I Drove the Volvo EX30 and It Changed My Opinion on Entry-Level Luxury EVs

After driving the Volvo EX30, expectations shifted. It’s compact, electric, safety-focused, and quietly premium, but not without compromises that matter when choosing your first luxury EV.

I Drove the Volvo EX30 and It Changed My Opinion on Entry-Level Luxury EVs

I’ll be honest. When Volvo announced the EX30, I wasn’t sold. A small electric SUV wearing a luxury badge always sounds better on paper. Then I drove it. And yeah, my opinion softened, though not blindly.

 

After spending nearly a decade around cars and EVs, one thing is clear to me compact luxury cars either feel special or feel compromised. The EX30 sits right in between.

 

interior and cabin 

Inside, it’s all about the screen. Almost everything runs through it. It looks modern, but I’m still not fully convinced. I’ve seen software glitches ruin simple drives in the past, and during my drive, the screen hesitated once. Small thing, but you notice it in a luxury car.

 

I Drove the Volvo EX30 and It Changed My Opinion on Entry-Level Luxury EVs
File Photo : Volvo EX30 interior showing minimalist dashboard and central touchscreen

Design, calm confidence

The EX30 looks neat, not dramatic. It doesn’t scream for attention like some German rivals. The design is clean, almost shy, but purposeful. In traffic, it stands out quietly. Very Volvo.

 

Driving feel is the real highlight

Press the accelerator and the EX30 feels quick instantly. City driving is effortless. Steering is light but not dead, which I appreciated. Ride quality is decent, though bad roads do make their presence felt.

 

I Drove the Volvo EX30 and It Changed My Opinion on Entry-Level Luxury EVs
File Photo : Clean Scandinavian design gives the Volvo EX30 a calm but confident road presence.

About the range the company claims big numbers, but from experience, expect something closer to 350 km in the real world. Anything more should be treated as a bonus.

 

Safety is where Volvo still wins

This is where the EX30 earns respect. The car feels solid, reassuring, and built to protect. A Volvo dealer once told me their buyers don’t regret their choice. I get why.

 

Also read : Volvo EX60 Review Is This Indias Most Luxurious EV or Just Overhyped?

 

Things to consider

Rear seat and boot space are average. Charging outside major cities still requires some planning. And the price is not going to be friendly. Last word Look elsewhere if you want a flashy luxury badge. If you value safety, quiet performance, and a different kind of premium feel, the Volvo EX30 might be a very sensible first luxury car. Not perfect. But honest. And sometimes, that matters more.

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What was the author's initial impression of the Volvo EX30?
The author was initially skeptical about a small electric SUV with a luxury badge but changed their opinion after driving it.
How is the interior design of the Volvo EX30 described?
The interior is dominated by a large screen that controls almost everything, giving it a modern look, though the author has reservations about potential software glitches.
What is the real-world driving range expected for the Volvo EX30?
Based on the author's experience, the real-world range is expected to be closer to 350 km, despite the company claiming higher numbers.
What are some key strengths of the Volvo EX30?
The EX30's key strengths include its quick acceleration, effortless city driving, and especially its robust safety features, making it feel solid and protective.
What are some of the drawbacks or considerations for potential buyers of the Volvo EX30?
Potential drawbacks include average rear seat and boot space, the need for planning when charging outside major cities, and an expected high price.