EX30 electric SUV to land from $60K

BEFORE the end of the year, and for less than $60K, electric vehicle buyers will be able to purchase a premium, pure electric Volvo product following the introduction of the new EX30 small SUV.

Three variants are available starting with the EX30 Single Motor Extended Plus from $59,990 plus on-road costs, moving up to the EX30 Single Motor Extended Ultra from $64,990 +ORCs and topping out with the EX30 Twin Performance Ultra from $69,990 +ORCs.

Though a touch smaller, they occupy the same Small SUV segment as Volvo’s soon-to-be-upgraded C40 and XC40 Recharge SUVs that sell from $76,990 and $78,990 respectively +ORCs.

On top of that is a plethora of alternatives from all points of the compass including Tesla’s Model Y from $69,300, Hyundai’s soon-to-be-updated Kona EV (existing model from $54,500), BMW’s iX1 from $84,900, Kia Niro EV from $64,450, the Lexus UX300e from $74,000, Mazda MX30E from $66,010 all plus on roads and the MGZS Long Range from $55,990 drive-away.

There are also several hybrid and plug in hybrids in the same space. Volvo points to the new Mini electric and Cupra Born as potential competition.

All that aside, the EX30 is Volvo’s smallest electric SUV which the company says also boasts the smallest carbon footprint of any Volvo produced to date. Built in China, it combines “the best elements of Volvo’s distinctive Scandinavian ‘living room’ design”, with “industry leading” safety features, the latest Apple CarPlay and voice-activated Google functionalities as standard.

The EX30 is another link in the chain of Volvos commitment to produce electric only cars by 2030 and utilises high-voltage 400V lithium-ion battery that Volvo says makes the EX30 “optimised for range, comfort, safety, and versatility”.

All three locally available variants run the same 69kWh battery with the single motor in the Extended duo good for a hearty 200kW and 343Nm while the twin motors in the Performance AWD having a maximum output of 315kW and 543Nm.

Those numbers mean the single engine rear wheel drive models can clock a 0-100km/h sprint in 5.5 seconds and the AWD dually does it in a rapid 3.6 seconds.

The other side of the equation, range, sees the single motor drivetrain with up to 480km from a charge with the twin motor rated at up to 460km (global WLTP figures).

Using high output DC charging, both powertrains are capable of charging from 10 to 80 per cent in approximately 30 minutes.

Underlining the EX30’s green credentials is the company’s claim that it is “the most sustainable Volvo model ever produced with a leather-free interior that incorporates recycled and renewable materials such as flax, wool and denim upholstery created from the waste fibres of the denim recycling process”.

A feature of the diminutive “Viking” is the minimalist dash with a single central 12.3-inch tablet screen through which most in-car controls are activated, and most information provided… just like a Tesla.

Though quite arresting to look at the EX30’s lines are accentuated by a selection of five colour options including a contrasting Onyx Black metallic roof that complements the high-gloss black exterior details. Other colours are a Moss Yellow, Cloud Blue, Vapour Grey and Crystal White.

The face of EX30 features Volvo’s now signature “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights equally dramatic taillights.

The EX30 comes with a large fixed panoramic glass roof and a Soundbar speaker as standard complete with integrated tweeters, mid-range speakers and a woofer all in a full-dash-width audio unit.

Over the air update capability to utilise the latest software is provided along with ergonomically designed seats that are size optimised to provide more interior space.

Passengers are also protected by an interior air quality cabin filtration system that shuts out hazardous gases and particles.

Near Field Communication (NFC) technology activated through a digital key gives the driver full access to the vehicle via a smartphone.

“We are proud to introduce the EX30 to Australia which embodies Volvo’s distinctive Scandinavian design values, advanced safety, legendary comfort and cutting-edge tech in a smaller format,” said Volvo Car Australia managing director, Stephen Connor.

“With the EX30 we enter a new, growing segment – the small, fully electric luxury SUV. The EX30 offers a strong value proposition to a new audience in the Australian car market which is increasingly embracing EVs.

“The EX30 will further drive our accelerated Australian strategy of being an all-electric car company by 2026.

Though not yet ANCAP rated, the Volvo EX30 comes equipped with a suite of active and passive safety equipment along with the latest driver assist technology.

2023 Volvo EX30 pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.