2025 Volvo C40 : This electric SUV-coupe feels like it was made for the most niche Volvo buyer.

The Volvo C40 looks fantastic. It's pleasant to drive. It is peaceful and comfy, with just enough technology to keep guests entertained. And, at $59,995 as-tested, this single-motor, extended-range Ultimate variant is reasonably priced considering the present luxury EV market. But, as wonderful as it is, I'm not sure who this automobile is for. The C40 is a Volvo SUV coupe—already a niche within a niche—with an average range, charging rate, and smaller luggage room than the XC40 Recharge. It's unlikely that there will be hordes of people knocking on Volvo's doors, and after a week behind the wheel, I'm not sure even the most ardent Volvo fans will see much incentive to buy the C40. If there's anything that may persuade customers, it's how the C40 looks. In classic Volvo tradition, this SUV boasts clean lines, gentle angles, and a few necessary—but not overpowering—sporty signals. The slicked-back roof seamlessly transitions into a trunk lid with a sporty spoiler on top. The taillights go up each side of the back window, creating a lovely, coherent design. Meanwhile, the front end retains the majority of the features that make the small XC40 so attractive. The inside follows suit. Sporty simplicity. You might be startled to see cloth seats in a nearly $60,000 premium vehicle, but they function well. The front and back chairs have an excellent form and feel, making them comfortable to sit on for hours on end. The remainder of the cabin has clean, basic lines and high-quality materials, with a portrait-oriented 8.0-inch touchscreen in the middle of the dash. Volvo's built-in Google system includes navigation, a voice assistant, Google Play Store access, and, ultimately, Apple CarPlay. You still can't use your phone-based Android Auto, which is frustrating, but the C40 handles Google Maps and other services rather well. My main criticism is that the touch responsiveness isn't as good as recent smartphones, and the Android Automotive system hasn't improved much since its launch in 2019.