wants to talk to their car! Keep them coming 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@JerreMuesli]

Reviewing an EV with a range of 537km and complaining about the range shows how disconnected you are from reality. Stop comparing them to petrol cars or stop reviewing them at all

[@volvo_kristian]

🤣🤣 Complaining about the winter range. From a ownership perspective. So stop complaining about my content, or stop watching them at all.

[@JerreMuesli]

@@volvo_kristian Of course winter range is limited when it runs on batteries for heavens sake. What's next, complaining about the lifespan of tires when driving a F1 car? Complaining about gasoline when driving a V8 engine? Complaining about tight parking spots when driving a Dodge Ram?

[@wilfredpau3627]

Love your review. Frank, funny and entertaining. Keep up the good work.

[@volvo_kristian]

Sweet 🤣 Glad you enjoyed it

[@martinkjr3278]

Buttons for sensible things makes sense. I hate with a passion the Tesla style of no physical buttons for everything. I want physical buttons for set warmer, steering wheel warmer, drive modes, mirrors, wipers etc. I was really interested in the EX30 but for that exact reason I bought a different car instead.

[@ClaudiaMartinez-d5m]

Hello @volvo_Kristian very good video. Do you know if you can sleep in the back (meaning for camping)?

[@volvo_kristian]

Yeah, but depends how long you are. But it's definitely possible 👍

[@SM-wr4nn]

With all the features my 2019 XC40 has, I am more and more grateful... I think you're also missing the auto seat down button in rear, and the secret drawer compartment under the seat... one thing i dont have is the little plastic clip on the left driver pillar by the windshield.

[@volvo_kristian]

Yeah, that's correct. Got no drawer in mine.

[@alexshapley8331]

The way I stopped the Google Assistant from randomly triggering was to turn off voice activation of the Assistant (so I have to push the button on the steering wheel) - my car is XC60 Recharge PHEV not XC40 EV (but I assume it is the same underlying software fault)

[@karacha]

As I said in your "The Good..." video, I really enjoyed this. I admit I am one of those guys who don't mind using the voice commands at all. I usually set my climate to auto and let it do its thing, but I do use voice commands to change satellite radio stations or switch to Bluetooth, or cancel my navigation for example -- and for me, all this works flawlessly. Can't say much about the Google infotainment, since my '22 XC40 R-Design with a T5 (AWD) engine uses Volvo's classic Sensus software and I quite like it. It's simple, looks nice and does what I need it to do.This new one does seem like a step back. Yes, you can use "Hey Google..." commands now, but it's not very impressive, 100% agree. I wish the new driver cockpit was more customizable. Honestly, my "old" one seems better than the new driver's display. I think Volvo will upgrade these screens in the next 2 years. For me, I think I'll keep it for two more years and upgrade to the XC60... gas or hybrid, not sure yet.

[@MR-vj8dn]

To me, setting climate to auto is like having another person telling you when it's time to go to take a leak. And auto usually fogs during rainy and snowy weather where I live. Auto has never worked for me, even with 20 y o ICE cars. Manual is the way to go to really ping point the air flow, temps and more.

[@silentjohn80]

I'm surprised it's not possible to turn of the Google Assistent voice activation. I have Polestar 2, and there it's possible to turn off the "Hey, Google" activation function, so you have to use the button to activate it.

[@volvo_kristian]

Haven't seen it anywhere, but now I will have to look closer thru all the menus 😂

[@Drizzx]

You can turn off google voice activation on the car. Settings -> Google -> Google Assistant -> Say”Hey Google” (on/off)

[@volvo_kristian]

@Drizzx Sweet. Will try that and instantly set it to OFF 🤣 Hopefully the random and automatic Google lady will also shut up.

[@fmsantoscar]

32:09 I understand exactly what you’re saying. For me the XC40 was just a means of travelling somewhere. I never had that love for it that I’ve had for other cars. In over 12 months of ownership I washed it once! That never happens with other cars where I was proud of keeping it clean. I never got a smile on my face when going to the car and sitting on it like I had with other cars. In other words I think this car is soulless

[@volvo_kristian]

Yeah. The sad reality 😞 I know this is highly subjective, but for me the XC40 are as you say. Means of transportation.

[@er59fa45]

I had an xc40 t5 phev before my xc40 p6. The voice command of the t5 under sensus did not understand anything. I didn't have confidence in the car journeys. I always had google maps on my phone to check the route, traffic. There are lots of optimizations to do, I agree with you but I prefer Android.

[@volvo_kristian]

The voice command are pretty good. Agree there

[@anteg74]

Seems like the RWD has quite a bit more range than the AWD. Hearing many having more than 300km at temperatures below -15C degrees. Also, Volvo is coming with a range estimate update because it is sometimes jumping down after being parked in minus temperatures and not being calculated correctly.

