The fastest Volvo ever made: EX30 versus earlier legends

The new twin motor version of the Volvo EX30 is the quickest car Volvo has ever built – at least in terms of 0-100km/h – covering the sprint in less than 3.7 seconds. That’s quicker than a Porsche 911 Carrera by some margin.

How does the EX30 stack up against Volvo Cars own earlier legends? Here’s a look back at some of the quickest sprinters of the last 30 years.

**Mighty nineties**

In 1995, Volvo created a new category and changed perceptions: The fast wagon. The 850 T5 R (pictured), followed 12 months later by the 850R, were in a league of their own. Back then a wagon that could do 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds was unheard of. Naturally, the Volvo 850 series also bought safety innovation: Side Impact Protection System, followed by SIPS airbags, introduced in 1994 for the 1995 year model. With a cult following, the 850R is now very much a collector’s item, for those that can find anyone willing to sell.

**Nippy noughties**

In 2003 Volvo launched R variants of 60 series. The S60R/V60R models came with a 300hp turbocharged five-cylinder engine and a tonne of torque. At the time it was the most powerful road engine in Volvo’s history and propelled the manual S60R from 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds and the V70R Wagon in 5.9 seconds.

**Tweenage kicks**

The 2010s led Volvo Cars beyond the R performance badge and into some potent collaborations with Polestar. The engineering firm initially started life modifying Volvos for racing, before becoming Volvo Cars’ official partner in 2009, then ultimately being acquired by Volvo Cars in 2015. A year earlier, Volvo launched the S60/V60 Polestar – capable of 0-100km/h in 4.9 and 5.0 seconds respectively. The 2016 models (pictured) were even faster, with both covering the sprint in 4.7 seconds. Within a few years, Polestar would be forging its own path.

**Non-roaring twenties**

In the last few years, electric vehicles have changed the game. Twin motor versions of the XC40 Recharge are at least as quick from 0-100km/h as the 2014 Polestar S60/V60s, but with none of the throaty roar or tailpipe emissions. The twin motor C40 Recharge is even quicker. And now the EX30 is the quickest of the lot.

Naturally, those that drive more sedately will likely find the battery needs fewer charges and the tyres last that bit longer. But when the power is required, it’s undeniably there.