"After seat time with the 2026 Volvo EX30, I've realized I've had time with an unusually high amount of Geely-Zeekr-Volvo's SEA (Sustainable Experience Architecture) platform, specifically the smallest variant that underpins crossovers like this one. Like, I've driven pretty much all of them: the Volvo EX30, Zeekr X, Smart #3 and Lynk & Co Z20 (marketed as 02 in Europe), all save for the Smart #1."
"I like the Volvo EX30's Scandinavian minimalist design and tidy proportions. Out of all the SEA-1that is, the smallest variant of the Geely/Zeekr SEA platform carsthe Volvo EX30 is physically the smallest, even smaller than the already dinky Smart #1. And yet, the car still gets the same full-fat, possibly overpowered, 422 dual motor setup as most of the cars on this chassis. It's also the best at managing all that power."
Platform-sharing is common and necessary among automakers, but differentiation depends on design, tuning, and interior execution. The Geely-Zeekr-Volvo SEA platform, especially its smallest SEA-1 variant, underpins several compact crossovers including the Volvo EX30, Zeekr X, Smart #3 and Lynk & Co Z20. The SEA-1 platform can produce well-differentiated vehicles when manufacturers apply thoughtful styling and performance calibration. The Volvo EX30 exemplifies strong packaging and powertrain management but falls short on interior execution. Some iterations of the shared architecture perform better than others, highlighting variation in how brands translate common ingredients into distinct products.
Read at insideevs.com
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