Volvo EX30 Review 2024

The electric Volvo EX30 is the Swedish firm’s smallest car to date and the small electric SUV is designed with suburban dwellers firmly in mind thanks to its slender lines. Does it have what it takes to rival the likes of the Volkswagen ID.3? Read on for our full Volvo EX30 review.

Get up close to the Volvo EX30 and it reveals itself to be much more compact than you expect, even though the angular external lines leave you in no doubt of its Scandinavian origins.

Volvo has certainly done what it can to make this the most affordable model it has built to date. While there are some compromises because of this, the Volvo EX30 does make a tempting alternative to the likes of the Volkswagen ID.3 and Cupra Born. It also uses the same platform as the new and ridiculously named Smart#1.

This being a Volvo, the emphasis is on sensible thinking. Although the exterior is what you’d expect, the real surprises come from the interior, which fuses recycled materials and a focus on sustainability with a minimalist vibe.

There is definitely much to like about the Volvo EX30. First of all, there’s the pricing, which is competitive and has the potential to offer Volvo ownership to a lot of people for whom the brand would perhaps have previously been out of reach.

You also get the benefit of plenty of innovation. The more time you spend with the Volvo EX30, the more it becomes clear that the designers have worked long and hard to make this little car as smart as it can be.

It’s the little things that really add to the appeal with funky storage areas and handy features such as the ‘Will it fit’ graphic inside the tailgate. It makes this car fun, while being hugely practical at the same time.

While it’s largely good news for anyone who fancies the car as, perhaps, their first foray into the world of electric vehicles, the Volvo EX30 isn’t without a few niggles. Unfortunately, these are mainly found hiding inside.

One of the least appealing aspects is the way that your speed is displayed on the central infotainment screen. There’s nothing immediately in front of you and no head-up display either.

It seems a little at odds with Volvo’s obsession for keeping you safe. Ditto, the foglamp button, which is also found inside the screen rather than being an easily accessed switch while adjusting the door mirrors is another.

There are also the mildly irritating audio warnings that emanate from the screen if you’ve done something wrong, according to its parameters.

The Volvo EX30 isn’t unusual in this respect, granted. Plus, there’s the indicator stalk to master, which requires a certain knack to use effectively, although this does improve the more time you spend driving the car.

That’s relatively minor stuff though and, on the whole, there’s much more to like about the Volvo EX30 interior than dislike.

The upside of the prevalence of plastic for the interior is that said components have been used imaginatively, so areas like the dashboard and door cards are made from plastic flecked with nuggets of recycled PVC windows and suchlike.

What that means is a lively interior feel that comes across as more sophisticated than you’d expect. It also feel durable and ready for the challenges coming its way from smaller family members.

Naturally, there are plenty of features and functions that lend the Volvo EX30 an innovative feel too. One of the most curious is the mid-dashboard mounted glovebox, which is basically only good for gloves and is opened via that touchscreen again.

Elsewhere though, locations for everyday things like water bottles and general stuff are generously peppered throughout the Volvo EX30, with a neat central binnacle proving perfect for large mugs.

Oddly enough, you’ll find the electric window buttons here too. A smartphone area down under the dash is handy, though.

The back seats are a little less practical than the front ones, but there’s enough room for smaller folk. Long-legged adults, though, might find the need to juggle the front seats forwards to get any real enjoyment from a motorway trek.

Likewise, the boot space isn’t huge, although Volvo’s etched ‘Will it fit?’ graphic inside gives some handy hints on what will go in between the narrow tailgate edges and what will not.

It can be boosted by dropping the back seats, from 318 litres up to 904 litres.

The Volvo EX30 is available in two equipment grades – Plus and Ultra – and either option is a good bet, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen providing the centre of attention.

The quality of this component, and everything else around it, feels quite premium, even if some of the plastic trim panels are less inspiring.

Nevertheless, the overall feeling you get being inside the Volvo EX30 is a good one with the seats being a standout feature.

There’s a two-zone climate control and air-purification system, too, which lifts the cockpit area a little more. The front seats are heated as is the steering wheel, while it’s the fixed panoramic glass sunroof that proves to be the icing on the cake.

Plus models get the benefit of dark tinted rear windows. Combined, the overall effect is very pleasing indeed.

Volvo has also revealed that an entry-level Core trim will become available at a later date, which should presumably come with an even more affordable price tag.

Centre of attention is the mid-mounted 12.3-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen, which dominates the dashboard and contains most of the features and functions needed to get the best from the Volvo EX30.

In fact, there’s not much that can be done without it, so everyday necessities like being able to adjust the door mirrors must be done via the screen rather than old-school buttons or switches.

Curiously, even the decidedly compact central glovebox is opened using a button on the screen.

Aside from some of these quirks though, the screen looks great with crisp and clear graphics, and it all operates with swift Scandinavian efficiency.

That said, the Volvo EX30 employs Google for much of its functionality, which will be a boon for folks who enjoy the power of things like Google Maps.

Wireless Apple CarPlay is a highlight too, while the technology perks also come thick and fast in selected models thanks to 5G connectivity and digital key access.

Another revelation is the Harman Kardon soundbar that snuggles into the top of the dash in front of the windscreen. This is the only audio source you get in the Volvo EX30, but the quality of its construction means the sound it delivers is excellent.

Better still, the space saved by not having speakers in the doors offers up improved storage, so it actually makes an awful lot of sense.

Volvo has kept the cost of the EX30 as simplistic as everything else with the compact SUV, and there’s no doubting it’s keenly priced.

