We boarded the Volvo EX30 and we are convinced that this compact electric SUV has a future

Volvo has let a few journalists take a look at its latest model, the EX30, which is about to compete with more price-aggressive brands. We had the opportunity to explore the interior, to examine the exterior details, but unfortunately the first road tests will have to wait until the end of the year.

Neat design and finish

The EX30, don’t get me wrong, is a more modest size on paper, but it’s definitely a true SUV. Although it is more compact than its Volvo brand counterparts, it fully retains its SUV status. Its generous dimensions and considerable height echo its off-road lineage, underlining its rightful place in this class of vehicle.

Despite its size suggesting otherwise, the EX30 plays its role as an SUV perfectly, highlighting its design to tackle all sorts of terrain with aplomb and competence… including the highly ‘extreme’ challenges that are backs. donkey and urban potholes.

In person, the EX30 is much more attractive than initial renders suggested. Its silhouette borrows styling cues from the EX90 while incorporating traits from the XC40 and C40 models. The result is a successful marriage of styles with a minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic.

Details like bodywork, logo integration, and shapes are finely crafted, proving that Volvo doesn’t compromise on quality, even for a less expensive vehicle.

Some cost savings are nonetheless noticeable. The handles are larger than one might expect, they are not flush, air conditioning is not available in the rear, and some structural elements of the chassis are visible.

However, the set has a neat finish with a sober and refined interior. Interior space is smartly organized, with thoughtful storage, a sliding center armrest, wireless charging slots, and even room for a bag between the front seats.

Without going into details, you will enjoy personalizing your EX30 with the Volvo configurator. You will have a wide choice of materials for the interior trim, ranging from fabric to wool blend for the seats. The dashboard and the doors are not left out, with various inlay options.

Volvo has made an effort to incorporate environmentally friendly materials, such as recycled denim and woven linen fibre. There is no possibility of choosing leather, whether of animal or vegetable origin. For those who prefer a more modern touch, star inserts in synthetic materials are also available. This is my favorite finish.

A Tesla-style control screen

The Tesla Model 3 influence is evident in the EX30’s dashboard, which is dominated by a large portrait screen with no physical buttons. The interface has a banner reminiscent of the classic functions and undeniably recalls the style of the American brand.

I would have really appreciated the presence of a head-up display. It’s a valuable tool for enhancing the driving experience, allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road while still having access to key vehicle information. It’s a feature that’s missing on the EX30, especially since there’s no screen behind the steering wheel that could act as an instrument cluster.

Volvo has developed a custom interface for Android Automotive (which runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip), separate from that found on the XC40 and EX90 models. It offers appealing aesthetics, ease of use and intuition that surpass those of previous versions.

For the moment, this interface is only visible in demo mode, but the essential functionalities are already integrated there. It turns out to be less brutal and more refined than what we have seen on the XC40 and C40, more reminiscent of the Android smartphone experience to which many users are accustomed.

The interface plays a crucial role in the overall experience of using a vehicle, so it is encouraging to see that Volvo has taken significant steps to improve it on the EX30, without going so far as to repeat that of the EX90.

The interior of the EX30 is clean and well integrated. The materials, including recycled components, are of high quality and the Harman Kardon sound system is subtly concealed behind a fabric. The trunk is much more spacious and well designed than expected, with additional storage space underneath, while the space up front, the frunk, is enough to store a charging cable.

Relative comfort for rear passengers

The EX30’s rear seats look promising in terms of comfort. They offer generous space that should suit most passengers. The seats are quite plush, but some parts are harder.

However, their ability to provide optimal comfort may vary depending on the size of the occupants. For those who are particularly tall, the space may seem a little cramped. For example, a passenger taller than 1.90 m might find the trip less comfortable for long journeys. Despite this, for the majority of passengers, the EX30 seems to offer a pleasant and welcoming rear environment for both short and long journeys.

Concerns remain over range and options

The autonomy of the Single version with its LFP battery is a concern, as well as the behavior of the vehicle on the road in various situations. Depending on the finishes chosen, some additional driving aids may be available, improving comfort without compromising safety. The Ultra version even offers 360-degree vision, a feature typically reserved for high-end vehicles.

A first opinion

Volvo’s EX30 immediately charms with its sleek, minimalist design. Every line, every curve is thought out and executed with meticulous precision, creating a sleek aesthetic that catches the eye. His attention to detail can be seen in the more modest elements, such as the interior door handles.

Inside, cabin materials, whether natural or recycled, embody the manufacturer’s commitment to quality. Together, these elements constitute a vehicle that is not only functional, but also remarkably well designed. The EX30 proves that quality shouldn’t be sacrificed in the name of functionality, on the contrary, it demonstrates how these two aspects can complement each other and create a successful experience.

Finally, let us show you a snapshot of the edition Cross country of the EX30. With its robust and adventurous look, it fits perfectly alongside an Ami Buggy. This version will be marketed with a series of additional accessories, however, due to its off-road oriented design, it could display slightly lower aerodynamics than other models. A compromise perhaps, but a small price to pay for those willing to think outside the box.