Cargazing
By Derek Price
The 2025 Volvo EX30 is not simply an electric vehicle. It’s a radical rethinking of what a modern car should be.
After spending a week with the Twin Motor Performance Ultra model, it’s clear that Volvo’s smallest offering delivers an outsized experience that challenges conventional automotive wisdom.
Priced at $46,600, the EX30 Twin Motor Performance packs an astonishing 422 horsepower into a compact frame that’s just 166.7 inches long. The result is neck-snapping acceleration — 0-60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, according to Volvo — making this unassuming Swedish SUV quicker than many sports cars.
But raw performance is only part of the EX30’s appeal. Volvo has taken a fundamentally different approach to the car’s interior design and controls, stripping away traditional elements in favor of a minimalist aesthetic centered around a single 12.3-inch touchscreen.
There’s no instrument cluster behind the steering wheel — speed, range and navigation information all appear at the top of the center display. Even the power window switches have migrated to the center console rather than their traditional door-mounted location.
The compact 2025 Volvo EX30 features distinctive Thor’s Hammer headlights and a clean, confident stance that belies its impressive performance capabilities.
These choices feel both refreshing and occasionally frustrating. The lack of physical controls for functions like mirror adjustment requires navigating through touchscreen menus, which is an adjustment for drivers accustomed to dedicated switches.
However, the uncluttered dashboard and thoughtful material choices create a distinctly Scandinavian cabin that feels both premium and environmentally conscious.
The EX30’s compact dimensions belie its practical nature. While not cavernous, the 31.9 cubic feet of cargo space (with rear seats folded) proves adequate for everyday use.
The front trunk, or “frunk,” offers additional storage for charging cables or small items.
On the road, the EX30 delivers an engaging driving experience that balances performance with comfort. The instant torque from the dual electric motors provides thrilling acceleration, particularly in urban environments. Handling is nimble and confident, if not quite as involving as Polestar’s sportier offerings.
Range anxiety is minimized with the EX30’s EPA-estimated 253 miles of range.
The EX30’s minimalist interior centers around a single touchscreen that handles all vehicle functions, eliminating traditional gauges and most physical controls for a distinctly Scandinavian aesthetic.
Not everything about the EX30 feels fully refined. The driver monitoring system can be overly sensitive, occasionally issuing warnings even when attention remains firmly on the road.
Some may question whether design choices like centralizing all controls truly enhance the driving experience or simply prioritize style over substance.
Yet viewed as a complete package, the EX30 represents a compelling value proposition in the rapidly expanding electric vehicle market. Few vehicles at this price point offer comparable performance, distinctive design and technological innovation.
For drivers willing to embrace its different approach to automotive design, the EX30 offers exceptional performance and distinctly Scandinavian style without the premium price typically associated with such attributes.
At A Glance
WHAT WAS TESTED?
2025 Volvo EX30 Twin Motor Performance Ultra ($46,600). Options: Climate package ($500). Price as tested (including $1,295 destination charge): $48,395
BY THE NUMBERS
Wheelbase: 104.3 in.
Length: 166.7 in.
Width: 72.3 in.
Height: 61.1 in.
Power: Dual electric motors (422 hp)
Range: 253 miles
MPGe: 116 city, 100 highway
RATINGS
Style: 9
Performance: 9
Price: 8
Handling: 7
Ride: 6
Comfort: 5
Quality: 6
Overall: 7
WHY BUY IT?
The EX30 delivers sports-car acceleration, distinctive minimalist design and impressive range in an affordable package.
