2024 Volvo EX30 review – RWD & Twin Motor Performance (video)

Welcome to another pivotal point in Volvo’s electrifying journey, as we dive into the new EX30 – the Swedish automaker’s tiniest yet most powerful and quickest SUV to date.

With its compact dimensions, this little dynamo challenges preconceived notions about eco-friendly vehicles by not only sporting the smallest carbon footprint of any Volvo ever made but also by packing a serious punch in performance, style and functionality.

In spite of Volvo’s ‘adjusted’ commitment of having 100 per cent of its vehicles fully electric by 2030 globally, lowered to 90 per cent due to shifting market demands, let’s check out how the EX30 still exhibits the brand’s commitment to sustainability and safety.

2024 Volvo EX30 Twin Motor Performance: Specifications

Battery: 69kWh lithium-ion, 400V
Output: 315kW / 543Nm
Gearbox: Single-speed auto
Drive type: All-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 20×8.0, 245/40
ANCAP: Not tested
Weight: 1920kg
Power-to-weight: 6.09:1 (kg:kW)
Official range: 460km (WLTP)

Charging max: 11kW AC, 153kW DC
0-60km/h: 2.02 seconds*
0-100km/h: 3.81 seconds*
60-110km/h: 2.42 seconds*
1/4 mile: 12.16 seconds at 180.7km/h*
Max acceleration: 1.068g*
100-0km/h braking: 36.15m in 3.10 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.208g*
Starting price: $71,290

*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different

2024 Volvo EX30 review – RWD & Twin Motor Performance: How much does it cost?

Australian buyers are offered three variants of the EX30, with two powertrains and two trim levels in the mix. The cheapest is the Single Motor Extended Range Plus, retailing from $59,990. Then the Single Motor Extended Range Ultra from $66,290. At the top is the Twin Motor Performance Ultra with a price tag of $71,290. All prices exclude on-road costs. Notice the Twin Motor is not offered in the cheaper Plus guise. Here we’re checking out the upper two variants.

We think the starting price is reasonable by Volvo’s standards as a premium, Scandinavian-designed brand. The cheapest Volvo XC40 small SUV begins its pricing only $5k less, at $54,990, and we know EVs are usually more expensive in the current market.

In other EV comparisons, you can scoop up a MINI Cooper E for $54k, a Hyundai Kona Electric, Tesla Model 3 and Y, or Renault Megane E-Tech for about $55k. Otherwise, there are newer Chinese brands that undercut it with SUVs like the Chery OMODA E5 from $42,990, the BYD ATTO 3 from $44,499, or the MG4 from $44,990.

In relation to ongoing costs, the EX30 comes with a five-year warranty. But it is disappointingly limited to 160,000km. Its fossil fuel models are backed by unlimited kilometres in that five-year term. Does that reveal a message about EV longevity? On the plus side, services are required less often, at 24 months or 30,000km, and services within the warranty period are included in the purchase price.

2024 Volvo EX30 review – RWD & Twin Motor Performance: Interior & packaging

Inside the Volvo EX30, you are immediately struck by its minimalist interior design. True to Volvo’s Scandinavian ethos, the cabin is a study in elegance and simplicity, dominated by a large central touch-screen that integrates most of the vehicle’s functions. A heavy reduction in physical buttons contributes to a sleek and modern aesthetic but it’s worth taking some time to get used to locations of adjustments before driving. The absence of a conventional instrument cluster on front of the steering wheel is the biggest change to get used to; speed and driving information are all displayed on the central screen to the left.

The EX30 employs recycled, hard materials throughout the cabin, reflecting Volvo’s commitment to sustainability without sacrificing style. Volvo certainly knows how to make recycling look exxy. We love the fine details in the seat patterns and speckles in some plastic panels. The front seats feature futuristic looking headrests that sit in front of the seat-back. Uniquely designed vertical air vents and a squarish steering wheel add a touch of individuality to the interior, which is further enhanced by a beautiful mood light that morphs through a range of colour themes. Disappointingly, that ambient lighting does not extend to the rear seats.

Storage within the EX30 is indisputably generous, featuring huge bucket-like cut-outs and empty spaces, often associated with EVs that do not need the conventional centre tunnel to work around. In fact, the storage areas are so big, items tend to slide around during driving, and it’s a far reach to grab something from the centre area.

The centre cup holders have a distinct way to hide inside or smoothly extend out of the centre armrest. A departure from convention is the absence of a traditional passenger-side glove box. It is relocated to the centre of the dash beneath the touch-screen, but it is smaller than a conventional glove box.

Thanks to its airy design, passenger space is good for the compact SUV market. Front passengers are easily accommodated, with plenty of leg, foot, and shoulder space. Expectedly, taller bodies in the rear might need to squeeze their legs in if someone tall is in the front seat too. Boot space is also commendable, offering 318 litres or 904L with the rear seats folded down. There is also an additional 61L of space in an under-floor compartment, and you get a small sealed compartment under the bonnet.

Comfort-wise, the EX30’s seats and centre armrest are well-shaped and supportive, though they are on the firmer side. This could be a matter of personal preference, with some drivers finding the firmness supportive, and others preferring a softer feel. Additionally, the panoramic roof in the ‘Ultra’ enhances the cabin’s openness, but the lack of a sun blind is a letdown. The glass is tinted, but sometimes we like the sun block out stronger in hotter countries like Australia.

