Volvo EX30 review – Electric motor, drive & performance

It’s fair to say that the EX30 is one of the best Volvos we’ve driven in a while. It’s got that easy-going nature common to many EVs where you just press the throttle and it goes, there’s little else to worry about. The baby Volvo delivers this trait and feels very polished in most other regards as well. 

The powerful acceleration on offer is quite addictive when you first get into the car, but it’s also genuinely useful in the urban environments that the EX30 has been designed for. Pulling out of junctions and darting through gaps in traffic is never an issue with that kind of performance on tap. The high-up driving position and excellent all-round visibility help with the enjoyment, too.

Is the Volvo EX30 good to drive in town?

The one-pedal driving function is also up with the best we’ve tried on a car of this size. It feels very natural, once you’re used to how the car slows when you lift off the accelerator. 

The ride quality is really well-judged. During our first test drive, the EX30 felt supple on the roads of our test route, which were in and around Barcelona. It walks a fine line between delivering a comfortable ride for passengers and avoiding the body roll in corners that often affects softly-sprung cars.

Is the Volvo EX30 good to drive on long journeys?

We’ve been able to get behind the wheel on British roads, and the EX30 feels sophisticated in a way that’s lacking in the Smart #1, with a firm feel that manages to avoid being harsh and good balance, even in wet conditions.

Is the Volvo EX30 good to drive on B-roads?

Aside from the acceleration, don’t go thinking that the EX30 feels in any way like a sports car – it doesn’t. The steering is set up for ease of use and precision rather than feel and feedback – which is perfect for the typical user of a small SUV.

In truth, the Twin Motor version’s extra power feels like overkill and it doesn’t feel quite as good to drive as a result. The steering isn’t as confidence-inspiring, with a slight sensation the front wheels can’t quite handle juggling turning while also putting so much power down. While the thrill of the EX30 Twin Motor’s brisk acceleration is there, the overall experience doesn’t feel as cohesive, so we’d save money and stick to the single motor model.

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0-62mph and top speed

The entry-level Single Motor car has a 268bhp motor on its rear axle, allowing it to get from 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds. The Single Motor Extended Range version uses the same motor, but manages the same sprint slightly more quickly at 5.3 seconds. Both these versions have a top speed of 112mph.

As the name suggests, the Twin Motor Performance model has an additional motor on the front axle, giving it four-wheel drive and increased performance. The total output of this version stands at 422bhp, allowing it to crack the 0-62mph sprint in just 3.6 seconds. Yes, it feels quicker than its single-motor siblings, but those will still be plenty pokey enough for the vast majority of buyers.

Carbuyer notes

“In many ways, the EX30 feels quite unlike any other Volvo to drive, yet a sharp driving experience doesn’t come at the expense of comfort.” Alex Ingram, Chief Reviewer