[@volvo_kristian]

Yeah, you loose some range with AWD, but personally I wouldn't be without.

[@thenetworkarchitectchannel]

Thx for the video. I own a 2022 and I found immediately there was too much torque for me. Giving the option with future purchases, I will elect a single motor with a little more range. I enjoyed watching.

[@volvo_kristian]

Glad you liked it 👌 Yeah, personally I would prefer to have different drive modes. Then you could have a relaxed mode with less throttle response and maybe also increased range in that mode

[@sakupitkanen7574]

It seems that Tesla is behind in HW, other manufacturers are behind in SW. I am amazed to hear that so many EV brands have such underwhelming SW, especially related to important EV functions. Thanks for sharing.

[@volvo_kristian]

No problem 😊

[@JohnDoe-vx3z]

I wouldn't say Tesla is behind in hardware, but they made some questionable decisions (e.g. getting rid of parking sensors)

[@briancorkill6496]

I own a 2024 XC40 Ultimate and in the 3 months I've owned the car I've had numerous indicator and headlight malfunctions which do eventually clear although my biggest annoyance with the car is definitely the infotainment system and specifically the driver's display. I just think it is poorly designed and wish it had more information and customisation. Even displaying radio station or song playing in the driver display instead of having to switch back and forth in the centre display from maps to Spotify. I will say, my steering wheel almost gets too hot on the highest setting! I usually keep it on the lowest and it's hot enough.

[@volvo_kristian]

Yeah, agree on the driver display situation. Not good enough. Would love to trade steering wheel with you 😅

[@andrewwilliams3549]

I have the same car and interal finish, all of the issues you have i have not experienced at all things i have had are malfunctioning left hand indicator, rear heated seats only work if heating in sync mode? why? and no meta data on the Blutooth so use Audio Wagon usb FD. Voice control is imho very good, works as expected for all aspect of controlling the car, preheating perfect, range took big hit in the cold but the satnav expected range is spot on which is important for planning a journey. I had a Landrover Freelander 2 so this is a perfect swap. Sorry you havent had a good experience.

[@volvo_kristian]

Glad your pleased with the car, and don't experience so much troubles. Personally my range estimation are never correct. At least now on cold winter days. It misses with quite much actually. Like in the winter range test I uploaded here on KZbin last week. Missed with 20% SOC.

[@ElectricCarAustralia]

Great review. I was thinking about one of these but your honest review has me reconsidering. Everything you mentioned would really peev me as well so I think a show stopper. Keep up the great work.

[@davidchang7471]

I have XC40 for a year and the infotainment system is just slow and buggy. Took 6+ months to fix the remote start with the phone app while I would prefer a fob and that caused some major argument with my wife as she could not start the car in the cold mornings. And physical button is better and safer like you mentioned.

[@ball6689]

Have you experienced any vibrations from the car when accelerating from 70 til 90 km/t? My24 single engine does that.i wounder if anyone have had that problem? Thx for the videos!

[@volvo_kristian]

No nothing. Haven't heard about that for the MY24 cars, but earlier on. And as far as I know several owners have gotten their cars fixed at local Volvo workshops. They changed the front axles.

[@Thomas-Larsen]

As far as I've seen Volvo's implementation of AAOS is based on the Sensus visual design. I don't particularly like Polestar's design either but their touchscreen is significantly larger so it does at least work better. Honestly a good thing they went for an even larger display and a modern design in the EX30

[@volvo_kristian]

Yeah, that's correct. Got the same 4 tile layout as the Sensus style. For me the icons are just to small, and clumsy menu layout.

[@panameradan6860]

But Volvo/Polestar is blindingly follow Tesla in the unwise method of making instrument panel even less useful (if not eliminating it altogether) and putting an ugly, cheap-looking "iPad-glued-to-dashboard" screen devoid of physical controls. Much better to follow Porsche, Mercedes, Hyundai/Kia, etc., and integrating long, horizontal screens into the dashboard. I grade Volvo a "D-" on its new screens, and that's being generous. Vertical screens don't work as well in cars as horizontal screens -- you can do more with horizontal screens (show more kinds of information simultaneously) without blocking your field-of-view with an "iPad" sticking up over the dashboard.

[@anthonycachiabantick]

I’m sorry to hear you’re not happy and I fully understand your rants against AAOS. It sucks compated to sensus. Sadly even if you go back to s90, v60 etc, you’d get AAOS u less you find an old 2021 model. AFAIK all Volvos apart from the xc40 PHEV are now AAOS. I have a my23 xc40 recharge and don’t obviously have your awd problem as my23 were balanced 50:50. But we are currently deciding whether to get a c40 twin my24 or a ex30 twin and your ratio with regards to awd got me thinking well.

