2024 Volvo EX30 price and specs: the electrical car price war begins now

Volvo's latest offspring is no underachiever, boasting a mature aesthetic and performance stats capable of giving even some supercars a run for their money.

The forthcoming Volvo EX30, an urban-friendly electric SUV, is set to land in Australian dealerships later this year. With a starting price of $59,990 plus on-road costs, it marks Volvo's most budget-friendly and compact EV offering in Australia, coming in lower than its big sibling, the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, which is tagged at $76,990 plus additional costs.

The EX30's competitive pricing puts it toe-to-toe with the Tesla Model 3, costing $61,300 plus on-road expenses in its rear-wheel-drive iteration. It matches the Cupra Born in terms of pricing, despite the Born boasting a larger battery (71kW) and a longer WLTP range of 511km. However, the EX30 shines with a higher power output (170kW/310Nm).

Volvo Australia is set to release three versions of the EX30: two rear-wheel-drive models and an all-wheel-drive top-tier variant with over 300kW. For now, the 51kWh EX30 Standard Range, powered by a cost-efficient lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) battery with a 344km range, won't be available in Australia.

The 2024 Volvo EX30 foregoes traditional features such as an instrument cluster or head-up display. Instead, it adopts a Tesla-like approach, displaying crucial driving data, including speed and battery status, on the central screen. The vehicle also presents an innovative sound setup, with a soundbar stretching across the dashboard replacing conventional front speakers.

The initial Volvo EX30 units are scheduled to land in Australia later this year, with mass delivery expected in the early part of the following year, as per a company representative.

Pricing

2024 Volvo EX30 Australian pricing

EX30 Single Motor Extended Plus – $59,990

EX30 Single Motor Extended Ultra – $64,990

EX30 Twin Motor Performance Ultra – $69,990

All prices above exclude on-road costs.

Engine Performance and Fuel Efficiency

The single-motor EX30 models come with a rear-mounted motor delivering 200kW of power and 343Nm of torque. The dual-motor Performance variant adds a front axle motor, resulting in a combined power output of 315kW and a torque of 543Nm.

These versions are paired with a 69kWh nickel manganese cobalt battery pack. The single-motor EX30 Extended claims a 480km range according to WLTP testing, while the dual-motor EX30 Performance offers a slightly lower 460km range. When connected to a DC fast charger, the EX30 boasts a 153kW recharge capacity.

Safety

The EX30 is yet to undergo crash testing by Euro NCAP, but it is equipped with a suite of safety features, including lane-keeping assist, blind-spot assist, autonomous emergency braking with junction assist/pedestrian and cyclist detection, reverse autonomous emergency braking, front and rear cross-traffic assist, road sign assist, door opening alert, reverse camera, and parking sensors.

Warranty and Servicing

The Volvo fleet in Australia is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, an eight-year battery warranty, and eight years of roadside assistance. While service pricing for the EX30 remains unconfirmed, maintenance is set to be required every 24 months.

Dimension

The EX30 measures 4233mm in length, 1837mm in width, and 1555mm in height, sitting on a 2650mm wheelbase. The boot space is a reasonable 318 litres, including an extra 61L beneath the adjustable boot floor. The lightest variant is the 1833kg Single Motor, and the heaviest is the 2338kg Twin Motor Performance with a turning circle of 10.6 meters.

This makes the EX30 slightly shorter than the Cupra Born but gives it a more robust and wider appearance, making it resemble a compact SUV more than a hatchback, potentially boosting its practicality.