Volvo EX30 2024 Review

While other global regions get the most affordable standard-range version of the 2024 Volvo EX30, Australia gets three higher-spec models starting with the Single Motor Extended Plus.

This has a single electric motor driving the rear wheels with 200kW and 343Nm, and manages a sub-$60,000 price ($59,990 plus on-road costs) to worry the Tesla Model 3 and a handful of other contenders.

Above that, the Single Motor Extended Ultra shares the same drivetrain but adds an extra dose of equipment that lifts the price to $66,290 plus ORCs. Both have a 400-volt electrical system and 69kWh lithium-ion battery, which is good for about 480km.

At the top of the pack is the EX30 Twin Performance Ultra, which shares the specification of the mid-range variant but gains an extra e-motor for all-wheel drive and 315kW and 543Nm.

The Twin has the highest price of the family at $71,290 plus ORCs, but it’ll accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.6 seconds and still manages about 460km of range.

Local pricing was initially announced a year ago when the EX30 was officially unveiled, but with the EV now landing in Australia, those prices have increased by $1300 (to what you see here) for the mid-range and top-spec variants.

The entire 2024 allocation has also sold out, so if you’re ordering today, delivery won’t take place until next year.

At the 2024 Volvo EX30 entry point, the Plus still offers a good level of standard equipment included in the price.

LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels and a two-tone paint job are notable exterior features, while the cabin is treated to a decent level of technology such as wireless device charging, wireless smartphone mirroring, a regular key plus two credit card-type proximity ‘keys’, high-quality Harman Kardon stereo and plenty of native applications thanks to the Google-based operating system.

There’s also dual-zone climate control with air quality monitoring and filtration, a rear-view camera with sensors all-round, power tailgate, welcome lights and a range of vegan and eco-friendly interiors – but more about that later.

A 12.3-inch centre touch-screen is standard on all variants, but what isn’t is a digital instrument cluster. In fact, there’s no cluster of any kind at all, nor a head-up display.

Instead, all driver information is displayed through the top of the single central screen.

Stepping up to the Ultra brings more kit including a panoramic sunroof that dominates a large proportion of the roof panel, 20-inch alloy wheels, electrically adjustable front seats with heating and a heated steering wheel, while the rear-view camera is upgraded to a full 360-degree system with 3D imaging and parking assistant.

Every EX30 is sold with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and eight years’ roadside assistance, while the battery has an eight-year guarantee.

Electric vehicles generally need less scheduled servicing attention but the Volvo has unusually long service intervals of 24 months.

While the 2024 Volvo EX30 shares a platform and a majority of its mechanicals with some Smart and Zeekr models (not yet available in Australia), the main way the Volvo differentiates itself other than styling is in the safety offering. It’s very comprehensive.

There are numerous systems for avoiding a collision such as steering assistance and braking, cross traffic alert and assistance forward and in reverse and at high and low speed, while autonomous emergency braking (AEB) includes vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians.

If a collision cannot be avoided, the EX30 offers nine airbags including the head-protecting centre type in between the front occupants as well as side airbags, while curtain airbags are offered for both rows.

There’s also a heap of parking and manoeuvring assistance technology such as a 360-degree camera with high-definition 3D imaging, parking distance radar all round, and automatic parking.

On the road, the EX30 offers extra safety information for the driver such as road sign information relayed to the central screen, and driver attention/drowsiness monitoring.

Finally, there’s a good suite of driver assistance systems for freeway and open-road driving such as lane keep assistance and warning, blind spot monitoring, collision warning and adaptive cruise control that works down to stop/start traffic.

The EX30 has not yet been assessed by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) but the Swedish brand is known for its focus on safety for all road users and all its other current models have been awarded ANCAP five-star ratings where tested.

At the centre of the 2024 Volvo EX30’s technological suite is an information and entertainment system jointly developed with Google.

That’s largely why it features such a broad range of intuitive functions and a good number of customisable applications.

As you might expect, Android devices are offered mirroring through the portrait-oriented 12.3-inch screen as well as wireless Apple CarPlay. Google account holders can go further, though, and access their various features directly through the native system rather than connecting a particular device.

Updating the system is simple through regular over-the-air (OTA) software and automatic updates.

Another interesting innovation is the EX30’s stereo system, which does away with front speakers in favour of a ‘sound bar’-style speaker, much like the ones offered in home theatre systems for positioning immediately under the screen.