[@volvo_kristian]

Yeah I'm definitely looking into MY20 and MY21 versions, in order to avoid AAOS. Haven't driven EX30 but expecting the AWD to be better than my MY24 XC40.

[@fmsantoscar]

Have you noticed that on maps if you have a sign of accident ahead you cant click on it for more information like in many cars? Another thing that drives me mad is how to change from one pedal drive to normal it’s 2 menu clicks plus a scroll down that page

[@volvo_kristian]

Haven't noticed.. I hate everything with the menu layout so 😂😂 Another thing that just drove me crazy are the air cleaning system. There's a app on the lower tile. Yesterday I was out driving and noticed a bad smell in the car. Turned on the tunnel mode on AC. Then I checked the app. Several variables was red with bad.. What's the point with this system if it doesn't do something with this information. Like inform me, or automatically turn on a cleaning system or turn on the recirculation.. Useless 😂

[@WOOF95]

Great review! I am planning to buy a 2024 XC 40 in 90 days and this gives me an idea of what to expect.

[@Martipelo]

+1 for Sensus here. Owner of 2x V90s. Current, likely to be my last based on the poor AAOS on the modern cars. Seems like a step back.

[@volvo_kristian]

Yeah. Definitely a step back. Wish I could buy a new Sensus car now 😂

[@DamienMcAvoy]

Would you be able to do a comparison between the Polestar 2 and the XC40? Great video as ever. Keep them coming!

[@BeccaL2016]

I own 2020 cx40. The thing I find really annoying is the defrost system. I usually set the temperature to 68 degrees in the winter. Whenever I select the defrost which says “max” (I can’t just turn on ac so it defrost like some other cars) it goes all the way to “HI@, so I had to change back to 68 both sides each time!! I really hate it!! And you have to pick the eco drive each time start the car.. I wish both can stay whatever I selected

[@davidnjuguna9477]

Luckily most of your gripes can be corrected with a software update, except for the range -- which is unique to your use case scenario. In warmer climates, updated software, and that rear bias (tail-happy) it sounds like it should be fun!

[@mva6044]

I can sense your frustration. Have you considered the new EV mini countryman? It's a similar size to XC40, probably much better infotainment and more fun to drive. The downside may be the price & range, though probably still better than XC40

[@volvo_kristian]

Now, haven't considered that one. But I'm always looking into other brands and models. There's many exciting cars coming this year

[@mva6044]

@@volvo_kristian Great, thanks for your reply! Full disclosure, we own an ICE Mini Countryman and plan to purchase EV Mini Countryman, though probably not year #1. Would you still consider a plug-in hybrid or are those no longer subsidized in Norway? Would you consider V60 plug-in hybrid -- lower to the ground, better to drive though probably same issues with android auto. I would NOT consider XC30, however, too small for my needs, and made in China with all that entails.

[@MR-vj8dn]

To me, these two videos, including "the good", are the most important videos regarding the Volvo C40. I've just helped me avoid a disaster of an experience. Me and my girlfriend want to change car. We're looking at electric as I will need electric to get to work properly. Yes, need .. as my government is forbidding ICE cars to the area where my work is. I so much want a car that is "normal" or "old normal". Cant stand all the new things with having to use touch displays to control essential functions of a vehicle. Can't stand voice command for controlling my moving vehicle. I am SO thankful for getting this info out there. Other KZbinrs don't explain how bad this actually is with this car.

[@markpapadakis]

Fantastic overview videos. Thank you for producing them (and your IG content ). I have an xc40 recharge twin motor 2023 and I love it. It’s not perfect though but no car is. All sort of small issues including: hard to reverse because no lights on the back during night time, camera quality is too low especially compared to other cars, having to restart the infotainment for all sorts of of random reasons, voice control over actual car functionality very limited. Range is an issue but not so much in practice. Same for the small boot. I wish Volvo would sell xc60 cross country in an ev configuration, with the new infotainment found in ex30 and ex90. That would have been an incredible car. Alas, it doesn’t seem they plan to do it.

[@volvo_kristian]

Thanks so much 🙌 And agree that no car are perfect. Always pros and cons. Yeah the useless reverse lights are standard with Volvo's car. Just indicators lights so others can see your backing up. I'm also very familiar with restarting the infotainment 😂😂 Very familiar Do you mean V60 Cross Country? The lifted wagon. The new EX60 are coming during 24/25

[@BlackPawGaming]

why your glass roof have something like shade or something?

