All-new Volvo electric SUV packs a lot of kiloWatts into a small and affordable EV package
The hotly-anticipated 2024 Volvo EX30 has finally broken cover and will be available in three different versions when the all-new small electric SUV arrives in Australia in the final quarter of this year, with prices starting from $59,990 plus on-road costs.
Looking exactly as expected courtesy of the myriad leaks, teasers and renders, the local Volvo EX30 line-up will comprise the entry-level Single Motor Extended Plus, Single Motor Extended Ultra ($64,990 plus ORCs) and Twin Motor Performance Ultra ($69,990 plus ORCs), the former of which qualifies for the EV incentives offered in every Australian state or territory.
While the sub-$60K starting figure hardly makes the EX30 a contender for Australia’s cheapest EV, the EX30 does manage to undercut established offerings like the Kia Niro Electric (from $65,300) and Mazda MX-30 Electric ($66,010) SUVs and the Nissan LEAF e+ hatch ($61,490), while matching the inbound Peugeot e-2008.
The pint-size Pug will likely be the EX30’s chief rival until the Ford Puma EV arrives next year, but it’s clear from the outset the Volvo has its competition licked in terms of both power and range.
All Aussie EX30s will rely on a 69kWh, 400V lithium-ion battery that yields a maximum driving range of up to 480km (WLTP) in the single-motor variants and up to 460km for the solitary dual-motor – impressive given it churns out upwards of 50 per cent more power and torque.
The outputs for both systems are surprisingly punchy and read as follows: 200kW/343Nm for the Single Motor variants and 315kW/543Nm for the top-shelf Twin, meaning the entry-level EX30 has exactly double the power of the e-2008 while the flagship packs more kiloWatts (but less torque) than the bigger XC40 Recharge Pure Electric.
Like the updated versions of the bigger XC40 EV and C40 Recharge, single-motor EX30s are rear-wheel drive, while the dual-motor is predictably all-wheel drive, but outright performance claims for either configuration are yet to be made.
Similarly MIA is a maximum charging power for the 69kWh battery pack, however, Volvo Australia has decreed the power pack can be recharged from 10-80 per cent in about half an hour.
The chic and trendy exterior design is matched within the cabin by a minimalist interior design headlined by the omission of any animal products and the 12.3-inch centre screen which handles both infotainment and instrument cluster duties.
Sitting atop the dash is a new integrated sound bar that does away with the traditional sound system arrangement, which saves both materials and production complexity, and increases storage space in the doors.
Other standard equipment highlights for the EX30 Single Motor Extended Plus include a dual-tone roof, Digital Key functionality, wireless charging, dual-zone climate control, Harman-Kardon premium sound system, power-operated tailgate, parking sensors, eco-friendly upholstery, auto-dimming mirrors, adaptive cruise control and a welcome/farewell light.
Spending the extra cash on the Ultra or Twin Motor Performance Ultra adds a fixed panoramic roof, 360-degree camera, Park Assist Pilot, powered seats with four-way lumbar support, tinted rear windows, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.
The flagship also scores 20-inch alloy wheels.
Volvo is a name synonymous with safety and so it’s no surprise the EX30 is armed with plenty of active and passive safety features, including autonomous emergency braking (front and rear), lane keeping aid, blind spot monitoring, forward and reverse collision warning, rear cross traffic alert, road sign information, intelligent speed assist, Pilot Assist, lane change assist, distance to truck assist and a park assist camera – just to name a few.
Volvo Car Australia managing director Stephen Connor said the EX30 would attract a younger demographic and become a key player in his company’s transition to becoming an EV-only auto brand by 2026.
“We are proud to introduce the EX30 to Australia which embodies Volvo’s distinctive Scandinavian design values, advanced safety, legendary comfort and cutting-edge tech in a smaller format,” he said.
“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.”
The EX30 will be available Down Under in five colours – Moss Yellow, Cloud Blue, Vapour Grey, Crystal White and Onyx Black – and will be covered by a five-year/unlimited-km warranty backed by eight years of roadside assistance and an eight-year battery warranty.
How much does the 2024 Volvo EX30 cost?
Single Motor Extended Plus – $59,990
Single Motor Extended Ultra – $64,990
Twin Performance Ultra – $69,990
* Prices exclude on-road costs
Keyword: 2024 Volvo EX30 revealed and priced