Volvo’s lineup is a showcase of SUVs these days, and their most compact offering now is the EX30. It’s new and all-electric, which is perfect considering Volvo’s commitment to going fully electric by 2030.

The EX30 shares its platform with the Smart #1 and Zeekr X, thanks to Volvo’s parent company, Geely. But while the bones may be the same, Volvo has sprinkled its own Scandinavian magic over this compact crossover.

It’s awfully sleek

The EX30 doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not, and there’s no attempt at being falsely sporty.

The lines are sharp, the stance is muscular, and the classic ‘Thor’s hammer’ lights are there, though the familiar Volvo grille is swapped for a more streamlined look. Proper chunky door handles too.

And minimalist

Step inside and the minimalist theme continues. The cabin is designed with sustainability in mind; saving energy, reducing materials, and using fewer components overall.

The whole thing oozes Scandi cool – simple vents, lightweight but comfy armrests, and the dash, which cleverly integrates a soundbar, freeing up space for larger door bins. It’s one of those interiors where everything serves a purpose.

The front seats are as soft as they are supportive, but then there’s that weirdly square steering wheel. The square design doesn’t improve visibility, especially since there are no dials behind it anyway.

Wait, where are the buttons?

Like the Tesla Model 3, the EX30 has no driver’s instrument pod. Instead, you’ll need to glance left to check your speed and navigation. Volvo claims this shift isn’t a big deal, but in practice, I did find it a little hard to moderate speed for speed cameras.

Everything, from mirror adjustments to climate controls, is buried in the touchscreen. Want to tweak the mirrors while reversing? Sorry, the reverse gear blocks access to that menu. Even things you need in a hurry, like turning on dipped beams or foglights, take the same number of taps as tasks you’d do only when parked, like adjusting the charging schedule. 

There’s a quick-access menu, but it seems to prioritise the wrong things; changing ambient light colour feels oddly urgent here. Hopefully, a future over-the-air update will sort out these quirks.

The electric seats, standard with the Ultra trim, have physical switches. But there are only a pair of window switches, with a toggle to manage the rear windows similar to the Volkswagen ID.4.

How’s the rear?

Unfortunately, this is the car’s weak link. The rear legroom is tight, and the high floor and angled seats pushes your knees up uncomfortably. 

However, the boot is decent at 400 litres with a handy double floor. Plus, there’s a 61-litre frunk that’s just right for storing your charging cables and other small items.

Is it easy to drive?

Some folks might appreciate the light steering feel, but it can feel disconcertingly light even in its heaviest setting. But, once you’ve acclimatised, the EX30 reveals itself as a fairly agile car, managing to disguise its slightly porky weight. The rear-drive setup helps keep things neutral when you’re putting the power down, which adds to its surprisingly poised handling.

Where the EX30 really shines, though, is in its ride quality. Despite its size, it offers a cushioned ride that polishes off both big bumps and minor road irritations without much fuss.

In fact, it rides better than its bigger sibling, the Volvo C40 (or EC40 now?), and it’s miles ahead of the wallowy Zeekr X in terms of comfort. The brakes, which meld regenerative and friction braking nicely, are another standout feature.

Power and safety when you need it

In Singapore, we only get the Ultra variant, which comes with 268bhp and 343Nm of torque. These figures will help you clear the century sprint in just over five seconds.

Volvo is known for its safety tech, and the EX30 doesn’t disappoint. You get all the usual alerts for vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and crossing traffic. The 360-degree parking cameras are a handy touch too.

On the highway, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centring system work smoothly without the over-excitable bonging and wheel-grabbing you find in some EVs.

Adjusting the time interval to the car in front, however, requires a bit of a menu dive, something most cars manage with a simple steering wheel button. This can be a little frustrating when you’re merging onto a busy section and need to change settings quickly.

I’m concerned about range

We hear you. With the 19-inch wheels and rear-drive setup, Volvo claims a maximum of 475km (WLTP).

In our tests, we saw a real-world range of 340km with about 21% of battery left, which isn’t bad for a 69kWh battery.

So don’t worry, the EX30 can confidently fit a week’s worth of driving before needing a juice-up. Even so, with a 153kW max charging rate, the car will be charged up before you can finish lunch.

Sensible Swedish solution

The Volvo EX30 feels solid and refined, and its design is attractive. For what you get at this price point, it seems like a bargain compared to some of its rivals. While it might be better for a pair of drivers instead of a family, for the most part, this is a likeable, well-rounded EV that ticks a lot of boxes.

If you’re after something compact and fun to drive, this little Swede should be on your shortlist.

Technical Specifications

Volvo EX30 Ultra

Engine: Single Electric Motor, Rear Wheel Drive
Power: 200 kW (268 bhp)
Torque: 343 Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 5.3 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 180 km/h
Battery Capacity: 69 kWh
Drive Range: 475 km (claimed)
Energy Consumption: 5.7 km/kWh (claimed)

Price: S$247,000 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Volvo Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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The Volvo XC40 Recharge (And the C40 Recharge, which we reviewed earlier) are Volvo’s first foray into the EV space. Even with its EV underpinnings, it can still hold its own against its ICE brethren. Heck, in some areas its probably the better buy too.

