The Volvo EX30 Would be a Brilliant Car if Volvo Actually Cared Anymore

[@JayEmmOnCars]

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[@faafo2]

Describing the Polestar colour range as "shades of depression" had me chuckling 🤭

[@monaabbyhamedani917]

I remember when the BMW i3 came out and it was a genuinely fresh and interesting car. That vision of the future in 2012 was much more interesting than the future actually turned out to be. A three ton Lotus? The gods have forsaken us

[@purple-porker-productions]

I do love my i3, im at 107k miles now, but going to change it soon. Not for one of these thanks to JM. LOL

[@richardhargrave6082]

That wiring noise isn't the motor, its Colin Chapman

[@Munkenba]

The i3 also has a dashboard full of real buttons! More and more I feel a second hand one of those will have to be my first ev, there are very few modern alternatives that are as compelling.

[@purple-porker-productions]

@@Munkenba if the Renault 5 isn't as good, I think I will be buying another, this time an S.

[@rolandrodgers5201]

@@Munkenba You will love it. Amazing value at the min for low mileage recent i3.

[@AWMJoeyjoejoe]

I hate to sound like a grumpy old man yelling at a cloud, but i absolutely detest giant touch screens in the centre of the dashboard. What was wrong with buttons? Get off my lawn! Stuff costs more than it used to! Etc. Edit. Also those seats look naff.

[@RichieRouge206]

So do I. They're absurd

[@risosk17]

@@AWMJoeyjoejoe don’t forget they are more dangerous cause you need to look ak them to adjust most things while its possible to adjust basic settings just with touch on dedicated buttons and knobs

[@MrChrissk]

It's because it's so much easier for the designers, clutter free etc.

[@peedeegt]

Alright boomer, chill out

[@AWMJoeyjoejoe]

​@@risosk17Exactly! If the cops catch you even touching your phone while driving it's 6 points and a fine, but it's ok to be diving into the menus on what is basically an iPad glued to the dash? I don't get it.

[@johnmull59]

Perhaps NCAP need to revisit the criteria for what makes a 'safe' car.

[@azamchaudhri]

Couldn't agree more. Ncap should be taking marks off , for all in one screen touch controls where it takes the drivers eyes off the road for so long.

[@wiegehtslukas]

They are. Not having buttons for the most basic functions will result in the car not being able to receive a 5 star rating, starting this year i believe

[@azamchaudhri]

@wiegehtslukas oh that's brilliant, that they are taking notice of what is a trend rather than functional. Thank you for the update . 👍

[@stephendavies6949]

Hear, hear. Those screens are a crazy idea.

[@AdvisingEagle]

22:13 If you did all this, slapped at Lotus badge on it, that would be the only acceptable Lotus EV SUV to me (if it had to exist at all!)

[@nitrama2088]

I was a bit perplexed by this video as I’ve got an EX30 and have to say I rather like it. Having given it a bit more thought I’d like to make some comments. Price- This is a low cost EV (note I didn’t say cheap). It’s therefore been subject to cost control. This is very apparent in the lack of buttons, no speedometer cluster etc… inside they’ve tried to use “green” materials. It is however solidly built, even if I’d have preferred leather to the weird plastic stuff they use. Software- I agree with what you’re saying. I find that accessing some features are dangerous to do whilst driving. For example to switch on lights manually you have to go via two submenus plus a steering wheel button to confirm. As you said the people who designed it probably don’t have a driving licence. My view is that it was originally designed for another implementation that did have multiple screens and it’s been shoe horned into the EX30 using the “that’ll do” philosophy. They are working on improvements but it’s still too fiddly. Note that you can use voice control for some things like heating, but frustratingly, not others - like the lights! And where’s the Apple iPhone unlock feature we were promised. Performance- straight line and lower speed performance is excellent.However,in the UK it won’t be long before you come across a corner. If you have upwards of 300bhp and use it you’ll arrive at the corner going quite quickly. This is where the car will bite you. It rides more for comfort than sportiness. It’s a complaint I have of all Volvo electric cars, and I’ve driven a few. They are simply too powerful for the chassis. Make them deliver less outright power but more range. If you chose an EX 30 for speed you’ll be frustrated. My advice is to get the Single Motor Extended Range rather than the Twin. So after 3 months you may ask why I actually really like it? Well I don’t do huge mileage, 2000 miles so far, but it fits my lifestyle. I have a home charger using cheap electric so it costs pennies to run. All the bit about the big screen have gone into the background for me as I just let it do its thing and use voice commands. It rides and drives in a way that I find relaxing. Luckily I’ve not suffered with any of the problems that seem to plague other drivers. Odd but true. It just works (for me). Sure there are things that could be improved but that’s the case with every car I’ve owned. One final point is that when I drove a Cupra Born, I thought it was OK but too expensive for what it was by about £10k. I got this car with a very large discount and excellent trade in. I therefore believe I paid what it was worth. Even if it’s worthless after 8 years I won’t be too upset because it was a good price to start with. To return to the handling of the car. I find it fine, providing you don’t drive it like I would have 15 years ago. Keep it around the legal limits and it’s fine. If you want high speed fun then buy something else. Boring Volvo driver? Maybe but I’ve struggled with too much stress when people got in my way when making progress. I’ve got my motorcycle for my fun hit. I’m also not an EV evangelist. My last car was a diesel and I’d have much preferred to be able to buy another one now. I couldn’t face a Hybrid as it’s the worst of both worlds. Plus the added complexity of it all. Sorry for the long post but I wanted to provide a bit of positive balance.

