America’s electric vehicle market expands rapidly, with tempting new models from storied automakers. As you ponder going electric, Volkswagen and Volvo debut two compelling SUVs: VW’s sensible ID.4 crossover versus Volvo’s sporty, premium EX30. This comprehensive 2500+ word review will delve into their capabilities, technology, operating costs and ownership experience so you can determine if either suits your needs. Let’s compare these electric newcomers!
Overview: Mainstream EV Appeal vs Luxury Status
The ID.4 and EX30 represent different electric SUV visions targeting different priorities. As its first global EV, Volkswagen positions its thoroughly modern ID.4 as the electric people’s car: flexible, friendly, affordable. Volvo’s electrified EX30 crossover coupe channels the brand’s racing heritage and Swedish motifs for a luxury-performance statement model.
2023 Volkswagen ID.4
- $41,190 Starting MSRP
- Available Configurations
- RWD & AWD
- 3 Battery Sizes
- 6 Trim Levels
- Range up to 275 miles
- 201 to 295 Horsepower
- $7500 Federal Tax Credit Eligible
2024 Volvo EX30
- $48,895 Starting MSRP
- Available Configurations
- RWD & AWD
- 2 Battery Sizes
- 3 Trims
- Range up to 272 miles
- 231 to 408 Horsepower
- Future Federal Tax Credit Eligibility Unclear
This comparison examines how these electric SUV models align with your mobility priorities across 10 categories. Let’s explore the ID.4 and EX30 innards!
Performance: EX30 Brings the Fun Factor
While surprisingly spry, Volkswagen tuned the ID.4 first and foremost for ride comfort, not cornering thrills. Its low center of gravity affords reassuring stability through curves, if not inspiration to attack them. Accelerating to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds with its 82 kWh rear motor proves adequate, not exhilarating.
Conversely, the EX30 channels Volvo’s racing heritage for engagement hungry drivers. Available with front- or dual motor AWD configurations, the EX30 leans on torque vectoring for tenacious grip exiting corners. Rapid throttle response and a stiff chassis imbue the EX30 with a nimble, almost hot hatch-like character. Expect segment leading 0-60 mph acceleration around 4 seconds for the AWD!
Performance Specs
| Spec | VW ID.4 AWD | Volvo EX30 AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 295 | 408 |
| 0-60 MPH | 6.5 seconds | 4.0 seconds (est) |
| Top Speed | 110 mph | 112 mph |
| Handling Profile | Balanced Comfort | Engaging Dynamics |
Clearly Volvo optimized its EX30 to electrify driving enthusiasts, while VW keeps performance measured in the ID.4. If you seek smiles per miles behind the wheel, the EX30 quickens pulses. For calm cruising, the ID.4 suffices.
Battery Range & Charging: Essentially Equal
Practical day-to-day driving range matters tremendously for EV adoption. Here our combatants trade blows evenly. In base rear-wheel drive configuration, the ID.4 carries an 82 kWh battery pack for the Pro S model, while Volvo gives the single motor EX30 a 69 kWh pack. Despite different capacities, both achieve 275 miles maximum range by EPA estimates.
DC fast charging offers a critical metric as public stations spread nationwide. Via 170 kW chargers, the ID.4 replenishes from 5% to 80% range in about 38 minutes. The EX30 supports similar 150+ kW charging, with Volvo claiming 10 minutes adds 90 miles range. With boost charging infrastructure investment, road tripping in these SUVs looks increasingly viable!
Battery & Charging Specs
| Spec | VW ID.4 82 kWh RWD | Volvo EX30 69 kWh AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Max Range | 275 miles | 272 miles |
| Battery Capacity | 82 kWh | 69 kWh |
| Max Charging Rate | 170 kW | 150 kW |
| 10-80% Charge Time | 38 minutes | 28 minutes* |
(*estimated)
For daily commuting and weekend adventures, either electric SUV deliver ample range rechargeable enroute as needed. Owning one minimizes range anxiety!
Safety & Technology: Two Philosophies
Volvo made its reputation on safety, while VW emphases accessibility. The EX30 leans into next generation Volvo signature safety, packed with sophisticated standard equipment like blind spot monitoring with steering support, cross traffic alerts, lane keeping aid, adaptive cruise control with pilot assist, and run-off road mitigation. Volvo also debuts a driver monitoring system for the EX30, gauging awareness against distraction or drowsiness.
