By Edward A. Sanchez — June 7, 2023
How do you get attention in the automotive marketplace? By offering outstanding value and a stronger bang-for-the-buck proposition than your competitors. That’s what Volvo is hoping to do with its new EX30 small SUV. With a starting price of just €36,000 ($34,950), and a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.6 seconds with the dual-motor option, it certainly has our attention. Pricing has not yet been announced for the long-range RWD or AWD variants, but expect it to be likewise competitive.
To suit different customers’ respective needs, the EX30 is offered with three different powertrain configurations. A single-motor LFP configuration is offered for those looking for maximum value and don’t require long range. A long-range RWD model is offered with an NMC battery for maximum range. Volvo also teased an adventure-oriented Cross Country variant that will be offered sometime after launch for those who want to get off the beaten path.
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For customers wanting the most power and all-wheel-drive, a dual-motor model is offered with up to 422 hp and the aforementioned 0-60 mph time of well under four seconds, officially making it the quickest-accelerating production Volvo model in history. For those more interested in miles-per-kilowatt than miles per hour, Volvo is claiming a range of 480 km (298 miles, likely WLTP) for long-range RWD version. Volvo is claiming a 10-to-80 percent charge in 27 minutes.
Other features include a 12.3 inch vertical center touchscreen with Google Built-In, four USB-C charging ports, a wireless phone charging pad in the front seat area, a constant-power 12V outlet in the cargo area, embedded 5G connectivity, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered infotainment system for responsive controls. Ultra-wideband phone-as-key functionality will come shortly after launch as an over-the-air update. Of course, being a Volvo, safety was a major priority, and the EX30 features a door open alert system to warn drivers of approaching vehicles or cyclists, auto-braking, and driver drowsiness alerts.
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The EX30 comes with a choice of five exterior colors and four interior themes, and utilizes eco-themed materials with reclaimed denim, Nordico, a textile made partially from pine oil extract, and floormats using materials sourced from reclaimed fishing nets.
Although nothing on the EX30 is necessarily groundbreaking or revolutionary, its positioning in the Venn Diagram of value, desirability, and performance will make it an enticing option to many buyers looking for an upscale, yet attainable car that offers smart style, convenience features, and compelling performance.
The EX30 is available to order in Europe now, with pre-orders starting soon at U.S. dealerships, with sales expected to start in the first quarter of 2024.
(Images courtesy Volvo)
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