We drive Volvo EX30 Single Engine Extended Range 272hp: Spirt House

The decision of the Volvo to focus on electrification, is accompanied by the necessary downsizing in the smaller categories, in which it is putting its trial philosophy to the test. By introducing the Volvo EX30 smallest SUV in its history, it is redefining urban crossovers. At the established weekly symbiosis, at the topspeed.gr we had the rear-wheel drive model in the Single Motor Extended Range version with 272 hp and a large 69 kWh battery, revealing its spirited character.

Risk with confidence

The B-Segment was an unfamiliar segment for the Swedish company, which chose to make an impressive entry with a powerful and edgy all-electric B-SUV. It unveiled its first images in 2022 and went into production in June 2023, while choosing to forgo its premium nature and flirt with the mainstream market in order to boost sales.

Futuristic

The designers went the extra mile, adopting a new design culture, preserving and evolving Volvo's timeless elements, adapting them to the new era, with a vision for the future.

The front in particular makes it instantly recognisable with its innovative design. The bumper incorporates the grille with the large emblem and is flanked by beautiful pixel pixel LED headlights, forming the "Thor's hammer", creating a smiling futuristic face!

For the profile they have chosen simple and simple lines, with targeted ribs that give the silhouette a lively look, highlighting the compact dimensions.

The vertical rear looks beautiful and modern, emphasizing the dynamism and sporty nature. The trademark is the square Led frame reminiscent of Polestar. At the same time, it also features a second pair of lights, with Led graphics, in a triangular shape and integrated vertically into the Pillar C, recalling the tradition of Volvo's practical models.

HiTech sustainability

Entering the cabin is a journey into the future, with impressive design, ergonomics and technology, reminiscent of solutions from Concept Cars.

Entry can be made either with a card or with a corresponding mobile phone application that locks and unlocks the vehicle and is placed on the base of the console in order to start.

The design reigns simplicity, with simple clean lines, bright bright colors, creating a sense of wood, reminiscent of a Swedish room, achieving a beautiful pleasant and minimalist environment.

The choice of materials was made with quality materials and sustainability in mind, as most of them consist of recyclable elements.

The centrepiece is the Android Auto and Apple AirPlay compatible multimedia system with a large 12.3-inch, vertically mounted tablet-like screen, which also serves as the control centre. All the car's functions go through it. Even the headlamps and the passenger glove box, which is centrally located in the console. The connectivity is of a high standard, as the car's software was developed in synergy with Google.

Ergonomically, the driver will not need to be distracted from the road, as all the necessary choices are made through the multimedia system, as the interior is characterised by the lack of physical switches, with the only ones present being the power windows, located on the centre console.

Despite its compact dimensions, it doesn't fall short in practicality with good management of the available space with smart compartments. Worth mentioning is the inset armrest that accommodates the hidden cup holders, between the front seats, while there's a clever locker at the bottom.

The seats are comfortable, providing adequate support for the passengers' bodies, investing in comfort.

The volume of the luggage compartment is 318 litres, which with the rear seats fully folded will reach 904 litres, and as the electric motor is mounted on the rear axle, a small auxiliary storage space of just 7 litres is created at the front.

Explosive temperament

The biggest advantage of the Volvo EX30 is the modern, efficient 272 hp and 343 Nm of torque electric motor, which provides drive and is mounted on the rear axle and powered by a new lithium-nickel manganese cobalt-nickel oxide (Li-NMC) battery, which is located under the floor.

Raises the adrenaline

The technical specification promises explosive performance and a thrilling driving experience, which is confirmed in every condition and network, highlighting the character of the car.

In the city reveals all its advantages, underlining its urban orientation. Compact, nervous and cheeky, it impresses with its agility and manoeuvrability, making movement in the urban fabric seem like a game. Starting and pedaling are faster than scooters, it fits everywhere and parks easily, with very good peripheral visibility. The Volvo EX 30 is the definition of electric urban mobility.

In the mountain and rural network unfolds his exciting abilities. Both uphill and downhill, it moves just as steadily, no matter how steep the corners, inspiring a feeling of safety thanks to its exemplary road grip and clear steering. The suspension is stiff, yet does not fall short in comfort, finding the golden balance. It traverses hills like a straight line, creating a pleasant impression.

On the motorway the rolling quality in combination with the sound insulation and in conjunction with the low aerodynamic coefficient of 0.28Cd are at a top level, exceeding the standards of the B-SUV category, offering a pleasant journey as a result of the robust SEA chassis.

General the car is explosive and with the advantage of rear-wheel drive it leaves room for... tailgating in complete safety, raising adrenaline levels. It accelerates with demonic speed and thrills the driver at every moment.

The average combined electricity consumption is 17 kWh / 100 km. At the same time, it achieves very good energy management, with an actual range of around 420 kilometres, very close to the 480 km given by the Swedish company.

Charging times are proportional to the charger to be used. A 50 kWh charger will take about 2.5 hours to fully charge, while a standard 22 kWh charger will take more than 4 hours.

For urban commuting with driving pleasure

The Volvo EX 30 is the ideal car for everyday life in style. For those who have embraced the idea of electrification, having chosen to eliminate the cost of urban commuting, but at the same time the driving pleasure and thrilling performance are non-negotiable.

Reasonable price/value ratio

The Volvo EX30 is available from 39.172€, which with the benefits of the "Moving Electric III" program drops to 28.172 € with subsidy and withdrawal benefit, in the Core entry-level version, while with the larger battery like our test car, the potential buyer should expect 5.394 € more. The purchase price is characterized by a reasonable price/value ratio.

Technical characteristics

photo gallery

Conclusion

Volvo brings its timeless expertise to the smaller segments for the first time with the first B-SUV in its history, which is also available exclusively as an all-electric vehicle. The result is surprising, as this is a robust car with safety in mind. Incredibly agile and ideal for the urban fabric, yet efficient, focusing on driving pleasure with demonic performance and rear-wheel drive that leaves room for controlled play! The spirited EX30 captures the Volvo of the new era!

Interior & practicality

7.1

Current expenditure

8.4

Road behaviour

8.7

Performance

9

Enjoyment factor

8.9

value for money

8.7

Comfort

6.7

What grade do you give him?3 Votes

8.4

SYN

Explosive performance

Electricity management

Quality of construction

Road pleasure

Daily life

Urban character

PLEEN

Absence of thermal and hybrid versions

Distance from the ground

8.2