Volvo EX30 Twin Performance Ultra driving impressions and summary

[@Odinscrow1962]

It’s true, it all depends on what you buy it for. I do 97% driving round town and EV charger fitted last week. Car comes to me in few months????? I have been driving 40 years so Auto Parking not an issue. Boot is mainly for shopping so that’s ok. Motorway perhaps 6 times a year but only 20 miles usual. 100 miles away twice a year. Family grown up and moved out. This little car is ideal for my needs. For me and my first puppy 🦮

[@fryke]

Was considering it, but I just feel much more at home in the smart #1. When I try to configure an EX30 RWD the way I'd want it, it costs thousands more than a smart #1 Premium. For me, the decision was simple - and I don't have to replace friends with smaller friends. Even the large ones can sit behind me.

[@garethnoble11]

I use voice control to set temperature and to navigate.

[@drzej3k794]

Wonder how many languages voice control works in.

[@ellistreloar2047]

@@drzej3k794It will be perfect in the UK. We only speak one language!

[@nakfan]

Both thumbs up for doing these driving impression tests 👍👍

[@glenf4115]

Eyes on the road = HUD is the way to go. Starting in January 2026, every new car sold in the European Union will need to feature a physical button or switch for the turn signals, the hazard lights, the horn, the windshield wiper, and the eCall function to earn the highest-possible crash test rating. Muscle memory for the win.

[@kenion2166]

That's anyway the case? Even on the latest Model3 you have a physical button for the signal, wiper, horn, hazard light. So what's the point of that new rule?

[@Adderrrrr]

​@@kenion2166the keyword is fixed.

[@Adderrrrr]

Sure but the is easy to mount if you want or need this. Should be a option if you want this.

[@Odinscrow1962]

Loving your command of English - the way you explain things is brilliant and entertaining. I pick my EX30 up in May - it is mainly for round town/local journeys. I think this is the first review re the round town attributes I have seen ❤

[@guidomescalito]

Hey Bjørn thanks for this great review and the other videos of the EX30! I have it on pre-order and you really helped me to feel comfortable that the car is ok. I have been reading some scary stuff on forums 😅. Cheers!

[@Its_me_thoni]

Hey @bjornnyland. It looks like you still have the transport frame around your rear-view mirror. This is made of transparent plastic and is often forgotten to be removed on the EX30.

[@CoxJul]

I wanted to like this car, but when I did a short test drive back-to-back with the #3 the road noise and lack of rear legroom (behind 2m tall driver) dropped it down the list. Got 8 months to make my next purchase decision so let's see what else appears and how the prices adjust universally.

[@lucamuller6729]

Performance AWD keeps the clutch on the front motor engaged (i think its two pmsm) , and the delay comes from the clutch being actuated and then front motor power applied. Would be interesting to see how this system behaves with slippery roads and recuperation.

[@AeonMW2]

recuperation doesn't seems to work when Performance AWD enabled

[@rod2625]

As a retired couple currently driving a 2013 BMW X3 with 55,000 miles the EX30 is what we have our eye so as our next vehicle. We have not really need the AWD in our X3 so would opt for the RWD extended range Ultra. There is a $6,000 difference in US pricing between RWD and AWD. Very rarely have anyone in our back seat so not an issue. The EX30 has not arrived in the US as of yet. I expect we will wait until next spring/summer model year 2026 for improvements.

[@mrrobotnica]

I parked this car beside a XC40 to charge, and it is noticeably a smaller car. I mean a lot smaller. Driving around town, getting into parking lot entrances, parking in general, it is a fantastic car for that sort of thing. If you live in the countryside, don’t bother.

[@Adderrrrr]

Why? Don't need a KeyFOB 😎 1.6t tow and many other features. The EX/C40 feels outdated.

[@ellistreloar2047]

If you live in the countryside buy a tractor and bulldoze the Range Rovers off the road.

[@apicharjiratanan4285]

Auto parking is great for Thailands tight spaces sometimes although I wish volvo design the system to be faster responsive when you want to park to avoid hot head drivers

[@brucekennedy5274]

That last line killed me 🤣

[@shockthemonkey7046]

Day 10 into owning an ex30+ extended - the opd is a bit weak for my taste, hopefully a tweak will come in a software update. So far efficiency seems to be around 10-15% better than the ultra twin motor. Nice car but as you say some silly design flaws in the software.

