The Volvo EX30 is positioned as the brand’s smallest and most affordable electric SUV, but its capabilities are mighty. As we will be getting only the Single Motor RWD Ultra variant, Volvo Car India has avoided the complexity of the more expensive powertrain setup and stuck with this simple yet effective recipe. It promises a blend of Scandinavian simplicity, compact proportions, and tasty performance.
Enticing Performance
This RWD Ultra is powered by a 264 bhp rear-mounted motor paired with a 69 kWh battery pack. The 343 Nm torque surge is instantly available, providing confident footing. The 0–100 kmph time of 5.3 seconds is genuinely quick for an entry-level luxury SUV, placing it comfortably ahead of many internal combustion rivals and even some EV peers. Also, the simplicity of just getting in and driving off at full performance is a joy compared to flicking umpteen switches to utilise all the ponies.
Through the city traffic, the linear throttle response makes it predictable and easy to drive. This is aided by regenerative braking that can be adjusted for one-pedal driving. On fast straights, the EX30 felt planted and stable at three-digit speeds. The shorter wheelbase compared to larger Volvos means it is more agile than plush, in a very good way. The steering is light in town but firms up sufficiently at speed, giving it a balanced character. The square-ish shape, though, is a bit polarising, a no from us.
Range & Charging
The 69 kWh battery is rated for a WLTP range of around 440 km, though real-world driving with mixed conditions should deliver closer to 350–370 km. Its DC fast charging supports up to 153 kW, allowing a 10–80 percent top-up in just under 27 minutes under ideal conditions, and good luck finding these high-power chargers as of now. While this rapid charging capability will be a key advantage as public charging infrastructure expands, the compatibility with CPOs is crucial for ease. AC charging at 11 kW remains standard, giving you 6-7 hours of charge time at home.
Cabin & User Interface
Volvo has kept the interior clean and minimalist, with an enhanced focus on sustainability. There are recycled materials featuring prominently all round. The central 12.3-inch vertically oriented display dominates the cabin, controlling almost all functions. The interface is simple enough, though it requires some adjustment for those used to physical buttons. And we would definitely recommend placing some essential features as physical buttons. It gets plain annoying when everything is inside the touchscreen. The front electric seat adjustment is done through a single button moving in several directions making it absolutely brilliant to operate.
And how have they made the cabin feel so airy despite compact dimensions! The clever packaging to maximise space is just genius on this car. Rear seat legroom though, is modest, reflecting the EX30’s city-centric footprint. The visible target is individuals and small families with those dimensions. The boot capacity of 318 litres (plus a small front trunk) is practical enough for everyday use. The Harman Kardon audio system is basically a large soundbar upfront and a set of woofers at the rear, making more space in the door pockets for your knickknacks. Audio performance is great overall. The panoramic roof and ambient mood lighting add more to the premium feel of the Ultra trim.
Safety Features
Well, it is a Volvo, so the EX30 is loaded with safety equipment. Features include Pilot Assist with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping aid, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a full suite of airbags. The structural design benefits from Volvo’s EV platform learnings, and crash safety ratings in European markets mean strong occupant protection. Parking assistance with a 360-degree camera makes the EX30 an even more city-friendly car.
This EX30 Single Motor RWD Ultra is an important variant as it combines performance, usability and sustainability in a package that might attract younger premium buyers. Strengths lie in quick acceleration, modern interface, fast charging capability and Volvo’s proven safety ethos. However, rear space limitations and reliance on a touchscreen-only control scheme may deter some buyers.
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