Verdict
The Volvo EX30 costs RM40,000 less at RM198,888, yet brings a 69 kWh battery, 475 km EV range and 175 kW DC charging. Its 268 hp and 343 Nm rear motor cuts 0-100 km/h to 5.3 seconds, well ahead of the Lexus LBX’s 9.6 seconds. The LBX counters with petrol-hybrid refuelling, a 36-litre tank and RM120 annual road tax versus RM260, which matters for buyers without dependable charging. The EX30 is also roomier between the wheels by 70 mm and has a 318-litre boot, but its 19-inch tyres may cost more to replace than the Lexus’s 17-inch set.
Pick the Lexus LBX if petrol-hybrid refuelling, lower RM120 road tax and rear air vents matter more than outright performance and EV range.
Pick the Volvo EX30 if you can charge regularly and want RM40,000 in savings, 475 km of claimed range and 5.3-second performance.
Key differences
- Price: Lexus LBX RM238,888; Volvo EX30 RM198,888.
- Power and torque: LBX has a 93 hp, 185 Nm motor; EX30 has a 268 hp, 343 Nm motor.
- 0-100 km/h: LBX 9.6 seconds; EX30 5.3 seconds.
- Energy storage and range: LBX has a 36-litre fuel tank; EX30 has a 69 kWh battery and 475 km EV range.
- Wheelbase and boot: LBX 2,580 mm and 315 litres; EX30 2,650 mm and 318 litres.
- Wheels and rear suspension: LBX has 17-inch alloys and torsion beam; EX30 has 19-inch alloys and multi-link.
LBX
- Petrol-hybrid drivetrain and 36-litre fuel tank
- Lower RM120 annual road tax
- Eight airbags, versus seven in the EX30
- Costs RM40,000 more
- Slower 9.6-second 0-100 km/h time versus 5.3 seconds
- No panoramic glass roof, 360-degree camera or auto parking
EX30
- RM40,000 lower purchase price
- 475 km EV range with 175 kW DC charging and 3.6 kW V2L
- 268 hp and 343 Nm for a 5.3-second 0-100 km/h sprint
- Higher RM260 annual road tax
- No rear air vents
- Seven airbags versus the LBX’s eight
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM238,888 | RM198,888✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120✓ | RM260 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 12-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated, Atkinson cycle with variable valve timing | 400V architecture |
| Capacity | 1,490 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 90 hp at 5,500 rpm | — |
| Torque | 120 Nm at 3,600 rpm | — |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 3 | — |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Electric |
| Bore × Stroke | 80.5 mm × 97.6 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 14 | — |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 93 hp | 268 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | 185 Nm | 343 Nm✓ |
| Battery Capacity | — | 69 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 475 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 11 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 175 kW |
| V2L | — | 3.6 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | eCVT Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | E-CVT | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 9.6 seconds | 5.3 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 170 km/h | 180 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,190 mm | 4,223 mm |
| Width | 1,825 mm | 1,837 mm |
| Height | 1,550 mm | 1,555 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,580 mm | 2,650 mm |
| Fuel Tank | 36 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 315 litres | 318 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 215/60R17 | 24545R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/60R17 | 245/45R19 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Dunlop Enasave ECC300+ | Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance SUV |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion beam | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 19" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 19" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 8 (Driver and Passenger, Front Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Front Cushion Bag) | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Electric for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors | LED Reflector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function | Power Adjustable Front Seats |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control with nanoe Ioniser | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | — |
| Sunroof | — | Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 4 USB-C Ports, 2 12V sockets | 1 Front, 2 USB-C Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights (64 Colours) | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 9.8" Multimedia Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 6-speaker Sound System | 12.3" Touchscreen with Google Services Built-in, Harman Kardon Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Start | Keyless (Depress Brake to Start) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go and Steering Assist |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Powered Boot, Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, 360-degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year, unlimited mileage warranty on hybrid battery | 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used LBX & EX30 for sale
LBX vs EX30 FAQ
Is the Lexus LBX or Volvo EX30 better?
The Volvo EX30 is the stronger buy if home or workplace charging is available: it costs RM40,000 less, has 475 km range and reaches 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. Choose the Lexus LBX for petrol-hybrid refuelling and lower RM120 road tax.
What is the price difference?
The Volvo EX30 is RM198,888 and the Lexus LBX is RM238,888, so the EX30 costs RM40,000 less.
Which is quicker, the Lexus LBX or Volvo EX30?
The Volvo EX30 is much quicker, taking 5.3 seconds from 0-100 km/h versus 9.6 seconds for the Lexus LBX. Its motor produces 268 hp and 343 Nm, against 93 hp and 185 Nm.