The result is a more surrounding sound experience, and combined with a sub and other more regular speakers, it’s hard to tell where the sound is originating from. It also saves space in door pockets, where speakers would ordinarily reside.

Wireless device charging is offered in a decent-size cradle under the central screen but its angle allows the device to occasionally fall out (especially when in the Twin Performance!).

Two different types of keys are provided with the EX30. The first is a more conventional fob type with push-button unlocking or proximity technology that senses the key approaching and unlocks the vehicle – it works in reverse for locking, too.

A second credit-card-type key can be kept in a wallet and simply holding the unit against the window frame unlocks or locks the vehicle. Both types offer keyless starting.

What the EX30 lacks, however, is any kind of instrument cluster or head-up display. A speed reading is instead displayed through the top corner of the central screen, along with the most essential information.

Much like Tesla’s similar approach first seen on the Model S, the Volvo has received some criticism for the feature, but in practice it’s surprising how quickly the driver adjusts to the change.

It’s necessary to look a small degree away for the road centre line, but the crucial zone of visibility is still well within the driver’s field of view and at no point did we feel it was a distraction or a hazard.

In other markets, the 2024 Volvo EX30 is offered with a smaller, different-chemistry battery with correspondingly different power outputs.

However, Australian versions get just one 69kWh lithium-ion battery (denoted by the Extended in its name) and choices of one or two electric motors (Single or Twin).

In the case of the Single, it gets rear-wheel drive and an output of 200kW/343Nm, while the dual-motor version has one motor for each axle and all-wheel drive. Its output is about 50 per cent greater than the single-motor, with peak power of 315kW while torque climbs to 543Nm.

Performance in both versions is impressive, with the twin-motor doing the benchmark 0-100km/h in just 3.6 seconds. The two-wheel drive version does the dash in a still-respectable 5.3sec.

Regardless of the variant, all versions of the 2024 Volvo EX30 in Australia are fitted with a 69kWh lithium-ion battery.

However, the extra weight and performance potential of the Twin Performance Ultra slightly reduces its overall range.

Based on the WLTP combined testing cycle, Volvo claims both versions of the single-motor EX30 can travel 480km before needing a recharge, whereas the flagship twin-motor can do 460km.

That said, depending on the circumstances, Volvo also says distances of up to 540km and 520km respectively are possible.

The EX30 has a 400-volt main electrical system, meaning it doesn’t share the same charging (and performance) of the newer emerging 800-volt systems.

Nonetheless, a top-up from 10 to 80 per cent is possible in about 30 minutes using a 175kW DC fast-charger, says Volvo.

Using relatively standard home charging of 11kW and 16-amp three-phase power, a full charge from empty to 100 per cent is possible in eight hours.

Most of our time was spent in the rear-drive Volvo EX30 Single Motor Extended Ultra, which delivers an excellent combination of ride comfort and performance.

With the driven wheels at the back, traction and weight transfer are as good as you can ask from two wheels and the EX30 pushes out of corners with the eagerness of a whippet, but the stamina of a spaniel.

Steering is similarly well sorted with enough feel and point without excessive weight or too much false feel dialled in synthetically. It all translates as very natural.

Of the two drivetrains, the rear-drive has the softest and preferable chassis setting, while the Twin is stiffer and more capable but feeling more tied-down comes at a cost with greater occupant fatigue during longer stints.

The Twin’s raw acceleration is desperately addictive but might become a novelty quickly, while the delivery of torque – which feels as though the full might is withheld until about 70km/h – is simply wonderful.

A strange pogo-effect from the tail of the single-motor was the only negative character trait that occasionally stood out, but it was soon forgotten whenever the way ahead turned twisty.

Neither version is uncomfortable, and both do a great job of getting you somewhere in a hurry.

Unlike virtually every other EV, the EX30 avoids a ‘drive mode’ button, instead opting for a calibration of steering and drivetrain that works for just about everything.

There’s a good level of tune-ability in adjustable steering and braking for example, but we respect the decision to develop an everyday setting that works well rather than offering multiple modes which, in many cases, don’t fit anything particularly well.

We’d like a little more aggressive regenerative braking in the most efficient mode, but when a stab of the brake pedal was required, the handover from regen to good old fashioned hydraulics and friction was imperceptible.

Road noise is eerily absent and the driving position is great for a relaxing tour, but not completely lacking support when it’s needed.

