VOLVO has just launched its new EX30, the Swedish marque’s smallest ever electric SUV and also its most rapid production model ever.
A baby sister to the EX90, the EX30 is on sale now priced from £33,795 and is available with all-wheel-drive dual electric motors producing a beefy 428hp and a 0-60 time of just 3.4 seconds – a lot of power for a car that’s smaller than a VW ID3.
Based on parent firm Geely’s SEA platform – see also the Smart #1 and Polestar 4 - the EX30 is quite a boxy-looking vehicle (a proud Volvo tradition), but still kind of cute with it too, thanks to that ‘smiley’ space invader-esque front end with its pixelated ‘Thor’s Hammer’ inspired LED headlight design and contrasting black trim.
It also gives off a bit of a ‘soft roader’ vibe, a quality set to be accentuated with the extra body cladding and raised suspension of the Cross Country variant which is apparently on the way at a later date.
Two batteries are available: 51kWh is standard, with a larger 69kWh unit available as an option which will increase the EX30’s range from 214 miles to 298 miles (268 miles for Performance package cars).
The aforementioned Performance version shares its AWD dual motor electric drivetrain with the Smart Brabus #1 – one of its key competitors, along with the Jeep Avenger - and will be the one to go for if you’re the kind of driver who treats every set of traffic lights like a starting grid.
Mere mortals will probably be happy enough with the standard rear-wheel-drive Single Motor car, which packs a more modest 272hp punch and offers 0-60mph in 5.7 seconds, dropping to 5.3 seconds for cars equipped with the larger 69kWh battery.
There will be two trim levels at launch, Plus and Ultra, with a Core entry-level trim to follow.
Plus spec includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with built-in Google functionality and wireless Apple CarPlay, Harman Kardon premium sound system with dashboard soundbar, front and rear parking sensors and rear camera, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and steering wheel, a heat pump and an 11kW on-board charger.
Upgrade to Ultra and you’ll gain a 360-degree camera with virtual 3D view, fixed panoramic sunroof, Park Pilot Assist self-parking system, 20-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable front seats and a 22kW on-board charger.
The EX30 is available to order now for delivery early in 2024. All cars will come with Volvo’s three-year/60,000-mile care package.
VOLVO EX30 ON-THE-ROAD PRICING: AT A GLANCE
- Single Motor Plus: £33,795
- Single Motor Extended Range Plus: £38,545
- Twin Motor Performance Plus: £40,995
- Single Motor Extended Range Ultra: £42,045
- Twin Motor Performance Ultra: £44,495
