MINI Electric vs Volvo EX30
Verdict
At RM193,888 and RM208,888, the MINI Electric is the cheaper, smaller city EV, but the Volvo EX30 turns the RM15,000 gap into useful Malaysian-day-to-day gains: 476 km of range against 402 km, 175 kW DC charging against 95 kW, five doors and a 318-litre boot against three doors and 210 litres. It is quicker too, with 268 hp and 0-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. The MINI counters with compact dimensions, a head-up display and richer front-seat functions.
Pick the MINI Electric if you want the cheaper, shorter hatchback and can live with 3 doors, 4 seats and 402 km of range.
Pick the Volvo EX30 if you want the faster, longer-range and more practical EV, and the RM15,000 extra is acceptable.
Key differences
- Price: MINI Electric RM193,888; Volvo EX30 RM208,888
- Motor output: MINI Electric 215 hp/330 Nm; Volvo EX30 268 hp/343 Nm
- Range and battery: MINI Electric 402 km/54.2 kWh; Volvo EX30 476 km/69 kWh
- DC charging: MINI Electric 95 kW; Volvo EX30 175 kW
- 0-100 km/h: MINI Electric 6.7 seconds; Volvo EX30 5.3 seconds
- Doors, seats and boot: MINI Electric 3 doors/4 seats/210 litres; Volvo EX30 5 doors/5 seats/318 litres
Electric
- Costs RM15,000 less
- Shorter 3,858 mm length suits tight urban parking
- Has a head-up display, plus driver memory and massage for the front seat
- Shorter 402 km range versus 476 km
- Slower 95 kW DC charging versus 175 kW
- Less practical: 3 doors, 4 seats and a 210-litre boot
EX30
- Stronger 268 hp motor and quicker 5.3-second 0-100 km/h time
- Longer 476 km range from a 69 kWh battery
- More family-friendly with 5 doors, 5 seats and a 318-litre boot
- Costs RM15,000 more
- No head-up display
- No front passenger ISOFIX point, while the MINI Electric has one
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 193,888✓ | RM 208,888 |
| Body type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 215 hp | 268 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | 330 Nm | 343 Nm✓ |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion | Nickel-metal Hydride |
| Battery Capacity | 54.2 kWh | 69 kWh✓ |
| EV Range | 402 km | 476 km✓ |
| Charger Type (AC) | Type 2 | Type 2 |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | 11 kW |
| Charger Type (DC) | CCS | CCS |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 95 kW | 175 kW✓ |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 6.7 seconds | 5.3 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 170 km/h | 180 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 3,858 mm | 4,223 mm |
| Width | 1,756 mm | 1,837 mm |
| Height | 1,460 mm | 1,555 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,526 mm | 2,650 mm |
| Weight | 1,605 kg | — |
| Doors | 3 | 5 |
| Seats | 4 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 210 litres | 318 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/40R18 | 24545R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/40R18 | 245/45R19 |
| Spare Tyre | — | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Maxxis Premitra 5 | Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance SUV |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | China (CBU) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Night Flash Alloys | 19" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Night Flash Alloys | 19" Alloys |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Disc | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brakes | Solid Disc | Solid Discs |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | — | Electric for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 4 Three-point belts | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats, Front Passenger Seat | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Warning Only | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For Front Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Adaptive LED Projector with High Beam Assist | LED Reflector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats with Driver's Side Memory and Massage Function | Power Adjustable Front Seats |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | — | Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 USB C, 1 Wireless Charger | 1 Front, 2 USB-C Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 1 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 9.4" OLED Display with MINI OS, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Harman Kardon Sound System | 12.3" Touchscreen with Google Services Built-in, Harman Kardon Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Flip Switch | Keyless (Depress Brake to Start) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go and Steering Assist |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Manual Operation | Powered Boot, Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with 360-degree View Monitor | Yes, 360-degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | — |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 5 years✓ |
| Warranty Extended | 4 years | — |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty, Repair Inclusive extendable up to 5 years | 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 200✓ | RM 260 |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Electric vs EX30 FAQ
Is the MINI Electric or Volvo EX30 better?
The Volvo EX30 is the stronger all-rounder on paper, with more range, quicker DC charging, stronger performance and better practicality. The MINI Electric makes sense if lower price and compact size matter more.
What is the price difference?
The Volvo EX30 costs RM15,000 more than the MINI Electric.
Which one has better range and charging?
The Volvo EX30. It has 476 km of range and 175 kW DC charging, while the MINI Electric has 402 km of range and 95 kW DC charging. Both use Type 2 AC at 11 kW and CCS DC.