Volvo’s smallest electric SUV is now on sale in Malaysia with today’s launch of the EX30. First making its global debut in June last year, the EX30 is built on Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) and slots in below the XC40 and C40 in the local line-up.
Arriving as a fully-imported (CBU) model from China, the electric vehicle (EV) is being offered in three variants here. The base option is known as the Plus and retails for RM188,888. It is joined by the Ultra at RM208,888 and the range-topping Ultra Twin Performance priced at RM228,888.
Unlike in Indonesia, the base variant here doesn’t get a 51-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and is instead fitted with a 69-kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) unit for up to 476 km of range following the WLTP standard.
The extended-range battery powers a rear-mounted electric motor rated at 276 PS (272 hp or 203 kW) and 343 Nm of torque, enabling a 0-100 km/h time of 5.3 seconds. The Ultra uses the same powertrain and justifies its higher asking price with more equipment (more on that later).
At the top of the heap, the Ultra Twin Performance uses the same 69-kWh NMC battery and adds on a front electric motor for all-wheel drive and total system output of 428 PS (422 hp or 315 kW) and 543 Nm. With the added grunt, the range-topper sprints to 100 km/h from a standstill in just 3.6 seconds at the expense of range that dips to 450 km – the top speed of all variants is identical at 180 km/h.
In terms of charging, aside there’s an 11-kW on-board charger for AC charging. DC fast charging is also supported at a peak of 153 kW, meaning that the battery can be brought from a 10 to 80% state-of-charge in just a little over 28 minutes.
If you’re curious about the size of the EX30, it measures 4,223 mm long, 1,837 mm wide, 1,555 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,650 mm. By comparison, both the XC40 and C40 occupy a larger footprint by being longer overall (+217 mm) and wider (+36 mm), while their wheelbase spans 2,702 mm. We should point out the EX30 shares the SEA platform with the smart #1 and Zeekr X, both of which are larger in size than the Volvo.
Design-wise, the EX30 is less blocky in appearance than the larger XC40 and sports a rather athletic guise with its wide stance and sloping roofline. Standout cues include a pixelated take on the company’s signature Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights (similar to the EX90), a clamshell bonnet, prominent wheel arches as well as two-section LED headlamps and taillights.
Inside, the EX30 forgoes a traditional instrument cluster, with key driving information such as speed, the current gear and battery state of charge all being shown on a 12.3-inch central touchscreen that is oriented vertically in the middle of the dashboard.
The touchscreen also integrates the controls for the climate system and serves as the main access point for virtually all vehicle functions. You do get a multi-function steering wheel with physical buttons but these offer limited functionality, so you’ll be tapping away rather frequently to make adjustments. Infotainment software is based on Android Automotive Operating System (AAOS), meaning that Google services such as Google Assistant, Google Maps navigation and third-party apps are available.
With the EX30, Volvo is focused on providing a cabin that is versatile in terms of storage space, while also reducing resource usage. As an example, the front door cards do not contain speakers (there are still units for the rear doors), so less wiring and material is needed. Instead, there’s a soundbar made up of a cluster of drivers that is part of the Harman Kardon audio system, and the lack of speakers enables more storage space on the front door cards.
Similarly, the controls for the windows are not found on any of the doors but on the centre console, which comes with a cupholder that can be extended or retracted to suit your needs. There’s also a passthrough tunnel under the centre console to store even more items (a handbag will fit), while the glovebox is in an unconventional central position beneath the touchscreen so both front passengers have easy access.
For larger items, the rear boot has a carrying capacity of 318 litres that is expandable to 718 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear bench down, inclusive of a 61-litre underfloor compartment. The frunk is small with a capacity of just seven litres but is enough for seldom-used items like a warning triangle or tyre repair kit.
The equipment list for the EX30 Plus includes 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, a tyre pressure monitoring system, keyless entry and start (with key card and tag), a powered tailgate, dual-zone climate control (with PM2.5 sensor), a wireless charging pad, manually operated front seats as well as the aforementioned displays and infotainment system.
Driver assistance systems are adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, Pilot Assist (semi-autonomous driving), front and rear parking sensors, collision avoidance and mitigation, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring with steer assist, cross traffic alert with auto brake, driver monitoring and a reverse camera.
Step up to the Ultra and you’ll gain a fixed panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera, Park Pilot Assist (assisted parking) as well as powered front seats with four-way lumbar support for the driver. The range-topping variant is identical in terms of equipment to the mid-range Ultra, with its AWD powertrain being the primary difference.
Buyers will have five colours to choose from, namely Cloud Blue, Moss Yellow, Crystal White, Vapour Grey and Onyx Black, all of which are paired with an Indigo interior featuring fabric and Nordico synthetic leather upholstery, accompanied by recycled denim decor panels and blue air vents.
A five-year, unlimited-mileage vehicle warranty is standard and the battery is covered for eight years. You also get a complimentary five-year Volvo Service Plan, which can be transferred to another owner should you decide to sell early. That’s not all, Google and data connectivity is also included for up to five years.
We’ve already had a go in the EX30 prior to the Malaysian launch, and you can find out what Hafriz Shah thinks about it in the video below. What about you? Is the EX30 an attractive EV worth considering? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
GALLERY: 2024 Volvo EX30 Ultra Extended Range at GIIAS 2024
GALLERY: 2024 Volvo EX30 in Malaysia
The post 2024 Volvo EX30 launched in Malaysia – up to 428 PS, 476 km WLTP EV range; 3 variants; from RM189k appeared first on Paul Tan’s Automotive News.
