New sporty electric Volvo EX30 has Tesla style minimalist interior, from $59,990 plus onroads

After hinting about it for months Volvo Australia has finally launched the new EX30, its smallest ever electric SUV going head to head with the Cupra Born with a MSRP of just under $60K.

By 2026 Volvo Australia plans to phase out fossil fuel models and only sell electric cars here.

With no driver instrument panel or HUD and a minimalist approach controlled by a central 12.3 inch tablet screen it's an interior Elon would likely approve of.

Don't look for the door speakers as there aren't any.

Instead a full width dashboard soundbar integrates tweeters, mid-range speakers and a woofer outlet, freeing up valuable space in the doors while reducing weight and material resources.

Volvo says the EX30 combines the best elements of their distinctive Scandinavian ‘living room’ design with industry leading safety features as well as the latest Apple CarPlay, voice-activated Google Automotive built-in as standard, OTA updates, NFC smartphone key and Volvo EX30 control app.

Stephen Connor, Managing Director of Volvo Car Australia commented:

"We are proud to introduce the EX30 to Australia which embodies Volvo's distinctive Scandinavian design values, advanced safety, legendary comfort and cutting-edge tech in a smaller format".

"With the EX30 we enter a new, growing segment – the small, fully electric luxury SUV. The EX30 offers a strong value proposition to a new audience in the Australian car market which is increasingly embracing EVs."

It will be covered by a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty, 8-year roadside assistance package, 8-year battery warranty and 2-year interval servicing.

Model Line Up and Pricing ( plus on road costs )Volvo EX30 Single Motor Extended Plus – $59,990.00Volvo EX30 Single Motor Extended Ultra – $64,990.00Volvo EX30 Twin Performance Ultra – $69,990.00

Three locally available variants will carry the 69kWh battery option, with 5 colour options (Moss Yellow, Cloud Blue, Vapour Grey, Crystal White, and Onyx Black) contrasting with the Onyx Black metallic roof and high-gloss black exterior details.

It's disappointing but the smaller 51kWh LFP battery version which would have been lower cost won't be available in Australia.

The single motor Extended range has 200kW of power and 343Nm of torque whereas the twin motor Performance with electric motors both on front and the rear having a maximum output of 315kW of power and 543Nm of torque.

The single motor variant has an estimated range of up to 480 kilometres with twin motor being up to 460 kilometres of range (global WLTP figures).

Both the Single Motor Extended Range and the Twin Motor Performance variants are capable of charging from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes at DC ultra fast chargers.

As the most sustainable Volvo model ever produced, the leather-free interior of EX30 incorporates recycled and renewable materials such as flax, wool and denim upholstery created from the waste fibres of the denim recycling process.

Volvo's distinctive ‘Thor's Hammer’ signature headlight has been updated in EX30 with the addition of a segmented design, extra width, and a narrower look.

The rear lamp design has also been updated, with two sections in flush with the car body, which helps make the car conspicuous in all light conditions while further enhancing the Volvo EX30's stylish and contemporary look.

A large fixed panoramic glass roof provides a spacious and airy feel inside the car for everyone to enjoy, whether they are seated at the front or at the rear.

The Volvo EX30 is packed with small touches which aim to make life easier for all its occupants. There is a convenient multi-storage area at the floor, and a sliding unit in the tunnel console between the front seats that serves as a cupholder as well as a storage box. And with the introduction of the soundbar, the door pockets can be fully utilised for storage.

All the safety features that you would expect from Volvo are there in the EX30:

Example of some of these: Lane Keeping Aid, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, Run-off road Mitigation, BLIS (Blind Spot Monitoring System) with steer assist, Intersection auto brake (straight crossing path), (also with right/left hand turn), Collision avoidance and mitigation by braking and steering, Vehicle, cyclist and pedestrian detection, Oncoming mitigation by braking, Pedestrian, cyclist and scooter steering avoidance, Rear collision warning and mitigation, Rear cross traffic alert with auto brake, front cross traffic with auto brake, Low speed auto break (rear), Road sign information, Intelligent speed assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Pilot Assist, Lane change assist, Distance to Truck Assist, Park Assist Camera, rear view and door opening alert.

The Plus variant has a dual tone roof, Digital Key, Wireless Charging, Harman Kardon Premium Sound, Power Operated Tailgate, Parking Sensors, front, Welcome / Farewell Light, Auto Dim Mirrors with the Twin Motor Ultra come additional features such as the Fixed Panoramic Roof, 360-degree camera, Park Assist Pilot, Power Seats, 4-way Lumbar Support, Tinted Rear windows, Heated Front Seats, Heated Steering Wheel, 20-inch alloy wheels (exclusive to Twin Motor Ultra variant).