The all-electric Volvo EX30 has finally arrived in Malaysia, bringing Scandinavian design, impressive tech, and performance into the compact premium EV space. Available in two variants (EX30 Single Motor Extended Range and the EX30 Twin Motor Performance Ultra), each offers a unique proposition depending on your driving needs and lifestyle, so let us look at what they offer.
Volvo EX30 Ultra: Anything but basic
Priced at RM208,888, the entry-level EX30 variant in Malaysia is anything but basic. With a rear-mounted 200 kW (272 hp) electric motor and a 69 kWh battery, this version delivers a WLTP-rated range of up to 480 km.
On the road, it’s smooth and responsive, accelerating from 0–100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds. Power delivery is clean and linear, and the cabin remains serenely quiet even at highway speeds.
Where the EX30 Single Motor really shines is in its minimalist, high-tech interior. A 12.3-inch portrait touchscreen manages nearly all controls—some might find the absence of a traditional driver display unusual, but the interface is intuitive.
The Google-based infotainment system is quick, and the materials used throughout the cabin (recycled fabrics and clean trims) make it feel modern and sustainable.
In Malaysia, the EX30 Single Motor competes closely with the BMW iX1 eDrive20, Hyundai Ioniq 5 Plus, and Mercedes-Benz EQA 250. While the BMW edges out in driving dynamics and badge prestige, the Volvo wins on range and design appeal.
Compared to the Ioniq 5, the EX30 offers a more premium, minimalist experience, though the Hyundai counters with a more spacious cabin. The EQA, meanwhile, feels a generation behind in interface and driving range despite its premium price tag.
Volvo EX30 Ultra Twin Motor Performance: The Compact Rocketship
Step up to the EX30 Ultra Twin Motor Performance and things get serious. This dual-motor, all-wheel-drive variant makes a whopping 315 kW (428 hp) and 543 Nm of torque. It sprints from 0–100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds, making it the quickest Volvo ever—yes, quicker than the XC90 T8 or even the Polestar 2 AWD LR.
It uses the same 69 kWh battery, but range drops slightly to around 460 km due to the performance hardware.
Despite its compact footprint, the Twin Motor EX30 drives like a hot hatch with SUV practicality. Grip is immense, steering is sharp, and regenerative braking is strong but smooth. It also gets additional tech goodies like a Harman Kardon sound system, 360° camera, panoramic roof, and adaptive cruise with Pilot Assist.
The closest competitor in Malaysia to the EX30 Twin Motor is the Hyundai Ioniq 5 Max, Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD, and possibly the Mercedes-Benz EQA 350 4MATIC. The Volvo has more power than all of them except the high-performance EV6 GT.
While the Ioniq 5 and EV6 offer larger interiors and more practical storage, the EX30 is more premium-feeling inside and better suited to city maneuverability. Compared to the EQA 350, the EX30 is more fun to drive, quicker, and better equipped at a more accessible price point.
Verdict
Like any car out there, each variant comes with its own compromises. The Ultra, while efficient and attractively priced, lacks all-wheel-drive traction and can feel underpowered compared to some dual-motor rivals—especially when overtaking or on hilly terrain.
Meanwhile, the Twin Motor Performance variant, though thrillingly fast, sacrifices some real-world range and rides firmer due to its performance-tuned suspension. Additionally, both variants share a cabin layout that relies heavily on a central touchscreen, which may take time for traditional drivers to adapt to and can make quick adjustments—like air-conditioning or drive modes— less convenient on the go.
Whether you choose the rear-drive Single Motor for efficiency or the Twin Motor for electrifying performance, the Volvo EX30 is a strong contender in Malaysia’s growing premium EV segment. It blends Swedish design, cutting-edge tech, and compelling pricing into a compact package that makes you rethink what an entry-level luxury EV should be.
The EX30 is particularly well-suited for urban professionals who want a stylish, sustainable vehicle that’s easy to live with in city traffic. Its compact footprint makes parking and maneuvering stress-free, while the cabin’s modern layout offers all the connectivity and comfort you’d expect from a premium marque.
It’s also an ideal choice for first-time EV buyers. With Volvo’s established presence in Malaysia and the EX30’s intuitive driving experience, it offers a reassuring entry point into electric mobility—without the intimidating complexity or range anxiety often associated with EV ownership.
For small families, the EX30 delivers a balance of practicality and premium feel. While it’s not the largest in its class, its safety features, efficient layout, and versatile performance make it a smart and stylish alternative to traditional SUVs.
