Review - 2024 Volvo EX30

Luckily for Volvo, this is not its first attempt at a battery-electric vehicle - far from that, in fact.

Let’s take a closer look at the Volvo EX30 and see how it stacks up as a value proposition in the world of small electric SUVs to see if it's deserving of a spot on your shortlist.

Volvo EX30 Competition

Starting Price: $59,990

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How Much Does It Cost?

The Volvo EX30 range is available in three trim levels here in Australia, with the entry-level EX30 Single Motor Extended Range Plus priced at $59,990.

Stepping up to the EX30 Single Motor Extended Range Ultra brings the price up to $64,990, while the range-topping EX30 Twin Motor Performance Ultra is priced at $69,990.

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Volvo EX30 (SINGLE MOTOR EXTEND RANGE PLUS) Specifications

What Features Does the Volvo EX30 Have?

Volvo’s entry-level EX30 Plus comes riding on a set of 19-inch alloys and receives LED head & tail lights, adaptive cruise control, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry & start, a powered boot lift, a rear-view camera with parking sensors, 3D knit upholstery, a two-tone roof finish, wireless smartphone charging, a 12.3-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto and a Harman Kardon sound system.

Step up to the EX30 Single Motor Ultra range and you’ll pick up a panoramic sunroof, a surround-view monitor, a parking assistant, power-adjustable front seats with heating and lumbar support and a heated steering wheel.

Finally, the range-topping EX30 Twin Motor Performance Ultra receives a set of 20-inch alloys.

Range Features:

• 19-inch alloys 

• Adaptive LED headlights, LED tail lights 

• Adaptive cruise control 

• Powered boot lift 

• Rear-view camera with parking sensors 

• 3D knit upholstery 

• 12.3-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto 

• Harman Kardon sound system 

• Panoramic sunroof (Single Motor Ultra) 

• Surround-view monitor (Single Motor Ultra) 

• Heated, power-adjustable front seats (Single Motor Ultra) 

• Parking assistant (Single Motor Ultra) 

• 20-inch alloys (Twin Motor Performance Ultra)

Is the Volvo EX30 Comfortable to Drive?

Volvo’s cars are known for their comfortable ride quality, and the Volvo EX30 very much lives up to the company’s reputation, even as it morphs into a high-tech battery on wheels.

Buyers have the option of two powertrains for the EX30 lineup, with the base single motor pushing out a very respectable 200kW of power and 343Nm of torque that gives it brisk acceleration off the line and mid-range acceleration up to highway speeds.

For buyers looking for a little more excitement, Volvo’s EX30 Performance with its two electric motors produces a massive 315kW of power and 543Nm of torque, making it a true performer, reminiscent of a lightweight sports car package.

Around town, the EX30 glides around in a particularly smooth and refined manner, making for a great daily commuter that is super relaxing behind the wheel.

The town driving experience is made easier thanks to its lightweight steering rack and its relatively stout proportions that make it easy to park, navigate tight traffic situations and dart through city streets with ease.

Leave town and things are equally as impressive, with the suspension hardware taking care of the added weight from the battery packs while offering some decent handling at speed, while the ride stays nice and compliant, even on Australian roads.

As a complete package, then, the Volvo EX30 is super impressive, offering a decent amount of power and a comfortable ride quality in the base model, while ramping things up to eleven in the twin motor performance variant.

How Far Can the Volvo EX30 Drive on a Single Charge?

Volvo’s EX30 range comes powered by a 69kWh battery pack that offers 480km of driving range in the EX30 Extended Range Plus.

Opting for the faster EX30 Twin Motor Performance Ultra brings its range figures down to 460km of driving on a single charge, making the base single-motor variant the pick of the bunch if you’re simply looking for the package with the longest electric driving range.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

Volvo’s interior design for the EX30 is every bit as radical as it is attractive and, luckily for buyers, extremely practical, too.

Step inside the cabin and you’ll see there’s absolutely zero in the way of buttons or switchgear, with all the vehicle functions controlled by the large, vertically-mounted 12.3-inch infotainment display.

This has allowed Volvo to get creative with the rest of the interior’s space and packaging, offering a heap of storage space in the centre console and inside the folding armrest that makes it a beast at swallowing up loose items.

Headroom in the front of the EX30’s cabin is perfectly fine for even the tallest of drivers and there’s a decent amount of adjustment in the wheel and driving position.

Move to the second row of the cabin and things get a bit more cramped for taller occupants, both in terms of the amount of legroom and headroom on offer, though you won’t hear any complaints from kids back here.

The second row of the EX30’s cabin picks up ISOFIX anchors and top tether mounts, while the boot measures in at 318L, including volume added to the mix from the under-floor storage area, meaning it doesn’t have the biggest boot in the segment.

Is it Safe?

The Volvo EX30 is yet to be officially tested by ANCAP, nor its Euro NCAP equivalent.

Having said that, the EX30 picks up a generous list of active safety equipment gear to help sweeten the deal, including forward and reverse autonomous emergency brain with pedestrian, cyclist and junction assist, adaptive cruise control, front and rear cross-traffic alerts, a rear-view camera with parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring.

Our Verdict: Is the Volvo EX30 Worth it?

While it might not be the most practical battery-electric compact SUV, the Volvo EX30 is one of the most compelling of its segment thanks to its sublime on-road manners, charming design, healthy equipment lists and decent driving range figures.

The base model will tick all the boxes for most Aussies, though buyers looking for more pace will be thrilled by the driving experience on offer in the EX30 Twin Motor that offers infectious acceleration.

If you’re looking to make the move to a battery-electric vehicle, be sure to reach out to one of our car-buying experts who can help find you the best possible price.

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty 

2. Eight-year warranty for battery pack, eight-years roadside assist 

3. 460 - 480km driving range from 69kWh battery pack

4. Single motor produces 200kW/343Nm, Twin Motor produces 315kW/543Nm 

5. No official ANCAP/Euro NCAP safety rating