The Volvo EX30 is an electric SUV that’s small in size, big on speed, and surprisingly fun to drive

Spend four days with the Volvo EX30, and you may find yourself questioning everything you thought you knew about compact electric SUVs. As Volvo’s smallest SUV to date, it defies expectations—packing swift acceleration, Scandinavian elegance, and, most surprisingly, a genuinely engaging drive. Even for those accustomed to high-performance German machines, the EX30 is an unexpectedly compelling alternative.

2024 volvo ex30 street — The EX30 is Volvo’s latest, most compact, and most sustainable electric vehicle. Photo by Volvo

The EX30’s acceleration is what you’d expect from an EV— instantaneous and effortless. No hesitation, no fuss, just seamless, near-silent speed at the flex of your right foot. In its top-spec Twin Motor Performance variant, the EX30 dispatches the 0-100 km/h sprint in a blistering 3.4 seconds. That’s supercar territory. In a Volvo.

Yet, the most impressive aspect isn’t just the speed—it’s the control. The EX30 feels planted, nimble in corners, and unwaveringly composed even when pushed. Steering, even at its firmest setting, remains light and responsive, making city manoeuvring and lane changes effortless. And while it delivers electrifying bursts of speed, it’s equally refined at a cruise, offering a smooth and composed experience whether weaving through city streets or stretching its legs on the expressway.

That said, the suspension setup leans towards the softer side. Over humps and uneven roads, there’s a noticeable bounce. It’s nothing drastic, but enough to wish for a bit more stiffness for a tauter ride. It’s not a dealbreaker, either, but something to note if you prefer a more connected feel with the road.

2024 volvo ex30 driver's cockpit — Volvo has implemented a concept of centralisation in its interior design, from storage to controls and screens, providing a flexible space with premium proportions. Photo by Volvo

2024 volvo ex30 glove box — Gone are the days of reaching over from the driver’s seat to access the glove box, now that it’s situated in the middle of the dashboard. Photo by Volvo

A minimalist cocoon

Step inside, and the EX30’s Scandinavian roots are on full display. Volvo has stripped things down to the essentials. There is no clutter, no unnecessary buttons—just a clean and functional space designed with sustainability in mind. The driver’s cockpit is refreshingly minimalist, with a single tablet-style display in the centre console acting as your all-in-one hub for speed, infotainment, and settings. The layout works surprisingly well, adding to the sense of openness in the cabin.

The panoramic roof—or moonroof—does wonders for the interior. It makes the space feel larger and airier. And don’t worry about getting roasted under the sun; the stock solar tint does an excellent job of keeping things cool even on sweltering afternoons.

Rear-seat space may appear tight at first glance, but passenger feedback suggests otherwise. Unless chauffeuring pro basketball players is on your daily agenda, the back seats prove more accommodating than they seem.

Tech that works

One of the standout features of the EX30 is its tech—particularly the 360-degree camera and parking assist. While some might lament the lack of automatic folding side mirrors, the camera system is so responsive and accurate that you’ll hardly miss them. Parking in tight spaces? A non-issue.

harmon kardon soundbar — The car is equipped with a premium surround sound system from Harman Kardon, featuring nine strategically placed high-performance speakers, including a subwoofer in the trunk, that fill the cabin with rich and enveloping sound. Photo by Volvo

Then there’s the sound system. The Harman Kardon surround-sound setup includes a sleek soundbar integrated into the front dash flush against the windscreen, nine strategically placed speakers around the cabin and a subwoofer in the trunk of the car. From bass-heavy electronic and trance beats to nostalgic karaoke classics, the EX30 delivers crisp, immersive audio that makes every drive feel like a private concert.

Of course, no car is without quirks. One unexpected trait was the battery range, which dipped faster than anticipated. While an overnight charge remedies the issue, it’s worth considering for those planning longer road trips. The official range in the top trim extends up to 588 km, so range anxiety shouldn’t be a major concern—but it’s something to factor into daily use.

For an entry-level EV SUV, the Volvo EX30 punches well above its weight. It’s swift, stylish, easy to drive, and loaded with thoughtful features. More importantly, it proves that premium electric mobility needn’t come with an exorbitant price tag. It may not possess the fire-breathing aggression of high-performance machines, but that’s precisely the point. The EX30 carves out its own niche—one defined by intelligent design, everyday practicality, and an unexpected dose of fun. Silent thunder, indeed.