[@chrisving91]

Just curious. Why switch on lights manually when you can let it stay at Auto all year? In our country it’s mandatory by law…

[@nitrama2088]

@@chrisving91 Good point and I wanted to do that when I first had the car and was driving in fog. Since then I’ve let the car sort it out and it’s been fine, which was the point I was trying to make later on🙂 Still seems a lot of button presses to do something that should be simple though

[@chrisving91]

@@nitrama2088 Yeah, it’s a few presses but I don’t mind, when I do it’s always when parked. No need to change lights while driving. Do wish there was voice control for lights though. At least you can change high beam/normal with the stalk.

[@panameradan6860]

@@chrisving91the Auto mode for headlights tends to keep running lights on with taillights off even when it’s rainy/foggy and you want to turn the headlights on to be sure that your taillights are visible

[@chrisving91]

@ Good point, strangely, we haven’t had that problem ourselves. Haven’t seen any other EX30’s without the rear lights on in our area. Maybe this is dependent on SW, and different from market to market.

[@yano.moraes1492]

This is a real Volvo in the same way that the Electre is a real Lotus...

[@martinogold]

Yep, both cr@ppy Geely platforms.

[@rufusvardag8190]

China think they made a volvo 😹 Yea, right..

[@erik....]

It's developed in Göteborg, Sweden.

[@rufusvardag8190]

@@erik.... Yea, developed on the moon, still got no volvo soul. 😹🌞

[@benjaminsmith2287]

It is absolutely a real Volvo. It isn't designed or engineered in China. Teams of Volvo engineers and designers designed in Sweden.

[@Tolis.Lamprou]

Honestly keyboard warriors, as well as reviewers actually, can go on forever trying to decide if a car is good or not. But when an actual costumer spent his actual money to buy a car new, and actively detests it, that's troubling

[@shiftyfitter]

I agree, but this guy leased it sight unseen, he's kind of part of the problem.

[@jasonk7072]

@@shiftyfitter And he completely disregarded the i3 because someone told him it was rubbish. Seems to me he deserves a car he doesn't like.

[@alfamonk]

who buys a car without driving it? I mean that's madness, unless you've got so much money you don't care.

[@RichieRouge206]

As a Volvo nut, I absolutely loathe this. It's a Geely, and that vile screen is ridiculous. These are not proper Volvos at all. Geely are simply using Volvo's heritage and reputation.

[@brianboyle2681]

Enshittification in another context, I think

[@klarname4673]

Volvo is a corpse being strung up by the chinese.

[@volvo09]

This is nothing but a Volvo badge stuck on a car.

[@johnb8956]

I think you’ve hit the nail on the head. This is a Geely. Besides the steering wheel perhaps there’s nothing I really recognise to the Volvo brand (and that’s a generic Geely part, see the London taxi etc.) - a fellow Volvo nut.

[@Kernwaffe88]

​@@volvo09 yes,like every Volvo after 2017, and before that just Fords

[@duckrutt]

So using a cellphone while driving is illegal but building a car with a tablet interface is totally fine. Sure, why not.

[@Zeem4]

Using a mobile phone *held in your hands* is illegal while driving. Using one attached to a mount or holder is not* - as long as you're still in control of the vehicle. * Source: gov.uk website, just now

[@AnyoneSeenMikeHunt]

No, holding a phone while driving is a fine. Buy a phone holder.

[@panameradan6860]

@@AnyoneSeenMikeHuntyou have no clue … that’s not the point

[@AnyoneSeenMikeHunt]

@@panameradan6860 Goat herding must be hard.

[@Calilasseia]

The latter allows fat corporations to milk you, so of course it's legal. The word you're looking for is "capitalism".

[@faafo2]

The perfect car - to prove that cars from the 90s and 00s were better

[@volvo09]

90's volvos are crying 😢

[@Crispy99999]

AMEN!!

[@duckie250]

EU is regulating new cars that when you drive 1km too fast they beep. But distracting screens is no problem for safety…

[@mrjohnnyk]

Exactly. The obsession with speed violations is really confusing when you consider how significant distraction has become, which has always been more dangerous anyways.

[@derin111]

If you 2km above, will it beep twice? And, if you go 3km above three times? And, 50km above......😂

[@chrisving91]

Easy - don’t look so much at the screen. Learn to use the speech function. Decrease screen brightness. Make a brief stop if further changes are needed or have front passenger edit things while on the move.

[@mikejones0967]

I've had my EX30 since June 24 and really like it. It's completely different to previous cars I've owned, last 3 were a BMW Z4 and two Alfa Guilias, in its driving style. Yes it has the performance but i think that detracts from what it is meant to be, and that's a relaxing quite car to drive. The android automotive software running the car has really good voice controls so your rarely interacting with the touchscreen. I do wish it had a heads up display though. Take out the electric seats and electric boot and with the money save, put in the hud. The performance is mindblowing though.

[@jeancaetan9124]

The waterfall on my 2007 C30 T5 looks like a stroke of genuis compared to the switchgear on this thing.

[@jamesbirkenhead876]

That screen is the most anti volvo thing I've ever seen. I have an XC40 and it's brilliant - it's a shame that volvo seem to have lost their way a bit here,

[@Noki5008]

They lost the way, slowly bust surely, since they have been acquired by Geely

[@sagalout]

I don’t think it’s new for Volvo. We had an XC90 in 2016 that had similar. Totally put me off the car

[@adamshpolyansky2827]

What XC40 do you have that you are pleased with the screen?? 😂😂 (We also have one and it's been a continuous shitshow that rivals an old Maserati in time spent in the shop)

[@jamesbirkenhead876]

​@adamshpolyansky2827 It's a 2021, yes it has a big screen but you can still do most stuff through the dashboard on the steering wheel buttons. Had no issues with it at the moment. Having everything in one screen in the middle of the car is just ridiculous.

[@Jeff.55649]

Sure boomer 😂

[@kevinbarry71]

Apparently some people haven't quite figured this out yet; Volvo is not Swedish anymore. It's Chinese. So lower your expectations and stop complaining when it turns out to be just another Chinese car

[@DT_7757]

The car you tested was a 2024 EX30, the 2025 EX30 (came out around September) the Haptic steering controls have raised ridges around them so you can feel where to press.

