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Volvo reveals EX30 all-electric compact SUV with hot-hatch proportions, 428 hp AWD variant with off-road aspirations coming

Perhaps the most fun version of the EX30 comes by way of the EX30 Cross Country designed for mild off-road use. (Image source: Volvo)
Perhaps the most fun version of the EX30 comes by way of the EX30 Cross Country designed for mild off-road use. (Image source: Volvo)
After months of teasing, Volvo has finally taken the wraps off its EX30, revealing an affordable electric compact crossover SUV that's barely larger than a VW Golf and packs a wallop off the line. An attractive starting price and startling 0–60 times are sure to make Volvo's smallest SUV to date a particularly attractive buy for a fair few prospective EV buyers.

After a long wait and a considerable amount of teasing, Volvo has finally unveiled the all-electric EX30 compact SUV. Volvo is launching three variants of the EX30 — a single-motor standard range version, a single motor extended range version, and a dual-motor AWD Performance model. As with previous Volvo and Polestar electric vehicles, the EX30 will run on Android Automotive, which should deliver a stable, smooth user interface.

Both single motor variants send 272 hp to the rear wheels and manage the 0-60 mph sprint in 5.1 seconds, while the Twin Motor Performance model delivers an impressive 428 hp and races to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. EPA range figures for the entry-level model are not available, but the Single Motor Extended Range version comes with an NMC battery pack that delivers 275 miles of range, while the Twin Motor Performance version delivers 265 miles from the same pack.

As it turns out, the new electric crossover is Volvo's smallest SUV to date, with a footprint of just 1836 mm (72.3 inches) by 4233 mm (166.7 inches) and a wheelbase of 2560 mm (100.7 inches). For comparison, the Volkswagen Golf 8 is 51 mm (2 inches) longer, but has a 31 mm (1.2 inches) shorter wheelbase. Given its size and performance, the EX30 is basically just a tall hot hatchback. Its small footprint combined with the standard Volvo safety features makes the EX30 a great option for those living in or around the city.

In 2024, Volvo is also bringing the Cross Country spec to its EX30, optioning the AWD version with front, side, and rear skidplates, increased ground clearance, and 19-inch wheels. While the Cross Country version is coming later, the regular EX30 trims are available in a number of European markets, and pre-orders are open in the US, with expected delivery dates in mid 2024.

The Volvo EX30's starting MSRP is US$34,950 in the US, while UK customers will pay £33,795, and the rest of Europe can expect to pay somewhere in the neighbourhood of €36,000.

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Volvo's EX30 comes with a well-appointed interior, including a wireless phone charging pad in the centre console. (Image source: Volvo)
Volvo's EX30 comes with a well-appointed interior, including a wireless phone charging pad in the centre console. (Image source: Volvo)
The EX30 is barely larger than many hot hatchbacks on the market. (Image source: Volvo)
The EX30 is barely larger than many hot hatchbacks on the market. (Image source: Volvo)
The large centre display is adjustable and runs on Android Automotive. (Image source: Volvo)
The large centre display is adjustable and runs on Android Automotive. (Image source: Volvo)
The EX30 is capped by a large panoramic glass roof. (Image source: Volvo)
The EX30 is capped by a large panoramic glass roof. (Image source: Volvo)
There's no shortage of cargo space in the EX30, thanks to an efficient design. (Image source: Volvo)
There's no shortage of cargo space in the EX30, thanks to an efficient design. (Image source: Volvo)
Short overhangs and raised ground clearance make the EX30 Cross Country capable of tackling the odd adventure. (Image source: Volvo)
Short overhangs and raised ground clearance make the EX30 Cross Country capable of tackling the odd adventure. (Image source: Volvo)

Source(s)

Volvo (1, 2), Volkswagen

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2023 06 > Volvo reveals EX30 all-electric compact SUV with hot-hatch proportions, 428 hp AWD variant with off-road aspirations coming
Julian van der Merwe, 2023-06- 7 (Update: 2023-06- 7)