Volvo has always been known for its safety, quality, and innovation, but with the launch of the Volvo EX30, the Swedish brand is also aiming for style and substance. The Volvo EX30 is the smallest and most affordable fully electric SUV in Volvo's lineup, but it doesn't compromise on performance, features, or design. In fact, it might just be the best-looking Volvo ever made.
What Is the Volvo EX30?
The Volvo EX30 is a compact crossover that seats five and offers a range of up to 260 miles on a single charge. It's powered by a 75-kWh battery pack and a single electric motor that produces 201 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 112 mph. It also comes with a fast-charging capability that can replenish 80% of the battery in about 40 minutes.
The Volvo EX30 is based on the same platform as the Volvo XC40 Recharge but has a more distinctive and dynamic design. It features a sleek and sporty silhouette, a sloping roofline, a short overhang, and a large grille with sensors and cameras for advanced driver-assistance systems. The headlights are slim and sharp, with LED daytime running lights that form a signature "Thor's hammer" shape. The taillights are also LED and wrap around the rear window. The Volvo EX30 is available in eight colors, including two exclusive ones: Glacier Silver and Fusion Red.
The interior of the Volvo EX30 is equally stylish and modern, with a minimalist and ergonomic layout. The dashboard is dominated by a 9-inch touchscreen that runs on Google's Android Automotive OS, which allows access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, Google Play Store, and other apps and services. The instrument cluster is also digital and customizable, with a 12.3-inch display that shows relevant information such as speed, range, navigation, and media. The Volvo EX30 also offers wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility, a Harman Kardon premium sound system, and a panoramic sunroof.
The cabin of the Volvo EX30 is spacious and comfortable, with plenty of headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The seats are supportive and adjustable, with leather upholstery and contrast stitching. The cargo area is generous as well, with 17.8 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 47.2 cubic feet with them folded down. There's also a small front trunk that can hold an additional one cubic foot of items.
How Safe Is the Volvo EX30?
As expected from a Volvo, the Volvo EX30 is packed with safety features that make it one of the safest electric vehicles on the market. It comes with standard equipment such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, hill start assist, hill descent control, tire pressure monitoring system, rearview camera, rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring system, rear cross traffic alert system, lane keeping assist system, forward collision warning system, automatic emergency braking system, pedestrian detection system, cyclist detection system, and driver attention alert system.
The Volvo EX30 also offers optional features such as an adaptive cruise control system, lane centering assist system, traffic sign recognition system, traffic jam assist system, park assist pilot system, 360-degree surround-view camera system, head-up display system, Pilot Assist system, which is Volvo's semi-autonomous driving technology that can steer, accelerate, and brake the vehicle in certain conditions.