2025 Volvo EX30 Twin Performance Ultra Review

Swedish brand makes a statement with electrified pocket rocket.

By carsales.com.au

The Volvo EX30 has proven to be a real hit since its 2024 launch.

A compact electric SUV offered in two trims and two levels of powertrain that looks great on the outside and has a real Swedish minimalist vibe about it on the inside.

This is the modern Volvo, and definitely light years away from the boring boxes on wheels the company was built on.

Here we’re testing the top-of-the-range Twin Performance Ultra, which is blessed with prodigious power and torque and quicker than most supercars.

In fact, it’s the fastest production car Volvo has ever built. But there’s more required of a car than just pure speed, and it’s in that all-round capability where the EX30 proves a bit of a mixed experience.

How much does the Volvo EX30 cost?

The Volvo EX30 is offered in four model variants, starting at $59,990 plus on roads for the entry-level Plus with a single electric motor. This same mechanical configuration can also be had in the upgraded Ultra trim for $66,290 plus on roads which adds a host of extra features (which we’ll explain next).

Or you can take either of two routes with a twin motor set-up: a chunky and funky Cross Country version with raised suspension and matte black highlights that costs from $69,990 plus on-roads or, if you want to enjoy more of the black top, the Ultra Performance model we’re testing here that sits at the top of the range and costs $71,990 plus on-roads.

Across the range, Volvo makes it simple with very few option boxes to tick, and there’s no hidden costs for premium paint choices within the five-colour palette.

Electric rivals for the EX30 are numerous and come from a wide range of brands, stretching alphabetically from the new Audi Q4 e-tron to the Zeekr X.

The Zeekr is one of a couple of in-house rivals along with the Smart #1. Like Volvo, these two brands are part of the immense Chinese Geely Auto Group, and they also share technology including the underpinning SEA (Sustainable Experience Architecture) platform.

What standard equipment does the Volvo EX30 Ultra feature?

Even in the standard Plus configuration, the Volvo EX30 is fitted with a generous level of standard equipment that includes:

• Nordico cloth trim
• Dual-zone climate control
• Removable rear storage box
• Harmon Kardon audio system with soundbar
• Wireless phone charging
• 12.3-inch infotainment touch screen
• Google Assistant, Maps and Play Store
• Wireless smartphone mirroring
• Smartphone app with digital key
• DAB+ digital radio
• Power tailgate

The Ultra models add:

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Heated steering wheel
• Heated front seats
• Power adjustable front seats
• Rear privacy glass
• Panoramic sunroof

What safety features does the Volvo EX30 Ultra have?

The Volvo EX30 scores a maximum five-star ANCAP rating thanks to comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids and crash avoidance systems, including:

• Autonomous emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane keeping assistance
• Blind spot monitoring
• Traffic jam assist
• Rear collision warning
• Road sign recognition
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Driver monitoring
• Seven airbags

The Ultra trim level adds a few more extras including a 360-degree parking display, automated parking assistance and low speed automated braking in reverse.

What is the Volvo EX30 Ultra like on the inside?

While there’s a lot to like about the stylish and minimalist interior design of the EX30, sadly there’s also a fair few negatives here starting with the omission of an instrument panel in front of the driver or a head-up display.

Instead, there’s just the one 12.3-inch central screen that does everything, like a Tesla. But just because the American EV company does something doesn’t make it right.

Having to glance away from the road to your left to check your speed is nonsensical, in my humble opinion. It doesn’t help that the position of the speedo changes in the screen dependant on whether the cruise control is active.

The number of items controlled through the screen adds to the frustration. Physical buttons are in extreme short supply, so adjustments to mirrors and air-conditioning are via the screen.

Very annoying, as was the occasional glitchiness of the Apple CarPlay interface. Software is something Volvo’s been having dramas with for a while.

Other interior controls also take some adjusting to, including the power window switches that double up to open the rear windows; the under-sized glovebox that drops out of the centre console; the lack of overhead grabs for any passengers to hang on to and the single squared off knob that performs all power-seat adjustments.

The EX30 is commendably trimmed in a variety of renewed and recycled materials but some surfaces are pretty hard. That doesn’t quite marry with the price tag.