[@vincentmeier]

Happy new year! I do miss my S80, loved that one so much, we will see what the XC40 will do. For me it’s a car to commute in. Love the honestly review, better than the other press releases.

[@volvo_kristian]

Happy new year..Glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@TheDynoboy]

Amazing honest detailed review which is otherwise hard to find 👍🏻 Thank you!

[@jaz4280]

Did you consider the polestar2, will yoy buy one now? Thank you for the informative and sicere video.

[@volvo_kristian]

Yeah.. I've got much experience with Polestar. Also from a ownership perspective. Short, but still. Also much experience with testcar. Much love for the cars, and in many ways I find the P2 better then Volvo's XC40. Thought overall XC40 still would be better for me, but now I'm not sure

[@panameradan6860]

Polestar is just a rebadged Volvo in terms of screens and software. They have all the same problems.

[@volvo_kristian]

@panameradan6860 That's not entirely correct. Polestar will have the same challenge in terms of range, but my two other points are different in Polestar. Like AWD. Polestar offers the possibility to engage a ESC sportmode. Not available on XC40. Then screen layout. Polestar has a completely different layout with much bigger icons and several shortcuts. Easier to operate while driving. So as you see. Not the same problems on Polestar 2.

[@jimm5207]

The bad for me on my xc40 MEV is the build quality. Random failures of small items are plaguing my enjoyment of the car. Squeaking brakes, rattling rear passenger door, kick to open boot faulty, drivers door mirror not defrosting - All compounding to reduce any great pleasure whilst wondering what will fail next ! My next car is unlikely to be a Volvo !

[@volvo_kristian]

Sad to hear you got so much trouble with your car. Hopefully it gets better with less failures

[@mattfryxell8231]

Great review - do you think the Polestar 2 implementation of the Android system is better / acceptable / decent vs. the Volvo set up?

[@volvo_kristian]

Yeah. Polestar has a much better implementation of the Android OS. Delivers bigger icons, several shortcuts and generally easier to operate while driving. It also has a ESC sportmode 😂

[@TrevorHa]

Thankfully for me in the UK winters are not as cold and usually no snow. The only pre heat i will do it will be plugged in so hoping for much better range. The dealer was telling me to charge to 90%, which i thought odd as my other evs all say charge to 80%? Driving modes, do you think they will add options to disable esc or force awd? I know the android system can and is being worked on by volvo. I found the interface in the new ex30 even worse. The random goolge assistant issue i have in my cupra born. The assistant randomly comes on, its not just a google issue sadly.

[@volvo_kristian]

The recommended charging limits are different between cars. Depending on how much top buffer the battery has. Last week I've charged to 100% daily. Need every bit of juice possible. Crazy low temperatures. I see many people talking about battery health, but slow charging to 100% aren't damaging the battery. Worse if you only rely on public fast charging. Either way I'm not worried. But will probably eventually start charging to 80% daily, when hitting spring. Interesting comment regarding the random Google assistent.

[@SM-wr4nn]

Im so sad you're not enjoying your XC40. I obsoletely love mine.. but then again, mine is a 2019, quite a different car.. and I wouldnt trade up to a newer model any time soon.

[@volvo_kristian]

Yeah.. Been some changes as the years went by..

[@vincentmeier]

Hi Kristian, I think I need to agree, I will see the xc40 when I get it. Just a question can you use Apple car play? Is there also an option to program your own buttons? So you can adjust the things you want with a sort cut or so?

[@volvo_kristian]

I'm a Samsung user myself so don't use Apple carplay. But it's possible here. Wired connections with a apple phone. Sadly not possible to make shortcuts in the infotainment or towards physical buttons..

[@ivolorencin9145]

Thank you for this video. I have Ultimate Twin MY23. I had an option to wait for MY24, because in time of purchase it was already announced. But as range is no issue for my and my lifestyle (rarely make more than 500 kn in a day), a was thinking about new drivetrain as a step backward in order to get i bit more range. So I took MY23. Now, after 9 months and 23.000 km I can see that it wass a wise decision. I left my MY23 XC40 on infotainment version 2.9. because that was last stable version. I am in peace with Google, it rarely makes problem or needs to reset. So, my opinion and expirience on this car is pretty opposite to yours. Of this bad things none happen to me. I find it very high quality build, fun to drive and excellent little car. There are some things I do not like, for instance lower part of front seats, or sterring wheel can't strech out enoug to obtain perfect sitting position, but overall car is very good. Especially drivetrain and battery. And OPD on this car is one of best things on any car so far. You do not need to lift your foot from gas pedal almost never and is easy to control it very precisely.