The EX30’s external appearance is a leap forward from Volvo’s usual design. There are very little recognisable design elements. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Thor’s hammer front lights have been completely redesigned, incorporating LED blocks and black surroundings, smooth contours, a carveout for the Volvo emblem’s diagonal strike through in the front panel, contrasting black and polished metal wheels, and striking rear LED lights. An upright rear with no slope and a lower floor level helps with fitting the battery system in, but it has it resemble something more of a hatch silhouette than a SUV.

It goes without saying that Volvo knows how to do safety. All models get the full suite of crash avoidance and alert features. Other standard features on the ‘Plus’ include over-the-air software updates with 5G connection, a 12.3-inch customisable centre touch-screen with built-in Google and powered by a Snapdragon processor, a wireless phone charger, four USB-C ports, ambient interior lighting, a powered tailgate, digital key access via a phone App, NFC smart card and a key tag with proximity auto lock and unlock, and a brilliant Harman Kardon premium sound system with a 1040-Watt amplifier and nine speakers, including a soundbar.

Upgrading to the Ultra for $6300 (or $11,300 with the Twin Motor) rewards you with a 360-degree camera with 3D view (which should be standard in our opinion), reverse collision mitigation autobrake, Park Pilot Assist, a panoramic roof, tinted rear windows, side mirror memory, bigger 20-inch alloy wheels, power front seat adjustments, and heated front seats.

2024 Volvo EX30 review – RWD & Twin Motor Performance: Powertrain & handling

On the road, power comes from a 169Ah/69kWh nickel manganese cobalt battery system for both the Single and Twin Motor variants. The Single Motor is thrown forward with a hefty 200kW/343Nm, sent to the rear wheels only. Then the Twin Motor is catapulted forward with 315kW/543Nm via all four wheels. What this means for the 0-100km/h metric is a difference of 1.7 seconds. The Single Motor officially clocks in at a rapid 5.3 seconds, and the Twin Motor in just 3.6 seconds. We clocked the AWD in 3.81 seconds.

Most drivers will find the Single Motor offers more than enough power. Especially with that instant torque that buries your head into the headrest at full throttle. In fact, it is more in line with power outputs offered in the top-end sport models. Then the Twin Motor is for the greedy. It hurls forward quicker than our roads can handle. You really need to concentrate when hitting the pedal with your foot as everything happens incredibly quickly. And when it comes to hills, well, what hills? You won’t notice them with all that torque.

Curiously, there is not a great deal of difference in the driving range of the Single Motor and Twin Motor – about 20km. So, if you crave that extra power, you won’t need to sacrifice much on range. NEDC tests have the Single Motor rated at 462km, and 445km for the Twin Motor. WLTP tests have it at 480km and 460km. This is an endurable range to live with. A recharge is not much more frequent than the EX30’s fossil fuel counterparts.

However, it’s important to note that when travelling at freeway speeds, you can expect a significant drop in your range. We had it with up to 80km less range than advertised at full when we spent significant time on the highway.

More generally, it underscores the importance of understanding the capabilities of EVs like the EX30 when planning longer journeys. Especially when the charging infrastructure in Australia is not as mature as refuelling conventional cars. Relying solely on the public charging system in Australia will be the bane of your existence. There are frequent charger outages (more than petrol bowsers), often queues, less chargers than petrol bowsers, and they simply take longer than a petrol top-up to recharge. A home charger will improve the experience for you, except for those out-of-town trips.

Volvo advertises the typical time to charge both variants from 0-100 per cent with the 11kW maximum Type 2, 3-phase, 16-Amp, AC-fast charger to be 8 hours. Then the typical time to charge from 10-80 per cent using the maximum 175kW DC fast charger (CCS2) is 28 minutes. Alternatively, the standard GPO charge will take 32 hours and 45 minutes.

Turning to ride quality, and the EX30 handles bumps with a supple confidence; an uncommon characteristic of EVs that are usually heavy (1920kg in this case). It’s able to mould and adapt to the road conditions and it’s always quite comfortable. The weight offers a stable feel at higher speeds, too. Corners are met with confidence through notable rigidity. And with lots of weight comes a lot of grip, even in the top-spec 315kW version.

Using Volvo’s safety features deserves a mention here. The EX30 comes equipped with advanced driver assistance systems that feel more thoroughly tested and accurate than newcomer competitors. The driver monitoring system is more reasonable with alerts without being intrusive; and you have the option to deactivate it, which is a refreshing feature in today’s market.

The radar cruise control also allows for a smoother driving experience as it follows the car ahead more closely without sudden braking; and overtaking is a smoother, more intuitive affair. We also appreciate the many customisation options, like safety sensitivity levels, and steering weight.

2024 Volvo EX30 review: Key attractions/reasons to buy

• Minimalist and stunning interior design: The EX30 features a sleek, uncluttered dashboard with reduced physical buttons, finished with an ultra-modern look.
• Sustainability focus: With recycled hard materials used throughout the cabin and unique design elements, the EX30 showcases Volvo’s commitment to eco-friendly practices without compromising style.
• Impressive performance: The instant torque from the electric motor(s) provides remarkable acceleration from both powertrains.
• Quality of safety features: Equipped with well-tested, intuitive, safety alert systems that are not as overly intrusive as some. Driver assistance features are also more customisable than others.

2024 Volvo EX30 review: Key considerations before you buy

• Adaptation required for controls: The lack of a traditional instrument cluster means drivers must adjust to checking speed and driving messages on the centre screen, which can be disorienting initially.
• Public charging infrastructure: The reliance on an underdeveloped public charging network can be a significant inconvenience for drivers without home charging options, or those that do for long-distance travel.
• Real world range: Freeway speed driving vastly reduces the advertised driving range distance.

2024 Volvo EX30 review: Video