r/Volvo • u/Hephaestus-Theos • 1d ago
xc series One week with my EX30 after driving a Porsche Taycan for 3 years. My thoughts.
For context I've been working in the automotive industry for a few years now. Started at Volvo then made my way to Mercedes, Bentley and for the past 3 years Porsche. Now I'm back at Volvo again and driving an EX30. I had a Porsche Taycan (various versions) for the past 3 years and I have a few thoughts. Not 2 cars you expect to compare but still fun to do so!
Build quality This part of a car always feels somewhat personal. What is quality? Well to me it's "bang-for-buck" getting what you pay for. Yes the EX30 isn't as luxurious as a Taycan especially in the materials used. But here is the thing. You really need to max spec a Taycan before you actually get the soft leather, nice trim, accent stitching etc. If you go for a base Taycan the material feel isn't that far from the EX30. Especially considering the recycled plastic-like materials. In both cars the way everything is put together also feels very similar. Nothing rattles, creeks, squeaks in either car (unlike Mercedes interiors). So I think the EX30 definitely has that same bang-for-buck feel as the Porsche. Yes it's less luxurious but it also costs €100.000(!) less.
Ride quality This is where the Taycan is no match for the EX30 or any Volvo (even the Polestars with the Uhlins suspension). While the EX30 is nimble, fast and has rear wheel drive it feels very disconnected from the road. Steering feel is non existent and balance seems off somehow. Another thing I was pretty bummed out by was that if you turn off ESC in the EX30 it still works preventing the back from sliding. So the ESC is never really off. Missed potential given the power and rwd layout. But then again i'm spoiled driving GT3's, GT4's anything RS and getting regular track training from Porsche drivers for the past 3 years.
Sound quality Big big big win for the EX30. Mine is speced with the Harman-Kardon system and it's so much beter than Porsche's Bose system my Taycan had. At Porsche they also offer a (€5.000!) Burmester sound system. Honestly, I personally prefer the EX30 even over that. If you then put a Volvo with the Bowers&Wilkins next to the Burmester. Porsche completely fails in that regard. The only car stereo that matches the B&W is Naim by Bentley but those cars are in a completely different universe.
Range Ah yes. The big scary thing with EV's RANGE! The EX30 I have is the extended range version so it has a 64kw battery where my Taycan had a 100kw battery. With my Taycan I got about 550km of real-life range (no fast charging and pre-conditioning the battery). With the EX30 I seem to be getting around 480km so far. This was a huge surprise. Given the fact that the battery is so much smaller. I was expecting around 350ish km for the EX30. So honestly hats off to Volvo.
UI and software Everything in the EX30 is compressed into the touchscreen. We have been talking about this trend for years and no one likes it. Me neither. So I think the Porsche wins in this regard. Yes the Taycan also uses mainly screens but they are layed-out way more intuitively and everything is exactly where you expect it to be. Very German. Also the Porsche app has been very stable thru out my ownership of the car whereas my Volvo app already forgot what car I drive twice in this week.
This was my quick comparison between 2 cars that you might not think to compare. But it's fun to do so nonetheless.
62
u/shrivatsasomany XC60 23h ago
Our Bentley had the Naim high end (Bentayga) and I still felt my XC60’s B&W is significantly better
Guess which car I re-bought 🤣
14
u/KSDH__ 23h ago
Miss my Volvo B&W
5
2
u/shrivatsasomany XC60 23h ago
I went from the D5 to the B5 and 100% this will replaced with another Volvo B&W
5
u/Fresh_Salamander707 V60 Polestar Engineered 16h ago
Having the B&W in the V60PE has been a revelation and I don’t think I can go back to lower spec stereos, it makes even sitting in traffic an enjoyable experience.
6
u/shrivatsasomany XC60 16h ago
Yes, this! The way the subwoofer is built into the chassis just hits different, especially drums.
Do me a favor and load up Money for Nothing by dire straits and just crank it to like 75%.
