Launched: Volvo EX30 – 3 CBU Variants, Up To 476 KM Range, From RM188,888

VCM officially launched the new and all-electric Volvo EX30 premium compact crossover SUV earlier today.

At  last, Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) expanded its local line-up today after officially launching its newest all-electric metal in the form of the new Volvo EX30.

At today’s launch, VCM revealed it will offer this compact premium crossover across three fully imported (CBU) variants first, with plans to localise (CKD) it starting next year. For now, buyers can opt for the EX30 in base ‘Plus’, up-specced ‘Ultra’ and range-topping ‘Ultra Twin Performance’ guises.

VCM brings the EX30 to Malaysia as a CBU offering first with plans to localise it (CKD) next year.

A total of five exterior colourways are available, all  matched with a sole Indigo interior motif featuring fabric and Nordico synthetic leather upholstery plus a myriad of cabin décor trims produced using recycled denim.

Unlike other markets, the base Volvo EX30 Plus harnesses a 69 kWh NMC-type battery pack that juices a single rear-mounted e-motor. The higher-specced Ultra guise shares the same setup, with the latter e-motor outputting 272 HP and 343 NM to enable 0-100 KM/H dashes in 5.3 seconds.

Critically, this setup grants a claimed WLTP-rated maximum range of 476 KM. The pack can be recharged via 11 kW AC that see 0-100% re-charges done in 8 hours, or up to 153 kW DC rapid-charging. Naturally, the latter sees quicker charge times, enabling 10-80% attained in just 28 minutes.

All three variants share the same 69 kWh NMC-type battery pack, but there are two powertrain setups available - single- and dual-motor.

The same battery pack is also found in the range-topping Ultra Twin Performance variant, but its adoption of a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup sees output peppier figures of 422 HP and 543 NM instead. In turn, this also allows it to despatch 0-100 KM/H sprints in just 3.6 seconds.

The added performance and speed – which includes a ‘Performance AWD’ mode – does come at the added price of range, and it sees this dual-motor guise making do with a lower WLTP-rated claimed maximum range of 450 KM. As for V-Max, all variants are electronically capped at 180 KM/H.

In terms of size and dimensions, the EX30 sits more compact over its smart #1 cousin - both share the same Geely-developed SEA platform underneath.

We’ve detailed this in our First Drive report, but it’s worth repeating that despite sharing the same Geely-developed SEA platform as the smart #1, the EX30 from Volvo has a more compact footprint than said Sino-German cousin. This also makes the EX30 smaller than Volvo’s XC40 and C40 models.

We’ve also detailed much of the on board tech, luxuries and overall space present in the EX30’s cabin in our First Drive report mentioned. Nevertheless, it is still worth noting again that this Swedish cousin to the smart #1 has a more luxurious and higher-quality cabin.

On board, the Ex30 boasts a clearly more luxurious cabin compared to its smart-badged cousin, as detailed in our First Drive report.

Much of the headlining features are shared across all three guises, but the range-topper does benefit with a slew of added kit. Common across all include all-LED headlights, 19-inch diamond-cut wheels, Harman Kardon premium audio suite, powered tailgate, as well as ambient interior trims.

Only the range-topping Ultra Twin Performance guise benefits with additions such as a 360-degree parking camera, powered front seats, and a fixed panoramic sunroof. Additionally, the range-topper mentioned also gains Volvo’s Park Pilot Assist semi-autonomous parking.

The latter comes on top of a full Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) package, known as the Volvo Pilot Assist suite, that’s primed as standard across the board. In typical Volvo fashion, said suite grants the EX30 a high degree of semi-autonomous driving abilities.

Other key novel features primed include an Android Automotive-powered 12.3-inch portrait central touchscreen display offering a slew of data-driven functions such as navigation, media playback and access to third-party apps, followed by a novel new NFC-powered keycard.

As for other basics, you’ll find the EX30 comes laden with things like dual-zone automatic climate control with dedicated rear passenger vents, four USB-C charging ports, as well as  wireless charging pad, amongst many others.

Over on to price and, justifiably, this smaller-sized cousin to the smart #1 has a ‘smaller’ premium price tag to boot. Things start at RM188,888 for the base EX30 Plus, RM208,888 for the mid-specced EX30 Ultra, and from RM228,888 for the EX30 Ultra Twin Performance range-topper.

All prices include a 5-year unlimited mileage base vehicle warranty, followed by a separate 8-year EV battery warranty coverage. Additionally, VCM adds a 5-year free service package, 5-year 24-hour roadside assistance, as well as complimentary Google and data connectivity for up to 5 years, on top of it all.