[@InsEngineered]

I also feel like suing Volvo for making infotainment difficult and removing critical buttons. They are supposed to be the safest but their controls are not driver friendly. things are worse in EX30. It's owned by Geely( a Chinese company), you can feel the difference don't you?

[@volvo_kristian]

Haven't driven the EX30, but definitely think it looks worse in that one. Especially because of the one screen layout. I think Volvo's was better before. The highlight for me are the SPA cars (60 And 90) in the model year MY20 and MY21. After that it went downhill

[@AntonSchönherr]

In der ugly-liste fehlt die katastrophale Verkehrszeichenerkennung. Hatte bisher 2x die Meldung, ich würde als Geisterfahrer auf die Autobahn auffahren. Die Strecke fahre ich fast täglich, aber gefährlich wird die Meldung dann, wenn man sich in fremder Umgebung befindet und nicht gleich als fake erkennt.

[@volvo_kristian]

My ugly list was comprehended. Couldn't include all the bugs I've had. In terms of sign recognition I've only experienced wrong speed limit signs. Both up and down.

[@diydrivenGA]

I enjoyed this tremendously

[@ronedwards8239]

I prefer the C40 have not had these issues.

[@Nommy_Dommy]

Great video Kristian! Wonderful to see and hear someone actually addressing the kind of stuff everyone is thinking about but few mention in videos. Super informative and very helpful. Cheers mate, keep up the great work! 😌👍

[@pascalhugelier9002]

Car business is in constant evolution Kristian. Every car will have its short comings and we always refer to past cars we drove. Try BYD, Zeekr and other new brands for a few weeks and then come back to Volvo...

[@Mark-ue6pm]

Hi Kristian, thanks for this confirming video. The XC40 was on my shortlist, I thing it really good looking and I like Volvo's. But after driving it and using the Android auto and found out that everything is hidden in the menu using tiny icons. On top of the poor range; this was a take out of the YT video and common sense looking at the "shipping container" design, I've decided not go for the XC40. But it is still good looking and you can use Carplay or Android auto!!

[@volvo_kristian]

It's a great car, but for me the infotainment holds it down.. Hate the small icons

[@RoaldHemel35]

Maybe keeping my my23 XC40 T5 Recharge to stick with Sensus.

[@volvo_kristian]

That would be my recommendation 🤣

[@MrSkonchi]

Tack för en bra video Kristian. Väldigt informativ video. Tråkigt att det finns så mycket nackdelar med bilen. 😢

[@mdshovel]

Interesting ... my biggest issue is the poor reversing lights - I cannot see the edge of my own driveway - I may fit the Standby RSG slim LED you mentioned in a previous video. Then I sometimes get collision alerts if another car is parked off the road on a curve and then the power is reduced. The centre console edge is not good against the top of my lower leg (Right hand drive). I take your points on AWD .. but I have the previous model - 2021 - which has been good and, I actually like the Android Automotive with Google Maps (try driving a Jaguar) but the interior lights dimming I find annoying, even with the wheel. Not had the sound or voice command issues you have .. and I use KZbin Music rather than Spotify. BUT I did have a major issue with LTE & GPS connectivity with it being off and on for weeks = this seems to be common on a UK forum, but mine was fixed in 2 hours when I finally got time to get into the dealer, and it has been perfect since. For this and the EX30, I would prefer a landscape screen. Overall I like it and would have another one - it is my first Volvo and first EV.

[@volvo_kristian]

The poor reversing lights could be mentioned on all Volvo's. Utterly useless. 100% agree. I got a set of Standby lights, that will be fitted on either this or my next car.. And definitely agree that a landscape screen would be much better 👍

[@mdshovel]

@@volvo_kristian my Jaguar lights up the area behind me like a football stadium. I'm not alone in this and even a guy at the dealer knew it was an issue. If you get that back corner apart and identify the wiring - that would be a great video. I'd fix them either in the rear window or under rear bumper - but that would get dirty real quick

[@volvo_kristian]

​@@mdshovelOn my S90 I had them under the bumper. Actually not a problem with dirt. The light was always magnificent. So would fit them under here as well.

[@ojeskog]

Thanks for some honesty. It's a great looking car! With many flaws... In regards to your screen brightness complaint, I know you've said it in previous videos and despite having driven many different Volvos (Including this Android based XC40 Recharge in the summer) I couldn't really say I'd ever needed to change the screen brightness. Until I had this Android based rubbish in December. Boy was it driving me NUTS! Blinding you with too much brightness as you got away from the streetlights at night and all the menu digging to turn it down. Then being too dim to read the screen in the morning when it was slowly getting brighter yet again requiring you to dig in the menus. I had a XC40 with Sensus the year before at the same time of year, and I have no recollection of ever using that brightness wheel after I had set it the first time. I mean, maybe I did just without thinking about it as it is 2nd nature to reach the wheel and adjust it. Or do you think the Sensus system actually adapts the brightness of the screens based on ambient light conditions while the Android based one doesn't?