[@system11yt]

Serious point, when are people going to have a serious discussion about why it's (correctly) illegal to drive using a smartphone, but car's are putting all the controls now in menu laden touchscreens covered with distraction?

[@SoWereDoingWhatNow]

Buy a phone holder.

[@mrjohnnyk]

Yeah the way government safety keeps ignoring in-car infotainment screens is really puzzling.

[@SoWereDoingWhatNow]

@@mrjohnnyk There is nothing puzzling about UK bureaucracy and the incompetent plonkers that instigate dumb stuff. What is puzzling is why Brits don't grow some spine and just simply ignore the muppets and get on with life. No wonder the UK has turned into what it is. 🙄

[@panameradan6860]

@@SoWereDoingWhatNowthat does not making fiddling with a smartphone touchscreen while driving any safer

[@alfamonk]

@@mrjohnnyk well it's not something they can mandate for on their own, its an international issue and you can guarantee you wouldn't get consensus on it.

[@ritcchy]

Worst thing is the pop up/beep that keeps warning you to look at the road when you check your speed on the screen.

[@blicknessraven]

😂😂😂 really? Then put the damn driver display right in front of me where I'm pretty sure it worked before

[@chrisc475]

Oh my god that is amazing 😂

[@lukegodden1529]

It doesn't scream quality when even in the promo video shown at 3:48 you can see condensation in the rear light😂

[@mattwood1571]

This review is what I was worried about and sums up, in a nutshell my concerns. I've been a Volvo owner for over 20 years (V70 D5 SE, XC60 Drive and V40 D3 cross country) all have been reliable, fairly nice to drive and we have enjoyed fantastic levels of service from Ray Chapman Volvo. My issue now is my V40 D3 is 7 years old and is still drives like a 1 year old car, but Volvo and a lot of other manufacturers are turning out, what are, in my opinion cars with too much useless gimmicky tech, numb to drive, too expensive, madly depreciating EV's that I simply don't want and can't afford to drive.

[@davidarter6271]

I do enjoy your reviews James. One of the benefits of being a long term viewer is that you get to compare so many cars against others similar and divergent. Watching this review I can’t help going back to the review you did of the LS430 a few years ago. I was so impressed with the 439 I bought one and it is magnificent. But, when I review the plushness and capability of the Lexus then look at this thing, I simply wonder why people waste their hard earned on something as boring and financially disastrous as a Volvo EV. Or any EV for that matter.

[@robc8892]

Think that maybe a rebaged geely. Nothing like a Volvo Speaking as a 2017 v60 T4 driver Sad to see

[@RichieRouge206]

Its definately a Geely lol

[@blarkdexture8899]

Ford engine

[@Fc-cb3tn]

Actually shared with the Zeekr X (another subsidiary under Geely). Not the worst Chinese EV I’ve ever driven but I can say it’s one of the softest ones I’ve experienced (in a bad way) and the ADAS systems are as paranoid as a schizophrenic.

[@Loothansa]

Thanks for the reminder that "Lotus" and "2.7 tonne car" now belong in the same sentence :(

[@rosstee]

It's very sad. I never thought there would be a Lotus twice as heavy as my car.

[@AnyoneSeenMikeHunt]

@@rosstee Lotus and Geely are in the same sentence.

[@rosstee]

@@AnyoneSeenMikeHunt Yeah, Lotus is basically dead, just a badge now.

[@AnyoneSeenMikeHunt]

@@rosstee I think 蓮花 Liánhuā (Lotus) is still very much alive with the Evija and Emira still being made in Britain by Brits and the Eletre and Emeya being made in China for plonkers. What is dead is the space between the hairy ears of the Ol' British Guard that refuse to accept Colin Chapman is dead and the Chinese and Malaysians run the show because they were biblically inept. They are still a bit of a singularity in the sports car market. I hate the CCP and Geely with a passion but war crimes aside I do hope Lotus lives on in Britain.

[@jamesroseby3823]

Yep, the distraction thing. I wonder how many accidents are caused due to it these days? Probably why everything is coming with radar and warnings to try to keep the thing on the road. A few years ago I was almost ran off the road while on my motorcycle by someone who was obviously looking down fiddling with their screen then drifted onto the wrong side of the road…..yet the regulators think they are fine, apparently. It’s speed that is the primary cause of most accidents, they say. If it wasn’t for all the inbuilt distraction devices you wouldn’t need the lane departure assist or collision avoidance tech in the first place….Rant over. I hope you can get your hands on an Alfa Junior, James. Really looking forward to hearing your opinion of it. Keep up the great work. Cheers!

[@AutoAndChill]

Legislation that means all steering has to be completely powered and consequently have no "feel" is moronic, and unsafe. It's absolutely central for the future of motoring that we get this reversed ASAP. Any ideas how we do that?

[@AndrewGibson22]

Chinese innit: more like a transport system for an iPad 😮

[@olneydetail1487]

I drive a Renault Megane EV60 E tech and have took a second glance when I see a Volvo I think it's a Renault.

[@olneydetail1487]

My Renault is a bit more analogue but a bit more stylish

[@olneydetail1487]

Need James to drive mine.

[@rob2738]

We have had an ex30 as a loan car for a week. We loved it and plan on buying one once they drop below £20k. Which won’t be long!

[@SabotsLibres]

Oh look, a modern Allegro steering wheel!!!

[@paultasker7788]

Yeah. That's another trend.

[@psmithard]

Hopefully, this strategy of acquiring recognisable brands, in order to fool people into buying rebadged tat, will enter into the public consciousness before we lose all the heritage brands.

[@mrjohnnyk]

That seems to be the destination with EV's. They're basically all nearly identical appliances at the end of the day. Car brands used to be defined by their distinctive engines, sound, and feel, now it's just all superficial branding.

