Volvo’s smallest electric SUV is now on sale in Malaysia with today’s launch of the EX30. First making its global debut in June last year, the EX30 is built on Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) and slots in below the XC40 and C40 in the local line-up.
Arriving as a fully-imported (CBU) model from China, the electric vehicle (EV) is being offered in three variants here. The base option is known as the Plus and retails for RM188,888 on-the-road without insurance. It is joined by the Ultra at RM208,888 and the range-topping Ultra Twin Performance priced at RM228,888.
Unlike in Indonesia, the base variant here doesn’t get a 51-kWh net (49 kWh usable) lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and is instead fitted with a 69-kWh net (64 kWh usable) nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) unit for up to 476 km of range following the WLTP standard.
The extended-range battery powers a rear-mounted electric motor rated at 276 PS (272 hp or 203 kW) and 343 Nm of torque, enabling a 0-100 km/h time of 5.3 seconds. The Ultra uses the same powertrain and justifies its higher asking price with more equipment (more on that later).
At the top of the heap, the Ultra Twin Performance uses the same 69-kWh NMC battery and adds on a front electric motor for all-wheel drive and total system output of 428 PS (422 hp or 315 kW) and 543 Nm. With the added grunt, the range-topper sprints to 100 km/h from a standstill in just 3.6 seconds at the expense of range that dips to 450 km – the top speed of all variants is identical at 180 km/h.
In terms of charging, aside there’s an 11-kW on-board charger for AC charging, with a 0-100% state of charge taking eight hours. DC fast charging is also supported at a peak of 153 kW, meaning that the battery can be brought from a 10 to 80% state-of-charge in just a little over 28 minutes.
If you’re curious about the size of the EX30, it measures 4,223 mm long, 1,837 mm wide, 1,555 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,650 mm. By comparison, both the XC40 and C40 occupy a larger footprint by being longer overall (+217 mm) and wider (+36 mm), while their wheelbase spans 2,702 mm. We should point out the EX30 shares the SEA platform with the smart #1 and Zeekr X, both of which are larger in size than the Volvo.
Design-wise, the EX30 is less blocky in appearance than the larger XC40 and sports a rather athletic guise with its wide stance and sloping roofline. Standout cues include a pixelated take on the company’s signature Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights (similar to the EX90), a clamshell bonnet, prominent wheel arches as well as two-section LED headlamps and taillights.
Inside, the EX30 forgoes a traditional instrument cluster, with key driving information such as speed, the current gear and battery state of charge (SOC) all being shown on a 12.3-inch central touchscreen that is oriented vertically in the middle of the dashboard.
The touchscreen also integrates the controls for the climate system and serves as the main access point for virtually all vehicle functions. You do get a multi-function steering wheel with physical buttons but these offer limited functionality, so you’ll be tapping away rather frequently to make adjustments. Infotainment software is based on Android Automotive Operating System (AAOS), meaning that Google services such as Google Assistant, Google Maps navigation and third-party apps are available, along with wireless Android Auto as well as Apple CarPlay.
With the EX30, Volvo is focused on providing a cabin that is versatile in terms of storage space, while also reducing resource usage. As an example, the front door cards do not contain speakers (there are still units for the rear doors), so less wiring and material is needed. Instead, there’s a soundbar made up of a cluster of drivers that is part of the Harman Kardon audio system, and the lack of speakers enables more storage space on the front door cards.
Similarly, the controls for the windows are not found on any of the doors but on the centre console, which comes with a cupholder that can be extended or retracted to suit your needs. There’s also a passthrough tunnel under the centre console to store even more items (a handbag will fit), while the glovebox is in an unconventional central position beneath the touchscreen so both front passengers have easy access.
For larger items, the rear boot has a carrying capacity of 318 litres that is expandable to 718 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear bench down, inclusive of a 61-litre underfloor compartment. The frunk is small with a capacity of just seven litres but is enough for seldom-used items like a warning triangle or tyre repair kit.