[@volvo_kristian]

Yeah the display light adjustment are driving me nuts as well. Hate it. And yes. My Android XC40 doesn't adapt when entering tunnels.

[@davidcottrell570]

That was interesting about the implementation of AWD in the 2024. Definitely scary. How do you find the One-Pedal Drive implementation? On my 2022 it’s pretty flawless, and switching into ABS in a skid isn’t a problem with the 50/50 traction so far. Re. The Android Assistant, I’ve switched on the music plenty of times just touching the centre button on the right side of the steering wheel cluster, down and to the right of the button for AA. Could you be brushing the AA button when you’re steering? It seems those buttons are quite sensitive. Thanks for the frank review. The XC40 Forum has its share of complainers, a lot due to some monumentally bad US dealers who don’t get or even like EVs, it seems. But you’re right of course, there are problems. However, in 55 years of driving, I’ve yet to encounter a flawless or trouble-free car. It’s usually a love-hate relationship, and as long as the positives out weigh the negatives, or it doesn’t eat me out of house and home with bills, I’ll put up with it.

[@volvo_kristian]

Yeah, wasn't prepared for the new AWD behaviour.. Regarding the one pedal drive. I never use it. Tried the new automatic one pedal drive, but found that to be very unpredictable. Very confusing and would almost call it dangerous in use. But that's me. Didn't like it. Would rather have some regen braking on the steering wheel.

[@panameradan6860]

@@volvo_kristian Interesting. I wonder if the one-pedal driving in your 2024 XC40 differs from that in my '22 XC60 T8 ER. Because the one-pedal driving in my XC60 is one of the very best things in my car (if not *the* best thing), and it's the one thing that I'll miss the most when I trade in my XC60 in the next year or two for a non-Volvo that actually has physical buttons/dials for climate controls and drive mode and phone and screen brightness. I find one-pedal driving in my XC60 to make the vehicle much safer in slippery and snowy conditions, because I can brake quickly without touching the brake pedal and thus don't slide as easily. The AWD in my XC60 is also pretty bad, in that this PHEV only has electric motors powering the rear wheels and a more-powerful ICE powering only the front wheels; like you in your XC40, when I turn left or right at an intersection in electric-only mode (Volvo's silly-named "Pure" mode), my rear wheels spin more often than not when I need to pull out quickly -- even on dry pavement.

[@reynerl5830]

Great review... I hope you do the good and the bad about V60 Polestar PHEV. I'll be honest; I have been so curious about your thoughts about them, especially in driving in the snow. Thanks for sharing your candid thoughts about Volvos.

[@andreamenni4984]

I agree with you. I had a perfect 2019 xc60 sensus and all worked perfectly . Now since 2022 i got a new xc60 Aaos and every day i have a different problem with infotainment. Exactly the list that you explained. I live in Italy but i have the same problems. I started in Volvo with 940 superpolar and i got 850 and many v70. No problem. Aaos is a problem. 😢

[@haveaseatplease]

Hi Kristian, thanks for the video! I hope you will find a nice replacement where you can connect again with the car and enjoy driving! PS Would you be interested in a test ride with the new BYD Seal?

[@volvo_kristian]

Thanks for that. Hope so to 👌 Haven't so much experience with BYD cars yet. Just driven one actually. Do you own the Seal model?

[@BeccaL2016]

I don’t have any steering wheel heating problems

[@hyundaiq]

Thanks for the review and the honest thoughts. I am currently looking for a company car for myself and the shortlist is down to the Volvo RWD, the Skoda Enyaq 85 and a few PHEVs. But looking at the range loss during winter here in the Nordics (I'm in Sweden) that would probably be a deal breaker for me.

[@Dmaelstrom]

Did you get your xc60?

[@TheTZSoftware]

In winter, the pre heating (or heating in general) will kill range in case you have a lot of longer stops. But this is the case, for all EVs. The Android Automotive infotainment is definitely the archilis sinew of the XC40. Volvo has put a lot in the hands of Google. For me, this is a capital mistake, because infotainment is becoming increasingly important and is therefore part of a manufacturer's core competence. This could do Volvo enormous damage in the long term. My biggest criticism is the traffic sign recognition. It really is completely unacceptable. Charge planning is also insufficiently parameterizable.

