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The new entry-level baby SUV from Volvo boasts EX90-inspired styling, advanced safety tech, and wallet-friendly EV performance
by Josh Byrnes
May 20, 2023 at 13:08
This story includes speculative illustrations that are not affiliated with or endorsed by Volvo.
Volvo’s electric vehicle rollout will hit high voltage with an all-new baby crossover named EX30. Sitting below the C40 and XC40 Recharge, the pint-size offering is expected to be the Swedish automaker’s most affordable EV.
Gothenburg has already released a teaser, and patent images of the final product have surfaced online too. So, what else can we expect before its imminent debut? Let’s illustratively dive further.
Minimalist Design
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If there is one thing Volvo gets right, it is design. Unlike other automakers that push the envelope with too many styling cues, the Swedes understand simple yet excellent design balance. In the case of the EX30, that still rings true.
Looking like a shrunken EX90, the EX30 sports a smooth front fascia flanked by a pair of segmented matrix LED headlamps. There is tasteful restraint to the creases within the hood and front fenders, whilst the side profile looks as if it were chiselled from stone.
The contrasting roof and glasshouse could have come from the XC40, while the solid rear haunches exude a planted stance. Out back, it features a unique lighting signature; the main taillamps span the width of the tailgate, whilst secondary clusters flank the upper glass.
Under The Skin
Inside, the baby EV will have a cabin like Volvo and Polestar’s other recent new offerings. A massive infotainment screen vertically placed will dominate the dash, whilst a smaller landscape-orientated digital instrument cluster is positioned behind the steering wheel. No high console separates the driver and front passenger, but rather a sliding bin with ample storage.
Much emphasis will be been placed on employing recycled materials throughout, and the seats will feature a wool blend, whilst a panoramic roof contributes to a spacious perception. Interior smarts include over-the-air updates with 5G connectivity, Nvidia Drive AI, Google apps, and services assistance.
The EX30 is believed to be built on Geely’s SEA architecture, which it shares with the Smart #1 and Zeekr X, both of similar size. Speculation suggests that the utilization of aluminum in key components will contribute to weight reduction, enhancing performance and handling capabilities.
Tech And Safety Features
Volvo has already highlighted some of the EX30’s most notable features in a series of teasers. The upcoming electric SUV will be equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including a novel door opening alert system that notifies passengers of approaching bikes, pedestrians, or vehicles.
As with all Volvos, safety is a key focus for the EX30, with the automaker incorporating “Safe Space Technology” into the ADAS package. This technology includes a sensor behind the steering wheel that tracks the driver’s eye and face movements to detect distractions or drowsiness. Additionally, the intersection auto brake feature aims to prevent collisions when another vehicle unexpectedly crosses the path of the EX30.
Volvo has also prioritized passive safety measures in the EX30. The SUV boasts a robust safety cage, reinforced pillars, and roof, along with high-strength steel to safeguard the integrity of the battery. Notably, a new far-side airbag positioned on the inside of the driver’s seat is designed to mitigate head and thorax injuries in the event of a side impact.
Amped Ambitions
Patent drawings of the Volvo EX30
Critical metrics for range and performance have yet to be revealed. However, it is rumored to use a lithium-ion phosphate battery to curtail costs and a 400-volt architecture to enable DC rapid charging up to 250 kW. A single rear-drive motor will be standard, and a more powerful dual-motor setup will be optional. In the Smart #1, the single motor version produces 268 hp while the range-topping dual motor model has 422 hp.
While the larger EX90 uses a massive 111 kWh battery offering an estimated WLTP range of 372 miles (600 km), we expect figures closer to that of the C40 Recharge. For reference, that vehicle’s 69 kWh battery is suitable for a range of up to 438 km (272 miles).
Rivals and Reveal
Measuring around 4.2-4.3 meters (~165-170 inches) long, the EX30 will have its work cut out giving Volvo a rival to an array of models ranging from the Hyundai Kona EV to the Mini Countryman and depending on the price, possibly even the long rumored Tesla Model 2 if and when it enters production.
Mark your calendars: Volvo has confirmed that the official reveal of the EX30 is set for June 7, and interested buyers will have the opportunity to pre-order in select markets starting from that date.
What do you think of the all-new Volvo EX30? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
