After months of showing teasers, the subcompact Volvo EX30 is finally out. Reservations for the fully electric crossover can now be made in certain countries, and it starts with a suggested retail price of $34,950 (around Php 1.960 million at current exchange rates.)
The 2023 Volvo EX30 EV
Volvo says that its price tag can match many internal combustion models while offering all the benefits of an electric vehicle (EV) as well as the car brand’s latest technology. Let’s talk about this model in detail to find out more.
Exterior
At first glance, the all-new Volvo EX30 combines the assertive stance of a crossover SUV and the sleekness of an EV. The front end, in particular, gets a flat closed-off nose, which is framed by a black-colored line linking the headlamps to the mostly black lower bumper. This decorative piece seems to give the vehicle an “eyeliner.” Those are then topped off by a clamshell hood.
EX30 from the side
The front-facing lighting elements themselves are the highlight of the vehicle’s front end thanks to their design. Dubbed by Volvo as the “Thor’s Hammer” headlamps, the said lights assumes a sharp Y-Shaped look emphasizing a cutting-edge feel.
Just like most crossover EVs in the market, the sides of the new EV model from the Swedish brand do come with black plastic claddings. This is apparent on the bottom of its doors, but they get thinner on the wheel arches. The profile of the EV then assumes an unmistakable crossover contour with its high-riding roof, and its generous 165mm of ground clearance.
Volvo's latest EV from the rear
The rear of the EX30 meanwhile, gets the most details. It comes with C-shaped LED taillights, a beefy black-colored rear bumper, and LED high-mount stop lamps. Like the front, the LED taillights are likewise bordered by black decorative pieces.
Interior
As hinted at from its many teasers before, the EX30 gets a minimalist-looking interior. The clutter-free dashboard design is particularly eye-catching thanks to its lip that gives it a multi-tiered look.
The EX30's cockpit
The center of the dash is then fitted with a vertical touchscreen which we’ll talk about later. The driver’s side meanwhile, doesn’t get a digital gauge cluster. At the top of the dash adjacent to the windshield is a Harman Kardon soundbar.
Other features found inside the five-seater EV are denim decorative bits, an ambient lighting system, and recycled fabric seats. And while touted as minimalist, it likewise gets plenty of storage bins like a removable rear storage box, a sliding center control box, and huge door pockets, among others.
A view of its rear cabin
All passengers are then kept cool by a filtered dual-zone automatic climate system. The driver and front passenger then gets electronically adjustable seating with lumbar support.
Tech & Safety
The central touchscreen of the EX30 is a 12.3-inch display. It is linked to the Harman Kardon soundbar, which in turn is supported by a nine-piece speaker system including a subwoofer. This screen then comes with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 5G capabilities, and USB connectivity.
The EX30's touchscreen display
Also built into this display are the Google Play Store, Google Assistant, and Google Maps. The latter three, however, are only available for the first four years of ownership.
Powering one’s devices on this EV is then made easy thanks to a wireless charging pad. There are also two USB charging ports for both the rear and front cabins, as well as a 12-volt trunk power outlet.
Keeping drives safer on this Volvo model are a number of passive and active safety features. On the passive side, it comes standard with dual-front airbags, side airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchors, electronic stability control, anti-lock braking, tire-pressure monitoring, etc.
The all-new Volvo's Harman Kardon soundbar
Further reinforcing ride safety on this model are a number of active features like a 360-degree view camera, autonomous emergency braking, front and rear cross-traffic alert, low-speed auto braking, lane departure warning, front and rear collision warning, driver alert system, lane keep aid, intelligent speed assist, and many others.
Lastly, the EX30 also comes with a door warning system that detects moving objects that are approaching from behind. This works by way of sensors mounted on the car’s side mirrors, and it can prevent causing harm to vulnerable road users, especially cyclists.
Powertrain
There are three different powertrain options for the EX30. The entry-level one is a single-motor setup that outputs 272 horsepower and 343 Nm of torque. It then offers a range of 344 kilometers according to the brand.
As per its name, the mid-spec single motor extended range version offers more offers a total traveling distance of 480 kilometers. Otherwise, it keeps the same output as the entry-level single-motor version.
Those output figures makes for a small but peppy crossover
The most powerful version meanwhile, is a dual-motor powertrain that delivers 428 horsepower and 543 Nm of torque. Thanks to the power it makes, EX30 variants with this dual-motor powertrain are said to be capable of a zero to 100 km time of 3.6 seconds. Its range meanwhile, sits between the other two at 459 kilometers.
Volvo also said that charging for the EX30 from 10 to 80 percent can be achieved in just 25 minutes when using a 153 kW DC charger. Regular charging rates using the provided on-board system meanwhile, will take up to eight hours.
Other mechanical features present on the EX30 include a single-pedal driving system which makes traveling through stop-and-go traffic a bit easier. It likewise gets a one-speed shift-by-wire transmission.
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