• High-quality interior
• Good driving position
• Easy to use controls

How is the quality and layout?

Volvo has nailed the XC40 together properly. The cabin is very solid – all the materials feel like they’ve been lifted from the Domo Design catalogue rather than an Ikea showroom. There isn’t any scratchy plastic in sight, all the switchgear is sturdy and the upholstery feels plush and expensive.

Our long-term tester Adam Binnie summed it up in his extended review: ‘Everything feels substantial and hefty, from the metal door handles to the soft leather and suede used on the wheel and seats. That said, there are two slightly flimsy plastic sections under the main screen and above the buttons in the centre console, and in my car this interface has developed a small squeak when it’s cold. This is pretty annoying.’

We like the ergonomics, too. The driving position is good and all the controls are within easy reach. Once you know what all the oddly labelled buttons on the steering wheel do, they’re easy to use as well. We’re not a huge fan of the climate controls being located on the central touchscreen, but it helps that there’s a fixed toolbar on the bottom of the screen to access them from.

Infotainment and technology

The XC40 is fitted with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and an unusual portrait 9.0-inch infotainment system. Unlike most other cars on the market, Volvo’s touchscreen is powered by Google which means you get standard support for Google Maps. This isn’t a bad thing because the system can adjust your route on the fly to dodge around traffic jams, and you’re able to get Waze, too. The system also supports Apple CarPlay but not Android Auto, and while some apps from your Android phone are available to download, not all are.

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The graphics on both screens are sharp, but it might take a while before you’re comfortable with the layout of the central screen. As we mentioned above, every interior function is routed through the touchscreen (climate controls, driver assistance technology, media, navigation – even the cabin lighting) which means there’s an endless number of submenus to scroll through. We suggest setting it all up before your drive, as it can be quite distracting on the road.

If you’re an audiophile, we encourage you to spend the extra cash on the Ultimate model to bag Volvo’s upgraded Harman Kardon stereo system. It makes a real difference to sound quality (especially on the pure-electric models) – and, while it might not be quite as good as the Bang & Olufsen system found in the larger XC90, it’s still a stand-out feature in the XC40’s class.

Comfort

• Well-designed, supportive seats
• Very refined on the motorway
• Good rear bench

The Volvo XC40’s front seats deserve special a mention. They’re very adjustable, offer a lot of support and are well-cushioned, occupying the ideal Goldilocks zone between firmness and plushness. Mid-range models and up feature an extendable thigh support, which stops your legs from going numb after a long stint behind the wheel.

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Volvo didn’t neglect rear-seat passengers, either. The bench is a well-padded and well-shaped, offering enough lumbar support to prevent you from curling up like a prawn over long distances. There are a pair of USB-C ports in the rear of the centre console, too, which will help to keep everyone connected on road trips.