We test Volvo EX30 – High expectations largely met

Why could the Volvo EX30 become so popular?

An electric Volvo SUV for less than 37,000 euros? That sounds almost unrealistic. Just think: cars like the Opel Mokka Electric and Peugeot e-2008 are already more expensive, and we usually expect a bit more from the ‘premium’ Volvo than from those mainstream brands.

Does the Volvo EX30 come from China?

Volvo is marketing its latest, smallest model very favorably, which is partly made possible by the fact that it is built in China and that parent company Geely’s electric SEA platform could be used as a basis. The EX30 therefore shares its technical basis with the Zeekr Smart #1, although Volvo emphasizes that the car was developed primarily for and in Europe. In the future, it will not stop at Chinese production, because just like the XC40, the EX30 must also come off the production line in Belgium.

What do you get for the base price of the Volvo EX30?

If you want to know exactly, you should definitely watch this episode of ‘Back to Basics’. In this test we conclude that the basic version of the Volvo EX30 for €36,795 is a bit of a showroom lure. The Single Motor version has a nice range of 344 kilometers, but Volvo itself expects that the vast majority of buyers will opt for a Single Motor Extended Range. It has a larger battery, can travel 476 kilometers and costs at least €41,495. Then there is a choice of three equipment levels, of which the middle one is expected to be the most popular. If we assume that, it is not surprising that Volvo expects the average EX30 buyer to pay around 45 grand. We also drive the EX30 as a Single Motor Extended Range, combined with the most expensive Ultra equipment level. Then suddenly there is a car for 50 grand and that is less of a bargain for an SUV that, with a length of 4.23 meters, is even shorter than a Volkswagen ID.3. However, from the outside the EX30 certainly does not look like a budget model, but rather like a particularly chic little one. And like a real Volvo, albeit a new-style Volvo. The EX30 has many optical similarities with the also new EX90 and gives Volvo’s well-known, tidy design a playful twist.

How much space does the Volvo EX30 offer?

The luggage compartment of the EX30 is still quite nice despite its compact body. Volvo officially mentions a rather generous 318 liters, but in practice it seems to be more, together with the space under the adjustable floor. Moreover, the charging cable does not necessarily lie around here, because there is a small pocket in the nose (frunk!) where the cable just fits. Folding the rear seat down provides a completely flat loading floor, just like in other Volvos. Unfortunately, the sofa itself is less useful, at least for adults. The combination of a low bench and little legroom means that you are completely crammed here, even with a somewhat average height of 1.84 meters. Only use for short pieces or children, so. The headroom is good, although the fixed panoramic roof of the driven version also contributes to this. The seating position in the front is good, but if you have long legs, you will have to pull them up slightly to reach the steering wheel.

How do you like the interior of the Volvo EX30?

In the EX30 it is immediately clear that this Volvo is different than usual. The dashboard is very minimalist and this not only has to do with design, but also with reducing production costs. For example, there is no instrumentation or head-up display and the window buttons are in the middle, just in front of the armrest. As with Volkswagen’s ID models, there are only two: for the rear windows you must first press ‘rear’ and then use the same buttons. We have also immediately named almost all the buttons, because all other functions are in the 12.3-inch, central and vertical touchscreen. It runs on Android Automotive, so it provides things like Google Maps and Spotify and works fine, although we do miss the option to combine consumption data and navigation maps. So now you have to choose: either insight into consumption, or see where you need to go. In addition, the speedometer is also located (at the top) of the screen and is slightly too far away, so that your eyes have to be consciously taken off the road to see how fast things are going. We didn’t experience it as a huge problem, but optimal is different. The direction of travel is controlled with a lever on the steering column that also serves to activate the cruise control. Just like with Tesla, and we also recognize the dashboard design and the key cards from that brand. Yet the EX30 is also unmistakably a Volvo on the inside. That’s great, because at the same time it is very unique. The materials used are often recycled and look special, but certainly not cheap. The use of color is also impressive: the seat upholstery contains dark blue as standard, but a greenish tint or very light blue is also possible. Regardless of that choice, the available space has been used creatively. A ‘soundbar’ replaces the speakers in the doors, creating space for large storage compartments. Between the seats there is a large open compartment with a double bottom and telephone holders, above which there is a kind of sliding drawer that can be used as a cup holder or as an extra storage compartment. Useful!

Cup holder or storage drawer? You name it, because the drawer in the armrest has both functions. Also pay attention to the window buttons: in the middle, and two buttons for four windows.

How does the Volvo EX30 drive?

The Extended Range version of the EX30, like the entry-level model, has 272 hp and sprints from 0 to 100 in 5.3 seconds. It is a rear-wheel drive, so the sprint is without drama and without annoying drive responses in the steering wheel. ‘Without drama’ is certainly a good way to describe the driving behavior of this car. The chassis specialists in Gothenburg have succeeded in giving the Chinese base their own twist and that results in a nice package. Imperfections are smoothed out in a mature manner, the steering is pleasantly balanced and accurate and the car is comfortable, without the callous feeling that we know from many ‘real’ Chinese. Moreover, the EX30 is nice and quiet, even when it comes to rolling noises or wind noise. Anyone who would like this can choose a ‘one-pedal-drive’ mode via the screen, in which the car regenerates maximally and therefore brakes hard when you release the accelerator pedal. It really comes to a complete stop automatically, as befits such a driving mode. However, regeneration is somewhat difficult to dose, which means that it is not always possible to accelerate and stop completely smoothly in busy city traffic. We put it on the list of disadvantages, but bottom line the EX30 certainly leaves a good impression. Those who can live with the limited space available will indeed buy or lease what the theory suggests: an electric SUV that offers great value for money in terms of appearance, interior and driving behavior.