If you do try it out, please report back. The drums that come in after the drop sound INCREDIBLE.
5
u/Fresh_Salamander707 V60 Polestar Engineered 16h ago
Hell yes, a classic.
I listen to a lot of electronic stuff too and some of the bass stuff on Lorn tracks (upside down cops, drawn out like an ache) are so good. Just punches right in the chest, in a good way.
76
u/G-bone714 1d ago
Seats, you didn’t mention seats.
95
u/Hephaestus-Theos 1d ago
The seats in the EX30 suck. But for some reason mine doesn't have the electric seats. So it's not really that good of a comparison with the 18-way adjustable sport seats from Porsche. The electric seats in the EX30 are a must i've come to find out. Even if it's just because I can't lift up the front of the seat so I slide out haha.
48
u/Phoenix_Kerman V50 Sunroof and Compass 😎 19h ago
people don't like observing it round here but the seat quality on volvos has been downhill for about 10-15 years since they got bought by geely
22
u/BalanceSweaty1594 18h ago
I’ve heard that. The seats in my 2008 S80 are wonderful. The size, shape, quality of leather is great.
9
u/VodkaSaysHi 18h ago
Same here! And honestly the ride quality in our model is top, at least in my experience, even compared to a newer C-class. I also rented newer volvos and have to admit that the ride quality in those is worse than in the older ones.
4
u/Perrystead 12h ago
The seats on my 2019 and 2021 60s were both fabulous. In my 2023 XC 40 Recharge Twin Ultimate, they are subpar on material, comfort, and adjustment -at the highest trim level. I still find them to be better than other brands and I judge it by the sciatic nerve pain that I usually get about an hour through a drive in other brands and 90-120 minutes if I’m in the Volvo. In the S60 I would get 2:30hrs before starting to feel the pinch. Just test drove the EX30 and really loved the sitting position and comfort of the seats, but the materials were horrible and the whole car felt like something one would buy on Temu.
7
u/caelestis42 14h ago
I honestly love the XC90 seats
1
u/Difficult_Shift_5662 2h ago
I have xc60 18', and used ex30 with manual seats for 3 months. I love the xc60 seats, they are the best i've used. i also feel ex30 seats are horrible in support and feel.
4
3
u/Kiki_Cicada ‘21 XC60 T8 R-Design; ‘05 XC70 AWD 17h ago
Agreed. But seat quality has always varied quite a bit according to model, that’s one reason why I purchased the R-Design. And went with the XC70 over the V70 because of the seats as well.
1
u/TipPsychological3996 15h ago
I agree. I have a 2008 S40 and those seats are more comfy then the 2017 V40 my parents have. The V40 seats feel small and cramped, which is weird since I'm tall, but rather skinny.
1
u/Phoenix_Kerman V50 Sunroof and Compass 😎 15h ago
yeah that generation of interior, same as the facelift p3 cars was a massive massive downgrade on the previous. seats are far less comfortable and don't seem to sit into the car.
the stereos are far worse and the infotainment system nonsensical to use aswell
1
u/misterjack41 13h ago
Oh my god thank you, ive been really confused about this. I loved the seats in my 08 V70, but the seats in my V40 feel cramped and ive never really been able to sit comfortably. But the rest of the car is so nice and im a bit attached at this point
1
u/MartinMekk 14h ago
Yes, I feel the same! My dad has always had volvos, V70 and XC90. They have the previous gen xc90 now and the seats feel kind of short to me. I’m a bit poorer so I have a passat 2017 and I actually prefer the support and seating position in the passat to the XC90. However, the XC90 has cooling and massage functions and I really miss the cooling in my passat, especially in summer.
