The Swedish automaker has just unveiled its new electric SUV, the EX30 Cross Country, which blends urban sophistication with off-road sensibility.
A Distinctive Design with a Rugged Appeal
The EX30 Cross Country is a reimagining of Volvo’s iconic Cross Country badge, which debuted in the late 1990s to add off-road capability to Volvo’s wagon models. This time, the rugged design is applied to the compact EX30 electric SUV, creating a vehicle that combines urban elegance with a bold, off-road-ready look.
While not an off-road-only SUV, the EX30 Cross Country makes a strong statement with thick black bumpers, wheel arches, and a front panel shaped to evoke the peaks of Sweden’s Kepnekaise mountain range. A black rear tailgate panel and “Cross Country” lettering on the C pillar further emphasize its distinctive character. The model also features an increased ride height compared to the base EX30 and a skid plate for added protection, allowing for stable performance on rough, unpaved roads.
Off-Road Experience Package and Customization Options
If you select the Cross Country Experience package provided as an option, you will receive 18-inch off-road tires, mudguards, black roof bars, and roof baskets. However, the roof basket may affect the driving distance due to increased air resistance.
In addition, the car height has been increased compared to the basic model, and a skid plate has been added, enabling stable driving even on unpaved roads.
Options include 18-inch off-road tires, mudguards, black roof bars, and roof baskets, but the roof basket may affect the driving distance due to increased air resistance.
Impressive Performance with Slightly Reduced Range
Under the hood, the EX30 Cross Country is equipped with a dual motor that delivers a maximum output of 422 horsepower. This performance allows it to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 3.7 seconds, making it one of the most powerful compact electric SUVs on the market. The battery has a capacity of 69 kWh, providing a range of 427 km (265 miles) on a single charge under the WLTP standard. This is slightly less than the base EX30’s range of around 440 km (273 miles), likely due to the design changes for off-road capability and the added features.
The EX30 Cross Country has an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system and a dedicated suspension tailored for off-road driving, ensuring a smooth ride even on the toughest terrains.
Premium Features and Pricing: A High-End SUV
The EX30 Cross Country will be available in the highest trim, the “Ultra” specification. It offers many standard features, including a panoramic roof, a 360-degree camera, and Park Pilot parking assistance.
The starting price in the U.S. is $47,895, and the Cross Country package costs an additional $1,000, bringing the total to about $52,866 in Europe.
For consumers torn between an urban electric SUV and the thrill of off-road driving, the Volvo EX30 Cross Country presents a compelling solution. With its rugged design, powerful performance, and advanced features, this model is poised to meet the growing demand for versatile, all-terrain electric SUVs.
