Volvo EX30 Cross Country – compact EV gets rugged; raised ride height, all-terrain tyres; 427 km range WLTP

After a Volvo EX30, but fancy a touch more off-roading capability? Enter the Volvo EX30 Cross Country, which is the latest from the Swedish brand since the first “Cross Country” derivative, the V70 XC made its debut in 1997.

The EX30 made its global debut in June 2023, and now the EX30 Cross Country brings a host of specification differences compared to those of the regular EX30. The EX30 Cross Country offers up to 427 km of range (WLTP), with the capability to be from 10-80% in 26 minutes, according to Volvo, though battery capacity for the Cross Country variant has yet to be officially disclosed.

For reference, the Malaysian-market EX30 with the 69 kWh-nett (64 kWh usable) lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery offers up to 476 km of range (WLTP) in single-motor Ultra guise, or 450 km in the dual-motor Ultra Twin Performance.

Exterior alterations that distinguish the EX30 Cross Country include a darkened front fascia and tailgate panel, with the unit in front wearing artwork in the form of topography of the Kebnekaise mountain range in Arctic Sweden.

Front and rear skidplates join the set, as do wheelarch extensions for the extra visual ruggedness; its ride height relative to the standard EX30 has been raised for improved ground clearance, while an optional 18-inch all-terrain tyre can be specified.

Inside, the cabin of the EX30 Cross Country brings additional large storage compartments in the doors, and the space has been liberated by the removal of speakers, and audio duties are instead tasked to the soundbar located on the dashboard.

Further storage is housed in the central storage tunnel that can slide out to serve as a cupholder, or retracted to offer further storage. A larger storage compartment is located on the floor between the front occupants, while the glove compartment is now located between the centre console for ease of access for both driver and passenger.

Rear seat passengers also get a storage box that slides out from beneath the central tunnel, and this is also removable and washable, which Volvo says enables it to do double duty as a waste bin. The tailgate of the EX30 Cross Country gains a ‘will it fit?’ guide to indicate how much luggage can be held in the luggage compartment.

Further EX30 Cross Country-specific equipment will be offered from a later date, says Volvo, and these accessories will include a roof basket, 18-inch all-terrain tyres (as pictured here) and mudflaps, and more. The order books have opened for the Volvo EX30 Cross Country in selected markets, and customer deliveries will begin in the northern hemisphere spring.

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