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Future models - Volvo - EX30 - cross countryRuggedised Volvo EX30 headed Down UnderOutdoorsy Cross Country version of Volvo EX30 small electric SUV launches here in Q311 Feb 2025 VOLVO has introduced a ruggedised Cross Country version of its small EX30 fully electric SUV, expected here in the third quarter this year priced above the donor EX30 Twin Motor Performance Ultra model that sells for $70,000 excluding on-road costs.
The EX30 Cross Country attracts a three per cent premium in its home market of Sweden.
Given its additional off-road chops, direct competitors in premium small electric all-wheel drive SUV segment are few and far between at the moment.
The Cross Country’s arrival Down Under brings the EX30 range to four, the newcomer joining Volvo’s EX30 Single Motor Extended Plus, EX30 Single Motor Extended Ultra and EX30 Twin Motor Performance Ultra.
The Geely-owned, Scandinavian brand’s last Cross Country here was based on the V60 wagon about seven years ago, with the nameplate kicking off some 25 years further back in the V70XC that followed a similar format albeit with five-cylinder internal combustion power.
Essentially the same specification as the AWD Twin Motor variant on which it is based, the EX30 Cross Country carries over the same interior including a sound bar dash and portrait style 12.3-inch touchscreen.
It shares the same powertrain and 69kWh battery pack but has a 19mm raised ride height thanks to lifted suspension and higher-profile all-terrain tyres (possibly optional here in lieu of 19-inch road tyres). Ride characteristics have been softened and steering feel revised.
Undercar skid plates of unknown material and various black exterior appliques to the bumpers and flared wheel arch extensions are designed to emphasise the car’s off-road aspirations and to offer a modicum of extra protection.
Volvo is targeting outdoorsy types with the Cross Country; people who want access to the great outdoors but do not want or need a hardcore 4x4 vehicle.
The car-maker modestly says its new EX30 Cross Country “gives access to rougher territory with a little bit extra capability”.
“It is more than just looks as the car empowers wider outdoor experiences giving owners the right to roam and walk with nature and not destroy.”
But the irony is it has more power and quicker acceleration than some versions of Porsche’s 911 sportscar thanks to the dual electric motors that combined, provide some 315kW and 543Nm enabling a 0-100kmh sprint in a mere 3.7 seconds.
The battery has the same claimed recharge rate as the EX30 Twin Motor of around eight hours with a home charger and around 26 minutes (10-80 per cent) with a high-output DC charger.
But the range is less at a claimed 427km instead of the road model’s claimed 445km presumably down to less efficient aerodynamics and higher rolling resistance.
A selection of optional accessories is likely for Aussie spec EX30 Cross Country including a load carrier and roof basket, mud flaps and chunkier 18-inch A/T tyres.
In a statement Volvo said: “We think that ‘Cross Country’ should be an experience, not just a car, so alongside the EX30 Cross Country we’re also launching a new experience package for customers who buy the car, with access to accessories, gear and information aimed at giving you the full potential to explore the great outdoors.”
Volvo Cars CEO Jim Rowan added: “We launched our first Cross Country car over 25 years ago, and this concept of durable and all-weather cars is core to the Volvo brand.
“In Sweden we face harsh winters, but we also like to make the most of them by getting out and exploring our amazing nature, even when it’s minus 20 Celsius outside. That’s why we want to deliver a fully rounded experience, not simply a car, to our EX30 Cross Country customers.”  Read more5th of February 2025  Volvo Cars prices EX90 for AustraliaAll-electric Volvo EX90 seven-seat SUV available from $124,990 plus on-road costsAll future models Alfa Romeo Abarth Alpine Alpina Audi Aston Martin BMW Bentley Chery Brabham Chrysler Chevrolet Cupra Citroen DS Dodge Fiat Ferrari Foton Ford Great Wall FPV Haval GWM Honda Holden Hummer HSV Infiniti Hyundai Jaguar Isuzu Kia Jeep Land Rover Lamborghini Lexus LDV Mahindra Lotus Mazda Maserati Mercedes-AMG McLaren MG Mercedes-Benz Mitsubishi Mini Opel Nissan Peugeot Pagani Proton Porsche Renault Ram Rover Rolls-Royce Skoda Saab SsangYong Smart Suzuki Subaru Toyota Tesla Volvo VolkswagenMotor industry news GoAutoNews is Australia’s number one automotive industry journal covering the latest news, future and new model releases, market trends, industry personnel movements, and international events. |
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