The most expensive dual-motor Ultra Twin Performance EX30 meanwhile comes in at RM 228,888.
Following on from its international launch last year, the Volvo EX30 is finally here in Malaysia. And the biggest news with this smallest of Scandinavian EVs is that it lands locally costing from just RM 188,888 for the base Plus trim, before rising to RM 208,888 and RM 228,888 for the posher Ultra and hotter Ultra Twin Performance variants respectively.
Initially arriving fully imported from China before its eventual local assembly early next year, the EX30 is able to tout such a (relatively for a Volvo) small price tag because it is itself not the biggest of cars. In fact, this smallest EV ever from the Swedish automaker is really only a smidge bigger than a Myvi.
Though small it may be, there are certain aspects of this Volvo that is on the larger size. All 3 variants on offer for instance packs a 69 kWh NMC battery pack, which provides up to 476 km of range for the single motor variants or 450 km for the EX30 Ultra Twin Performance.
Similarly sizeable too is the peak DC charging capability of the EX30, with it accepting up to 175 kW and be charged from 10 to 80% in as little as 28 minutes. This subcompact Volvo e-crossover meanwhile accepts up to 11 kW of AC charging input, that sees a 0-100% state of charge taking roughly eight hours this way.
As for what uses up all that charge now, the two lower-tier EX30 (Plus and Ultra) come packing a single rear-mounted rated at 276 PS and 343 Nm of torque. 0-100 km/h for both these variants are quoted at a reasonably quick 5.3 seconds, while their top speeds are electronically capped at 180 km/h.
To those who have a penchant for speed will nevertheless be eyeing the Ultra Twin Performance trim, which adds an extra motor up front for a combined system output of 428 PS and 543 Nm of torque. This in turn is sufficient to rocket this spec of EX30 from a standstill to the century mark in a lightning fast 3.6 seconds, before the fun eventually also stops at 180 km/h.
The aforementioned 180 km/h speed cap is part of Volvo’s greater safety pledge of zero serious injuries and fatalities in its vehicles the automaker made back in 2019, with this EX30 expectedly to be chock full too of a suite of active and passive driver aids to further that goal. Among the more worthwhile mentions regarding this aspect includes for this e-crossover to feature door opening alert, Pilot Assist adaptive cruise control, ross traffic alert with auto brake and blind spot monitoring with steer assist.
Interestingly enough though, only the higher-end Ultra-branded trims will net Volvo’s Park Pilot Assist feature (that can handle parallel, curved, perpendicular and diagonal fishbone parking spaces). More curiously too is that a 360º surround view camera has also been gatekept away from the base Plus variant, with it only to make do with a simple reverse camera instead.
Also missing from the base Plus variant are powered front seats with a memory function, as well as a panoramic glass roof (that unfortunately with no retractable shade). All EX30s sold in Malaysia however does come with a more-than-decent Harman Kardon Premium Sound audio system and the largest central screen featured in any Volvo to date, with the 12.3-inch display running Android Automotive OS and comes with wireless Apple CarPlay.
A few quirks that are quickly worth a mention within the EX30 while on the topic of its cabin includes for it to feature a squircle multi-function steering wheel, in addition to all its window switches to be housed on the centre console. It also has no instrument cluster to speak of, as well as a glovebox that is located right beneath the central display (and can only be opened through the touchscreen).
Finally discussing the design of the EX30 here, this compact e-crossover features a rather rakish front that is topped off by a clamshell bonnet (to which hides a small frunk underneath) and a pair of Thor’s hammer LED headlights. A set of 19-inch wheels and frameless exterior door mirrors in turn adorn its side profile, while a set of vertically-set split-level LED tail lights flanking its powered tailgate round out its blocky rump.
According to its maker here, each step that went into designing the EX30 has a significant impact for the automaker’s sustainability ambitions and electrification journey. By tackling emissions across the entire production and lifecycle of the car as well as considerate use of recycled or renewable materials inside and out, this compact crossover is designed to have the lowest carbon footprint of any Volvo to date – less than 30 tonnes over 200,000 km of driving.
Customers have the option of 5 colour choices with their EX30 over here: Cloud Blue, Vapour Grey, Crystal White, Onyx Black and Moss Yellow. This last offering is said to be inspired by lichen growing along the Swedish west coast, and will exclusively be available for the Ultra variants for a limited run in Malaysia.
Like every fully electric model from Volvo sold in Malaysia, the EX30 comes with five-year complimentary Volvo Service Plan (VSP), digital services, 24-hour roadside assistance, and unlimited-mileage vehicle warranty. For further peace of mind too, its high-voltage battery pack is warrantied for eight years.
Volvo Car Malaysia is currently hosting an exclusive showcase and test drive experience from Thursday, 26 September to Sunday, 29 September at KL Base, Sungai Besi. There, customers can experience the new Volvo EX30 in person and learn more about the features, technology and performance of the car. Register your attendance at https://forms.volvocarmalaysia.com/ex30.