[@thewaterboy2013]

"here we just have the China is watching you thingy" lol

[@Pharcyde-yy1vy]

Great review! Here comes the ultimate question though...if you had to chose between the EX30 RWD or the Model 3 Highland RWD, which would you go for (price is just about the same)?

[@TechWurst]

Same question here 🙌

[@dixikloos5352]

For the Model Y RWD😅

[@bjornnyland]

Highland

[@jaker3151]

If price is the same I would of thought it would be a no brainer to choose the Model 3. I think it beats the EX30 in all areas: efficiency, space, frunk/boot, software, charging network etc. The only reason I think you might choose the EX30 is if you REALLY like the look/design of it.

[@Adderrrrr]

The real question is if you want: Higher towlimit, electric towbar 360 cam Stalks Sensors 22kW charger Etc

[@teitpoulsen7183]

Nice looking and drives well. Very small rear seat. Biggest problem is that it's about the same price if equivalently equipped as the larger, higher quality new version of the Tesla model 3. So really only if you want a smaller vehicle or love the design does this new EX30 make any sense.

[@artokiiskinen1058]

Or u want stalks

[@calad6482]

Except for the buggy infotainment, how is model 3 higher quality?

[@jeffreyjoseph559]

When the redesigned Model Y comes out this thing will be Toast

[@MrBamboolegend]

Tesla and high quality, lol

[@valentin7436]

"quality"

[@ruinert]

Try Grua-Mylla for the worst roadconditions ever.. "telehiv"-deluxe.. some roadwork at the beginning, just wait ..it Will become somewhat "funny" after that. Do the light test at the same time..

[@matthewprather7386]

Voice commands while you’re talking on the phone, are the voice commands not available? Or do the voice commands still work?

[@maeguk1]

Not available. Neither the navigation voice is not available if you have a call ongoing.

[@benb6209]

Hello, how it compares to the Zeekr X SUV ?

[@thetruthhurts5902]

Nice review but the space in the back is too small sadly

[@jaker3151]

This seems to be the deal breaker for many people. Software can be updated, space cannot.

[@tonrotterdam]

Thanks for the extensive review! Nice car, but two problems with it: it's Chinese and it just cannot touch my i3 for which there's no replacement yet...

[@MankTuned]

who can't touch your i3 the car with the tire or body dammn i am dizzy..

[@Achillias]

Nonsense.

[@tonrotterdam]

@@Achillias What's nonsense? That the car is Chinese or that I believe that it cannot touch my i3?

[@ellistreloar2047]

Take a look at that smartphone in your pocket; the tablet in your hand, the laptop on your desk, the TV in front of you, your kitchen appliances. Unless you’re living with 20+ year old tech - of course you aren’t - it’s all Chinese parts and usually assembled in China. Why the hell would you baulk at a Chinese car? Damn stupid when the Chinese have been in the most intimate of your devices for years, and you’ve never complained about the cost/quality.

[@zaldam]

You mention several times in your videos about the car being rather loud. That is peculiar since other testers didn't complain and some even explicitly say how quiet the car is. You didn't specify the nature of noise that you noticed, but could there be something wrong with your test car?

[@bjornnyland]

Nope. The car is in fact loud.

[@KatlegoTawana]

@@bjornnyland from all the reviews I have watched, everyone says it's a quiet car so there sure might be something wrong with your test car.

[@ellistreloar2047]

The issue is that Bjorn tests on the coarse asphalt in Norway. Many reviews are on smoother asphalt on mid and south Europe roads. I’ve had an extensive test drive in the UK and the car is noticeably quieter than my 2020 E Niro. The stereo is superb and the position of the soundbar uses the windscreen to reflect sound into the cabin. Bjorn forgot to mention this here.

[@lammiwinks3775]

Is this white or cloud blue on blue?

[@dixikloos5352]

Hey Björn, what do you think about the VW ID 4 Pro 77 KWh as a used car? In my opinion that's the best car for the money at the moment. Good range, space and OK charging speed. Would be nice if you could test that car again and make a degration test.

[@dixikloos5352]

I'm mean best if you don't like Tesla of course😅

[@MrBamboolegend]

The problem with VW is a shitty infotainment though. I would have gone for the Cupra Born but I was pulling my hair out dealing with the infotainment, even though it’s an otherwise nice car

[@Achillias]

It's far from the best car. It's just that you like it.

