Overseas, Volvo has launched the new EX30, its smallest ever electric SUV which boasts the smallest carbon footprint of any Volvo produced to date. New Zealand will see the new model in April 2024.
Volvo says the EX30 combines the best elements of Volvo’s distinctive Scandinavian ‘living room’ design with industry leading safety features, and the latest Apple CarPlay and voice-activated Google functionalities as standard.
In keeping with Volvo’s commitment to produce electric only cars by 2030, EX30 is 100% electric.
Three locally available variants will carry a 69kWh battery. The single motor Extended range has 200kW of power and 343Nm of torque whereas the twin motor Performance with electric motors both in front and the rear having a maximum output of 315kW of power and 543Nm of torque.
The single motor variant has an estimated range of up to 480 kilometres with the twin motor being up to 460 kilometres of range (global WLTP figures). Depending on the DC peak charging power, both the Single Motor Extended Range and the Twin Motor Performance variants are capable of charging from 10% to 80% in approximately thirty minutes.
As the most sustainable Volvo model ever produced, the leather-free interior of EX30 incorporates recycled and renewable materials such as New Zealand wool, and denim upholstery created from the waste fibres of the denim recycling process.
These new materials add creative textures, colour and personality to the generous cabin which features a minimalist dashboard equipped with a 12.3- inch tablet screen in the centre.
2024 Volvo EX30: Five colour options
According to Volvo, five distinctive exterior colours make it easy to create a personal Volvo EX30. Contrasting Onyx Black metallic roof perfectly matches the high-gloss black exterior details and adds extra character to the car’s contemporary looks. A new Moss Yellow exterior colour is unique for the EX30 and really makes the car stand out from the crowd. Other colours in the range are Cloud Blue, Vapour Grey, Crystal White, and Onyx Black.
2024 Volvo EX30: Thor’s Hammer headlights
It wouldn’t be a Volvo with those distinctive ‘Thor’s Hammer’ signature headlights. These have been updated in EX30 with the addition of a segmented design, extra width, and a narrower look. The rear lamp design has also been updated, with two sections in flush with the car body, which helps make the car conspicuous in all light conditions while further enhancing the Volvo EX30’s stylish and contemporary look.
A large fixed panoramic glass roof provides a spacious and airy feel inside the car for everyone to enjoy, whether they are seated in the front or the rear.
2024 Volvo EX30: Soundbar speaker as standard
Volvo EX30 introduces the soundbar speaker concept as standard. The soundbar integrates tweeters, mid-range speakers and a woofer outlet in an audio unit covering the full width of the dashboard in front of the occupants. Volvo suggests that bringing home audio design into the car, the soundbar makes sound more driver focused than ever and is an important part of the car’s modern interior design impression. This speaker concept also frees up valuable space in the doors while reducing weight and material resources.
2024 Volvo EX30: New driver display just like a smartphone
EX30 features a new 12.3-inch modern tablet display with Google built-in apps and services that are as intuitive to use as a smartphone. Wireless Apple CarPlay gives convenient in-car access to favourite iPhone apps to navigate, make calls, receive, and answer messages and enjoy music. EX30 is always updated with the latest software and systems via Over The Air updates.
2024 Volvo EX30: Ergonomic seat design
Volvo is famous for the safety and comfort of its car seats. Volvo EX30 seats are designed to fulfil the same comfort, ergonomic and safety requirements in larger cars. The seat’s ergonomic design comfortably supports the body from the shoulders to the thighs to provide relaxing comfort also on long trips.
Integrated front seats head rests enhance the sporty character of the EX30. The front seat backsides are upholstered in the same material as the seats and the slim backside design contributes to the increased legroom for the rear passengers.
2024 Volvo EX30: Smart interior storage
The Volvo EX30 is packed with small touches which aim to make life easier for all its occupants. There is a convenient multi-storage area at the floor, and a sliding unit in the tunnel console between the front seats that serves as a cupholder as well as a storage box. And with the introduction of the soundbar, the door pockets can be fully utilised for storage.
2024 Volvo EX30: Access EX30 using your mobile telephone
EX30 will come with digital key functionality which uses NFC (Near Field Communication) technology to give the driver full access to the vehicle via a smartphone. To get access and drive away the driver simply has to use a smartphone with the downloaded digital key and swipe it over the NFC readers.
“The Volvo EX30 will arrive in New Zealand from April 2024 and it really is an expresso version of everything Volvo. Distinctive Scandinavian design values, advanced safety, legendary comfort and cutting-edge tech in a smaller format,” said Ben Montgomery, General Manager of Volvo Car New Zealand.
“With the EX30 we enter a new, growing segment – the small, fully electric luxury SUV. Opening up the world of Volvo and Electric Vehicles to a lot of new Kiwis.”
The EX30 might be small but Volvo claims it is big on safety. All the safety features that you would expect from Volvo are there to assist. Example of some of these being – Lane, Keeping Aid, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, Run-off road Mitigation, BLIS (Blind Spot Monitoring System) with steer assist, Intersection auto brake (straight crossing path), (also with right/left hand turn), Collision avoidance and mitigation by braking and steering, Vehicle, cyclist and pedestrian detection, Oncoming mitigation by braking, Pedestrian, cyclist and scooter steering avoidance, Rear collision warning and mitigation, Rear cross traffic alert with auto brake, front cross traffic with auto brake, Low speed auto break (rear), Road sign information, Intelligent speed assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Pilot Assist, Lane change assist, Park Assist Camera, rear view and door opening alert.
The Plus variant has a dual tone roof, Digital Key, Wireless Charging, Harman Kardon Premium Sound, Power Operated Tailgate, Parking Sensors, front, Welcome / Farewell Light, Auto Dim Mirrors with the Twin Motor Ultra come additional features such as the Fixed Panoramic Roof, 360-degree camera, Park Assist Pilot, Power Seats, 4-way Lumbar Support, Tinted Rear windows, Heated Front Seats, Heated Steering Wheel, 20-inch alloy wheels (exclusive to Twin Motor Ultra variant).
For a comprehensive product overview, specification, trims, and interior styling can be found via this link.
2024 Volvo EX30: Other details
The Volvo EX30 comes with:
- 3-year unlimited kilometre warranty
- 3-year roadside assistance package
- 8-year battery warranty
- 3-years servicing
2024 Volvo EX30: Model Line Up and Pricing (Manufacturers Recommended Retail Price)
- Volvo EX30 Single Motor Extended Plus – $74,990.00
- Volvo EX30 Single Motor Extended Ultra – $78,990.00
- Volvo EX30 Twin Performance Ultra – $84,990.00
A great little car, but sadly this isn’t the much hyped price point I was expecting. Based on other pricing around the world, I thought the whole range would come in (well) under the $80k mark. E.g. taking into account the exchange rate, they are a lot cheaper in Australia.
I think I may be cancelling my pre-order and looking at something else instead.