Volvo has a reputation for building safe, sensible family cars that have often been compared to ‘tanks’. But the Swedish brand is leading the charge into an all-electric future and the EX30 Twin Performance Ultra is playing a huge part in its transformation.
I recently spent time with the EX30 for my everyday errands, including a day trip through Victoria’s Macedon region and it gave me the opportunity to test its performance, comfort and tech in real-world conditions. It’s safe to say this compact SUV left a lasting impression. It’s stylish, sustainable, and seriously fun to drive.
Spoiler alert: this is not your average Volvo.
There’s no mistaking the EX30 for anything other than a Volvo. The signature ‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlights and diagonal badge across the front are unmistakable. My favourite angle? The rear. It’s clean and unfussy with the EX30 badges on the side for a very minimalist Scandinavian look.
I remember the first car that my parents bought for my sister and I – a very boxy, robust and practical Volvo. The EX30 evokes that nostalgia with its slightly squared-off front, but it’s been modernised with flowing lines and a more aerodynamic profile. Volvo’s design evolution is clear: from utilitarian to elegant, while staying true to its roots.
I’m a big fan of the EX30 and I’m not the only one that thinks so. It’s racked up over 20 awards since its launch including:
Inside, Volvo’s minimalist Scandinavian design ethos is on full display. The EX30 offers four nature-inspired interior themes to set the mood – Breeze, Mist, Pine and Indigo. Each theme has been crafted with renewable and recycled materials to help elevate the details of each interior. The result is a cabin that feels stylish and premium with a focus on sustainability.
I especially love the metallic door handles and the knit upholstery seats. The décor panels are made from recycled plastic waste from discarded PVC window frames and roller shutters. They’re intentionally imperfect, further reminding you of their recycled origins. It’s a nice touch that adds character rather than detracts from it.
You can’t miss the 12.3-inch infotainment display in the middle of the dashboard, which is the command centre for everything. There’s no traditional instrument cluster (or head up display) in front of the driver, which felt odd at first, but I quickly got used to it. The Google-based infotainment system is intuitive and responsive, with built-in Google Maps, Google Assistant and access to various Google apps.
Other standout features include:
One clever design choice I appreciated was the centralised window and door lock controls. A single panel in the middle lets both front occupants control the rear windows, which was perfect for when I needed to wind down the rear window for my dog. No more awkward arm-stretching to the back!
To start the car, there is no traditional start/stop button. You just simply sit in the driver’s seat and it powers up. It’s a very cool feature that is seamless and feels futuristic.
The driving position is excellent, with sporty yet supportive seats and great visibility all around. The cabin feels bright and airy, thanks to the panoramic sunroof that floods the interior with natural light.
The EX30 Twin Ultra is powered by dual electric motors and boasts a claimed 0–100km/h time of just 3.6 seconds. I believe it. The acceleration is impressive! It’s smooth, instant and silent. Whether overtaking on the highway or pulling away from traffic lights, the EX30 delivers a surge of power that’s genuinely thrilling. For a small SUV, it’s fast and nimble.
As a first-time EV driver, I did have some range anxiety before our day trip to the Macedon region. But I needn’t have worried. We left with 97% battery and returned home with plenty of juice left (40%).
I only had to recharge the car once after our day trip to bring it back up to 90%. I found that for everyday life, commuting and errands, the range was more than sufficient and I didn’t have to recharge it as often as I thought I would have to.
Charging an EV at home does take time, but it wasn’t the inconvenience I imagined. In fact, it’s like charging your phone. I plug in the EX30 to charge in the morning and it quietly tops up while I’m working. No special setup or stress.
The EX30 isn’t just about style and performance, it’s a sustainability champion. It’s designed to have the lowest carbon footprint of any Volvo car to date, thanks to a combination of climate-neutral manufacturing, recycled materials and efficient design. Highlights include:
One of the most useful and fun parts of the EX30 experience was the Volvo EX30 app. It was easy to download and pair with the car, and once set up, it became an essential part of my daily routine.
Here’s what I was using it for:
The EX30 Twin Motor Performance Ultra is advertised with an electric range of up to 445km. But when I checked the Volvo EX30 app, my full charge showed a range of 390km. At first, I was puzzled, then impressed.
The app adjusts the estimated range based on my actual driving habits and conditions, providing a more realistic and personalised figure. Hmm, it seems that maybe I do have a bit of a lead foot! Either way, I found it interesting and reassuring to know the car is smart enough to give me accurate expectations, helping me to plan longer trips better.
I’ve come away from my time driving the Volvo EX30 Twin Ultra feeling genuinely impressed. Whether it was taking the EX30 to barre classes, grocery runs, commuting to work or day trips exploring Victoria, the EX30 has slotted into my life effortlessly.
While rear passenger space might be a bit tight for taller adults, this car would be perfect for school runs, weekend getaways, or as a second car. So, if you’re considering the switch to electric, it’s worth considering the Volvo EX30.
Driving an EV for the first time has been eye-opening. The Volvo EX30 has helped me rethink EVs and cast those lingering doubts aside.