[@mpc365]

Had a test drive booked on this car and hastily cancelled it after hearing about all the software glitches and the lack of HUD. Thank you for the very honest review

[@EleanorPeterson]

When I think of quick Volvos I think of Rickard Rydell and Jan Lammers and the 850 Estate. Mmmm, glorious lunatics...

[@tomwaldron5643]

i personally feel volvo now is utterly based on character based marketing, if your a eco friendly hipster that doesn't want a tesla here you go. other than that they've missed the boat with so many things.

[@RichieRouge206]

Totally agree

[@TwoDollarGararge]

That's always been there market quirky liberal professors or the car for the person that's different to be different.

[@rasmusansin3273]

Which is fucking weird, as their core clientele is nothing like that.

[@TwoDollarGararge]

@rasmusansin3273 it is the tweed wearing liberal professor that lives in Washington state.

[@tomwaldron5643]

@@TwoDollarGararge im not diagreeing with that but now I would say they're completely reliant on that and producing vehicles with no thought behind them for those people. just praying off them to buy because its different when offering no differences at all. No more estates their bread and butter for example.

[@mountain_walker]

I have a B4 V90 and it’s one of the best all round cars I’ve owned. It’s OK at everything - not class leading in anything but not compromised or the worst either and for that I like it. It’s just such a good normal car.

[@paultasker7788]

Autocar only gave it 2/5 for the reasons mentioned. Whereas others simply praise it despite the obvious flaws. But your drive was serene. Ive seen others review this and it flashing up messages like avoid driving distracted distracting you from looking out of the windscreen. And lane keeping assist that swerves you all over the road.

[@H-Lambda-]

Looks like an alternate universe Renault from a quick glance

[@AnyoneSeenMikeHunt]

Ev this... EV that... Yet nobody loses their mind over electric trains, elec jackhammers, elec heaters, elec monster diggers, elec lawnmowers.. nope just cars. Cracks me up no end.

[@mrjohnnyk]

Well how many people are going to buy and drive an electric train?

[@dandylion1987]

It doesn't, it makes you mad because people don't them and you do. Don't worry about what other people like, it doesn't affect you

[@francomartini4328]

I don't do EVs. Leaving aside that I live in a first floor flat in London, so home charging is not an option; leaving aside that the very few public charging points available locally are almost permanently occupied by black cabs; leaving aside that any EV both costs twice as much and weighs twice as much as its ICE equivalent; plus plus plus, etc. etc. etc., who on earth wants to drive a tablet on wheels anyway?

[@mrjohnnyk]

Yup, you're a city dweller, the type of people these are supposedly being aimed at, and it's completely impractical for you for the reasons you described. The big push for EV's has never been grounded in well thought out reasoning.

[@DT_7757]

The "phantom acceleration" on the driveway the owner mention was probably because he engaged D without the seatbelt on. The EX30 has a creep mode if in D without the seatbelt on, for manoeuvring, same in reverse, I use this feature to get through my gate as its a tight fit, so I let it creep and control the car on the brake pedal.

[@rodrivalle]

As a happy owner of a beautiful, well designed, 2018 Volvo V90, this Geely monstrosity is a mockery of the brand.

[@Crispy99999]

I understand totally and am sorry for your loss. As a Alfa 159 V6 owner, I feel the same looking at that horrific Junior thing they have launched..i.it is a total affront to actual real Alfas.

[@mrjohnnyk]

@@Crispy99999 We are truly in a new dark age for cars.

[@dancam3269]

Hi I have owned eight Volvos over recent years V90 CC +V90 T6 PHEV most recently.Just"upgraded" to a (used) £100k+ Taycan CT and it is not that much of a step above the V90 in terms of ride and smoothness/quietness! Volvos-like Saabs were great cars.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

It is designed and engineered by the same teams that designed and engineered your car. This is not a Geely car. The only Volvo that isn't really a Volvo is the XM90 and that's sold in China only. That is a Zeekr.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

@@dancam3269 Are great cars. The EX90 is smoother and quieter than any SPA Volvo, including the V90s.

[@voltaelektrifiera3556]

Great video, as usual! Regarding the touch screen interface at 07:26, The EX30:s infotainment is based on Android Automotive, just like their other cars.

[@15bit62]

The dual motor EX30 is not the one to get. Giving it porsche acceleration is just stupid for car in this class, and doing it on a budget like this is a marketing ploy. A lot like the MG4. The car is supposed to be a family runabout, where practicality trumps driving dynamics. Get the long range single motor and you'll be much happier. As a Tesla owner i would say that you get used to the screen, and if the OS design is good then it's ok. The Polestar 2 is also a good example of this. I do think that you can take minimalism too far though, and i do want physical controls for some functions.

[@amperformance7998]

No offence intended here, but if there I one phrase I hear from Tesla owners more than any other, it's "you get used to it." And I have to wonder if they are claiming that, with practice, they learn how to operate functions in a safe, effective manner, free from distraction; OR do they just get used to being distracted all the time, such that they no longer realise they aren't paying attention to driving. Like a frequent texter who claims they are paying attention...

[@Beer_Dad1975]

I would say that if you want a small practical EV, something else entirely would be the one to get, probably with a Chinese badge on it so you aren't paying for a Volvo branded Chinese car - unless you absolutely have to have the dual motor level performance - in which case, get a Tesla performance model. Paying Euro money for a Chinese car is just weird badge snobbery - though perhaps the lease deals on these are just insanely good? Even then though, Geeley are one of the worst Chinese manufacturers, when you have companies like BYD & SAIC that actually make some genuinely good, cheap EV's.

