Volvo EX30 Review: Fun but Flawed
Remember when Volvo Was it just a “safe” brand? Boxy, sturdy, reliable and completely reasonable? For many, this image may still be the predominant view of the automaker. But in reality, it was many years ago. For some time now, Volvo has wanted to be seen as a premium brand. Indeed, this was clear ten years ago when he was poaching Bentley interior design head.
Since then, Volvo’s prices have also increased steadily. So much so that, almost inevitably, the company’s customers have aged.
Premium prices inevitably mean that fewer and fewer young drivers can afford to buy. The result ? The average age of Volvo customers in the UK is 54 years old. Fifty-four years old. Remember when you thought 54 was old? I do. In fact, terrifyingly, 54 years old is not far off from qualifying for a free “elderly” bus pass in England.
This fact is the main reason why the EX30 exists. Volvo urgently needs a gateway drug, something affordable to get young drivers hooked on what it sees as its USP: an enticing blend of Swedish design, Google-powered technology and, thanks to its parent company. Geely, Chinese know-how in electric vehicles – and bring down this average age. Then, over time, when these short-sighted puppies grow up and stop spending all their hard-earned money on vacations and Shein carriesask them to exchange for the “proper” models like the EX90.
That’s the plan, or so it seems. Last year, CEO Jim Rowan, hinting at the upcoming electric mini SUV, described the EX30 as an urban electric vehicle aimed “at a younger demographic who can subscribe to it and make it their first Volvo.” Note the “first Volvo” and, yes, “subscribe.”
Volvo’s sister brand reserved for electric vehicles Lynk & Co., one of Geely’s many automotive alternatives (Polestar, Zeekr and Smart are others), has for years favored the subscription model over outright ownership. The subscription of course makes buying a car easier for young people. But, to be sure, the EX30’s overall price is also lower, for a Volvo: it starts from £33,795 in the UK and $34,950 in the US.
So it’s fair to say that the EX30 is a significant launch for Volvo. Much depends on the success of this model, especially as other cheaper Chinese EV brands, including Volvo’s own partners, come to lunch.
Choose the flavor of your battery
Speaking of which, to keep costs down while still making the EX30 look like a sophisticated modern-day Volvo, this electric vehicle is based on the smaller version of the Geely. Sustainable Experience Architecturewhich of course means it inevitably shares similar specs to the band. Smart #1 And Zeekr, even if it tries to pass itself off as a Scandinavian country. So, just like with EX90Volvo essentially competes with itself, as well as companies like Tesla and VW.
This urban electric vehicle has three powertrain options and two different battery types. For those who mainly make short trips, there is a single engine with a cheaper price. LFP battery It’s supposed to be good for 214 miles on a charge.
