The Volvo EX30 is set to make its debut later this month, and Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) seems to be generating buzz with a camouflaged version of the car spotted recently. Over the weekend, this disguised vehicle was seen near the lake at Subang Ria Park, which had been reserved for a smartphone event catering to a younger crowd.
The camouflage on the EX30 features phrases like ‘Big on Safety’ and ‘Big on Tech,’ along with an invitation to ‘be the first to drive’ at KL Base from September 26-29. KL Base, previously the Sungai Besi airfield, was also the venue for the Volvo Safety Driving Experience earlier in the year. These dates likely indicate the customer event following the official launch on September 25.
VCM has already opened up registration for interested buyers, and several EX30 units were seen being transported to Port Klang last month, hinting that local CKD assembly at the Shah Alam plant may have already started, with export operations in motion.
What makes the EX30 stand out is its distinctiveness. Its design, compact size, and user interface, which notably lacks buttons and traditional meters or HUD, set it apart from other EVs. During a test drive in Sweden, Hafriz Shah was pleasantly surprised by its driving experience, especially considering he has driven nearly all EVs available in Malaysia.
The EX30, Volvo’s smallest car to date, is built on Geely’s Scalable Electric Architecture (SEA), which also supports the smart #1, smart #3, and the upcoming Zeekr X. Measuring 4,223 mm in length, 1,837 mm in width, and 1,555 mm in height, it’s significantly smaller than the XC40. Its wheelbase, at 2,650 mm, is also shorter by 52 mm, making it more compact compared to its Volvo counterparts.
Already available in Thailand and Indonesia, the EX30 offers three variants in Thailand, all powered by a 69 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery with charging capabilities of 11 kW AC and 153 kW DC.
The Core Single Motor Extended Range and Ultra Single Motor Extended Range variants come with a rear motor producing 272 PS (200 kW) and 343 Nm, offering a WLTP range of 480 km. The Ultra Twin Motor Performance variant, with an additional front motor, delivers 428 PS (315 kW), 543 Nm, and a range of 460 km.
In Indonesia, the EX30 is available only in rear-wheel-drive, with two battery options. The base Plus model comes with a 51 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, offering a range of 344 km, while the Ultra Extended Range variant features a 69 kWh NMC battery with a 480 km range.
Malaysia’s variant details are yet to be confirmed, but competition is heating up with the BYD Seal and Tesla Model 3 leading the pack in desirable EVs, alongside lifestyle models like the newly launched MINI Cooper SE and Countryman SE.
Pricing will be a crucial factor for the EX30, as the growing EV supply contends with demand that may not be expanding as rapidly. The car’s compact size means it will need to be priced below the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, which is currently priced at RM280,000. In Indonesia, prices start around RM248,000, so it’s expected that Malaysia’s pricing will fall between RM200,000 and RM240,000. The final price will be revealed soon.