[@TfRsmokinmasta]

As EV owner and not one of the dinosaurs furiously typing away that their ancient POS is a million times better.....I do prefer a better mix of tech and physical buttons. The Koreans seem to listen and put switches and knobs back into cars. And agree with what one viewer said about giving this ridiculous performance (following the MG4 X ) not needed or suited. We need better efficiency and range and smaller cars. R5 looks to be onto something come springtime

[@pauldavies6037]

Do your passengers alter all the settings to adjust everything or do you stop the car and put on the hazard warning lights and do it your self for safety ?

[@danielharman7357]

This is simply an appliance.

[@AnyoneSeenMikeHunt]

I've also heard it described as simply a 'blob'.

[@emc3065]

Their is a huge market for cars that are effectively appliances. Huge numbers of people don't care about the cars they drive and just want them to get form A-B as cheaply and conveniently as possible. If you look at this car on paper, it's brilliant. The same way a fridge looks great on paper until you buy it. Too late to realise you can't fit a bottle of tomato sauce on any single shelf and it beeps at you if you leave the door open for more than 3 seconds.

[@JohnDoe-m3s]

I drove it for 10 days on holidag and I absolutely loved the fact that they all crammed the info in the screen (not). Because of it you had to look way too much at it and then the car will beep at you for not looking at the road. It will even do so when other alerts pop up or when you look at the speedo.

[@BLCBob]

Voice controls work really well. Safer than twiddling a knob.

[@RichardHarrold1991]

Voice recognition never works well in any car.

[@BLCBob]

It really does in the Volvo. Never had to touch the screen whilst driving. Radio, heater, even closes the windows.

[@chrisving91]

@@BLCBobSame here

[@GeoffKing-x4f]

@@BLCBob But you can’t turn on the fog lights, four-wheel drive, hill decent or really anything to do with actually driving the car.

[@GeoffKing-x4f]

My wife tried to use the voice commands recently and she got so fed up with the ‘sorry, I can’t do that’ that she shouted ‘WHAT CAN YOU DO?’, it replied ‘I can take you to a fuel station’. At least it has a sense of humour.

[@craigmcguigan5695]

It wasn't built by Volvo for Volvo. It is a rebadged Geely Zeekr.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

That's incorrect. It is designed and engineered in Goteborg, Sweden and is a modernized smaller XC40. It may use a Geely platform but even that platform was head engineered by a former Saab engineer.

[@SWR112]

The EX 30 is actually really good. There is quirky things needing addressed because they all thought copying Tesla with everything on a screen was a good idea when it wasn’t. It’s a rocket-ship that’s a bit too fast off the mark for a family Car. It’s still a nice place to sit. Room tight in the back. I like it and thought about getting one. Was in one of the first Cars in the uk that reminded me of a stormtrooper in white. The Interior is the let down when they could have done class leading comfort a few proper buttons and a HUD or small display right in front. Second gen I bet will revert to buttons and a small drivers screen and claim it’s a new idea. They needed to let people drive this a year before it was out and asked what annoyed them and learned from it. Trying to be too smart and claiming minimalist over cheapness inside. As your mentioning Lotus - they need lotus or ex lotus to do the suspension and steering and it would be brilliant.

[@panameradan6860]

Volvo either brings physical controls back or it goes extinct

[@GeneGatech]

@JayEmmOnCars - that is absolutely Android Automotive running in there. You can easily tell because Google maps and Google Playstore only work on that operating system. Also you could have gone into settings and then system and confirmed this.

[@EdvardHolst]

Pretty sure to EX30 in fact does run Android Automotive for its infotainment

[@pilotwjf]

Weii Lad is an amazing plate for the hilariously heavy Lotus....which I actually really like btw.

[@ChuckFickens1972]

The main thing this video done was remind me how cool I thought the Volvo 480 looked back in the day, I mean, a Volvo shooting brake with pop up headlights, what's not to love! (I now, in later years, realise it wasn't a great car, but it did look cool to a teenage me)

[@volvo09]

I always wished we had those in the states, pop up headlights were fun. But I liked the RWD redblock volvos more so I never thought of them much besides looking interesting.

[@ChuckFickens1972]

@@volvo09 Name checks out :)

[@Beer_Dad1975]

I'm old enough to remember when BL were importing Hondas to the UK and putting Triumph badges on them... the difference then was the Hondas were actually decent cars, or at least a lot better than what BL had been crapping out at that point in time.

[@ChuckFickens1972]

@@Beer_Dad1975 I owned a Triumph Acclaim. It was both a shite car, because it was a beige Triumph Acclaim and also, a great car, because it just worked all the time I had it. Not sure how you came to comment on my Volvo centric post about the Honda Triumph crossover period, but welcome and glad you did. Edit.... Triumph slant 4 and Volvo Engines.... Forgot that connection...

[@Beer_Dad1975]

@@ChuckFickens1972 Weirdly I thought I was commenting on a different post! Yes, the Slant 4 - I owned 3 cars with that engine - a Dolomite 1850, a RWD 2 door Toledo that my Dad and I swapped the 2 litre engine from a wrecked TR7 into, and finally a Dolomite Sprint with the 16 valve 2 litre in it. The two 2 litre engines both had major problems during my ownership - the one in the Toledo spun a big end bearing - fortunately did not damage the crank so I was able to deal with that one myself - the Sprint had a piston totally collapse on it - amazingly the con rod didn't destroy the block so I was able to get that engine rebuilt - but that was it for me, once I got the car back on the road I sold it and went Japanese, and haven't looked back since.

[@markymark3572]

I've heard that several of the later Volvos are prone to niggling electrcal problems. A friend of mine bought an XC 60 that has spent a lot of time going back to the main dealer to have them fixed.

[@therockett]

I’ve never in my life changed the mirrors to reverse and the temperature can be adjusted by using voice commands.

