2023 Volvo EX30 Australian details revealed

A popular premium car brand has debuted its newest model ahead of its arrival Down Under and it promises some big advancements.

2023 Volvo EX30.

Volvo’s electric revolution is charging ahead with the launch of the new EX30 zero-emissions small SUV.

The new model is the next step in Volvo’s commitment to sell only electric cars by 2026 in Australia.

Prices start at below $60,000.

“With the EX30 we enter a new, growing segment – the small, fully electric luxury SUV. The EX30 offers a strong value proposition to a new audience in the Australian car market which is increasingly embracing EVs,” Volvo Australia boss Stephen Connor said.

Volvo Australia has confirmed it will sell three variants with prices starting from $59,990 (before on-road costs) and rising to $69,990.

Cheaper versions will be eligible for various state government incentives that could result in the drive-away price being lower.

Two variants dubbed Extended Range Plus and Ultra use a single electric motor that makes 200kW and 343Nm and an all-wheel drive Performance version has a dual motor set-up that makes a combined 315kW and 543Nm.

All models use a 69kWh battery that provides a driving range of 480km for the Extended Range versions and 460km for the dual motor variant.

The Performance version is fitted with two electric motors for extra oomph.

The brand claims the pint-size crossover is its most sustainable model to date.

It does away with leather upholstery and replaces it with recycled and renewable materials such as flax, wool and denim fabrics recycled from the fashion industry.

The EX30 will be packed with tech including a full array of safety equipment.

Inside all models score a 12.3-inch central tablet-style display with built-in Google apps and services. There is also wireless Apple CarPlay.

A soundbar speaker runs the length of the dashboard, replacing the usual stereo surround sound set-up.

Volvo claims the car is its most sustainable to date.

Its software is updated over the air in the same way a smartphone refreshes its tech.

Owners will be able to download a digital key to their smartphone allowing them to unlock and start the car without a conventional key.

The EX30 is smaller than the current electric Volvo XC40 and C40 Recharge models but is likely to match those cars for interior space because it is built on a dedicated electric car platform.

Older electric cars often have an electric motor and battery shoehorned into a car designed to house a petrol or diesel engine.

The dedicated EV platform has a range of packaging benefits that generates extra interior space.

The wheels are pushed to all four corners and there’s no exhaust system or conventional transmission.

This allows for a completely flat floor that houses the batteries underneath it.

All models are covered by a five year/unlimited km warranty and servicing is only required every two years.