[@pavelblaha5243]

Bjørn, what electric car do you think has currenty the best value for money, apart from tesla's electric car.

[@Adderrrrr]

I don't get the comparison with TM3HL RWD or LR. The EX30 is about 10000€ less wirh EAP and 19". The ER has more kWh and non LFP. But the LR has a few additional kWh but as car features: No stalks No sensor, USS rain or radar Low tow limit and wierd placement non electric Slower Sedan the is nice but not practical 360 cam and more

[@ellistreloar2047]

Exactly! My son is a Tesla fanboy and he was seriously deflated after test driving the Highland. He has a M3 for three years and needs to choose his next car, he does not want LFP since the winter behaviour is so bad and is now considering other makes, reluctantly. Another member of the family recently switched to EV in a Volvo C40 and he has been giddy with the fun, economy and reliability of the EV experience. His C40 is a very well made car.

[@Roll_the_Bones]

For me, the value vs fun sweet-spot for an EV is, anything not FWD, a reasonable acceleration rate, 1st-class handling, and standard basic controls, so I can jump from EV to ICE to van to Classic, without having to re-train my brain every time. ie. HAS STALKS. This one has a number of invidious compromises. I'd prefer to try the mid-2024 revamped ID.3 types, when they come out, or even the MG4 update, due at the same time. I doubt the EX30 could ever be described as "nimble", not in the way I can flick around empty roundabouts, and take sharp turns at full speed, and blat out of hairpin bends in a nano-second in my 2yr old M3LR.

[@ronnycap6323]

why not test the ssangyoung korando e-motion. it is also a good car in that price range.

[@jarleavlyp2243]

Har du noen planer å teste rekkevidde med ulike campingvogn hvordan vekt og flate påvirker rekkevidden?

[@benedictuswinner3995]

he has a trailer but not for caravan

[@jafdell]

Good test, bad blinker sound

[@thecookeman]

Yeah sounds like the polestar2 blinker sound. Not pleasent I doubt they will ever change it

[@Longsnowsm]

All depends on what you are used to with the display. The single display is a huge negative from my own perspective. I will tolerate a single display if I have no other choice. Thankfully we still have choices. Loud ride is also a negative. It does sound like a decent city car. Certainly charges faster than a Bolt! LOL At this price point it is still competing with the Model 3. At this point I think I will watch to see what the Koreans are doing.

[@simong6855]

Bjorn’s review in a nutshell , just get a Tesla 🤣🤣🤣

[@Danne89]

Not having a HUD is such a stupid decision. Both from Tesla and Volvo.

[@kenion2166]

I got 2 Tesla and 1 mazda with hud, I think its complete overrated feature. I don't really get why this feature is so important for ppl. Maybe someone can enlighten me :D

[@calad6482]

Almost anyone who has driven a bit Tesla or Ex30 is completely fine without HUD or driver display. That being said, if could pay 500 euro for a hud i would want it. But it's really a nice to have and not a necessity

[@thecookeman]

There is obd2 GPS HUDs you can buy. This is what got me over the line, I'm a bit concerned about rear seat room will see when there is a demo in Australia to try

[@ellistreloar2047]

Not when you are trying to achieve a price point. The lateral eye movement to view the info at the top of the screen is less disturbing than instrument cluster because of wider horizontal field of view - it’s simple biology. Perhaps the cost of the Ultra model justifies a HUD.

[@thecookeman]

@@ellistreloar2047 yeah but the ultra doesn't come with a HUD either :( I really can't see it as a high cost for a simple screen

[@tridruankham2657]

❤❤❤

[@Banyan314]

It's just a dull car by the sound of it

[@ellistreloar2047]

Compared to what? This car accelerates faster than many Porsche and Ferrari models. Have you ever driven a sub 4 second 0-60mph car. That is never boring.

[@Banyan314]

@@ellistreloar2047 I suppose the hype and the final driving experience of the test drive just didn't tally for me. Undeniably a fast drive and lively, but I just never felt it was the car for me once I sat behind the wheel, and I wanted it to be. From the outside it looked stylist and well proportioned, but inside it felt small and cheap. In my view, Volvo over promised and under delivered. The lack of a driver's display or HUD and the central ipad display, made the driving experience, genuinely unpleasant. We will wait for the EV3 or EV5. Nobody was more disappointed than us but in the end we reclaimed our £500 deposit and moved on.