[@driver8703]

I have a XC40 and as far as the climate controls go, I think they intend you to use the voice control to set that. This seems really no different than my temp settings in complication to set and I use voice control from time to time to set it. Radio settings seem the same besides a lack of the volume knob that the XC40 has, which the steering controls makeup for or again voice control. I really don’t see any difference in this vs any Volvo made since Geely bought them. The CarPlay seems to be a gripe about the early versions of this car, but a quick look on autotrader and it seems the cars here in the US have it now.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

The EX30 is a compact, modernized XC40. It sits on a different platform but that's pretty much what it is. You can even see it in the design, the doors, the dashboard with vertical vents, etc. They just decided to get rid of a driver's display. The difference in this Volvo and others is what people are projecting. They hear a Chinese company bought Volvo so they project Volvos aren't as good as they once were. But the truth is, they're the same Volvo just with different funding.

[@richfixescars]

Did he take a test drive? He would have found a lot of these issues, not all, but quite a few. Seems to be a habit these days of 'pulling the trigger' on a car without even sitting in it, then buyers remorse sets in. It's a car you're buying, not a fridge.

[@beatles4sale2007]

If you are saying the owner bought it “sight unseen” then I haven’t got much sympathy….however, considering the other related Volvo and Polestar EV’s who seem to have made less of a pigs ear than the VAG group, I sort of get the method to the madness. Good review nevertheless James.

[@kjellalmgren]

To clarify, there are three ways to adjust the volume in the Volvo EX30, via the screen, via buttons on the steering wheel, or using voice control.

[@pdecaux]

We have the EX30 single motor and this feels like the right set up for this car. It is not a drivers car and the twin motor variant seems more like the PR stunt than a genuine attempt at a sporty hatchback/SUV. You do get used to the "one screen to rule them all design", and the Ultra trim is definitely a bit of a step up. It absolutely should have had some kind of additional driver display though.

[@martinogold]

You can use the voice control for the volume or cabin temperature. Although, with climate control you set the cabin temp once before you drive of the forecourt and never touch it again. I haven't changed mine in four years. I'm not sticking up for the car mind, it's well sh*t.

[@TobiasMeyer_Basel]

I am glad, that you found a worse car than my BMW M135i.

[@shoutinggeorge2532]

I've re-watched a couple of the reviews this had from when this first appeared. No mention of the flaws shown here, in fact they all just seem to gush on about how great it is. Shows how much we can rely on the opinion of someone flown out to somewhere hot , then wined and dined on Volvo money i guess.

[@RichardHarrold1991]

Yep. Never buy a car until JayEmm has told you it's good. He's the one person you can rely on to be absolutely frank and honest with you.

[@robsawalker]

I really love the EX30! I think they look great, they have some lovely touches too and I like the minimalist interior. Touchscreens are annoying but if voice activation works well (IF) it can ameliorate much of the pain. I feel the EX30 could be much improved with some software updates, let's hope they get some as I really really like them.

[@brianiswrong]

I also think they look good on the road.

[@williammillard687]

It being very early January, thankfully there's still time for other contenders to impress

[@vitalyromas6752]

"The screen is moronic, it is designed to encourage driver inattentiveness" So true. It is so strange, even stupidly strange when a company wich brand cosists mainly of safety accents, packs everything into a central screen, pushing a driver to watch a central consol... to get an appeal "Watch the road". It is definitely a deal breaker issue. Sincerely, longtime Volvo lover.

[@findbinnu]

This is the car that Top Gear drove around a car park along with other cars and declared the best small EV in the world!

[@nigelalderman9178]

It's not a Volvo it's just a cheap Chinese car which is not quite there yet by European standards. Volvo are just giving Geely access to the European market and ensuring their own demise.

[@LW0001]

The cost-cutting in the interior is honestly the worst of it. It’s very obviously an SUV made to have up to two front occupants only - a segment I loathe with the entirety of my being - because the rear seat is completely featureless. It doesn’t even have an arm rest, never mind cup holders. When the car came out, I joked that they probably took inspiration of the Ford Crown Victoria when designing the back seats, only stopping short of those cutouts in the rear seats for you to sit with your arms handcuffed behind your back. If the interior sucks, the whole car sucks. All the performance numbers in the world mean nothing if actually sitting in it feels like you’re being actively insulted.

[@stephenwilby1179]

@@LW0001 i usually drive all my cars from the back seats.

[@LW0001]

I mentioned the rear seats specifically because James didn’t pay them much attention. The rest of the interior is still just as hideous as he described it. 😄 Point being, all of it’s bad - back seats included. The other point being that I loathe SUVs that are evidently made for two front occupants only, because at that point you’re making a car that is actually just wasted space on the road. Even on the scale of SUVs which are already volumetrically inefficient.

[@sevensixtysteve8662]

I had one as courtesy car when my S60 was being serviced. The pilot assist scared me a couple of times by heading for the central reservation, it was scarily fast and the build quality wasn't a patch on my car. Too many sacrifices have been made to hit a price point and it shows. To me the car felt under developed and over powered (not a great combination!). If I was Volvo, on my urgent to do list would be: 1. Single motor only in two versions with different power levels. Spend the saving on: 2 Driver display, 3. switches for the rear window. 4. A row of physical soft keys for people to assign whatever functions they want to. 5. Volume/play/pause knob. 6. Interior material upgrade. 7. Release separate twin motor hot model (EX30R ?) with better seats, steering and adjustable dampers) to compete with Alpine, Cupra etc. 8. Make it in Europe. 9. Better sound system. Until then, very happy with my S60 thank you.