Of course, being such a small car the EX30 is not generous when it comes to rear seat space. A 180cm passenger behind a 180cm driver will have their knees splayed. There’s also not that much in terms of creature comforts back here.

The boot is quite small at just 318 litres expanding to 904L. But what’s left unsaid in the stats is how wide it is. That’s really helpful when fitting in large awkward items like mountain bikes.

The squared circle ‘squircle’ steering wheel is good to hang on to, front seats are comfortable and some of the storage ideas are innovative, including the extendable centre console tray.

The Pixel Knot interior our test car came with included a truly lovely cloth seat trim and spotty presentation in the dash and doors, which was kinda cool.

What is under the bonnet of the Volvo EX30 Ultra?

The entry-level versions of the Volvo EX30 are powered by a single electric motor that produces 200kW and 343Nm that drives the rear wheels via a single-speed transmission.

But the Ultra Performance has a twin motor configuration that ups the ante to 315kW and 543Nm, which is enough to propel it from 0-100km/h in just 3.5 seconds.

The motors are fed by a 69kWh lithium-ion battery pack that delivers a claimed driving range of 417km on the WLTP cycle in the twin motor models and 462km for the single motor variants.

The battery can be recharged up to 11kW on AC power and 153kW on DC public charging stations, which can refill it from 10-80 percent in around 28 minutes.

What is the Volvo EX30 Ultra like to drive?

Before we talk about the driving experience, I reckon one of the best things about the 2025 Volvo EX30 Twin Performance Ultra is its exterior look.

At only 4233mm long, it’s actually the smallest EV Volvo has yet made. But the designers have done really well with the real estate they have. It’s a step on from the electric XC40 electric (now known as EX40) and C40 Recharge, maybe because it’s based on an EV platform rather than one that has to be shared with an ICE.

Even better is the fact it doesn’t disappoint from behind the wheel. That 3.5-second acceleration time is epically fast. As quick as the latest BMW M5, while saving yourself about $180,000.

Of course, the EX30 covers that ground very stealthily. The primary ways you’re conscious of it are being pinned into your seat and the rapidly blurring scenery.

It’s also great for taking passengers by surprise.

But the EX30 is not a one-trick pony. Terrific acceleration from a standing start is one thing, but the ease of access and usability of the powertrain makes this a very friendly around-town shopping trolley. Talk about a Q-ship.

However, the more time you spend enjoy its performance, the less distance you’ll cover.

And, for that, the claimed range of the EX30 also came up a fair bit shorter than the optimistic predictions presented by the trip computer. It almost caught us out during one day of open-road driving.

Driven normally, and especially around town where it makes better use of the regenerative braking to replenish the battery, and you’ll likely get closer to its 400km-plus figure.

Finally, while we commended the driving experience of the EX30 as a suitable for everyday experience, it doesn’t quite match the burliness of the powertrain.

The steering and handling are fine, but if they could better connect the driver to the experience – it’s hard with EVs to do this – this could be a very memorable little zero-emissions hot hatch. C’mon Volvo, you know you want to.

How much does the Volvo EX30 Ultra cost to maintain?

Like all Volvos, the EX30 is covered by a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty with free roadside assistance and an eight guarantee that the battery pack will maintain a useable state of charge.

Volvo also includes the first five years (or up to 150,000km) of servicing including consumables such as brake discs, brake pads and air filters as part of the purchase price.

Should I lease a Volvo EX30 Ultra?

There is much to like about the 2025 Volvo EX30 Twin Performance Ultra. But there are also some other things that aren’t so good.

It all boils down to this: Good looks and epic straight-line speed are in conflict with interior design and ergonomic failures allied with a premium price.

If it wasn’t so minimalist in so many ways inside, I reckon the EX30 flagship would be so much closer to being a winner.

But, as it is, it’s that bit too compromised for me. Maybe the cheaper price paid for lesser EX30s might make the oversights a bit more bearable.

2025 Volvo EX30 Twin Performance Ultra at a glance:

Editor’s Rating: 7.6/10

^{Disclaimer: Images supplied by carsales}