With roughly 1,500 miles on the odometer our long term 2025 Volvo EX30 test vehicle has already made quite an impression on the team and not always in the ways we expected.
From eyebrow-raising acceleration numbers to day-to-day tech frustrations the EX30 is proving to be a fascinating little EV to live with.
Unexpectedly Fast
Nothing prepared us for what the EX30 did at the test track. During performance testing it casually dropped a 0–60 mph time of 3.6 seconds—matching a Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet we tested on the same day. Even when we weren’t in AWD Performance mode, it still hit 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. This is the kind of speed that makes you laugh out loud because you simply don’t expect it from a petite EV with friendly looks.
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Under the hood, the EX30 packs a punch:
- 422 hp
- 400 lb-ft torque
- At 109.3 mph the quarter mile took 12.1 second
(It actually hit the speed limiter before completing the run.)
As senior test editor Kurt Niebuhr put it,
“It hit the limiter before the finish line. Without it, this car could’ve dipped into the 11s.”
But—and this is important—don’t confuse straight-line speed with Porsche-like handling. The EX30 is quick but in corners you can feel its soft suspension, body roll and the flex from the all-season tires.
Still, Niebuhr put it perfectly:
“It’s almost too quick for how soft it is, and that’s exactly what makes it fun.”
Tech Frustrations: Living With the Volvo EX30
As much as we enjoy driving the EX30, living with it hasn’t been flawless. In fact, our logbook is already filled with complaints—most of them aimed at the EX30’s tech.
The Infamous ‘Bok’ Warning Sound
Every time the EX30 spots a speed limit change or a road sign, it emits a sharp “bok” sound and flashes the alert at the top of the touchscreen. After a while, it becomes actually annoying and distracting.
Could you please switch it off?
Not until software update 1.5.2 drops.
Simple Features Require Too Many Steps
Something as basic as switching headlights from Auto to Manual requires digging into deep menus:
- Open settings
- Go to exterior lighting
- Select the mode
- Confirm with a steering wheel button
- Close the pop-up manually
That’s… a lot for something that should be one tap.
Touchscreen + CarPlay = Mood-Based Functionality
The main touchscreen looks slick, but functionality hasn’t been smooth:
- Apple CarPlay sometimes decides not to work at all.
- Android Auto isn’t supported yet, despite the system being Google-based.
- Even after logging in, Google Assistant constantly demands new permissions.
Our tester David Kaufman summed it up:
“Just give me Android Auto. The whole system feels like an exercise in irritation.”
Tech Quirks Dull the Drive
Driving the EX30 is similar to flying blind. It feels more like a guess, as there are no traditional gauges behind the wheel. And the constant stream of alerts doesn’t help, especially the “pull over if tired” warning that crops up just as you start the journey. “The laptop fails with the simplest of demands,” remarked Luke Huisman, who is a video editor. There’s real promise here, but it needs polishing before I’d want to take it out again.”
Small Size, Big Appeal
Now, let’s focus on the good points of the EX30.. First off, the size is just right. When moving through regions profusely supplied with a wardrobe of giant EVs, EX30 seems the effortless choice for those who prize compactness, which bestows practicality.
“It’s compact but not cramped” noted Kaufman. “I can comfortably fit my wife and 5-year-old without feeling squeezed and the cargo space handles everyday need just fine.”
2025 Volvo EX30 Interior: A Creative Touch
This is where the EX30 really stands out. Volvo has created one of the most unique interior in the EV world.
Script writer Duncan Brady described it perfectly:
- The recycled plastic trim looks like festive confetti
- The seats are beautifully sculpted and genuinely comfortable
- The air vents have an ’80s retro-art-deco vibe
- The textured door panels feel artsy and upcycled
- Even the metal door handles feel premium
It’s a space that feel playful, sustainable and modern all at once.
We haven’t completed our full Edmunds EV Range Test yet, but on paper:
- EPA range: ~250 miles
- Efficiency: 31 kWh per 100 mile
Stay tuned—we’ll have real-world results soon.
Conclusion
The 2025 Volvo EX30 is a designer small EV that endows charm and creativity to its interior design and dimensions. It is a chic alternative to the large electric SUVs out there. Yet, the UI interface and sometimes overly eager driver alerts put it a tad behind the competition. Potentially, with a few refinements in terms of driving dynamics and tech usability, the EX30 could shine like none other in the small EV category; for now, however it remains a viable option with the possibility of improvement.
FAQs
Q1. Is the 2025 Volvo EX30 really as fast as the numbers suggest?
A: Yes The EX30’s 0–60 mph time of 3.6 seconds puts it on par with some sports cars including the Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet. Its shockingly quick for its size.
Q2. Does the EX30 support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
A: Apple CarPlay is supported—but often buggy.
Android Auto is not available yet, despite the system being Google-based. Volvo says future updates will improve compatibility.
Q3. What is the real-world range of the EX30?
A: The EPA claim around 250 miles but real world testing is still underway. Expect slightly less depending on conditions.
Also Read: 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Review: An Appealing Monster with Astonishing Power