[@davidvestey6014]

Thank you, makes me feel good about my lovely iPace 😊

[@bencekaroly4706]

We have one since this summer, next to a BMW M340i, single engine, small battery. It is very good at performing the city/urban area runs. I never even tried to drive it with some level of sportiness. It’s probably one of those cars that’s good when you consider it as a way of getting from A to B, nothing less, nothing more. Apple Carplay was always advertised as “will be available” and it became so with an update late summer. The mirror thing is annoying when you want to fold them because you’re sticking the car close to a pillar/wall. Not a fan myself of stabbing a screen for AC and heated seat controls. All in all, I would say it’s one of those cars that will never look/feel good in a test, it’s strength is the daily comfort it gives you as a runabout. The twin engined version is most likely bound to disappoint as it feels like missing the point of the whole car in my opinion.

[@mikadavies660]

Imagine £35,000 for this, when the Vauxhall Astra Electric (with its 155bhp) is around £40,000..!

[@pete2385]

I test drove one of these. I didn't try it on any entertaining roads, but in regular traffic it was very pleasant and an absolute hoot when you put your foot down. I was even happy with the one-pedal mode. Volvo make a big thing of how environmentally friendly the interior is, so I can almost forgive that. And the car is really good value. But... ...that touchscreen was an absolute deal breaker, for all the reasons Jay lists. Just a few real buttons, and head-up display would make all the difference - Volvo have an excellent HUD in their parts bin - I know because my V60 has one. So frustrating - it's cheap, small and light for an EV and could have been so good, but ruined by incomprehensible design decisions - so un-Volvo.

[@realfist1]

This reminds me of the new Kia EV3 which is supposedly pretty good (for an EV) and cheaper. No silly laptop style everything on it screen to have a crash with technology… I’ll stick to my GR Yaris thank you very much.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I've got the EV3 coming soon so we shall see

[@paraglideaddict]

Most important TIP: DON’T BUY THE EX30 (yet); it’s still has a lot of unresolved problems and features that were promised by Volvo but are simply not implemented or working yet. Software updates are rare and where these solve some problems they also introduced new problems several times. I received my Volvo EX30 on May 1st 2024; but problems are still not solved. No active communication by Volvo on problems that they are going to fix in (OTA) software updates. P.S. I also own a Volvo XC60 T6; on that car everything just simply works.

[@michaelcole3998]

The sooner these over loaded screens do one the better. I want little to do with any car that doesn't have at least basic HVAC, driving controls and volume as a knob, dial or button.

[@mikejones0967]

@michaelcole3998 there are volume controls on the right hand side of the steering wheel, they're the up and down arrows.

[@michaelcole3998]

@mikejones0967 fully aware. Except haptic controls are flavour of the month and are not designed for ease of use in many cases

[@simon5263]

The phantom acceleration is a deadly problem. A bloke died in Norway when his volvo fired him out of the 2nd floor of a multi storey in Sandvika. Full throttle, through a barrier, smash to the ground.

[@chrisving91]

In a XC40 :( Police & Volvo’s Report Nov 11th ‘24 states it was not because of a fault in the car, and throttle pedal actually pressed for 3 seconds before impact.

[@simon5263]

@chrisving91 how do they know the throttle was pressed? They know the computer recorded it was pressed, but was it pressed? Other Volvo owners in Norway have come forward to say they experienced similar scenarios.

[@chrisving91]

@ It’s a shame. That is impossible to know. I should clarify though. Something’s very off and I’m not trying to say it was the driver’s fault, as I do not know and there is no video of the pedal area.

[@simon5263]

@chrisving91 true, and you are right it was the XC40 in all the Norwegian cases. NAF tried to recreate the possibility of the man climbing across the centre console and stepping full on gas, but they reported it was almost impossible to recreate, given the geometry and other controls necessary. First the brake must be pressed, then the drive selector used, and finally gas pedal. That was published in Motor magazine 5th December. It's an interesting read. I find it odd that the road authorities seem to have accepted the simple findings from the data recorder and vehicle inspection and dusted their hands. Of course Volvo sent experts from Sweden too who concluded the same. I wouldn't trust these cars personally.

[@chrisving91]

@@simon5263 I’ll have a look at that report too. Yes, I agree 100%. If I had the XC40 I’d triple check with dealer / shop to completely get rid of any phantom acceleration. What if it happened in front of a school or kindergarten parking lot, or else where with many people? The thought is scary. Other than that, solid car with good AWD.

[@trevordavies5793]

More power, more performance, more speed in a environment with more and more speed control and enforcement! Put it in the "Quick wash cycle" and find out! Total fuckery.

[@PutSomeDsonThatBlink]

My Dad has one and we can't for the life of us figure out how to turn the auto-wipers off.

[@scottmackintosh7633]

You just twist the end of the left hand stalk, this brings up the wiper options. From memory it’s one notch clockwise to switch them off.

[@paultasker7788]

​@@scottmackintosh7633I'm actually surprised it isn't a 10 stage process on the touchscreen. That's relatively simple!

[@DT_7757]

The left had stalk, knurled section, twist it and the display will show OFF, AUTO, x1, x3

[@davidemartorana4708]

Honestly if someone expects a Volvo EV to be communicative and a good drivers car is probably a bit delusional. I think that the Polestar 4 has a much better execution. And it better be for the price

[@RyneLanders]

I can't speak to their EVs, but Volvo has put out some excellent drivers cars in the past.

[@Fc-cb3tn]

It doesn’t have to be enthusiastic, but it should be at bare minimum safe. Steering this light and vague with dampers this soft should not be safe on any 400hp car, let alone a Volvo. This thing squats A LOT under throttle and dives on brakes, even on a 50mph road this thing bounces like it’s come out of a 50 Cent music video.

[@AnyoneSeenMikeHunt]

@@RyneLanders Is that past when Volvo made Volvos in Sweden?

[@RyneLanders]

@AnyoneSeenMikeHunt no idea, I don't keep up with where they make them.

[@johnyoung2279]

I agree with your assessment. I thought of buying one but after test drive was put off entirely for very similar reasons. You forgot to mention that the seats aren’t all that good either.

