The All-New Volvo EX30
Now this Volvo EX30 costs $55,000. Is it good value for money or not? We’re going to find out in a moment, so let’s dive into this review right now. What we’re looking at is the all-new Volvo EX30. It is directly related to the smart hasht one, which is another electric car in the Daimler group, also known as Mercedes everybody.
Shifting Away from Scandinavian Charm
Speaking of Sweden, it should be noted that Volvo cars are owned by a Chinese car manufacturer called Jil. Ever since the ownership by Gil, there has been a noticeable shift in Volvo’s Scandinavian charm. On the positive side, Volvo has taken a step towards the premium segment, evident with the second-generation Volvo XC90 released in 2015. This was a milestone moment for the Volvo brand, but at the same time, there was a lingering feeling that Volvo was slowly losing its Scandinavian charm.
This sentiment becomes painfully obvious with the Volvo EX30. While it is electric, gorgeous, interesting, and revolutionary, it lacks that distinct Scandinavian charm Volvo was once known for.
A Departure from Tradition
Looking at the front of the Volvo EX30, it is clear that Volvo has taken the same route as other electric cars – simplicity. The proud G Grill and diagonal badge, once iconic of Volvo, have been abandoned in favor of a continuous front design. This decision may be attributed to the electric nature of the car, but it remains a departure from Volvo’s traditional aesthetic.
Bold Design and Uniqueness
Despite the departure from tradition, there’s no denying that the Volvo EX30 looks stunning. It exudes an air of boldness and uniqueness that sets it apart from other electric cars in the market. Volvo has managed to create a design that is both futuristic and eye-catching.
Premium Features
One of the highlights of the Volvo EX30 is its premium features. It comes equipped with the latest technology and safety features that are expected from a luxury electric car. The interior is sleek and modern, providing a comfortable and luxurious experience for both the driver and passengers.
Performance and Efficiency
When it comes to performance, the Volvo EX30 does not disappoint. It offers impressive acceleration and handling, making it a joy to drive. The electric motor provides a smooth and quiet ride, while the range is sufficient for most daily commutes.
Exterior Design
The Volvo EX30 boasts some unique features that set it apart from other Volvo models. One notable feature is the distinct T-shaped headlights, giving the vehicle a modern and futuristic look. Additionally, the car comes equipped with a 360 parking camera and parking sensors both at the front and rear, ensuring optimum safety and convenience. However, one peculiar aspect is the air intake, which is located underneath the vehicle and accompanied by air vents on the sides. Although these additions may seem unnecessary, it adds a touch of uniqueness to the overall design.
Rear Design
Moving to the rear of the Volvo EX30, we notice a split in the rear lights. The classic design remains intact, with a U shape prominently displayed. However, Volvo has cleverly added a body paint division to enhance the visual appeal. Furthermore, the Model name is elegantly placed on the C pillar. Another interesting feature is the presence of frameless side view mirrors, which not only adds to the aesthetics but also provides a wider field of view for the driver. On the downside, the exposed flap at the back raises questions about its purpose, although it can be assumed that it serves to protect the bodywork from mud over time.
Interior Impressions
When it comes to the interior of the Volvo EX30, opinions may vary. The first thing that catches the eye is the absence of the typical Volvo identity. Except for the layout of the infotainment system and the air vents, there are not many evident Volvo traits within the interior. This departure from the traditional Volvo style can be either refreshing or confusing, depending on one’s perspective. Despite this, the overall interior design is completely different from what one would expect from a Volvo.
In conclusion, the Volvo EX30 presents a unique and distinct style that sets it apart from other Volvo models. While some elements may raise questions or perplex the viewer, such as the air intake and exposed flap, it is undeniable that these features contribute to the vehicle’s individuality. The interior, on the other hand, is a departure from the traditional Volvo design, which may evoke mixed feelings among potential buyers. Ultimately, whether the Volvo EX30 is considered a good addition to the Volvo lineup or too much of a deviation from the brand’s identity would depend on the individual’s preference and perspective.
