Volvo EX40 vs Volkswagen ID.4
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Volvo EX40 starts from $69,990 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen ID.4 opens at $59,990. That makes the Volkswagen ID.4 the more affordable entry point by $10,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $76,989 and $65,989 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Volvo EX40 features a 9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Volkswagen ID.4 gets a 12.9-inch display and 5.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volvo EX40 stands out with head-up display and Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Volkswagen ID.4. The Volkswagen ID.4 counters with panoramic roof. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Volvo EX40 gets textile/leather blend upholstery while the Volkswagen ID.4 offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the Volvo EX40 and 3-zone in the Volkswagen ID.4.
Drivetrain
The Volvo EX40 uses a Electric producing 185kW and 420Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.3 seconds.
The Volkswagen ID.4 responds with a Electric making 210kW and 545Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The Volkswagen ID.4 has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 185kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volvo EX40 is 1.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 82kWh (Volvo EX40) vs 77kWh (Volkswagen ID.4), giving WLTP ranges of 520km and 544km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (Volvo EX40) vs 175kW (Volkswagen ID.4).
Space & Comfort
The Volvo EX40 measures 4,440mm long on a 2,702mm wheelbase, 145mm shorter than the Volkswagen ID.4 at 4,585mm (2,766mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen ID.4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 536L in the Volvo EX40 and 543L in the Volkswagen ID.4, giving the Volkswagen ID.4 a 7L advantage.
For towing, the Volvo EX40 leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 800kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m to 11.4m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Volvo EX40) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen ID.4). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volvo EX40 if: You need stronger towing, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen ID.4 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volkswagen ID.4 takes 5 of 8 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Volvo EX40 and Volkswagen ID.4?
The Volkswagen ID.4 is the cheapest at $59,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volvo EX40 by $10,000.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Volkswagen ID.4 has the most range at 542km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Volkswagen ID.4 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 175kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Volkswagen ID.4 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen ID.4 has the largest boot at 543L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volvo EX40 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volkswagen ID.4 makes the most power at 210kW. The Volvo EX40 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.3s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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