Ahead of a full reveal on June 7, Volvo has provided another glimpse of the electric EX30 SUV and previewed some of the clever details inside its cabin.
The upcoming SUV, the brand’s smallest yet, was leaked last week after being briefly shown on Volvo’s website, but these latest images provide the first official look at the model’s interior.
Notably, the dashboard is empty except for a single portrait-oriented 12.3-inch screen in the centre, which Volvo says will simplify the driving experience, give the feeling of more space, and save on materials.
“Key driving information such as speed and charge levels are positioned prominently at the top, with navigation, media and controls easily visible and accessible below,” explained Volvo head of UX, Tom Stovicek.
A soundbar will stretch the entire width of the dashboard, the first of its kind in a passenger car according to Volvo.
In this teaser, Volvo also highlighted some of the ‘smart storage’ features intended to maximise space and practicality.
These include large door wells and a centre console equipped with various changeable storage options for cups, phones, and larger items such as handbags.
Extra storage space in the doors is afforded by the replacement of speakers with the soundbar and window switches in the centre console to create a clean cabin.
Rather than having a glove compartment on the passenger side of the dash, it has been moved underneath the central infotainment screen to allow access by both passenger and driver.
Previous spy images also show that vertically oriented air vents flank the screen, and the gear shifter is positioned on the steering column.
The EX30 will come equipped with Apple CarPlay and Google functionalities as standard, giving users access to voice-activated Google Assistant, Google Maps navigation, and Google Play apps.
EX30 design UX teaser 3
Volvo is providing four different cabin customisation options for customers, describing them as interior ‘rooms’ defined by a sustainably sourced material.
If you have ever dreamed of having a denim-clad cabin, you can decorate your EX30 with denim upholstery created from the waste fibres of the denim recycling process.
The EX30 will be Volvo’s ‘most sustainable model yet’, so naturally other recycled and renewable materials such as flax and wool will be available.
“The Volvo EX30 combines all the best elements of Scandinavian design…New materials add creative textures, colour and personality to the cabin,” said Volvo’s head of interior design, Lisa Reeves.
These new teaser images also confirm that the EX30 will adopt the geometric LED headlights of the EX90.
It also appears to be smaller than the C40 and XC40, which are both more than 4.4 metres long.
The EX30 will reportedly be based on the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) underpinning other vehicles under the Geely umbrella like the Smart #1 and Zeekr X.
The vehicle is expected to offer only all-electric powertrains, with smaller battery options expected to bring the cost down and allow the model to “reach a different price demographic,” according to Volvo CEO Jim Rowan.
The cheapest all-electric Volvo in Australia is currently the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, which starts at $73,990 before on-road costs.
The EX30 will be fully unveiled on June 7, when customers will be able to place the first orders.
It has been confirmed for an Australian launch later this year.
Volvo plans to become an EV-only brand by 2030, with its Australian line-up going all-electric by 2026.
