5 Things We Loved About The Volvo EX30!

Volvo’s latest entry in India isn’t a massive SUV like the XC90, or even a cushy crossover like the XC60. Instead, what we’re getting is something fresh, the EX30. It’s Volvo’s smallest and most affordable EV yet, and also one of its most playful. But don’t let the “baby Volvo” tag fool you. The EX30 still carries plenty of that familiar Volvo DNA while adding its own youthful character.

So, what is so special about it? Here are five things that really impressed us:

1. The Looks – Quirky Done Right

The EX30 doesn't blend in; it stands out. In some magical way, Volvo has managed to create a car that is both boxy and curvy, and guess what? It works.

The "Thor's Hammer" signature DRLs now receive a groovy grid pattern, the rear-lamps hug almost the entire rear section, and the 19-inch wheels give the car just the right dose of drama.

While Volvo India unfortunately isn't providing it in the beautiful, bright yellow colour we observed on the global model (why, oh why?!), even the greener, more business-corporate blues, greys, and blacks still take a backseat to the design. It's small, chic, and cheeky, a bit like a hot hatch that thought, "You know what? I'm just going to wear a tuxedo."

2. The Drive – Small Car, Big Punch

Don't be deceived by its size. With a motor at the back churning out 272 PS and 343 Nm, the EX30 accelerates from 0-100 kmph in 5.3 seconds. That's hot-hatch rapid!

But it isn't scary to handle. There aren't several drive modes to juggle or complex settings to struggle with; you simply get in, floor it, and it either zooms or cruises according to your preference.

The real-world range of up to 350-400 km is practical enough for road trips as well. The ride is firm, bordering on sedan-like, but the high-speed stability more than compensates for it.

3. The Cabin – Minimalist, But Clever 

Get inside, and it's obvious this isn't attempting to imitate the Germans. What Volvo has done, instead, is go Tesla-style minimalist with a Scandinavian flair.

The dashboard and door pads are made from recycled materials that are surprisingly premium in feel, almost like stone, in texture.

There's a huge 12.3-inch touchscreen in the middle that operates everything pretty much: climate control, seat height adjustments, even the glovebox. It sounds a bit overwhelming, but the interface is smooth and has Google apps included.

Oh, and rather than speakers on the doors that are standard, you have a sweet soundbar spanning the dash as part of the Harman Kardon package. It's clean-looking, and it also sounds nice.

4. Safety – Volvo Doing Volvo Things 

This was anticipated, but it still has a place here. The EX30 has already scored a 5-star Euro NCAP crash test rating, and the safety package is loaded to the brim.

Blind-spot warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, cross-traffic alerts, several airbags (including one between the front seats!), and even automatic emergency braking, it's all included. You can't say that Volvo doesn't play it safe with their options if you purchase one. The EX30 doesn't skimp. 

5. Storage Tricks – Practical With A Twist

Inside, Volvo has added some thoughtful touches, a removable tray for rear passengers, adjustable flaps in the central storage, and cupholders that pop out from under the armrest. 

The glovebox, interestingly, sits in the middle of the dashboard and opens only via the touchscreen. It’s not the conventional setup you’d expect, but it shows Volvo is thinking differently about how to use every inch of space.

The Point? 

The EX30 may be the smallest Volvo, but it's an impressive package. Checks design, safety, performance, and practicality in an unexpectedly fun compact guise. Granted, there are quirks like the NFC keys and the mildly frustrating speed warnings, for instance, but they don't detract from the larger picture.

Expected to be launched in September, priced somewhere in the range of Rs 35–40 lakh (owing to CKD assembly), the EX30 can be an interesting buy over something like the Mini Cooper SE.

So, what do you think, would you go for the EX30 over the Mini? Let us know in the comments!