Volvo EX30 revealed in Porto: the brand’s smallest and fastest SUV

Volvo EX30 revealed in Porto

The Volvo EX30 was unveiled to the public in Portugal at Porto’s House of Music. The event also marked the debut of a new Automobile Reason format, recorded at the Volvo pop-up Studio.

We recorded a live podcast, giving us the chance to put readers’ questions to representatives of the Swedish brand. As well as discussing this new model, we explored the challenges of electrification and found out where Volvo is heading over the next few years.

The Volvo EX30 is an SUV and the brand’s smallest model, but also its most powerful and quickest. It signals Volvo’s arrival in the premium B-segment, with a fully electric model that becomes the entry point to the Volvo range.

This new Automobile Reason format reveals all the first details of the new Volvo EX30.

Volvo EX30 pop-up Studio dates

Between 13 and 17 September in Porto, and from 20 to 24 September in Lisbon, visitors will be able to see the new Volvo EX30 and test drive the Volvo XC40 and Volvo C40. Volvo brand specialists will be on hand to answer every question, while anyone visiting the Volvo pop-up Studio will be offered a coffee.

Arriving in early 2024

The Volvo EX30 will reach Portugal in the first quarter of 2024, although orders can already be placed. Prices start below €37,894 and, as became clear during the podcast, the model has a straightforward configuration range.

The Volvo EX30 is offered in three equipment levels - Core, Plus and Ultra - which can be paired with different powertrain options: Single Motor, Single Motor Extended and Twin Motor Performance.

The range begins with the rear-wheel-drive version, producing 200 kW (272 hp). It uses a 51 kWh LFP battery and offers a maximum range of 344 km. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds.

Next is the Extended Range version, which retains rear-wheel drive and the same power output. However, it features a 69 kWh NMC (nickel, manganese, cobalt) battery, increasing maximum range to 480 km. The 0 to 100 km/h sprint is quicker too, taking 5.3 seconds.

The fastest Volvo ever

At the top of the Volvo EX30 line-up is the Performance version, which has two motors - one on each axle - delivering a combined maximum output of 315 kW (428 hp).

It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds - the quickest figure ever for a Volvo - while range stands at 460 km.

Like the rest of Volvo’s models, the EX30 has its top speed limited to 180 km/h.