SWEDISH carmaker Volvo has officially launched its latest fully electric SUV, the EX30, in Malaysia.
There are three variants that will be offered in Malaysia: two single-motor extended-range Plus and Ultra versions and the dual-motor Ultra Twin Performance.
Volvo provided an immersive driving experience at the launch early this week, allowing media members to test the EX30's capabilities including high-speed manoeuvres, sudden turns and emergency braking.
While the driving session gave a glimpse into the EX30's agility, safety and reliability, the limited time available left the media wanting more of the SUV's full potential.
Driving Experiences
Due to its small and nimble size, the Volvo EX30 can be easily manoeuvred anywhere, even in very tight places.
The ride of the car performance is soft, yet the big 20-inch wheels make bumps feel harsh.
Featuring the fastest acceleration of any Volvo car to date, the Plus and Ultra variants of the EV are powered by a single rear-mounted electric motor, which is capable of generating a maximum power of 276 PS and a peak torque of 343 Nm.
It enables the EV to run from zero to 100 kmph in 5.3 seconds and hit an electronically-limited speed of 180 kmph.
The top-spec Ultra Twin Performance, on the contrary, comes equipped with an all-wheel drive dual motor setup tuned to deliver 434 PS and 543 Nm.
It completes the century sprint in 3.6 seconds only, making the EX30 Volvo's fastest accelerating production model ever.
Chic but Not Luxurious Enough
The EX30 blends chic Scandinavian minimalism with Volvo's hallmark safety features, designed for a new generation of urban commuters who value style and sustainability.
However, while the exterior is sleek, the interior falls slightly short in terms of luxury.
The dashboard is dominated by a 12.3-inch vertical centre touchscreen - the only display in the car - surrounded by low-cost plastic door trims, detracting from the otherwise refined first impression.
Despite the aesthetic drawbacks, the EX30 is a standout in sustainability. Every step in its design considers Volvo's environmental goals, using recycled or renewable materials both inside and out.
With a carbon footprint of less than 30 tonnes over 200,000 km of driving, it is the lowest-impact vehicle Volvo has ever produced.
All variants for Malaysia come with a sporty Indigo interior featuring upcycled denim textiles, upholstery made from 100 per cent recycled polyester and Nordico with recycled PET content, while plastic materials are made with 30 percent recycled content.
Competitive Pricing
The EX30 comes with three variants. The base option is known as the Plus and retails for RM188,888 on-the-road without insurance.
It is joined by the Ultra at RM208,888 and the range-topping Ultra Twin Performance priced at RM228,888.
Volvo Car Malaysia sales director Chris Tan highlighted the company's confidence in the new model.
"We have studied the market extensively and identified a gap for an electric SUV at this price point.
"The pricing is attractive, and we are confident that there is space for us in this segment," he said at the launch.
As with every fully electric model from Volvo, the EX30 comes with a five-year complimentary Volvo Service Plan (which can be transferred to another owner should you decide to sell early), digital services, 24-hour roadside assistance, and an unlimited mileage vehicle warranty.
For further peace of mind, the high-voltage battery pack is warrantied for eight years.
Google and data connectivity are also included for up to five years.
Intelligently Safe
All EX30 models come with the highest specification 69 kWh NMC battery pack that provides up to 476 km of range for the single motor variants or 450 km for the EX30 Ultra Twin Performance.
The EX30 is capable of 175 kW DC fast charging and can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in as little as 28 minutes.
On its safety features, the EX30 comes equipped with Volvo's full Safe Space Technology suite and advanced driver assistance systems shared with Volvo's top-of-the-line cars, enabled by radars, ultrasonic sensors, and cameras located around the car.
The EX30 is also the first to include a new generation of Volvo's Park Pilot Assist feature that can handle parallel, curved, perpendicular, and diagonal fishbone parking spaces.
Customers have the option of Cloud Blue, Vapour Grey, Crystal White, and Onyx Black exteriors, with an eye-catching Moss Yellow colourway inspired by lichen growing along the Swedish west coast, exclusively available for the Ultra variants for a limited run in Malaysia.