Verdict
At RM175,000, the smart #3 undercuts the RM198,888 Volvo EX30 by RM23,888 and gives Malaysian buyers a larger 4,400 mm body, 2,785 mm wheelbase and 370-litre boot. Its 22 kW AC charging also doubles the Volvo’s 11 kW rate. But the EX30’s 69 kWh battery brings a decisive 475 km range against 325 km, plus a quicker 5.3-second 0-100 km/h time and 175 kW DC charging. Choose the smart for cabin and luggage space at a lower entry price; choose the Volvo if range matters most.
Pick the smart #3 if you want to spend RM23,888 less for a larger SUV with a 370-litre boot, rear air-con vents and 22 kW AC charging.
Pick the Volvo EX30 if you want 475 km of range, a 69 kWh battery and quicker 5.3-second acceleration.
Key differences
- Price: smart #3 RM175,000; Volvo EX30 RM198,888.
- Battery capacity and range: smart #3 49 kWh and 325 km; Volvo EX30 69 kWh and 475 km.
- Charging: smart #3 22 kW AC and 150 kW DC; Volvo EX30 11 kW AC and 175 kW DC.
- Acceleration: smart #3 reaches 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds; Volvo EX30 does it in 5.3 seconds.
- Length and wheelbase: smart #3 4,400 mm and 2,785 mm; Volvo EX30 4,223 mm and 2,650 mm.
- Boot space: smart #3 370 litres; Volvo EX30 318 litres.
#3
- RM23,888 lower purchase price.
- Larger 370-litre boot and 2,785 mm wheelbase.
- 22 kW AC charging, rear air-con vents and a manual glass-roof sunshade.
- 325 km range versus the EX30’s 475 km.
- 150 kW DC charging versus 175 kW.
- Four-year vehicle warranty versus five years.
EX30
- 69 kWh battery and 475 km range.
- Quicker 5.3-second 0-100 km/h time and 175 kW DC charging.
- Dual-zone climate control, auto high beam and contactless powered boot opening.
- RM23,888 higher purchase price.
- 11 kW AC charging versus 22 kW.
- Smaller 318-litre boot versus 370 litres.
What the #3 has over the EX30
What the EX30 has over the #3
Based on the published spec sheets of the selected variants — a blank field on one side can also mean unlisted data.
The #3's wheelbase is 135 mm longer, which usually translates to more rear legroom. Boot space favours the #3: 370 litres against 318.
Representative body-type outlines, drawn to scale from each car's length and height.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM175,000✓ | RM198,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM260 | RM260 |
| Monthly instalment (est.) | RM1,785/mo✓ | RM2,030/mo |
| Insurance / year (est.) | RM4,798✓ | RM5,419 |
| Electricity / year (est.) | RM1,340 | RM1,291✓ |
| Energy cost / 100 km (est.) | RM6.70 | RM6.45✓ |
| 5-year running costs (est.) | RM31,988✓ | RM34,848 |
| Charging (estimated) | ||
| AC charge 0–100% (est.) | 2.2 hours✓ | 6.3 hours |
| DC charge 10–80% (est.) | 25 min✓ | 30 min |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 400V architecture |
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 268 hp | 268 hp |
| Motor Torque | 343 Nm | 343 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | 49 kWh | 69 kWh✓ |
| EV Range | 325 km | 475 km✓ |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 22 kW✓ | 11 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 150 kW | 175 kW✓ |
| V2L | 3.3 kW | 3.6 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 5.8 seconds | 5.3 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 180 km/h | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,400 mm | 4,223 mm |
| Width | 1,844 mm | 1,837 mm |
| Height | 1,556 mm | 1,555 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,785 mm | 2,650 mm |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 370 litres✓ | 318 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/45R19 | 24545R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/45R19 | 245/45R19 |
| Spare Tyre | — | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 060 | Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance SUV |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" Flux Alloy Wheels | 19" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Flux Alloy Wheels | 19" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 (Driver & Front Passenger, Side Airbags, Curtain Airbags and Driver's Knee Airbag) | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Electric for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available On Front Passenger Seat, Rear Outer Seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Front and Rear | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Reflector with Manual Levelling | LED Reflector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Driver and Passenger Powered Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | — |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Glass Roof | Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear, 1 Wireless Charger | 1 Front, 2 USB-C Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Manual Sunshade for Glass Roof | — |
| Audio | 12.8" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | 12.3" Touchscreen with Google Services Built-in, Harman Kardon Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless (Depress Brake Pedal) | Keyless (Depress Brake to Start) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go and Steering Assist |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Yes, Powered | Powered Boot, Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, With 360-degree Camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 4 years | 5 years✓ |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year/200,000 km Battery Warranty | 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty |
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. Running-cost estimates assume 20,000 km/year. Electricity at RM0.44/kWh (TNB domestic, home charging); public DC charging costs around RM1.30/kWh. Charging times estimated from battery capacity and peak charging rates. Insurance: comprehensive motor tariff, no NCD. Instalment: 10% down, 2.5% flat rate, 9 years. Prices checked October 2026.
Used #3 & EX30 for sale
Our reviews & guides
smart #3
Volvo EX30
#3 vs EX30 FAQ
Is the smart #3 or Volvo EX30 better?
The Volvo EX30 is the stronger technical choice for range, battery capacity, DC charging and acceleration. The smart #3 is the better fit if lower upfront cost, a longer wheelbase, rear air-con vents and a larger boot matter more.
What is the price difference?
The Volvo EX30 costs RM23,888 more than the smart #3.
Which one is better for longer trips?
The Volvo EX30 is better for longer trips on its 475 km claimed range, 150 km more than the smart #3’s 325 km. Its 175 kW DC charging rate is also 25 kW higher.
How long does charging take?
The #3's 49.0 kWh battery takes about 2.2 hours for a full AC charge, and an estimated 25 minutes from 10% to 80% on a DC fast charger at its 150 kW peak. The EX30's 69.0 kWh battery takes about 6.3 hours for a full AC charge, and an estimated 30 minutes from 10% to 80% on a DC fast charger at its 175 kW peak.
Which one is locally assembled?
The EX30 is assembled in Malaysia (CKD), while the #3 is fully imported (CBU) from China. Local assembly generally helps pricing and spare-parts supply, and CKD programmes usually signal a longer-term commitment to the model here.
Which has the better warranty?
The EX30 carries a 5-year manufacturer warranty against 4 years for the #3. #3: 8-year/200,000 km Battery Warranty. EX30: 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty.