Volvo is ready to shake up India’s premium EV market with its newest and smallest electric SUV, the Volvo EX30. Slated to launch in September 2025, with deliveries following soon after, the EX30 arrives as the brand’s entry-level offering. It may be compact, but it comes packed with Volvo’s trademark blend of Scandinavian design, advanced safety, and everyday practicality. Of course, no car is perfect, and the EX30 has its own mix of strengths and shortcomings that buyers should know before making a decision.
First Impressions Small in Size, Big in Presence
At first glance, the EX30 looks every bit like a modern Volvo. It borrows styling cues from its bigger siblings, giving it a premium road presence despite its smaller proportions. The signature LED headlamps, clean lines, and upright stance lend it a sharp yet elegant appeal. Step inside and you’ll find a minimalist but upmarket cabin that feels solidly put together, true to Volvo’s reputation. Safety has always been a Volvo strong suit, and the EX30 continues that legacy with a five-star Euro NCAP rating. For Indian buyers who value peace of mind, this adds a big tick in the pros column.
Performance That Surprises
Don’t be fooled by its compact size the EX30 packs quite a punch. The rear-wheel-drive version puts out 268 bhp and 343 Nm of torque, enough to propel it from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds. That’s sports-car quick and faster than many petrol-powered SUVs in the same price bracket. The range is another highlight. Expect over 400 km on a single charge in real-world conditions, which should cover the needs of daily commuters and even weekend getaways. For a car in this category, that’s a reassuring number.
Features That Make Life Easier
Volvo hasn’t held back when it comes to features. The EX30 gets a panoramic sunroof, LED headlamps with active high beam, and a nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system that promises a crisp audio experience. Tech lovers will appreciate touches like one-pedal driving, an NFC key card, an air purifier, and a button-less ignition system that adds a futuristic vibe. As expected, safety technology takes center stage. The car is equipped with Volvo’s latest ADAS suite, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision avoidance systems. These not only enhance safety but also make highway driving less stressful.
The Flip Side, Where It Could Do Better
For all its positives, the EX30 isn’t flawless. Rear visibility is limited thanks to its small rear windshield and thick C-pillars, which can make reversing or parking trickier than expected. Rear passengers, particularly taller adults, may also find the high floor uncomfortable during longer journeys. The 318-litre boot space is smaller than what many rivals in the segment offer, and families who often travel with luggage might feel the pinch.
Then there’s the cabin layout. Volvo has opted for a touchscreen-heavy setup, with most functions tucked into the central display. While it looks modern, the lack of physical buttons may frustrate drivers who prefer quick, tactile controls. It also raises the risk of distraction when on the move. And for a car expected to cost ₹40-50 lakh, some features are surprisingly absent. No ventilated seats, no head-up display, no rear AC vents, and no rear center armrest things you’d easily find in cars costing far less.
Should You Go for the EX30?
The Volvo EX30 is a fascinating mix of style, safety, and performance. It proves that an entry-level Volvo can still feel premium and deliver thrills behind the wheel. For city dwellers and young buyers looking to step into the luxury EV segment, it offers plenty to admire from quick acceleration to high-end safety credentials.
That said, buyers who prioritize space, rear-seat comfort, or a long feature list might want to pause and weigh their options. The EX30 is best seen as a chic, urban-friendly EV that blends personality with practicality just don’t expect it to tick every single box. When it launches, the EX30 could easily become one of the most talked-about luxury EVs of 2025 in India. It’s small, it’s stylish, and it carries the weight of the Volvo badge qualities that might be enough to win over a lot of buyers.