Volvo EX30 Expert Review

The Volvo EX30 is the brand’s first ground-up EV, built on the SEA2 platform under Geely. Smaller than the EX40, it’s designed solely for electric mobility. It features split Thor’s Hammer LED DRLs, a closed grille, side vents, and an active lower air flap. From the side, it has 19-inch alloys, a compact wheelbase, and a sleek SUV silhouette. The battery is floor-mounted for a clean underbody. Rear styling is simple with C-shaped LED taillamps, and access is fully digital via smartphone or smart card on the B-pillar.

Inside, the EX30 prioritizes sustainability over traditional luxury, using recycled materials and minimal metal accents. The raised floor creates a knees-up posture, even in front. Seats are wide and comfortable, with power adjustment for the driver, though lacking ventilation, heating, or massage. Storage is excellent, with large door pockets, a roomy center console, and hidden cup holders. Rear space is tight, with limited legroom and under-thigh support. A glass roof adds style but lacks a blind. The 318-litre boot is practical, with a 7-litre frunk and no spare wheel included.

A 12.3-inch vertically-mounted touchscreen dominates the dashboard with no physical buttons. Everything—from headlights to ORVM adjustments—is controlled via the screen. Powered by a Snapdragon chip and Google software, it’s fast and responsive, with built-in Google Maps and wireless Apple CarPlay (but no Android Auto). Driving info appears in a top strip, showing speed, range, and ADAS alerts. A Harman Kardon sound bar delivers decent audio but isn’t on par with Volvo’s Bowers & Wilkins systems. Rear passengers lack AC vents, sunblinds, and recline. The EX30 includes Level 2 ADAS and a drowsiness detector.

This variant features an Extended Range 65kWh battery with denser, longer-lasting NMC cells, producing 272hp and 343Nm. It’s liquid-cooled and backed by an 8-year warranty. The drive is smooth and quiet, with minimal road and wind noise even at highway speeds. Volvo claims 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, with linear acceleration ideal for daily use. There are no selectable drive modes or variable regen levels—just a one-pedal mode for convenience. The EX30 is easy to drive but not particularly thrilling due to limited customization.

Volvo claims a WLTP range of 480 km, though real-world range is closer to 350–360 km depending on usage. That’s still solid for mostly urban and occasional intercity travel. The 400V battery architecture allows it to charge from 0-100% using an 7.4kW charger in 10 hours 30 mins, using a 11kW AC charger in 7 hours and using a 150kW DC charger in just 25 mins. 

The ride has a firm edge due to the battery’s weight, but damping is excellent. Over bumps, there’s slight movement but no harshness or cabin thuds. That same firmness pays off in corners—body roll is minimal, and the car stays stable and flat.Steering feel is decent with three selectable modes—soft, medium, and firm. The "soft" mode is ideal for city driving with easy manoeuvrability, while "firm" adds artificial heft for a more planted feel. However, true feedback from the road is lacking, so it’s stable and predictable but not especially engaging.

The EX30 is Volvo’s most aggressively priced EV, expected around ₹50 lakh, competing with BMW iX1, Mercedes EQA+, Hyundai Ioniq 5, BYD Sealion 7, and Kia EV6. It stands out with a clean, modern design, sustainability focus, and Volvo’s premium image. However, it compromises on rear seat comfort, features, and driver engagement. While not the most exciting EV, it serves well as a stylish, eco-friendly city car with sufficient tech and performance, hitting many right notes but falling short of perfection.