Design and Seating
The design of the door in the NEW Volvo EX30 is reminiscent of the Smart hash1, particularly the way it is related to the smart hhog one. Interestingly, it also brings to mind the Mercedes EQ classes. The seating adjustment in this Volvo model is electric, with a single knob that allows you to move the seats front and back. The steering adjustment is also controlled by a knob, providing the convenience of adjusting it up, down, in, and out. However, one notable aspect is the absence of an instrument cluster. Instead, there is a small display, which I assume includes the speedometer.
Transmission and Steering Wheel
The NEW Volvo EX30 introduces a unique concept for transmission control. A second knob is placed in the interior, creating an interesting and cool design concept. The steering wheel feels comfortable to hold, despite its oval shape rather than the traditional round shape. It adds a touch of uniqueness to the overall design. The thickness of the wheel is just right, with a good quality leather wrapping. However, I did notice a slight inconvenience. There is only one stock for both the indicator and wiper control. Surprisingly, there is no dedicated control for lighting, such as activating headlights. It seems that Volvo expects drivers to access these controls through the infotainment system, which I personally find old school and annoying. On a positive note, there is a handy button located to easily open the glove box.
Infotainment System
The highlight of the infotainment system in the NEW Volvo EX30 is the large tablet-like display. It provides a modern and sleek look to the interior. However, it is worth mentioning that the absence of an instrument cluster raises questions about the visibility of crucial information while driving. I can only assume that the speedometer is included in the small display, but it might take some time to adjust to this unconventional setup.
Glove Box
The glove box in the NEW Volvo EX30 is a bit alarming. At first, I thought this would be a regular glove box like in the Volvo XC90. In the XC90, there’s a button that enables you to open the glove box. However, in the EX30, they call this a glove box, but it’s not what I expected.
Cup Holder
On the bright side, there is a cup holder in the EX30, and it’s very pleasant. It’s flexible and can hold bottles of all sizes, which is great. Additionally, you can adjust it to your liking, which adds to the convenience. Overall, I like this feature.
Windows Control
The window control in the EX30 is located over here. It’s easy to access and use, which is a plus. However, I couldn’t find the central console storage, and I’m not the only one. It seems that Volvo decided to be overly innovative and sacrificed the central console storage for cup holders. As a compensation, they provided a cute Ikea furniture-like storage space in its place.
Charging Ports and Wireless Self
One impressive feature of the EX30 is that it has two charging ports. This is definitely handy for those who need to charge multiple devices simultaneously. Additionally, it even has a wireless self for recharging, which is a nice touch. And there are little sponges to hold your phone securely. These features make the interior of the EX30 quite unique.
Revolutionary Interior
The interior of the EX30 is truly revolutionary. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. But, I have to admit, it’s also a bit perplexing. There are certain things that I’m not accustomed to, and it will take some time to get used to them. However, the door handle has a really nice touch to it, which adds to the overall experience.
Unique Door Handles and Door Bin
Volvo never fails to surprise with its unique door handles. Each time a new handle is introduced, it is initially impressive, but then becomes familiar over time. Nevertheless, the door bin is a nice feature. It perfectly accommodates my water bottle, although it doesn’t keep it secure, which sometimes results in it falling.
Rear Window Controls
Controlling the rear windows of the Volvo EX30 requires pressing a button, which takes some getting used to. Unlike conventional handles, there is no handle to hold onto for support while seating oneself properly. This design choice is rather puzzling.
Rear Seat Comfort and Space
Moving on to the rear seats of the Volvo EX30, the entrance is just average. The door handle, similar to Mercedes’ design, is selective and takes some adjustment. It is not something I am accustomed to. Additionally, there is limited legroom, as my feet are buried underneath the passenger seat. My knees often brush against the front passenger seat, although this can be mitigated with seat adjustments. The seat itself is comfortable but a bit squishy.
Front Seat Features
When it comes to the driver and front passenger seats, there are no back seat pockets, which is slightly disappointing. However, there is a removable tray available, which is a nice alternative. I can place my water bottle on the tray and easily slide it back into place. Overall, this is a decent feature.
