Demand for Volvo’s new EX30 from South African customers has been incredibly strong, with over 150 pre-orders placed for the battery-powered SUV since the order books opened on 8 June.
This puts the local market within the top ten for pre-orders in the broader Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region, said Greg Maruszewski, Volvo Car South Africa Managing Director.
So far, the range-topping EX30 Twin Motor Performance Ultra has by far been the most popular option for South African buyers, accounting for nearly half of all orders.
In second is the Single Motor Plus Extended Range at around 25% of pre-orders, followed by the entry-level Single Motor Core variant, the Twin Motor Performance Plus, and the Single Motor Ultra Extended Range.
Using this interest as its basis for negotations, Volvo South Africa also successfully secured 500 EX30 units from its parent company for delivery in 2024 – over three times more than what has been ordered thus far – as it is confident it will be able to find buyers for them.
What’s available
The EX30 can be had in five different flavours in South Africa, including three single and two twin-motor models, with prices ranging from R775,900 to R995,900.
The single-motor options produce 200kW and 343Nm, which combined with a 51kWh battery in the base model, allows the crossover to reach 100km/h in 5.7 seconds and drive for a maximum of 344km.
Alternatively, buyers can opt for an extended-range, single-motor variant that sports a larger 69kWh cell, which cuts down the acceleration time to 5.3 seconds and increases the driving range to 480km.
The twin-motor EX30 units receive the larger battery as standard, though the higher output of 315kW and 543Nm reduces maximum driving range by 20km for a total of 460km.
These models also provide permanent all-wheel drive and sprint to 100km/h in a rapid 3.6 seconds.
Charging from 10-80% is then expected to take as little as 25 minutes, thanks to a maximum supported current of 134kW on the single motor and up to 153kW on the twin motor.
Offered in three trim grades – Core, Plus, and Ultra – the EX30 brings a generous specification sheet regardless of which one you go for.
All models feature a 12.3-inch infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay, Google online services, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, climate control, keyless entry and start, a reverse camera, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Since it’s a Volvo, assistance and safety systems are plentiful, too, taking the form of all-round LED lights with active high beams, hill-start and descent assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assistance, run-off road mitigation, traffic jam assist, intelligent speed assist, blind-spot monitoring, and collision avoidance and mitigation assistance.
Customers who want the higher-priced EX30 Plus can further expect a Harman Kardon sound system, dual-zone climate control, ambience themes with additional cabin lighting, an electric tailgate, a wireless charger, lane-change assist, front and rear parking assist, a speed limiter, unique 19-inch wheels, and a contrasting roof and spoiler in Onyx Black.
Stepping up to the flagship Ultra additionally adds a more powerful 22kW on-board charger, an interior air purification system, a panoramic roof, electric front seats, a 360-view camera, a low-speed autobraking function, and model-exclusive 20-inch alloys.
Keyword: How many Volvo EX30 electric SUVs have been ordered in South Africa