Volvo EX30 vs Smart #1 2025 review: Which new dual-motor AWD small SUV is the best electric car?

There's never been a better time to be in the market for an entry-level premium car that won't hurt the environment, with upmarket, fully electric small SUVs hitting the Australian market in increasing numbers, including the Volvo EX30 and Smart #1, among others.

What makes the EX30 and #1 particularly interesting, though, is the fact that they are both built on Volvo and Smart parent company Geely's SEA platform, which is also used by the recently launched Zeekr X. As such, the Swedish and Germany model's have a lot in common under the skin – but their exteriors and interiors couldn't be anymore different.

So, in this expert comparison review, CarsGuide Journalist Chris Thompson pits the EX30's Twin Motor Performance Ultra flagship against the #1's Brabus range-topper to find out which one is the best new EV of the two. But as he finds, both have their quirks, which may determine if they're right for you. Watch on to find out more.

#Smart #Smart1 #Volvo #EX30 #Review
--
Timecodes:
00:00 Intro
00:32 Pricing and features
02:00 Design - EX30
03:11 Practicality - EX30
06:52 Design - #1
08:00 Practicality - #1
10:22 Under the bonnet
10:52 Efficiency
12:17 Driving - #1
16:03 Driving - EX30
20:08 Safety
20:40 Ownership
21:33 Verdict
--
Read Chris's full review: https://bit.ly/4k3AtTQ
Check out our Volvo EX30 hub: https://bit.ly/4gRhrNN
Check out our Smart #1 hub: https://bit.ly/4gN5oku
Find more EVs: https://bit.ly/4eMFVqj
Visit our EVGuide: https://bit.ly/3DjhPTX
--
CarsGuide - Go beyond the test drive
Visit our website for News, Reviews, Advice and more: https://www.carsguide.com.au
Subscribe to our YouTube channel:    / carsguide  
Like our Facebook page:   / carsguide.australia  
Follow our TikTok profile:   / carsguide.com.au  
Follow our Instagram profile:   / carsguideaus  
Follow our X profile: https://www.x.com/CarsGuide
Follow our Threads profile: https://www.threads.net/@carsguideaus
Follow our LinkedIn page:   / carsguide-com-au