Convenient Window Buttons
The window buttons are conveniently located right there, within easy reach. This placement allows for seamless control of the windows while driving without any hassle.
With its unique door handles and door bin, the Volvo EX30 offers some interesting features. However, the rear seats may leave passengers wanting more space and comfort. The absence of back seat pockets is also a minor drawback. On a positive note, the removable tray is a welcome addition. Overall, the window button placement is convenient for effortless window control.
Unique Design and Features
The Volvo EX30 stands out from the crowd with its unique design and features. From the first glance, it is clear that this car is unlike any other on the market. The door bin is one of the standout features, with a beautiful design that catches the eye. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that the door bin is rather small. This may pose a challenge when trying to fit larger items, such as water bottles, inside.
Limited Storage Space
While the EX30 offers a stunning exterior, the interior falls short in terms of storage space. The lack of an armrest on the side of the rear seats is disappointing, as it means there is nowhere convenient to place small items. There is a small amount of storage space, but it may not be enough to meet everyone’s needs.
Elevated Boot Space
When it comes to the boot space of the EX30, there are some interesting features to note. The entrance of the boot space is elevated, which requires caution when lifting luggage inside. The body paint is also exposed in this area, so care must be taken to avoid any damage. However, there is a plastic boot lip that provides some protection.
Flexible Boot Space
Despite its quirks, the EX30 does offer a decent amount of boot space. The adjustable boot floor allows for customization, with the option to remove certain components to create additional volume. This flexibility is a welcome feature, as it allows drivers to adapt the space to their specific needs. Additionally, the presence of a 12-volt socket and tether points on the side of the boot further enhance its practicality.
Effortlessly Closing Doors
One of the standout features of the EX30 is the electric door, which closes automatically. This adds a touch of convenience to the overall experience, as drivers do not need to worry about manually closing the doors.
Design and Identity
The design of the NEW Volvo EX30 is undeniably unique. It’s a departure from the traditional Volvo aesthetic, reminiscent of the popular Volvo XC90 or the classic Volvo crossover SUVs like the XC40. However, this new model, the C40 Volvo EX30, raises some questions about its identity. As an electric vehicle, it was expected to offer something different, and in that sense, it delivers.
Value for Money
One of the significant considerations when purchasing any vehicle is its price. The Volvo EX30 comes with a price tag of $55,000, and this raises the question of whether it provides good value for money. If you’re looking at it from the perspective of a company vehicle, then yes, it does offer good value for money. However, if you were hoping for the same Scandinavian pride and Volvo identity that previous models have offered, you may be left disappointed.
A New Chapter for Volvo
Personally, I have a positive opinion of the Volvo EX30. I believe it marks a new chapter for the Volvo brand. Admittedly, the first pages of any new venture may have their imperfections, and Volvo is no exception. However, I am confident that as the years go by and the pages turn, Volvo will make significant improvements. This model reflects their commitment to electric vehicles, and I am excited to see what they have in store for the future.
Conclusion
So, is the Volvo EX30 a good value for money? While it may lack the Scandinavian charm that Volvo was once known for, it makes up for it with its bold design, premium features, and efficient performance. It may not be to everyone’s taste, but for those looking for a unique and futuristic electric car, the Volvo EX30 is worth considering.
In conclusion, the NEW Volvo EX30 offers a unique design that sets it apart from other vehicles in its class. The electric seating and steering adjustments provide convenience, while the transmission control adds an interesting touch to the interior. However, the absence of dedicated controls for lighting and the reliance on the infotainment system for important functions may not appeal to everyone. Overall, the NEW Volvo EX30 presents an intriguing blend of innovation and unconventional choices, leaving the question of whether it is good or perhaps a little too much up to individual preferences and opinions.
In conclusion, the Volvo EX30 is a unique addition to the Volvo lineup. While it may not possess the same Volvo identity as its predecessors, it represents a new era for the brand. The value for money may vary depending on your needs, with the EX30 being a great choice for company vehicles. Overall, I am optimistic about the future of Volvo and the strides they will make in the coming years. Stay tuned for more updates and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for the latest news and reviews.