The EX30 is a car that could be trundled around every day, enjoying its placid ride and whisper-quiet personality without ever realising or missing its true potential.

But on those days you feel like pointing your toe, it leaps from one corner to the next like a hot hatch – regardless of the variant.

It’s probably not advisable to attempt anything more than some fairly mild off-roading in the 2024 Volvo EX30 unless it’s an emergency.

While Volvo refers to it as an SUV, two out of three versions are two-wheel drive, and even with all-wheel drive the Twin has very scratchable 20-inch wheels and road-focused low-profile tyres.

Towing probably falls under the same umbrella, although Volvo does specify a maximum braked trailer weight of 1600kg, which is pretty respectable for a vehicle of its size.

Just don’t expect the full 480km range if you do.

If you were enamoured by the cabin of the Volvo XC40 when it first arrived (and duly won carsales’ Car of the Year in 2018), you’re going to love the interior of the all-new 2024 Volvo EX30.

The electric small SUV picks up with the same bohemian design and cool materials, but takes ergonomics and packaging to another level.

A number of design themes are on offer, including a dark and cosy dark blue with fine weave textiles, and we love the less conservative light blue textured fabric that resembles a high-end running show material combined with speckled recycled dash material. The result looks a bit like a gym mat in the nicest possible way and the individual specks are actual pieces of multicoloured recycled plastic.

Paired with the Moss Yellow paintwork, the pale grey white fabric material feels premium and comfortable and matches well with a curious if somewhat unidentifiable weaved-effect dash trimming – again recycled from something or other.

As this car rolls on the first dedicated Volvo EV platform, space compared with the XC40 has improved in many, if not quite all, areas.

There’s heaps of cubby space in the central console including a clever double cup holder that slides out of sight, a deep central bin with even more storage hiding beneath two doors, and a concealed box that pops out from under the central screen using a touch-screen button.

There’s no glove box, but we don’t mind.

We also love the solid metal door handles that resemble half a pair of scissors, while the easter egg touches dotted about the interior and exterior are delightful. (We won’t spoil them for you by pointing them all out.)

It’s not so good in the second row where space is tight and taller passengers’ knees touch the front seats, while headroom is at a premium.

Small redemption can be found in a surprisingly good boot for the vehicle’s overall size; 318 litres is not massive but the load area is a very useable shape and there are a few more litres hidden under a false floor. There’s a 60/40-split folding rear seat for extra versatility.

Adding further to the load space is a small but very useful front stowage area that can hide up to 7.0 litres of stuff under the bonnet.

The EX30 also has an air quality sensor that can detect pollutants and adjust the cabin air filtration, which is a feature that’s probably impossible to notice but easy to appreciate.

It’s hard not to be drawn to the 2024 Volvo EX30. Its looks are handsome, unpretentious and desperately cool, and when dressed up in the gorgeous Cloud Blue it’s a thoroughly likeable little boulder rolling along the road.

Added to that, Volvo’s smallest EV to date manages to be athletic in any guise, efficient and, despite a small increase to the bottom line, it’s priced to sell.

It’s not quite the EV for everyone with a squeezy second row and small overall proportions that manifest themselves inside in some places, but nor is the EX30 trying to be the one-size-fits-all.

While there’s an increasing number of cars competing in the mid-range-priced electric vehicle market, Volvo’s latest offering weighs in with something that competes from a performance and packaging perspective, but smashes the ball out of the park when quality, design and safety are factored in.

Yes, the twin-motor monster is astonishing, but the real gem is the rear-drive single-motor EX30 that manages to offer something fast, relatively light, forfeits nothing in specification when dressed up in Ultra trim, and is a bit of a bargain.

In the circa-$60K EV market, Australia has a new contender putting all others on notice.

2024 Volvo EX30 Single Motor Extended Ultra at a glance:
Price: $66,290 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Powertrain: Single permanent magnet synchronous motor
Output: 200kW/343Nm
Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
Battery: 69kWh lithium-ion
Range: 480km (WLTP)
Energy consumption: 17.0kWh/100km (WLTP)
Safety rating: Not tested

2024 Volvo EX30 Twin Performance Ultra at a glance:
Price: $71,290 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Powertrain: Dual permanent magnet synchronous motors
Output: 315kW/543Nm
Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
Battery: 69kWh lithium-ion
Range: 445km (WLTP)
Energy consumption: 18.0kWh/100km (WLTP)
Safety rating: Not tested