The Volvo EX30 Ultra Twin Motor Performance is the top seller in the EX30 range, South Africa’s best-selling electric car model series. Here’s what makes the EX30, and the Ultra Twin specifically, so special.
The Volvo EX30 brings a unique blend of Scandinavian design, technological innovation, and solid performance, making it a true standout in the South African car market. It isn’t perfect, though, and its lack of control buttons and an instrument display will be a turn-off for some potential buyers.
For others, the EX30 Ultra Twin’s ludicrous acceleration will more than compensate for any shortcomings. In the video below, you can see its effect on an unsuspecting passenger!
Build and interior
From the moment you enter this Volvo’s cabin, it’s clear that build quality is a priority. Every surface, every button, every touchpoint feels substantial and thoughtfully crafted.
The cabin is a feast for the senses with a mix of soft-touch materials and innovative design elements. The door releases, for instance, reminded me of a repeater rifle from the American Old West (see image below).
The clever sliding cup holders that emerge from the middle console add a fun, practical touch. The cabin surfaces feature a mix of soft-touch materials, providing a tactile experience that enhances the overall feeling of luxury.
A Harman Kardon sound system, integrated with a soundbar, delivers crystal-clear audio. And while the frameless, teardrop-shaped side mirrors look stylish, they also offer near perfect rear vision.
Size
At a length of 4 233 mm, the EX30 is slightly longer than the VW T-Cross (4 135 mm) and about four fingers shorter than the all-electric BYD Dolphin (4 290 mm).
The Volvo’s 1 549 mm height just about matches the Dolphin’s 1 570 mm. In the Volvo line-up, the EX30 slots in below the electric XC40 and C40.
Technology and display
In terms of technology and ergonomics, the EX30 takes a bold approach. Directly in front of the driver is a small camera display, replacing the traditional instrument cluster. While this is controversial, it is said that this design reflects Volvo’s commitment to a minimalist, clutter-free interior. There’s no doubt it saves Volvo money too!
All information is displayed on a massive central tablet that functions as the car’s command centre. The tablet is responsive and far superior to the operating systems found in older Volvo models.
A tablet or nothing
However, navigating through this single screen can be cumbersome. To open the glove compartment, for example, you need to return to the home screen first if you are on a different page of the menu.
The steering wheel has a limited number of buttons, including a customisable favourites button, cruise control, and audio track controls. This minimalistic design helps reduce distractions, although adjusting the side mirrors via the steering wheel controls can be a bit fiddly. A small adjustment on the button often results in a larger movement of the particular side mirror that is being adjusted.
Driving experience
When it comes to driving dynamics, the EX30 Ultra Twin Motor Performance offers a mixed bag. On straight roads, it impresses with its acceleration, easily matching the 0-100 km/h sprint times of older model Ferraris, like the F430.
However, it eventually becomes clear that the EX30 is not designed to be a performance car. The car feels less confident during fast cornering, with a slight tendency to shimmy.
The steering, even in its heaviest setting, can feel artificially weighted and lacks the directness that driving enthusiasts crave. This makes the EX30 less suited for spirited driving on twisty mountain roads. Additionally, the low-profile tyres on 20” wheels don’t inspire confidence on rough gravel surfaces, further cementing its role as a city-centric vehicle rather than an all-terrain performer.
Comfort and practicality
Comfort is where the EX30 truly shines. The man-made leather seats are supportive, and the glass roof, while fixed, adds an airy ambiance to the cabin. The soft, spongy floating armrest is a welcome addition, and the large, usable boot space ensures practicality for everyday use.
Note that the integrated headrests, if specified with cloth upholstery, could be problematic for those who prefer to remove them for cleaning.
Rear space is limited, and while three adult passengers can fit, it’s a tight squeeze. The electric windows also require a bit of patience as you have to select either front or rear control on the central tablet.
Safety features
Volvo’s reputation for safety is well represented in the EX30. The car is packed with features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Pilot Assist, Collision Avoidance, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert with auto-brake.
The 360° camera with 3D view offers a comprehensive perspective of the car’s surroundings, making parking and manoeuvring in tight spaces real easy.
The car is also equipped with a digital key, which allows for keyless entry and start, and a pedestrian warning sound when reversing.
Charging and range
The EX30 Ultra Twin Motor Performance is equipped with a 22 kW on-board charger (for AC charging), instead of the slower 11 kW charger of the lesser EX30s. The range is about 350 km on a full charge, which is more than sufficient for daily commutes and weekend trips.
At a 60 kW DC charge point, it will take around 40 minutes to charge the battery from 10 to 80 percent.
The integration with Google services is particularly useful, providing real-time information on battery charge status and estimated range to your destination.
Cost and value
With a price tag of R1 023 900, the Volvo EX30 Ultra Twin Motor Performance is not a cheap proposition, but it offers a lot for the money. The suite of safety features alone make it a compelling choice in the luxury electric SUV market.
Conclusion and rating
The Volvo EX30 Ultra Twin Motor Performance is an outstanding vehicle with a few quirks. It offers a unique blend of cutting-edge technology, luxurious comfort, and a serene driving experience.
While it’s not a sports car and doesn’t quite feel at home when driven fast on mountain passes, it excels as a refined city cruiser with enough power to thrill on straight stretches. Its innovative design and strong build quality make it a frontrunner for the South African Car of the Year award, and it’s a worthy addition to Volvo’s growing electric vehicle lineup.
The Volvo EX30 Ultra Twin Motor Performance scores 4 out of 5.
4.0 out of 5.0 starsSpecifications
- Price: R1 023 900 (September 2024)
- Engine: Two electric motors
- Max. power: 315 kW
- Max. torque: 543 Nm
- Transmission: 1-speed
- Driven wheels: all
- Electric motor battery: 69 kWh (64 kWh usable)
- Range: 460 km (Volvo’s figure)
- Consumption: 18 kWh/100 km (Volvo’s figure)
- Maximum charge power: 158 kW (33 to 268 km in 25 min)
- Unladen weight: 1 960 kg
- Luggage volume: 316 litres
- 0-100 km/h sprint: 3,6 seconds
- Top speed: 180 km/h
- Warranty: 5-year or 100 000 km vehicle warranty and 8-year or 160 000 km battery warranty
- Maintenance: 5-year or 100 000 km full maintenance plan
- Also consider: BYD Dolphin, GWM Ora 03, BMW iX1, MINI Countryman SE, Mercedes-Benz EQA
