Double Apex was recently presented with the opportunity to drive the Volvo EX30 Ultra Twin Motor Performance. This model is the smallest fully electrified Volvo in South Africa

Volvo has been a proponent of vehicle electrification. The Swedish brand has stated that 50 per cent of Volvo Cars’ sales volume will consist of fully electric models by 2025. And cars such as this Volvo EX30 Ultra Twin Motor Performance will help the automaker achieve that aim. The EX30 went on sale locally earlier this year. Volvo SA introduced the EX30 in five variants. There is an entry level version with a 200 kW/343 N.m motor that has a range of 343 km. The same powertrain with a larger battery allows up to 480 km of travel. And there is the subject of this review, the Volvo EX30 Twin Motor Performance. Core-, Plus- and Ultra specification levels create the five derivative line-up.

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A Jaw-Dropper

We’ve seen images of the Ex30 before, but were were not quite prepared for how good looking the small crossover is in person. From the detailed headlamps, massive disc-like alloys and stacked taillamps, it all shouts concept car. But the EX30 is a full-on production reality. The lack of a central air intake, but large Volvo badge and angular slash help create a familial appearance stylistically linking it to siblings. Onlookers with swiveling heads echoed our favourable sentiments. All in all it is, in our eyes, the prettiest crossover on sale locally today. Another aspect that surprised us was the size of the EX30. This car is a lot smaller than we expected. In fact, it is the smallest Volvo on sale currently.

Swedish Chic

The chic design aesthetic seen outside continues into the interior. This is, by far, the most simple cabin layout that we have experienced in decades of reviewing cars. The space is light and airy thanks to the light-coloured materials and a full-length panoramic roof. There is a single touchscreen interface sited in the centre of the facia, and that’s it. The Google-linked system displays all info and handles just about all controls. There are buttons on the squared-off steering and just two on the centre armrest for the electric windows. The infotainment system even handles functions such as adjusting the side mirrors and opening the glove-box.

Reducing the button and, therefore parts count, helps to keep the EX30’s production energy count as low as possible. The upholstery is leather-free, adding to Volvo’s sustainability aims. The trim uses recycled materials including the waste from jeans factories, fishing nets and disposable plastic bottles. Volvo says that one-sixth of all the plastic in the car is recycled. A dash-wide soundbar serves as the only speak in the car, saving space on the doors and reducing mass. The lack of ‘interface’ initially feels odd, but one soon gets used to the minimalist cabin. Check out the video at the bottom of this post for more.

Click here to read our twin review of the BMW iX3 and Mercedes-EQ EQB.

AWD EV

The EX30 has no ‘start/stop’ button to activate the drive system, which is similar to other products in the Volvo EV line-up. Once you are inside the car with the key, you simply select ‘drive’ with the stalk gear selector and drive off. When your trip is over you press the ‘P’ button on the lever and simply exit the car. There isn’t even a handbrake to dis/engage. It initially seems weird, but starts to feel completely natural after a few days.

The Volvo EX30 Ultra Twin Motor Performance is powered by two motors, as per its long-winded name. There is one per axle that delivers a total of 315 kW/543 N.m. A single speed transmission handles transfer of power to the road. 543 N.m may not sound impressive in an era of 1 000 N.m sedans, but the EX30 Twin Motor accelerates like no other small car we have ever experienced. All-wheel-drive traction and instantaneous power delivery means that it shunts from standstill. Volvo say it can cover the benchmark 0-100 km/h sprint 3,6 seconds. However, local independent tests have achieved times as low as 3,3. That’s as quick as a Merc-AMG C63S or BMW M4 Competition… crazy.

This model is based on an EV-specific platform, which it shares with other models from the Geely (Volvo’s parent company) Group. This means that the mass and placement of electric systems were taken into account from the very start. As a result the EX30 rides extremely well, even on those beautiful 20-inch alloys. The low-down placement of the battery pack means that the EX30 can be driven around corners pretty quickly, but it isn’t an engaging drive. We suspect that is exactly how most owners prefer it.

Fully Charged

The EX30 Ultra Twin Motor Performance has a 69 kWh battery pack. Volvo claims that this model will travel  up to 450 km on a full charge. We received the test unit with about 300 km. We tried to charge the car at a local shopping mall, but a technical glitch meant we wasted an hour of potential charge time. However, having an EV in the current (no pun intended) climate with limited infrastructure really makes one aware of non-essential travel, and keeping speeds low. Having said that, these problems are highlighted if you don’t have a charging point at your home (as with most motoring journalists), whereas all owners will have the luxury of charging at their leisure in their own garages.

Summary

We’ll be frank, the EX30 was one of the nicest EVs we have experienced. It has taken the low-environmental-impact theme to a new level. It’s arresting appearance and soothing cabin make it one of the more memorable cars we have driven this year. While the power output, and subsequent performance, is impressive, it isn’t a necessity. Are you really going to be blasting away from every traffic light? The single-motor version in high-spec will suit just as well. This is a truly impressive product that is competitively priced. External infrstructure limitations aside, it’s hard to fault the EX30.

Model: Volvo EX30 Ultra Twin Motor Performance
Price: R995 900
Engine: twin electric motors
Transmission: single-speed, AWD
Max power: 315 kW
Max torque: 543 N.m
0-100 km/h: 3,6 sec
Top speed: 180 km/h
Range: 450 km