Tesla Model Y Performance Races Volvo EX30 Twin Motor Performance, It's Pretty Close

When it comes to advertised top speed, the answer is no. Manufactured in China rather than Sweden, the EX30 Twin Motor Performance tops 180 kilometers per hour, meaning 112 miles per hour. By comparison, the Model Y Performance is rated at 250 clicks per hour (155 mph) in Euro markets.

There's little in the way of curb weight difference between these small electric sport utility vehicles, with the Model Y Performance tipping the scales at 1,998 kilograms (4,405 pounds) compared to 1,963 kilograms (4,328 pounds) for the Volvo. Pictured on a slightly damp runway in Sweden, the cars are rocking summer tires and license plates reading E-Drive Sweden, the name of the YouTube channel that specializes in electric vehicle racing videos.

The golden stalwart from Tesla uses the left side of the runway for the first of two drag races, netting 2.20 seconds to 60 kilometers per hour (37 miles per hour), 4.05 seconds to 100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour), and 12.24 seconds in the quarter. Unfortunately, the uploader didn't mention Volvo's acceleration times or elapsed time.

In any case, Tesla's golden goose crossed the finish line just ahead of the Sino-Swedish crossover. The second race saw a change of sides, with the Volvo using the left side of the runway. This quarter-mile showdown ended in a clearer win for the Model Y Performance, but nevertheless, it was very close.

The Dragy in the EX30 Twin Motor Performance recorded better times than those of the Tesla in the first race, beginning with 1.99 seconds from zero to 60 kilometers per hour. The stint to 100 was dealt with in 3.90 seconds, and the quarter mile was conquered in 12.04 seconds. Had it been equipped with stickier tires on a drag strip, the EX30 Twin Motor Performance could have cracked the 11s.

All in all, seriously good numbers for both crossovers. But alas, the larger and heavier Tesla has the upper hand in both power and torque. Over in Europe, that's 534 ps and 660 Nm or 527 horsepower and 487 pound-feet. As for the EX30, the numbers are 428 ps (422 hp) and 543 Nm (400 lb-ft) in Twin Motor Performance flavor.

Underpinned by the Geely SEA platform and closely related to the smart #1 and Zeekr X, the EX30 will be produced at Volvo's Ghent facility in Belgium from 2025 onward. The Model Y comes from a grand total of four assembly plants: Fremont, Giga Texas, Giga Shanghai, and Giga Berlin. Due to be refreshed in 2025 in order to align the Model Y with the facelifted Model 3, the world's best-selling electric vehicle starts at $42,990 in the United States, where the Performance is $51,490 before options and without including the federal tax credit and five-year gas savings.

Volvo Car USA confirmed EX30 pricing information in October 2023, with the subcompact crossover starting at $34,950 for the Core and $44,900 for the Twin Motor Performance. Capable of hitting 60 mph (97 kph) in 3.4 seconds, the EX30 Twin Motor Performance is the quickest Volvo to date.