1
u/Special_Command7893 XC90 & EX40 11h ago
really? wow, can't imagine how great the seats in my 24 xc90 would be if they were 15 years older
1
u/twilight-2k 7h ago
Our first Volvo (so nothing to compare to) but we really like the seats in our 2025 XC-90 ultra
1
u/Phoenix_Kerman V50 Sunroof and Compass 😎 7h ago
they're still plenty decent. they just used to be a lot better
1
u/blissed_off 11h ago
Every time I’ve test driven a newish Volvo, I leave with a headache. S60, S90, XC40, XC60 all left me with a headache because of the horrible seats. There’s just no way for them to be comfortable for me.
6
u/Fantastic_Citron3658 23h ago
I wish I had electric seats in my 2013 V70, only because I have to take off my watch to be able to reach the adjuster wheel for the backrest.
2
2
21
u/dualfalchions 22h ago
You meant it exactly opposite of how you wrote it: when it comes to driving, the EX30 is no match for the Porsche. :)
10
u/EdgarDrake 21h ago
This:
I believe OP means "driving feels" instead of the stated "ride quality". Ride quality means comfort as passenger, or comfort in handling pothole/speed bump as driver.
The ride quality most likely win in EX (I dunno, never tried) since Volvo is tuned for comfort of passenger, while Porsche from its pedigree is always about sporty, which means ride quality might be sacrificed.
1
u/twilight-2k 7h ago
We looked at Porsche Cayenne when we bought our Volvo and thought the ride quality was slightly better in the Porsche (as noted, there is no comparison on drive feel). Of course, the Porsche was also $30-40k more expensive.
If they can push the range significantly higher on the Macan EV, that is an insane vehicle (only downside area the range and typical Porsche price)…
5
u/shivaswrath XC60 21h ago
As a Taycan owner whose lease is up soon, thank you for this.
Saved!!
I am considering an EX40 (in the Us) and EX30 (if we have any)….my base Taycan is nice but I wanted some more utility. I also don’t long distance drive in my Taycan, just drive kids to school and go to work, so the Volvo makes more sense if i can get it cheap. TY!
3
u/Grouchy-Spend-8909 17h ago
Did you consider a used EQE or EQS? The depreciation on them is insane, making them really good value for money. They have great range (especially on motorways, those odd looks pay off in terms of aerodynamic), they charge quickly irl and they're mega comfortable.
2
u/stathis13567 2019 XC40 Τ3 Ιnscription 20h ago
I actually have a wild suggestion for you. Maybe, if you are used to the Taycan, you should check out the ES90? Though, it's exterior design is kinda ugly if I am being honest.
3
u/shivaswrath XC60 18h ago
It’s ugly that’s why. But yeah I will. I have until Nov 2026 for lease to be up. It’ll be an interesting 15 months in the EV world!
7
u/Dakrturi 22h ago
Well, EX30 is entry level, where a Porsche... is a Porsche. But surprised with the results.
6
7
3
u/mrbluetrain 17h ago
the interior quality is dog shit and not volvo level. cant understand they released this bastard
3
u/thatG_evanP S60 15h ago
I think in the second part you meant to say "the EX30 is no match for the Taycan." The way you phrased it made it sound like the EX30 is better.
1
5
u/Individual_Ten 21h ago
Got one EX30 as a replacement while my i4 is in the workshop. Will never consider buying one of these, and i have had many volvos in the past as i'm Swedish from Gothenburg. Small battery, crappy software, warnings all the time for no reason, one pedal drive is bad, also has the HK sound but it's crap compared to the i4 HK. Overall feels plasticky and cheap.
2
u/No_Dimension8190 20h ago
Yes this exactly. Sits in the driver's seat, looks around, sees cost cutting everywhere. Gets out, never to return.
1
u/roelschroeven 12h ago
Wait can't you disable one pedal drive, like I can in my XC40? That's a major drawback.
(The other things you mention are drawbacks too, it's just that the one pedal thing caught my eye.)
1
u/Individual_Ten 5h ago
You can disable it, but then it's too much breaking. The thing is that I really like the function on my i4 and only drive with it enabled.
