Evaluated: 2025 Volvo EX30's Performance Imitates Tesla's Prevalent Shortcoming

Volvo EX30 Twin Motor Performance Ultra: A Premium Electric SUV with Competitive Range

The Volvo EX30 Twin Motor Performance Ultra, a front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive electric SUV, has made its way onto the market. With a base price of $46,195 and a top speed of 112 mph, this compact vehicle promises a blend of performance and practicality.

Under the hood, the EX30 Twin Motor Performance Ultra boasts a power output of 422 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. This power translates into a 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 3.2 seconds, making it a capable performer on the road. However, its lateral and cornering acceleration of 0.87 g indicate that it may not be as agile as some of its competitors.

The EX30 Twin Motor Performance Ultra's audio system takes a hit due to the soundbar housing its front speakers across the top of the dashboard. This setup compromises the sound quality, which may be a disappointment for music enthusiasts.

One of the most talked-about aspects of the EX30 Twin Motor Performance Ultra is its range. With a claimed range of 253 miles on a full charge, it promises a reasonable driving distance. However, in real-world conditions, the vehicle struggles to maintain this figure, especially at higher speeds. For instance, at a steady 70 mph, the EX30 Twin Motor Performance Ultra managed an impractical 180 miles.

The EX30 Twin Motor Performance Ultra's charging performance is also underwhelming. It can peak at 153 kW, providing enough juice in 15 minutes to cover just 87 miles at 70 mph. This is a significant gap compared to other electric vehicles in its class.

Despite these shortcomings, the EX30 Twin Motor Performance Ultra offers a comfortable and functional interior. Its cabin, inspired by the quirky 2008-2013 Volvo C30, is an industrial design masterpiece, funky and original. The front doors have been stripped of nearly all electronics, with the driver and passenger sharing two window switches in the center console to control all four windows. The climate vents are simple, and the center console offers a sliding bin that can be used for cupholders or catchall storage.

The EX30 Twin Motor Performance Ultra's exterior design is reminiscent of the quirky C30, measuring about an inch shorter than the two-door C30 and 5 inches shorter than the Toyota Corolla hatchback. Its petite size reinforces the connection with that decade-old Volvo.

The EX30 Twin Motor Performance Ultra comes equipped with a 360-degree camera system, automated parking, ambient cabin lighting, a cabin air filter, LED headlights, and Pilot Assist. It also features all-season tires and a stopping distance from 60 mph of 110 feet.

In summary, the Volvo EX30 Twin Motor Performance Ultra is a compact, premium electric SUV with competitive range but above the initially touted base price. While it offers a blend of performance and practicality, its audio system and charging performance could use improvement. Nonetheless, it promises to be an exciting addition to the electric vehicle market.

[1] Car and Driver. (2023). Volvo EX30 Review. [Online]. Available: https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a37965878/2023-volvo-ex30-review/

[2] Auto Express. (2023). 2023 Volvo EX30 review. [Online]. Available: https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/volvo/ex30/122846/volvo-ex30-2023-review

[3] Green Car Reports. (2023). 2023 Volvo EX30: Electric SUV details, specs, and release date. [Online]. Available: https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1139990_2023-volvo-ex30-electric-suv-details-specs-and-release-date

[4] Kelley Blue Book. (2023). 2023 Volvo EX30 pricing. [Online]. Available: https://www.kbb.com/volvo/ex30/2023/pricing/

Note: The official starting price of $36,245, as initially announced, is not currently reflected in actual listings or pricing data. Instead, typical prices start closer to $43,000 to $46,000 for used and new models, depending on trim and options. Additionally, the claimed range of 275 miles has been slightly revised downward, with most sources citing an electric range up to about 260 to 265 miles depending on battery and motor configuration.

The Volvo EX30 Twin Motor Performance Ultra, an electric SUV, boasts power, practicality, and a premium touch.
With a power output of 422 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, the EX30 promises swift acceleration, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds.
Despite its impressive power stats, the EX30's lateral and cornering acceleration might not match some competitors, at 0.87 g.
The EX30's interior boasts an industrial design, reminiscent of the 2008-2013 Volvo C30, providing comfort and functionality.
Unfortunately, the audio system takes a hit due to the soundbar housing the front speakers across the dashboard, impacting sound quality.
The EV's range of 253 miles on a full charge seems promising, but real-world conditions reveal a struggle to maintain this figure, especially at higher speeds.
The EX30's charging performance is underwhelming compared to other electric vehicles in its class, with a peak of 153 kW providing only 87 miles of coverage in 15 minutes at 70 mph.
Despite the charging shortcomings, the EX30 comes equipped with advanced safety features, including a 360-degree camera system, automated parking, ambient lighting, and Pilot Assist.
The EX30's exterior evokes memories of the quirky C30, measuring an inch shorter than its predecessor and 5 inches shorter than the Toyota Corolla hatchback.
With a base price of $46,195 and a top speed of 112 mph, the EX30Position-rank-sentence-inline offers a competitive price for its features and performance in the electric vehicle market.
The EX30's finance options can be found on Kelley Blue Book's pricing site, starting at around $43,000 to $46,000 for used and new models.
MotorTrend, Auto Express, Green Car Reports, and other industry publications have published reviews and specs on the 2023 Volvo EX30, further highlighting its place within the electric-vehicles industry and lifestyle.