The equipment list for the EX30 Plus includes 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, a tyre pressure monitoring system, keyless entry and start (with key card and tag), a powered tailgate, dual-zone climate control (with PM2.5 sensor), a wireless charging pad, manually operated front seats as well as the aforementioned displays and infotainment system.
Driver assistance systems are adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, Pilot Assist (semi-autonomous driving), front and rear parking sensors, collision avoidance and mitigation, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring with steer assist, cross traffic alert with auto brake, driver monitoring and a reverse camera.
Step up to the Ultra and you’ll gain a fixed panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera, Park Pilot Assist (assisted parking) as well as powered front seats with four-way lumbar support for the driver. The range-topping variant is identical in terms of equipment to the mid-range Ultra, with its AWD powertrain being the primary difference.
Buyers will have five colours to choose from, namely Cloud Blue, Moss Yellow, Crystal White, Vapour Grey and Onyx Black, all of which are paired with an Indigo interior featuring fabric and Nordico synthetic leather upholstery, accompanied by recycled denim decor panels and blue air vents.
A five-year, unlimited-mileage vehicle warranty is standard and the battery is covered for eight years or 160,000 km. You also get a complimentary five-year Volvo Service Plan, which can be transferred to another owner should you decide to sell early. That’s not all, Google and data connectivity is also included for up to five years.
We’ve already had a go in the EX30 prior to the Malaysian launch, and you can find out what Hafriz Shah thinks about it in the video below. What about you? Is the EX30 an attractive EV worth considering? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
GALLERY: 2024 Volvo EX30 brochure
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Small boot, better wait for eMas
Just say you can’t afford. No need bluff so much.
since this is arriving as a cbu, will it be cheaper once it is ckd’d ?? or will ckd not be in the cards for this ?? nice offering though i just noticed it doesn’t have rear vents which is a big negative imho. european cars for some reason don’t have the coldest ac when compared to japanese cars for instance (purely my observation). and a permanent glass roof with no shade won’t help this.
Very good and beautiful EV
China price RM115K to RM146K , come to here RM189 to RM238K gov free tax , company high prifits .
why not u move to china?
Volvo sold 170,000 cars in China in 2023. They sold 2,700 cars in Malaysia or 1.5% of China sales.
One dealer in China probably sells more cars than all 16 dealers in Malaysia added together. All those sales people, managers, mechanics need to paid, no?
China price RM115K to RM146K , come to here RM189 to RM229K gov free tax , company high prifits .
Well that is ‘decent’ pricing. Especially considering this car is based on rwd platform. Even Toyota can’t afford to offer at this level of price
Why NMC battery only…..
nmc is actually a choice for higher level cars, lfp for more “grass root” level cars, lfp is safer while nmc offer better performance,each have their own pros and cons
Just smart pricing strategy to tell you that they are selling below 200k but most people will just buy the 209k mid-spec.. powered front seat and 360 camera not even in the basic package for a 189k mini EV car?
for once an euro-brand ev priced below rm200k… that’s more likely to compete with chinese branded evs.
Hate Chinese carmakers all you want but they are the root cause of this price war and we, the buyers are the beneficiaries
For knock off technology, of course they can price their cars cheap. Just like every other product from China, all knock offs. Once all the complaints come in then we’ll see whether you still happy.
About the size, is it about Myvi? or BRV? HRV? Anyone?
About the size of HRV. EX30 is 4,223 mm long, 1,837 mm wide, 1,555 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,650 mm. HRV measuring 4330 mm, 1790 mm, 1590 mm and 2610 mm respectively
this kind of price. can close shop.
Is really targeting Mini customers, offering a little more practicality, range, and performance.
life style products.
Smart tries to do it, but can’t quite dethrone Mini.
This size of wallet u better walk
no choice, i spent it all on your wife
Just went to look and what a shock that not only no promotional goodies that come with new launches, they do not even provide basic charging cable with the car and need to buy rm2k++. Sell EV car without EV cable?? Is this verified or did I hear wrongly?
Have they fix their software issues? So many negative reviews in europe, even refunded owners due to faulty softwares