Volvo may have packaged a smaller battery in this facelift, and it has slightly less power compared to its predecessor, but it still holds its own very well in this segment. 

Waxed, clean-shaven looks

If you like iPhones and the minimalist lifestyle aesthetic, the XC40 Recharge is definitely something that’ll catch your eye.

Volvo really comes into its own in the looks department. Where other manufacturers strive for curvaceous and future-focused designs, the designers at Volvo stuck to a design language that retains brand familiarity but also making sure that at one glance, you know this is a model for the future.

Sharp cutouts or brash contours simply do not exist on the car, and its tall SUV stature gives the XC40 a commanding appearance.

Everything is designed for a purpose, and this clinical approach ensures that there are no fake vents, excessive chrome pieces or outlandish traits that detract from the simplicity of the XC40.

Arguably the most bling piece of kit on board are the 19-inch rims, a stark contrast to the otherwise Macintosh-based sleekness of the car.

Like a smart and well-dressed person, the XC40 goody boy looks are subtle yet striking.

Function over form

Like the other models in the current generation Volvo lineup, the XC40’s interior exudes functionality. Buttons and dials are only placed where they’re needed, and the minimalist theme translates to an uncluttered space. Makes it easy for new drivers too, as everything is where you expect it to be. 

However, the one thing I wish was present was physical HVAC controls. While new-fangled screens and high-tech gizmos are aesthetically pleasing and ‘look futuristic’, digital HVAC controls are just way tackier to use, and counterintuitive to the whole “ease while driving” theme. 

To set your aforementioned HVAC settings and to assess other infotainment options, a 9-inch vertical touchscreen sits front and centre. This Android-operated system is a breeze to use, even for Apple users. The menus are a little disorientating at first, but once you have your personal account set up, connectivity becomes a simple ‘plug & play’ affair.

Should you not wish to pair your smartphone for whatever reason, you can even sign in to certain apps like the Play Store and Spotify. 

Volvo really went all out with the eco-friendly theme, and essentially made the entire cabin out of sustainable materials. What appears to be leather at first glance is actually a new synthetic material which is used throughout the cabin’s upholstery. It’s somewhat water resistant too, something which may become especially handy should rowdy kids get too touchy with their sweet drinks or snacks.

The rest of the surfaces in the cabin are either finished in brushed metal or hard plastics. While plastics are typically a sign that the vehicle may be built to a cheaper price, in the XC40 the plastics feel nice to the touch. Plus, with a lower tendency to get scuffed in the long run, longevity is a big selling point for the cabin.

Volvo added a few easter eggs of their own too, to maintain the XC40’s Swedish heritage. A typography map outline of a notable Swedish national park is etched onto the trim pieces, and tiny Swedish flags hide amongst the upholstery. 

Rear passengers have tons of room thanks to the boxy roofline, and there is enough cargo space for a typical family’s needs. You can even fold the seats down 60:40 too, should a need to lug longer items arise.

It may not be the flashiest or something with tons of features jam-packed in, but for what’s it worth, the XC40 does a stellar job at being a practical family solution.

Punchy when it needs to be

While there are rumours that Volvo will be releasing a dual motor variant this year, this particular XC40 Recharge runs off a lone single motor powering the front wheels.

That’s not to say it isn’t quick. Depress the accelerator and 172kW (231bhp) alongside 330Nm of torque enabling you to whoosh off the line. 0-100km/h stands at a more leisurely 7.4 seconds, but to be frank most people in Singapore do not need the raw brute strength and bite of a dual motor setup.

Should you wish to take the next corner at speed, you can very easily do so thanks to low-profile tyres coupled with slightly stiffer suspension. This is great and all, but the XC40 does feel a little more unsettled when going over undulations on the road. This is not meant to be a performance vehicle after all, so I would prioritise comfort over cornering ability.

Still, with a 69kWh battery powering the whole vehicle, the XC40 has a very usable real-world range of 425km. In testing, I managed to do 370km and still had about 18% left. Plus, the biggest praise I can give to an EV is that during my media drive, I never once felt range anxiety kicking in, unlike other EVs where the battery level starts to dwindle quickly and I have to scramble and find a nearby charger.

In any case, the XC40 has a max charging rate of 130kW, so it can be juiced up by our DC chargers in no time at all.

Sensible Swedes have done it again

It may not be the fastest EV, or one with the most features. But, overall the XC40 Recharge is a really compelling package as a whole, and one of the best EVs on the market today should you wish to make the conversion from fossil fuels.

When it really comes down to it, what you’re looking for is a car that has longevity. Something you will wake up to everyday and enjoy driving, while giving you a fuss free ownership experience. With its simple and unassuming demeanour, the XC40 has that special charm going for it.

You can really have your sensible cake and eat it too.

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