The Volkswagen ID 4 is a decent electric car with a practical interior, an excellent safety score and a good range (especially with the 77kWh battery). However, the best rivals are faster, smarter inside, have much better infotainment systems and take less time to charge. The Pro Performance Style is our pick of the range, and we'd avoid the pricey Max and GTX versions.
Pros Lots of space in the back and a big boot Excellent Euro NCAP safety score Well equipped
Cons Poor infotainment and dashboard usability Not fast by class standards Heavier depreciation than many rivals
Pros Modern-looking interior Spacious in the back Comfortable to drive
Cons Boot has annoyingly high lip Top versions quite expensive Some tech seems glitchy
The XC40 Recharge is an all-new model for Volvo this year and represents the Swedish brand's first foray into all-electric propulsion—that's if you don't count its Polestar division's new Polestar 2 EV.
Pros Attractive styling, peppy acceleration, thoughtfully designed cabin.
Cons Key rivals offer more driving range, hefty curb weight, much pricier than the gasoline model.
For 2021 New fully electric version of the XC40,402 horsepower,Estimated 208 miles of range.
Pros Quick acceleration Easy-to-use infotainment system Practical SUV body style
Cons Less range than rival EVs Below-average energy efficiency Small cargo area
The Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric has an appealing interior, a decent electric range, rapid performance and impressive safety credentials. It’s expensive next to many rivals, but the lower-spec models stack up fairly well next to similarly premium (if often larger and, in some cases, more fun) alternatives.
Pros High-quality interior Rapid performance Decent range
Cons Expensive next to many rivals Fiddly infotainment menus No traditional PCP finance