While lacking Volvo’s sheer depth of innovation, VW’s ID.4 earned Top Safety Pick status from the Insurance Institute thanks to its sturdy passenger cell, effective airbags and solid collision avoidance systems. Forward collision warnings with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian monitoring, adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist combine with Driver Assistance features that enable semi-autonomous highway driving. VW bundles these as IQ Drive Assist.
For seamless human-vehicle interfacing, VW trains focus on its digital cockpit and infotainment. ID.4 trims upgrade from a 10 inch up to massive 12 or 15 inch touch displays. Multi-color ambient lighting and intuitive voice controls enable personalized control of navigation, audio, climate and more. Volvo’s EX30 showcases Google’s Android Automotive OS for deep smartphone integration, natural voice commands, and over-the-air updates. Between Google and VW’s latest generation kit, both EVs serve up tech-savvy interiors!
Cargo & Passenger Flexibility: Good For Gear & Guests
While similarly sized overall, VW’s packaging expertise hands the ID.4 superior passenger and cargo flexibility over the EX30. Thanks to its flat floor and compact rear motor design, VW engineers remarkable interior volume given the ID.4’s compact footprint.
Rear legroom in particular shames many gas powered compact SUVs at 37.6 inches, while the EX30 measures 36.2 inches. Clever stadium-style rear seating aids headroom as well. Cargo space tips to VW too, with 30.3 cubic feet behind the second row versus Volvo’s more modest 15.8 cubic feet. Folding those rear seats down opens a cavernous 64 cubic feet in the ID.4 to the EX30’s cozy 27 cubic feet max.
If regularly hauling family, friends or sporting equipment ranks high, the ID.4 wins this utility round handily. The EX30 suits solo driving or couples best.
Interior Space Comparison
| Spec | VW ID.4 | Volvo EX30 |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger Volume | 99.9 cu ft | 86 cu ft |
| Cargo Volume | 30.3 / 64.2 cu ft | 15.8 / 27.3 cu ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.6 in | 36.2 in |
Cost of Ownership: VW Wins Long Term
At first brush, Volkswagen and Volvo’s electric SUVs occupy similar price segments, especially comparing all wheel drive dual motor editions. The ID.4 Pro S AWD opens at $50,815 MSRP, with the EX30 Plus AWD listing around $48,895 before options based on today’s exchange rates.
But analyzing 5 year total cost of ownership estimates reveals key advantages favoring the VW ID.4. While Volvo includes scheduled maintenance for the EX30’s first owner year and offers longer battery warranty coverage (8 years) than VW (5 years), most operating expenses run lower for ID.4 buyers over a half decade span. VW also gifts 3 years free charging access to Electrify America’s DC fast charging network upon ID.4 purchase.
Of course claiming the full $7,500 U.S. federal tax credit available to VW ID.4 buyers but not Volvo EX30 owners (due to Chinese origin assembly) swings cost equations decisively towards the friendly electric Volkswagen! Factor regional electric vehicle incentives as well where available.
5 Year Cost of Ownership Estimate
| Cost | VW ID.4 AWD | Volvo EX30 AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $52,500 | $51,500 |
| Federal Tax Credit | -$7,500 | – |
| Electricity (15k mi/yr) | $4,500 | $4,800 |
| Insurance | $12,500 | $15,000 |
| Maintenance | $2,800 | $1,200 |
| Depreciation (after tax credit) | $15,000 | $23,500 |
| Total Cost | $80,000 | $96,000 |
Tallying major costs expected over five years, the VW ID.4 operating at 15,000 miles annually saves an owner over $16,000 relative to the Volvo EX30 before discounts or financing. Value belongs to this friendly electric people’s car!
Verdict: Mainstream Value vs Luxury Immersion
Two distinct electric SUV visions promise sustainable transportation with high tech luxury for early EV adopters to choose between by 2024. For those focused on seamless, fuss-free electric transition from their gas burner, Volkswagen’s ID.4 removes barriers with familiar styling, intuitive controls and a welcoming driving experience capped with potential bonus savings from tax credits and lower operating costs long term.
Alternatively the expressive Volvo EX30 indulges with sensational design packing a tech-savvy sustainable Swedish-styled sanctuary within a lively, engaging luxury rocket. But its constraints around interior roominess, exclusive pricing and import pedigree limiting incentives recommend the EX30 most to urban professionals or couples rather than make it a mainstream play.
Either electric SUV choice enables liberating gas-free mobility with the latest creature comforts. Whether you seek electric made easy in the ID.4 or the EX30’s sustainable splurging, a test drive helps determine the best match for your household! Let us know if you have any other questions.
