More Power, More Range: Why the 2026 Volvo EX40 Outshines the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron

Shopping for a compact luxury electric SUV usually comes down to two questions: how does it drive, and how far does it go? The 2026 Volvo EX40 Twin Motor and the 2026 Audi Q4 Sportback 55 e-tron quattro both use an 82 kWh battery and all-wheel drive, so they look close on paper at first glance.

Look a little closer and the EX40 pulls ahead where it counts. It makes more horsepower, reaches 100 km/h sooner and travels farther on a full charge. This guide breaks down the numbers and shows why the EX40 is the stronger pick for everyday drivers who want performance and range from the same SUV.

At a Glance: 2026 Volvo EX40 vs. 2026 Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron

Performance: 67 More Horsepower

The EX40 Twin Motor uses two electric motors, one at each axle, for a total of 402 hp and 494 lb-ft of torque. Electric motors deliver their torque the moment you press the pedal, so the EX40 feels quick from a standstill and confident when you merge onto a highway.

The Audi Q4 Sportback 55 e-tron quattro makes 335 hp. That gives the EX40 a 67 hp advantage, and the gap shows on the stopwatch. The EX40 runs from 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, a half-second quicker than the Audi’s 5.3 seconds.

The EX40 also keeps pulling longer. Its top speed is 180 km/h, compared with 160 km/h for the Q4 Sportback.

• 402 hp and 494 lb-ft from two electric motors
• 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, 0.5 seconds quicker than the Q4 Sportback
• 180 km/h top speed, 20 km/h higher than the Audi

Range: More Kilometres From the Same Size Battery

Both SUVs carry an 82 kWh battery, which makes this a fair fight. The EX40 Twin Motor goes up to 418 km on a full charge, while the Q4 Sportback 55 e-tron quattro is rated at 404 km.

That means the EX40 delivers more power and more range from the same battery capacity. You get the quicker SUV without trading away distance between charges.

Charging is simple, too. Volvo lists a charging time of 29 minutes on a 150 kW DC fast charger and 8 hours on a 48 A home charger. Plug in overnight and you start each morning ready to go.

Practical Space for Daily Life

The EX40 stays easy to live with. With the rear seats up, it offers 536 L of cargo space measured to the headliner, growing to 1,400 L with the second row folded. A 31 L front load compartment, or frunk, gives you a handy spot for charging cables so they never take up room in the back.

Other everyday touches help as well:

• Power tailgate with hands-free opening on every trim
• Foldable load floor with a cargo divider and grocery bag holder
• 175 mm of ground clearance for snowy driveways and rough roads

Safety and Comfort Built In

Volvo puts safety first, and the EX40 shows it on every trim. BLIS with Cross Traffic Alert, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, Rear Collision Warning, Slippery Road Alert, Lane Keeping Aid and adaptive cruise control all come standard. The driver also gets a knee airbag, along with whiplash injury protection and an inflatable curtain.

As you move up the lineup, the EX40 adds more. The Plus trim brings a 360° camera, a panoramic roof and a heat pump for better efficiency in the cold. The Ultra and Black Edition Ultra add Pilot Assist, Harman Kardon Premium Sound, heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel.

Which Compact Electric SUV Is Right for You?

The numbers make the case clearly. The 2026 Volvo EX40 Twin Motor delivers 402 hp against the Audi’s 335 hp, reaches 100 km/h half a second sooner, tops out 20 km/h higher and travels 418 km per charge against 404 km. It does all of that with the same 82 kWh battery size.

Add Volvo’s long list of standard safety features and a practical cabin with a frunk, and the choice is easy. For drivers who want more power and more range in a compact luxury electric SUV, the EX40 is the one to choose.

Feel the Difference at Volvo Cars Mont-Royal

Numbers tell part of the story, and the driver’s seat tells the rest. Book a test drive at Volvo Cars Mont-Royal in Montreal and feel how 402 hp and instant torque change your daily drive.

Our team will walk you through each EX40 trim, from Core to Black Edition Ultra, and help you build the one that fits your routine.