Research

smart #1 vs Volvo EX30

smart #1

smart #1

Volvo EX30

Volvo EX30

Verdict

The smart #1 is the cheaper, roomier-on-paper pick: RM169,000 against RM208,888, with a 100 mm longer wheelbase and a 411-litre boot. The Volvo EX30 asks RM39,888 more but answers with the numbers EV buyers notice daily: 69.0 kWh versus 49.0 kWh, 476 km versus 315 km and a much quicker 5.3-second century sprint despite identical 268 hp outputs. Both are CBU B-segment, rear-drive electric SUVs with seven airbags, AEB, 180 km/h top speed and RM260 road tax, so the decision is range and pace against cabin and boot practicality.

#1

Pick the smart #1 if you want the lower price, longer 2,750 mm wheelbase and larger 411-litre boot more than outright range or acceleration.

EX30

Pick the Volvo EX30 if you can pay the RM39,888 extra for 476 km of range, a 69.0 kWh battery and a sharper 5.3-second 0–100 km/h time.

Key differences

  • Price: smart #1 RM169,000; Volvo EX30 RM208,888
  • Battery and range: smart #1 49.0 kWh and 315 km; Volvo EX30 69.0 kWh and 476 km
  • 0–100 km/h: smart #1 6.7 seconds; Volvo EX30 5.3 seconds
  • Dimensions: smart #1 4,270/1,822/1,636 mm; Volvo EX30 4,223/1,837/1,555 mm
  • Wheelbase and boot: smart #1 2,750 mm and 411 litres; Volvo EX30 2,650 mm and 318 litres
  • Warranty: smart #1 4 years; Volvo EX30 5 years
Price & overview
PriceRM 169,000RM 208,888
Body typeSUVSUV
SegmentB-SegmentB-Segment
Seats55
AssemblyCBUCBU
Powertrain
FuelElectricElectric
MotorSingle motorSingle motor
Power268 hp268 hp
TransmissionSingle Ratio AutomaticSingle Ratio Automatic
Driven wheelsRear Wheel DriveRear Wheel Drive
Performance
0–100 km/h6.7 s5.3 s
Top speed180 km/h180 km/h
Efficiency
Battery49.0 kWh69.0 kWh
EV range315 km476 km
Dimensions
Length4,270 mm4,223 mm
Width1,822 mm1,837 mm
Height1,636 mm1,555 mm
Wheelbase2,750 mm2,650 mm
Boot space411 L318 L
Safety
Airbags77
Auto emergency brakingYesYes
Ownership
Warranty45
Road tax / yearRM 260RM 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.

#1

  • RM39,888 cheaper to buy
  • Longer 2,750 mm wheelbase
  • Bigger 411-litre boot
  • 315 km range is much shorter
  • 49.0 kWh battery is smaller
  • Slower 6.7-second 0–100 km/h time

EX30

  • Longer 476 km EV range
  • Larger 69.0 kWh battery
  • Quicker 5.3-second 0–100 km/h time
  • Costs RM39,888 more
  • Smaller 318-litre boot
  • Shorter 2,650 mm wheelbase

#1 vs EX30 FAQ

Is the smart #1 or Volvo EX30 better?

The Volvo EX30 is better for range and performance, with 476 km and 5.3 seconds to 100 km/h. The smart #1 is better for price and practicality, with a lower RM169,000 price and a larger 411-litre boot.

What is the price difference?

The Volvo EX30 costs RM208,888, while the smart #1 costs RM169,000. That makes the Volvo RM39,888 more expensive.

Which one has the longer EV range?

The Volvo EX30 has the longer range at 476 km from a 69.0 kWh battery. The smart #1 manages 315 km from a 49.0 kWh battery.

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