The smallest Volvo electric SUV will kick off below $60,000 before on-road costs in Australia.

    Pricing and specs have been revealed for the EX30, which is set to touch down locally before the end of 2023.

    The entry-level model will start at $59,990 before on-road costs, and the range will extend to $69,990 before on-roads. That puts it into competition with the Cupra Born hatchback, along with entry-level versions of the Tesla Model Y.

    Even the entry-level model hits 100km/h in just 5.5 seconds, while the range-topping all-wheel drive model handles the benchmark sprint in a supercar-bothering 3.6 seconds.

    Only the longer-range 69kWh battery pack will come to Australia; a 51kWh model is offered abroad.

    Inside, the little EX30 packs a pared-back interior that builds on the formula laid down by the current range.

    Buttons? Not here. Everything is controlled through a vertically-oriented 12.3-inch central touchscreen running Volvo’s latest Android Automotive-based software.

    Volvo has followed in Tesla’s footsteps by eliminating the traditional instrumentation display, and instead placing key speed and driver alert information on the central touchscreen.

    There’s a pair of wireless phone chargers at the base of the dashboard, while the floating centre console frees up storage space for handbags.

    You’ll notice the window switches and other controls have been moved to the central tunnel; Volvo says this allows it make the door trims simpler, which in turn makes them more eco-friendly and affordable to produce.

    Volvo had made a point of highlighting the effort that’s gone into making the EX30 green from before it even hits showrooms.

    The brand says its lifetime CO2 emissions are around 25 per cent lower than in the XC40 and C40 Recharge electric cars, thanks in part to the fact it’s being manufactured at a Chinese factory that’s powered partially by green energy.

    Pricing

    • Volvo EX30 Single Motor Extended Plus: $59,990
    • Volvo EX30 Single Motor Extended Ultra: $64,990
    • Volvo EX30 Twin Performance Ultra: $69,990

    All prices exclude on-road costs.

    Powertrains

    Single-motor versions of the EX30 feature a rear-mounted motor making 200kW of power and 343Nm of torque.

    The dual-motor Performance gains a motor on the front axle which, combined with the rear motor, makes for a combined 315kW of power and 543Nm of torque.

    Both variants are mated with a 69kWh nickel manganese cobalt battery pack.

    Efficiency

    The single-motor EX30 Extended has a claimed range of 480km on the WLTP test cycle.

    The dual-motor EX30 Performance has a claimed range of 460km on the WLTP test cycle.

    Plugged into a DC fast charger the EX30 can recharge at 153kW.

    Dimensions

    The Volvo EX30 measures up at 4233mm long, 1837mm wide and 1555mm tall, with a 2650mm wheelbase.

    The turning circle measures 10.6 metres.

    Claimed boot space is 318 litres, including 61L beneath the adjustable boot floor.

    The lightest model is the 1833kg Single Motor; the heaviest is the 2338kg Twin Motor Performance.

    Servicing and Warranty

    The Volvo range in Australia is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

    The battery is backed by an eight-year warranty, and owners are treated to eight years of roadside assist.

    Service pricing for the EX30 hasn’t been confirmed, but maintenance will be required every 24 months.

    Safety

    The EX30 hasn’t been crash tested by Euro NCAP yet.

    Standard safety equipment will include:

    • Lane-keeping assist
    • Blind-spot assist
    • Autonomous emergency braking with junction assist/pedestrian and cyclist detection
    • Reverse autonomous emergency braking
    • Front and rear cross-traffic assist
    • Road sign assist
    • Door opening alert
    • Reverse camera
    • Parking sensors

    Standard Equipment

    This is a preliminary specification list.

    Standard equipment on the Plus will include:

    • 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
    • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
    • Dual-zone climate control
    • Leather-free interior
    • Two-tone roof
    • Digital (phone) key
    • Wireless phone charging
    • Harman/Kardon premium sound system
    • Powered tailgate
    • Auto-dimming mirrors

    Moving to the Ultra brings:

    • 20-inch alloy wheels
    • Fixed panoramic roof
    • Tinted rear windows
    • Heated steering wheel
    • 360-degree camera
    • Park Assist Pilot
    • Powered front seats with four-way lumbar

    MORE: Everything Volvo EX30

    Scott Collie

    Scott Collie is an automotive journalist based in Melbourne, Australia. Scott studied journalism at RMIT University and, after a lifelong obsession with everything automotive, started covering the car industry shortly afterwards. He has a passion for travel, and is an avid Melbourne Demons supporter.

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