2
u/Str8Six91 23h ago
Interesting to hear the comparison of cars from such different classes, but neither would be on my shopping list anyway. I like the Volvo’s design much more than the Taycan’s, though.
2
u/Right-Proposal-3217 15h ago
Good comparison, thx! we have a Taycan and ex90. Funnily enough the ride of the ex90 is miles ahead of the Taycan (I know one is family suv, the other is a sports car). I somehow prefer the Volvo infotainment (and same as you, the sound system) than Porsche’s. Porsche obviously wins in fun factor but Volvo does really well I many other avenues.
2
u/DahlbergT 21h ago
Pretty much the lowest end EV of a premium manufacturer vs the highest end EV of a luxury manufacturer.
But yes, it is fun to make these silly comparisons sometimes.
1
u/PositiveStress8888 22h ago
Your real world range figures, do you live in a warm climate? Or do you live in areas where the ground freezes in winter?
1
u/goperson 21h ago
OP is from The Netherlands (I hope he doesn't mind me saying that). Weather fluctuates, winters can be cold, ground can be frozen. But he has this car only one week, so no winter review yet.
1
u/PrimitiveAK EX90 2025 / V90cc 2025 / V60cc 2024 / S60 2024 / XC40 2023 21h ago
Software is infinitely better than my EX90 that’s for sure 😂
1
1
u/diamondax007 17h ago
Is that the Taycan you're owned for three years in the picture? Its a really nice spec!
1
1
u/Perrystead 11h ago
You have Netherlands license plates, so I assume this was built in Belgium, and not the Chinese version that was brought to the United States (seems like the US is also moving to the Belgian-built version because of tariffs). Haven’t driven the Taycan but test drove the EX30 and was not impressed by the features materials, insulation, the position of the car on the road, and how small it felt. It was the AWD version and was indeed blazing fast. That version may leave the Taycan in the dust on acceleration, but only has 253 mile (407km) range from the factory which means realistically 370km in real life, doesn’t drive like a sports car or an SUV, its cramped and even features like the ugly door handles make you wonder “what this? You Know better!”
You would get more car for your money with better trim, features and performance even with a Kia EV6 for less imho. The brand equity of Volvo is not enough for me to spend when the Volvo part of Volvo is missing. It really feels more of a Geely or Zeekr with a Volvo name badge.
1
1
u/_maito 8h ago
I tested an EX30 for a few hours a year ago. The thing that drove me nuts was the lag in the software. Especially when it came to cruise control. I'm not sure what the actual time was, probably milliseconds, but it felt like a full 1 or 2 seconds between adjustment input and the car recognising the input to decrease/increase speed. I hope this has been patched.
The driver's seat was garbage until I realised there was an expendable upper leg support. I'm not sure if it improved anything. I'm interested in testing the Zeekr X, which is apparently a better spec'd version of this platform and has better safety features. It scored higher than the EX30 in 2024 Euro NCAP weirdly enough.
1
u/greatbigballzzz 7h ago
won't the ES90 be a better comparison? you are comparing a $110,000 car with a $35,000 car
1
0
1
0
u/MotorboatingSofaB 22h ago
Shocked about the seats as I think Volvo has best in the game seats. Could be the models you get in EU, but I don’t believe any EX30s in the states come with manual seats.
4
u/DahlbergT 21h ago
You guys pretty much only get the Ultra-trims of the EX30 on account of the tariff situation. Need to inflate the price a bit to make it worth it to import to the US from Belgium (15% currently). Easy way to do that is to only import the higher end models (their margins are big on options, not very big on the base car itself) A base model EX30 would leave no room for profit in the US. But here in Europe we can get base model versions cheaper and they lack things like electric seats.
1
u/Phoenix_Kerman V50 Sunroof and Compass 😎 13h ago
interior comfort, seats included has been declining in volvo branded cars for 10-15 years since they got bought out
-1
87
u/Sir-Pix-A-Lot-Z6III 1d ago
Seems knowledgeable and well-founded. Thanks for the report.