The Cheapest New Volvo America Is Still Waiting For

The Cheapest New Volvo America Is Still Waiting For originally appeared on Autoblog.

No other luxury EV is this affordable

Volvo isn’t exactly known for bargain pricing. It’s a premium brand, Swedish by design, and has spent decades cultivating a reputation for quiet luxury and impeccable safety. But as the EV shift accelerates, even Volvo has had to rethink its entry point.

In October 2023, Volvo announced that the 2025 EX30 electric crossover range would start with a single-motor model priced at $34,950. This represents exceptional value for a luxury EV, but would also make it the cheapest new Volvo on sale, including gas models.

In late 2024, Volvo announced that the base EX30 would arrive "later in 2025". It's still not here, but let's look at what to expect from this affordable Volvo when it eventually arrives.

The EX30 Will Be Volvo’s New Entry-Level Model

2025 Volvo EX30

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At under $35k, the base EX30 easily undercuts the dual-motor EX30, which starts at $44,900.

Looking at other luxury automakers, their cheapest EVs are far more expensive than the base EX30. Audi's Q4 e-tron starts at $49,800, while Mercedes charges $53,050 for the base EQB. Even Genesis, which usually comes in cheaper than the Germans, charges $52,350 for its cheapest EV, the GV60.Standard power in the base EX30 comes from asingle rear-mounted electric motorproducing268 horsepower, which is enough for a 0-60 mph time of just above five seconds. The twin-motor Performance trim with422 hpwill hit 60 in a mere 3.4 seconds, so there's quite a gulf between the two in terms of performance.

When we drove the single-motor model, we found it had plenty of punch and was more fun to drive than the heavier dual-motor version.

Related: 2025 Volvo EX30 First Drive Review: Little big time

Range varies depending on battery and motor choice. The base EX30 Single Motor with the extended range battery can hit 261 miles on a full charge, whereas the Twin Motor has a max range of 250 miles.

Charging speeds peak at153 kW, allowing a 10–80% top-up in around 26 minutes.

Why It’s Cheaper Than An EX40

The EX30 is smaller, lighter, and built to scale. It shares its SEA platform with other Geely-group EVs, and it was originally developed with production in China before Volvo announced plans to build U.S. market models in Belgium — a shift triggered by potential tariffs and inflationary cost pressures. For buyers exploring theVolvo price range, it marks a decisive new entry point.Meanwhile, theXC40 Recharge— oncethe cheapest electric Volvo SUV, and now called the EX40— now starts at$52,500, making the EX30 a full$17,550 cheaper. Even theXC40 mild-hybridpetrol model now begins above$40,000, while the cheapest Volvo sedan costs nearly $44k, meaning the EX30 undercuts everything across the Volvo catalogue, combustion or electric. If you’re looking for theleast expensive Volvowith real performance, this is it.Despite this, the EX30 isn’t a stripped-out budget special. Standard kit includes:

A 12.3-inch digital display with Google built-in

Android Automotive OS with wireless Apple CarPlay

Lane keeping, adaptive cruise, and cross-traffic alert

A full-length glass roof on some trims

Sustainable interior materials like flax and recycled denim

What it lacks is clutter. There’s no instrument cluster, no physical buttons, and no bulky proportions. It’s minimal in the purest Scandinavian sense, andVolvo's cheapest caris also the cleanest.

How It Compares To Rivals

Audi Q4 e-tron

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The cheapest Volvo SUV model lands in a fast-growing segment that includes the following:

Hyundai Kona Electric– cheaper, less powerful, more conventional

Tesla Model Y– larger, faster, pricier, less premium inside

Audi Q4 e-tron - similar performance, tech, and prestige, but pricier

Most undercut the EX30 slightly in price or beat it in range, but none offer the same mix of safety, branding, interior maturity, and performance credibility in one neat package.

Minimalism With Purpose

2025 Volvo EX30

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The interior of the Volvo EX30 is classic modern Volvo — stripped back, subtly clever, and clean without feeling cold. There’s no traditional instrument cluster; instead, all essential info is displayed on a central 12.3-inch portrait touchscreen running Google’s Android Automotive OS. Materials are sustainable but don’t scream about it — think flax-based fabrics, recycled denim, or a wool blend option depending on spec. Storage is smart too: the glovebox is mounted centrally beneath the screen, and there’s a removable centre console bin that doubles as in-car storage or a grab-and-go container. Minimalist doesn’t mean empty — it feels considered, not compromised.

Who’s It For?

The EX30 is designed for younger, urban buyers who want a Volvo badge without a Volvo footprint. It’s small enough to feel manageable, smart enough to feel premium, and quick enough to feel exciting. Running costs are low, tax incentives apply in some regions, and total cost of ownership undercuts many petrol SUVs.It’s also one of the few entry-level EVs that doesn’t feel like a compromise. You’re not just buying into the brand — you’re getting something that feels complete.

Pricing And On-Sale Date: The Big Question Marks

Often, manufacturers announce a base model with an extremely attractive price, but it ends up being more expensive by the time it goes on sale. The Tesla Cybertruck was an extreme example of this, with an initial expected cost of under $40k which never materialized. When the EX30's base price was originally announced, the effect of tariffs had also not yet been felt. That said, Volvo is a lot less prone to hyperbole than Tesla.

All we know is that the single-motor EX30 is still scheduled to arrive at some point in 2025, and Volvo has not said anything about a change to its base price. If it gets here soon at $34,950, it will be the cheapest new Volvo on sale and easily one of the most enticing EVs at that price point.

It looks great, is fast enough, and has the upscale appeal of more expensive Volvos. Let's hope we get to experience it soon on local soil.

The Cheapest New Volvo America Is Still Waiting For first appeared on Autoblog on Jul 13, 2025

This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jul 13, 2025, where it first appeared.