Impressive 2025 Volvo EX30 Electric SUV Debuts

Jun 17, 2023

After teasing out details for weeks, Volvo has officially unveiled the EX30, its latest all-electric SUV. We’ve already reported that it will be the Swedish brand’s smallest SUV to date, yet it will feature ample versatility and novel details like a first-of-its-kind audio soundbar. It also boasts the lowest carbon footprint of any vehicle made by the luxury automaker. And, it being a Volvo, the EX30 promises new levels of safety. But Volvo has saved the most critical details for last, and they don’t disappoint.

Let’s get straight to it: The 2025 Volvo EX30 looks to be a bargain, with a starting price of $34,950. At current pricing, that makes it the least-expensive vehicle in Volvo’s lineup, undercutting the slightly larger XC40 by $1,600. And that’s not the all-electric XC40 Recharge SUV; that’s the standard, gasoline-powered XC40 we’re discussing.

This is a big deal because electric vehicles still command a premium over their gasoline-only counterparts at this stage in the EV game. The XC40 Recharge EV, for example, begins at $53,550 — $17,000 beyond the gas-powered version. If you want evidence that Volvo is moving quickly and intentionally toward becoming an all-electric brand, the proof is in the price.

That price will also make the EX30 among the most affordable EVs, under or around many models from mainstream brands. A Hyundai Kona Electric, for example, starts at $33,550, while a Kia Niro EV is $39,550.

“The fully electric EX30 might be our smallest ever SUV, but it’s a big deal for our customers and a big deal for us as a company,” says Jim Rowan, Volvo’s chief executive. “We like to say the EX30 is small yet mighty because it delivers on everything you’d want from a Volvo but in a smaller package. Like any Volvo, it’s an outstanding product which is safe and designed around people and their needs.”

The Volvo EX30 will offer two powertrains — a single-motor rear-wheel-drive (RWD) version or a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive (AWD) model. Volvo says the Single Motor Extended Range EX30 is the one for those seeking the most range — up to 275 miles. This model has 268 horsepower — ample for a vehicle this size — and a 0-60 mph time of 5.1 seconds. The dual-motor version, however, really ups the ante for both speed and power.

The Twin Motor Performance EX30 will boast 422 horsepower — 20 more than the larger XC40 Recharge. And here’s the icing: Volvo says the dual-motor EX30 will make the zero-to-60-mph sprint in just 3.4 seconds. For context, only expensive, high-performance sports cars were putting up that kind of time until recently. And no Volvo has ever notched them, making the dual-motor version of the EX30 the fastest accelerating vehicle Volvo has ever made. No wonder they call it mighty. Yet the range still looks laudable for this dual-motor EX30, predicted at 265 miles.

On the charging side of the equation, Volvo says the EX30 electric SUV can juice from 10% to 80% capacity in 26.5 minutes on a DC fast charger.

We’ve also finally gotten a complete look at the EX30’s design at its debut in Milan, Italy. And here, too, this smallest of Volvo offerings delivers big. Where other subcompact SUVs tend to be innocuous, the Volvo EX30 wants to own the runway, regardless of size. It belies its diminutive, city-friendly dimensions with an angular and chiseled exterior, wheels up to 20 inches in size, and a long wheelbase that should contribute to a stable ride. And it offers colors that pop. Exterior paint choices include Cloud Blue and Moss Yellow. Moss, you ask? Volvo says that particular color is “inspired by the lichen growing on rocks along the Swedish west coast.” Score another point for Scandinavian design.

We also had the chance to crawl around inside. The Volvo EX30’s cabin is available in four distinct “rooms,” each with what the automaker calls its own “expression.” This new Volvo electric car also comes with five ambient lighting themes, each inspired by Scandinavian design. Think color themes like the northern lights, a forest, or a sunset. For an added experience, each lighting theme can be paired with its own soundscape. We think this could be an absolute balm in heavy traffic.

Our preview inside the EX30 shows that its interior space belies this SUV’s tidy 166.7-inch length. The cabin is open and airy, and both rows felt roomy for adults of average size. Features like a massive, panoramic glass roof similar to that of the C40 Recharge lets in lots of light, and rear seats that fold nearly flat create generous cargo room for this vehicle’s size.

Thoughtful and exciting touches abound, from a central glovebox and versatile center storage console to a “will it fit?” diagram on the liftgate and a small but handy front trunk (frunk) that can store the vehicle’s charging cable.

Until now, Volvo has emphasized that the EX30 is a small SUV ideally suited for city duties. But the automaker had one more surprise during its unveiling: The EX30 will also be available in a Cross Country variant. If you’re a Volvo enthusiast, your ears just perked up. For those not in the know, Cross Country models represent more rugged, adventure-capable versions of Volvo cars. They have attributes like skid plates and higher ground clearance to amplify their ability to go off the beaten path.

Volvo says an EX30 Cross Country model will be available for order in 2024, with production expected to start later that year. Pre-orders for the standard model are open now, with deliveries expected next year.

See how the latest models measure up based on expert ratings from our Kelley Blue Book editors. See all Best EV Rankings.

2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV

2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5

2023 Ford F150 Lightning

2023 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-EQ EQE

2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge

2023 Lucid Air

2023 Tesla Model X

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