Volvo has once again shown that it can combine elegance and ruggedness – this time with the Volvo EX30 Cross Country. This small but confident electric SUV boasts a raised chassis, off-road tires and the indispensable four-wheel drive. So is it ready for the wilderness? Well, not exactly Alaska, but gravel roads and moderately rutted ruts won't make it gray.
Volvo EX30 achieved remarkable success in its first year on the market – more than 98,100 copies sold, which is an impressive number for a new model. Now the Swedes are presenting its more adventurous version, which bears the legendary badge Volvo EX30 Cross Country.
What does this mean in practice? Basically, it is a classic EX30, with improvements that give it greater confidence off the asphalt. The chassis is raised by 18 mm (0.7 inches), underbody protection and black fender flares have been added, while 18-inch wheels hide more robust all-terrain tires. The rear suspension has also received upgrades, with springs and dampers adjusted to better handle uneven surfaces.
Electric power and charging speed
Under the hood – well, technically under the floor – lies a proven 69 kilowatt hour (kWh) battery, of which it is 64 kWh usable capacityPowered by two electric motors, which together produce 422 hp (315 kW) and 542 Nm of torque (400 lb-ft)This means that the EX30 Cross Country is just as capable as the regular EX30. AWD version, except that it has a slightly greater distance from the ground.
And how far does it go on a single charge? By standard WLTP promises 427 km (265 miles), although the final figure in real-world conditions (and with rough tires) will likely be slightly lower. To make sure you don't have to wait long for your next adventure, it allows DC fast charging that charges the battery from 10 to 80 percent in 26 minutes.
It's not an SUV, but it doesn't need to be.
Although the name Cross Country could indicate serious field skills, it is not to be expected that EX30 CC replaced Defender or Land CruiserVolvo describes it as car for weekend explorers, which means it does well on poor trails, gravel, and snowy roads, but it is not intended for climbing rocks or wading through rivers.
That's why Volvo has chosen just the right amount of robustness - the vehicle is raised enough to overcome most everyday obstacles, but at the same time does not lose comfort and driving characteristics on the road.
Expected price and market launch
The Volvo EX30 Cross Country will also be available in the US, where it will likely be slightly more expensive than the regular version, which starts at 46,195 dollars (before accessories and subsidies). Europeans will have to wait a little longer for the exact price, but given Volvo's trends, we can expect the CC version to add some 3,000–5,000 euros at the base price.
So if you're looking for a small, capable, electric-powered crossover that can handle rough roads, this is it. The EX30 Cross Country might be the ideal choice for youIt won't conquer extreme terrain, but it will easily take you to those less-traveled paths where new memories and unforgettable adventures await you.