At the time of writing, the Single Motor Extended Range model costs £38,545 and the Single Motor Standard edition is £33,795.

If you fancy the Twin Motor Performance model it’ll set you back £40,995. But to be honest, it’s the Single Motor Extended Range car that feels like the best of the bunch.

Public charger costs are rising, which is in turn pushing people towards leaner, more efficient EVs.

To its credit, Volvo reckons the EX30 can manage 3.7 miles per kWh for the single motor models and 3.6kWh for the Twin Motor Performance edition, which is very respectable.

Volvo has also designed the EX30 to be ideally suited to owners with a home charger, with battery sizes that can be easily replenished whilst plugged in overnight. So, for example, overnight charging using a standard 7kW home charger should be in the region of 11.5 hours for cars with the larger 69kW battery.

It’ll take around 9.5 hours for the smaller 51kW battery pack.

Having been designed with city streets firmly in mind, it comes as no surprise to find that the Volvo EX30 is a cinch to get around town.

This is largely thanks to its manageable dimensions of 4.23 metres long, 2,03 metres (with mirrors – adjusted via the touchscreen, no less) wide and 1.55 metres high, while the car sits on a 2.65-metre wheelbase.

One thing that’s immediately noticeable is the steering, which is almost too light for its own good, but copes well in cramped spaces where you need to work the wheel. The steering wheel itself is a little bit of a curio too, feeling rather spindly. This compounds the lightness of the drive.

Nevertheless, the Volvo EX30 provides an engaging drive and can be worked through country lanes easily while offering up plenty of smiles along the way.

Engaging drive modes is done via a shifter on the right-hand side of the column, although Normal will be fine for most who own it. This also features the option of being flicked downwards to engage the One Pilot Assist to aid driving, mainly on more major roads.

This format is essentially the same no matter which of the three powertrains you’re driving and it’s all wonderfully effortless to use. What’s also immediately obvious, no matter which car you drive, is that power is plentiful, but the delivery measured.

Pick of the bunch is the rear-wheel-drive extended-range Volvo EX30, which has more than enough power to keep most people happy and proves very useful if you’ve got longer runs rather than city routes in mind.

In fact, the Volvo EX30 feels great in a wide variety of driving scenarios and will keep anyone interested in being behind the wheel more than happy during a run. Even if it’s only to take the kids to school and back.

There is a trio of powertrain options to choose from for the Volvo EX30.

There’s a Single Motor rear-wheel drive, which uses a 51kWh LFP battery to drive a rear-mounted electric motor producing 200kW of power and 276PS with 343Nm of torque.

The 0-60mph time model is 5.7 seconds, while it has a 112mph limited top speed. A 150kW DC fast charger can get the car from 0% to 80% in around 26 minutes.

The Single Motor Extended Range powertrain features a 69kWh NMC battery driving an electric motor at the rear, and this delivers 200kW/276PS and offers 343Nm of torque.

The 0-60mph is nippier at 5.1 seconds while the top speed is also limited to 112mph. Using a 175kW DC fast charger, the 10% to 80% time ranges from 26.5 minutes to 28.

Meanwhile, the Twin Motor Performance features electric motors front and rear, and these deliver 315kW/434PS plus 543Nm of torque. It features a 69kWh NMC battery pack with a range of up to 280 miles.

With 0-60mph time arriving in 3.4 seconds, this is the most potent of the three, while top speed is again limited to 112mph. The battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in 26.5 to 28 minutes using 175kW DC fast charging.

Volvo has always been associated with high levels of safety and the Volvo EX30 looks to be no exception. In fact, the car has been fitted with some of the latest driver aids, including the usual array of protection and collision avoidance systems.

In addition, there’s the inclusion of a warning that alerts you if you’re thinking about opening your door as a cyclist approaches.

Supplementing your driving is the Pilot Assist function, allowing drivers to change lanes if they feel they need a helping hand.

Similarly, Volvo’s Park Pilot Assist is designed to handle tricky manoeuvres into tight parking spaces by letting the car manage the accelerator, brakes and steering.

Despite its smaller size, the Volvo EX30 still has towing potential with a maximum braked towing weight of 1000kg.

Considering the Volvo EX30 is being offered as an affordable EV, all models in the range comes nicely appointed with the four fresh innovative interior variants – Breeze, Indigo, Mist and Pine with a couple of equipment grades – Plus and Ultra.

Combine that with the trio of powertrain options and it makes for a healthy selection of Scandinavian goodness.

The Single Motor rear-wheel drive uses a 51kWh LFP battery that drives a rear-mounted electric motor producing 200kW of power and 276PS with 343Nm of torque.

The 0-60mph time for the smaller battery model is 5.7 seconds, while it has a 112mph limited top speed. A recharge using a 150kW DC fast charger can take the car from 0% to 80% in around 26 minutes.

Next up is the Single Motor Extended Range powertrain, which features a 69kWh NMC battery driving an electric motor at the rear.

Power wise, this delivers 200kW/276PS and offers 343Nm of torque. It too is pretty potent, with a 0-60mph time arriving in 5.1 seconds while the top speed is also limited to 112mph. A 10% to 80% time of 26.5 to 28 minutes is achievable using a 175kW DC fast charger.

There’s the all-wheel-drive, Twin Motor Performance, which features an electric motor front and rear delivering 315kW/434PS and offering 543Nm of torque. It features a 69kWh NMC battery pack with a range of up to 280 miles.

It’s potent too, with 0-60mph arriving in 3.4 seconds, while top speed is limited to 112mph. The battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in 26.5 to 28 minutes using 175kW DC fast charging.