[@Ammotive28]

The Turbo Brick era produced some of the greatest vehicles ever! Now look at them 😢

[@chrisving91]

Clearly - not the car for most classic car heads. Use the voice controls, get rid of looking at the screen like it’s a mobile phone and setup everything like you want before taking off and you’ll be fine. This car works splendid for our daily errands and long trips here in Norway.

[@nigelsilverthorn9188]

The irony with all this power is that all the new distractions (including headlights being too bright) make it increasingly dangerous to use. I have a new VW based car and the distraction are scary even without the power, fiddling to find controls which are unlit (heating), or out of sight and touch sensitive is outright dangerous....like trying to turn on fog lights and finding you actually turned all your lights off (!), then fiddling to get them on again as there are down by your right knee. we are going backwards with tech at a very high rate.

[@philedwards7174]

I shortlisted the EX30, however, whilst on paper it does appear well speced i discounted it and bought a VW ID4. I know the ID3 would be a similar size/group to compare but the ID4 with 170kwh battery is a closer performance match. The reason for not choosing the Volvo was interior finish options and size. I failed to get my legs into the rear of the car. The rear is suitable for a family of 4 with rear seats only really suitable for under 12 year olds. Also the VW has a information binnacle behind steering wheel, which is very benefical. I think that the Volvo may have been rushed to market in the same way VW did with ID3. Im sure once its bee updated the problems will be sorted. Its a very attractive little EV.

[@shaunoconnell312]

Well done Volvo, I didn't think you could ever do it, but you built a car that I don't want. I want my 240GL

[@daleroberts9342]

I consider one (for 5 minutes), but even with my wife’s NHS lease deals the base car was over £400/month. We bought a year old Leon 1.5 EVO 150 FR Sport estate instead

[@rupertorgan7749]

This car is everything that a traditional Volvo isn't.

[@art.j.4559]

One of the best exterior designs though

[@nealjoyce8696]

As someone who loves their petrol Audi’s and resisting at every step buying into EV’s …this car totally exonerates my feelings about them

[@WorsnopW]

I have a smart #1 Brabus… same car as this and the EQA Mercedes 🤫 Our 2022 XC60 PHEV has better single pedal regen and it’s so much more smooth and refined… it’s almost like the new ones are outsourced 😂

[@Crispy99999]

Sorry James, but don't mince words. @ 22:09 this isn't "so painfully close" to being brilliant, when: 1) the styling is ugly and the same as every other piece of Chinese crap, 2) the interior is full of cheap materials and is also ugly, 3) the suspension is crap, 4) the steering has no feel and there is no driving experience, and 5) none of the controls are easy to use...that's not a short list; that is virtually everything central to a vehicle. All that is in addition to all the usual EV problems such as faux environmental benefits, dangerous in a crash due to fire and sealed doors, easily written-off with even small accidents, expensive to re-battery, massive depreciation, ages needed to re-charge and increasing restrictions where you can park it because even a tiny spark can generate an inferno that makes the sun look like the North Pole. Sorry, this is a horrendous piece of cookie-cutter Chinese garbage that I wouldn't own and drive if I was GIVEN 35K, let alone PAY 35K to own and drive.

[@egirlsareruiningmylife]

You're right but EVs are better for the environment, if not by a lot. The idea they aren't is straight out of ExxonMobil's press department unfortunately

[@Gynra]

Yeah, but apart from that... 😆

[@paulkeenan2691]

After the 24 hrs hours of ownership novelty these electric cars are comparable to a plastic spatula.

[@philbarker7477]

The problem ( as I see it) for central screens in the U.K. is the steering is on the right and since most people are right handed then they have to use their insensitive left hand - all whilst driving.

[@markcompton6750]

Think I’ll stick with my 10 year old XC60 D5 Polestar thanks. Nice cup holder tho 😂

[@verenceable]

I've been able to drive the ex 30 extensively twice because my 2020 v60 was in for maintenance .I think the ex30 is really nice in white; I always think of a snow fox when I look at its face. I like it minimalistic but in the blue trim it has something of a Dixi toilet about it... sorry. In the light wool trim it looks a lot better but also costs almost €5000 extra. I drove the single motor long range and have to say you really don't need more power. My v60 with 200 hp is also pretty good but the ex30 is a small racing car; it presses you into your seat when accelerating and that's awesome. What I don't like is that there is no head-up, not even as an option, which is a shame. The keyless system isn't for me either; I like a small transponder in my pocket. Especially in the core trim there is only a check card that you hold to the B pillar, absolutely impractical. How often have I been on the wrong side and not been able to open the door. Stupid. Operating the tablet, well, you get used to it, the V60 also took some getting used to. But I have beautiful crystal buttons ;). I didn't think the driving experience was that bad because Volvo is generally more about dignified, sheltered driving. It's like a Rolls for the people :) A BMW or Audi driver generally criticizes Volvo for not being as sporty and direct. The Germans are definitely best at that. What can I say, the ex30 is great, but not for the price. I certainly wouldn't trade my v60 in. Never. But the little snow fox is in my heart, unfortunately too expensive as a second car.

[@dodgywheelsandropeywiring5697]

Well, I like the design but that is the only compliment I can give it.

[@mrrobotnica]

It’s funny, as this is my 3rd Volvo, it’s actually the best one. I like to romanticise about the V60 I owned 15 years ago, but honestly, it had terrible reliability. I miss having buttons, but the screen takes very little time to get used to. It drives well, it rides great for an EV, the steering is a bit numb but that’s par for the course. The purists will hate this, but it’s built decently. Driven it for a year, the things I hate revolve around the nanny devices, and the OS is a bit fickle. But overall it is good for what it is, a fast city car that is great for couples.

[@MarkB4444]

I love mine but the key fob is an absolute disaster without any buttons on it

[@dominicrusho]

A friend has one of these and is currently locked in a battle attempting to get a refund. Endless issues and annoyances, apparently.