Review of the Volvo EX30

The Volvo EX30 is designed to appeal to those looking for a stylish, compact SUV with a sustainable edge. With its sleek Scandinavian design, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to reducing carbon emissions, the EX30 represents a bold step forward for Volvo.

Rivals to the Volvo EX30 include the BMW iX1, Audi Q4 e-tron, and Mercedes-Benz EQA.

Our Volvo EX30 review covers:

• Sleek and compact design
• Eco-friendly interior with state-of-the-art infotainment
• 318-litre boot, expanding to 904 litres with rear seats down
• Three powertrains are available, offering up to 298 miles on a single charge
• Three trim levels are available: Core, Plus and Ultra

Pros:

• Strong electric range
• Advanced safety features
• Compact and stylish design

Cons:

• Higher price point
• Limited Customisation Options
• Restricted Rear Passenger Space

Volvo has crafted the EX30 with a focus on modern, minimalist aesthetics with Scandinavian design principles. The SUV’s clean lines and sleek profile give it a contemporary yet timeless appeal. The compact size of the EX30 makes it an ideal vehicle for urban environments, where navigating tight streets and finding parking can be challenging. Despite its smaller dimensions, the EX30 doesn’t skimp on presence; its bold front grille, distinctive LED headlights, and well-defined contours ensure that it stands out on the road. This design not only reflects Volvo’s dedication to elegance but also contributes to the vehicle's aerodynamic efficiency, enhancing its overall performance.

When it comes to practicality, the Volvo EX30 excels at making the most of its compact size. The vehicle is thoughtfully designed to accommodate the needs of everyday life, particularly for those living in urban areas. The cabin is laid out to maximise space for passengers and storage. The elevated driving position offers excellent visibility, which is particularly great when navigating busy roads or tight parking spots. Additionally, the EX30 is equipped with a range of storage compartments throughout the cabin, providing convenient spaces for smaller items. The user-friendly infotainment system and well-placed controls make driving the EX30 a straightforward and enjoyable experience, whether you’re on a short city drive or a longer journey.

Boot space in the Volvo EX30 is another area where this compact SUV shines, particularly given its size. The EX30 offers a 318-litre boot, which is ample for day-to-day needs such as grocery shopping or carrying sports equipment. For larger loads, the rear seats can be folded down, expanding the boot capacity to an impressive 904 litres. This flexibility makes the EX30 versatile enough to handle a variety of cargo needs, from weekend getaways to accommodating larger household items. The boot design is practical too, with a low loading lip and wide opening, making it easy to load and unload items.

Stepping inside the Volvo EX30, you're immediately greeted by a cabin that embodies the essence of Scandinavian design clean, minimalist, and functional. The interior is crafted using high-quality materials, with a particular emphasis on sustainability. Recycled plastics, natural fibres, and responsibly sourced materials are used throughout, reflecting Volvo’s commitment to eco-friendly luxury.

The centrepiece of the interior is the 12.3-inch touchscreen display, which serves as the hub for all your infotainment needs. The system is easy to navigate, offering seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This allows you to connect your smartphone effortlessly, providing access to navigation, music, and other apps with just a few taps. The screen is complemented by a fully digital driver’s display, giving you clear and customisable information about your journey, from speed and range to navigation prompts.

The Volvo EX30 is available in three distinct trim levels: Core, Plus, and Ultra.

Core

Key Features: The Core trim is the entry-level option, but it’s packed with essentials that make it a strong contender in the compact SUV market. It includes the 12.3-inch central touchscreen with the latest infotainment system, dual-zone climate control, and a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Volvo’s Pilot Assist, lane-keeping aid, and a rear parking camera. The interior in the Core trim is finished with high-quality materials that provide a premium feel without the hefty price tag.

Plus

Key Features: The Plus trim builds on the Core, adding a range of comfort and convenience features. In addition to the Core’s offerings, the Plus trim includes a panoramic sunroof, a premium sound system for enhanced audio quality, and a powered tailgate for easier access to the boot. The interior receives an upgrade with additional soft-touch materials and ambient lighting, creating a more luxurious atmosphere. This trim is ideal for those who want a bit more luxury and technology without stepping up to the top-spec model.

Ultra

Key Features: The Ultra trim is the range-topping option, designed for those who want the best of everything. It includes all the features of the Core and Plus trims, with added extras like advanced driver assistance systems, upgraded leather upholstery, and heated front seats. The Ultra trim also comes with an enhanced sound system, designed to deliver a superior audio experience, and additional customisation options for the interior, allowing you to tailor the cabin to your personal taste. This trim is perfect for drivers who demand the highest levels of comfort, technology, and style.

The new Volvo EX30 is more than just a stylish compact SUV, it’s a vehicle engineered to deliver an engaging driving experience with a strong focus on electric performance. With three distinct powertrains available, the EX30 offers flexibility for different driving needs, whether you prioritise efficiency, range, or outright performance:

• The Single Motor option delivers 200 kW (268 bhp) of power with a 51 kWh battery, providing a range of up to 214 miles (WLTP). This rear-wheel-drive variant is perfect for daily commuting, offering a balanced mix of power and efficiency with a smooth 0-60 mph acceleration in approximately 5.7 seconds.
• For those who require more range, the Single Motor Extended Range variant features the same 200 kW (268 bhp) motor but with a larger 69 kWh battery, extending the range to an impressive 298 miles (WLTP). This version maintains the same rear-wheel-drive layout and acceleration time as the standard Single Motor, making it an excellent choice for longer journeys.
• The Twin Motor Performance variant is the most powerful option, with a dual-motor setup delivering a combined 315 kW (422 bhp). Equipped with a 69 kWh battery, it offers a range of up to 286 miles (WLTP) and features all-wheel drive for superior traction. This variant excels in performance, with a 0-60 mph time of just 3.4 seconds, making it the sportiest option in the EX30 range.

The Volvo EX30 is designed to offer a driving experience that is both engaging and comfortable. The instant torque from the electric motors provides rapid acceleration, making city driving and motorway overtakes a breeze. The compact size of the EX30, combined with its responsive steering, makes it highly manoeuvrable ideal for navigating narrow UK streets and parking in tight spaces.

The EX30’s suspension is tuned to provide a balanced ride, absorbing the bumps and potholes typical of British roads while still offering enough feedback to keep the drive engaging. The cabin remains impressively quiet, with minimal road and wind noise, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful journey, whether in the bustling city or on a quiet country road. 

For those opting for the Twin Motor Performance variant, the driving experience is further elevated. The all-wheel drive system ensures excellent grip, particularly in wet or slippery conditions, which are common in the UK. The performance-oriented setup offers sharper handling and quicker responses, making it a pleasure to drive on more challenging roads.

The Volvo EX30 is now available for purchase at a starting on-the-road price of £31,995.00*, or it can be leased with monthly payments starting from £314.19.

If you're considering leasing a Volvo EX30, we proudly offer excellent car leasing services in the UK. Our leasing deals include a manufacturer's warranty, road tax, breakdown insurance, and free delivery to most areas of the UK mainland (excluding specific regions).

Leasing a Volvo EX30 can often be a more financially advantageous option compared to purchasing outright, thanks to the fixed monthly payments, variable mileage options, low initial rental, and flexible contract durations.

It's important to note that the 'on-the-road' price mentioned includes a year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee, and a number plate fee. Please be aware that this price is accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change. To get the most up-to-date information, we recommend contacting your nearest retailer.