Why the Volvo EX30 breaks all the rules

This prestige car swaps leather for recycled rubbish while delivering Porsche-fighting power for a surprising price.

David McCowen

3 min read

May 11, 2024 - 7:11AM

News Corp Australia Network

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For a car made from trash, the new Volvo EX30 is anything but rubbish.

This sustainability-driven compact SUV challenges preconceptions surrounding premium cars in 2024.

We’ve never seen an electric prestige SUV with a price that starts with a five, or that an affordable little machine could reach 100km/h in a number that starts with three.

The Volvo EX30 has reached Australia. Photo: Mark Bean

Priced from $59,990 plus on-roads (about $67,500 drive-away) in two-wheel-drive, 200kW/343Nm trim, the Volvo EX30 is also available as an all-wheel-drive machine that uses 315kW/543Nm to reach 100km/h in 3.6 seconds.

That Porsche-rivalling pace will set you back just $71,290 plus on-road costs (about $79,000 drive-away), a surprisingly affordable number given the performance.

The EX30 is a compact SUV similar in size to the Hyundai Kona Photo: Mark Bean

The price is made possible by Volvo’s parent company Geely, which builds the EX30 in China on a platform shared with Smart and Zeekr.

Those cars aren’t offered here, which helps the tiny Volvo find clean air as an attractive, well-equipped proposition.

Naturally, it has all the safety features you could expect from a modern Volvo.

Like a Tesla, it has no driver cluster or head-up display. Photo: Mark Bean

Taking a seat in the leather-free interior, you’re surrounded by recycled plastic, preloved denim, plant-based flax and wool fibre in a modern space.

It borrows ideas from the likes of Tesla, trading a conventional driver’s display for a central 12.3-inch touchscreen at the core of its infotainment system.

There are no stereo speakers on minimalist doors that help keep weight and cost down by relying on a central Harman Kardon soundbar at the base of the windscreen.

The EX30’s cabin is an eye-catching space. Photo: Mark Bean

Volvo leads the charge in the war against buttons by deleting dials for the stereo volume and climate control, as well as the rear windows. A simple single toggle handles all electric seat adjustment, and glassy touch services on the steering wheel eliminate individual switches.

The flat-floored cabin is warm and well-lit, thanks to heated seats an enormous panoramic sunroof, though the lack of a sunshade could sting in warmer months.

The car has about 450 kilometres of range. Photo: Mark Bean

Adequate room in the front gives way to a back seat that is truly tight.

Cargo space is a similar story – there’s not a lot of room for prams or big bags.

Then again, it’s perfectly serviceable for incidental trips and Volvo insists families will gravitate toward bigger cars.

The brand reckons the EX30 has the makings of a smash hit, having taken 1500 orders before any Australian customers have a chance to drive the car.

It will be the first electric car for many of those folks, who can expect about 450 kilometres of range from the 69kWh battery.

Sustainable cabin materials include plant-based flax. Photo: Mark Bean

Though it may appear targeted toward youthful customers, Volvo expects more mature folk to represent a good chunk of customers for the car.

That makes sense, as electric cars work well when parked in off-street locations with home charging setups.

The target demographic is also reflected in a driving experience that errs toward comfort over dynamism.

Two-wheel-drive versions have adequate punch … Photo: Mark Bean

Yes, the all-wheel-drive variant has ferocious acceleration off the mark.

But the suspension trades tied-down handling for a relatively soft ride with the exaggerated roll and body movement typical of a high-riding SUV.

It occasionally thumps over bad bumps and potholes, and you’re never in doubt about the car’s two-tonne mass.

But buyers are unlikely to be put off by that.

The Volvo EX30 has considerable appeal in other areas – it’s a rapid, quiet and stylish alternative to conventional crossovers.

It has a refreshing approach to cabin materials and design, and sets aside the conventionally held prestige car notion that big performance should come with a big price tag.