[@volvo_kristian]

Yeah, definitely kills range.. And agree on the Android. Capital mistake. Interesting that you mentioned speed recognition because that's really bad in mine as well. Often display wrong speed.. Funny when driving thru a tunnel here in Oslo. It's a 70 km/h limit, but often show 120 km/h limit.. Just wanna smash the throttle 😂 In Volvo I trust.. Doubt the police will approve

[@Rei_n1]

Thanks for the frank comments

[@volvo_kristian]

No problem 😎

[@clivewigmore3104]

I feel your pain, I owned a 2013 S60 and I loved it and was sold on volvo as a brand, anyway the S60 was fine but just had too many miles so decided to go for the XC40 as the roads in the uk are terrible thinking this would be the answer, looks great and stands tall. I have had this car for 4 months also and I hate it now so much that it depresses me just thinking about driving it, it’s noisy and does not soak up the bumps like it should, but the worst thing is the highway if you go above 65mph the whole car vibrates and does not settle down until you reach around 85mph, I’ve had it looked at and the wheels balanced but no it still remains and I feel stuck with this car now for 5 years at £400 a month on finance. I want my S60 back as this XC40 is nothing more than a pile of 💩

[@MR-vj8dn]

Ouuffh! You got it on finance. Wow, that's so bad for you now that you've experienced the car by yourself. 🤯 Volvo isn't Volvo anymore it seems.

[@zo1820]

I love it… I’m old school too… I don’t like talking to a car…it doesn’t understand anyway…sadly almost ALL new car are going that way🙁 here in the US 🙁

[@MR-vj8dn]

Remember: Manufacturers will go the way the consumers want them to.

[@Ubique71]

Thanks Kristian really interesting review. I’m in the UK and I’m about to get my first EV in March (on a lease so I haven’t ordered yet). I was looking at the XC40, same spec as yours but now I’m not so convinced. I guess the cold weather related range issues won’t be the same in the tropics of London nor will the heat pump issues, but if your getting annoying faults a lot on a really expensive car, that would be really annoying. I’m trying a left field Nissan Ariya top spec this week, I wonder how it will be?

[@volvo_kristian]

Glad you enjoyed it. Yeah my complaining about range and AWD shouldn't be a problem for you. Then it's just the infotainment. That also depends how you interact with your car while driving. For me I would prefer the Polestar 2 infotainment layout. Recommended to testdrive a XC40 or C40 and then see for yourself what you think

[@AlexSanzeni]

...oh man, pre heat 4-5 times/day, and why dont u just keep it warm all day long...?

[@volvo_kristian]

@AlexSanzeni Would you rather take a seat in a cold car, or a nice and warm car?

[@allanmacaulay1326]

Great video Kristian, very informative. Thank you👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@gunnarneset]

Veldig bra gjennomgang

[@volvo_kristian]

Takk for det 👍

[@jondigene2233]

I was considering one of these... Not so much anymore.

[@aissamtaadou3819]

I hesitate betweena C40 extended range 2024 and a Bmw I4 edrive35, can someone who have on of thèse gave me their honest opinions. This video is very informative

[@volvo_kristian]

I'm such a huge fan of BMW i4. Driven it a bunch of times. It's one of my favorites. Good seats, great infotainment, much power and overall a great EV.. But haven't lived with it. Just as testcars for a limited time. Drive both and see what you like the best 👍

[@panameradan6860]

(15:19) .. I've been saying this for years: that Volvo has abandoned its safety mantra/ethos with its doing away of physical buttons/dials/switches and putting important driver functions into a horribly designed touchscreen, where indeed the icons are way too small and important things are buried in sub-menus that make it inherently unsafe to drive the car and deal with the touchscreen at the same time. I've bought four Volvos (my most recent a '22 XC60 T8 ER), and I'm about to abandon Volvo forever because of this horrible road they are going down. I'm tired of my wife screaming at me to keep my eyes on the road when I find myself looking for long stretches at the touchscreen to change the climate or audio or drive mode (PHEV). There is no such thing as "smooth" roads here in America, anywhere, and I almost always find myself having to aim carefully my finger to find a tiny icon to touch properly -- and often touch the wrong tiny icon because I go over a bump just as I'm touching the screen, making me go to another menu and many more touches to get back to where I wanted to be. I totally agree with you that Volvo seems to have design and software people doing things who do not actually drive these cars -- and certainly not on long road trips. As you say, Porsche does it WAY better. (And, NO, voice commands are NOT a valid replacement for removing physical buttons/dials in favor of a touchscreen!!!! First, voice commands only work part of the time. Second, there are MANY times when you want to change something in the car as a driver and you don't wanna waste time with voice assistant -- like if there's a phone conversation going on (in the car, or over phone), or if there's music or radio on, or if you have a sore throat, etc. Many automakers understand this and are retaining physics buttons/switches for climate controls and other important things, even in 2024; but, sadly, Volvo/Polestar is blindly following Tesla down this bad road to nowhere, and they are undoubtedly losing a LOT of sales as a result, including long-time Volvo loyalists like myself. I'm heading to GLE 450e or Cayenne E-Hybrid or Macan BEV next -- all of which retain physical switches and dials for controlling climate, drive mode, phone calls, screen-brightness intensity, etc.

