Volvo has revealed the EX30 Cross Country, an off-road-centric version of the Swedish carmaker's entry-level EX30 electric SUV. It's also the first EV and first SUV to sport Volvo's Cross Country moniker, which was previously reserved for the brand's hatchbacks, sedans, and estates.
- EX30 Cross Country gets 19mm suspension lift and off-road-focused design changes
- It only comes with an all-wheel drive, dual-motor, 69kWh battery setup producing 422hp
- The suspension is softer than the regular EX30 to help manage bumpier terrain
Volvo EX30 Cross Country: design
The EX30 Cross Country expectedly looks more rugged than the vanilla crossover thanks to its blacked-out front fascia, 19mm ground clearance bump, roof rack, and black cladding on the fenders. The front and rear bumpers also get chunky skidplates, and the EX30 Cross Country comes with 18-inch alloy wheels as standard wrapped up in 720mm all-terrain tyres.
Buyers can opt for 19-inch alloy wheels as well, but these can only be had with road tyres. Other options include mudflaps, a roof-mounted kayak holder, roof-mounted tent, and stowable towbar. The interior of the EX30 Cross Country features no changes compared to that of the standard SUV, continuing to offer goodies like a 12.3-inch Google-based touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a soundbar that runs across the width of the dashboard, and more.
Volvo EX30 Cross Country: powertrain, suspension
Volvo will sell the EX30 Cross Country with only a dual-motor, all-wheel drive powertrain at launch, but a single-motor variant could join the range down the line. The EX30 Cross Country is powered by the same 69kWh battery as the top-spec variant of the standard SUV, developing 422hp and 543Nm of torque. Volvo claims that this setup offers up to 427km of range (WLTP) on a single charge.
Given its greater off-road emphasis, the EX30 Cross Country gets a softer five-link rear suspension than the regular SUV to better deal with rougher terrain, muddy tracks, and "ankle-deep" snow and highways, as per Volvo. However, the manufacturer has clarified that the EX30 Cross Country is not a "hardcore" off-roader, and is instead targeted towards "weekend explorers" to help them "access nature on nature's terms" rather than "conquer" it.
Volvo EX30 Cross Country: India launch details
Prices for the EX30 Cross Country have yet to be announced, but an India launch is unconfirmed at the moment. Volvo is set to bring the standard EX30 alongside the larger EX90 to India this year, so only time will tell if the EX30 Cross Country could make it to Indian shores as well.
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