[@svenskbibel]

This was the most entertaining car review I have ever seen on youtube. Got me many good laughs. 😂 But I don't know if it was fake or real. Anyway, thanks for brightening up my Sunday!

[@volvo_kristian]

Hehe 🤣 Thanks I guess.. It's completely real. This was the 2nd part of my XC40 Ownership review. Yesterday was the top three good things, and here it was the top three bad things. Plus some ugly elements. Completely real 💯 Glad you enjoyed it.

[@jimpackard8059]

Excellent video

[@Pepegium]

i miss your s90

[@volvo_kristian]

You and me both 😎

[@chet4562]

Thank you for another frank and honest review, which I hope the Android and Google developers will watch on the bus to work!😅 The Android system is too unstable and variable in performance compared to the good old Sensus! I also experience that Google often does not find the telephone numbers in my address book, even though the name and number is visible and listed. Bugs... I have the impression that many car brands have been too influenced by SW-developers, and usability, stability and driving pleasure has suffered. However, I live in the hope that future updates will improve functionality and debug the errors and instability. And with that hope, I enjoy driving electric with my C40, but still miss my S90T8 with Sensus. 🙂

[@volvo_kristian]

Yeah let's hope 😂 and yeah. Driving pleasure have suffered in this transition. Hope it gets better

[@panameradan6860]

I think that the Google OS is far superior to Sensus, mostly because the Google Maps are just soooo much better. But I can't wait for Volvo to implement the new Apple CarPlay software, which will be used for both instrument panel and for infotainment screen (Aston Martin will implement it this year, and Porsche apparently next year, with Volvo pledging last year to implement it at some point in the future). The current version of CarPlay is a total joke, and I never use it because I find it pretty useless (combined with the fact that in my XC60, there's only one port that the car recognizes for input, and I use that port for my more-important personal music flash drive instead of my phone).

[@RW-ur7ym]

Seems like you didn’t do enough research before purchasing the car. It’s a family hauler, not a sports car.

[@volvo_kristian]

Have you even seen the video? 😅 You don't think range and AWD are relevant for a family hauler? Or infotainment functionality with small icons?

[@MR-vj8dn]

@@volvo_kristian I totally agree with Kristian. I am doing a LOT of research but VERY few car reviewers come even close to being this honest and detailed. Thank you Kristian.

[@larsskov6716]

How come that you in all of the videos i have seen from you with the xc40 its the best car ever, you really love it. there is nothing like it and then with a snap of a finger its your most hated car. you are so funny...just saying.

[@volvo_kristian]

What? 🤣🤣 Never said it's the best car ever.. But I've had much more love for the XC40 before.. It's completely different to drive a XC40 for a week testing, then owning it for 4 months..

[@pete9b]

Thanks for sharing!….

[@Fr3kkel]

I have a Model year 2024 C40 Extended Range Ultimate for 2,5 months now. Did drive about 8150 km through Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway. Both for commuting and quite some long distance travel. Car has seen a lot of bad weather conditions (lot of rain, snow, and freezing cold). On a average it consumed 22kWh/100km so I'm rather pleased with that. I previously owned an XC60 T5 Ocean Race for about 4 years followed by a Peugeot 5008 in Allure trim. Thought the seats of the XC60 were better, I like the seats of the C40 as well. Comfortwise the C40 outperforms the Peugeot. And yes the C40's navigation & entertainment system has its issues, but it is a quatum leap further than both the XC60 and Peugeot systems.

[@volvo_kristian]

Volvo's seats are one of the best 👌 You say Ocean Race so then it's probably a MY15 XC60. I've owned a MY15 V60 D4 Ocean Race. In the signature Ocean Race Blue. Loved that one. Can partly agree that the new C40 infotainment are better than that previous generation, but the later SPA generation had much better infotainment. Like in XC60 from MY18. That's my favorite Volvo infotainment

[@johnyrobijns5826]

I hate your critics...

[@volvo_kristian]

Eh 🤔 Hate the elements that I think were bad?

[@johnyrobijns5826]

@@volvo_kristian If you do not like electric cars , buy then one on Petrol , but do not break off such a beautifull car build in Belgium. and Software is software , bugs are there always , give them some time to make it better. In such cold area's where you live , an electrical car is not the Best. I Also drive a Twin version in Vapour Grey , and I am very happy with it.