The XC moniker in Volvo’s model line-up was first used nearly thirty years ago on the 1997 V70 Cross Country and then extended across the range to the V90, V40 and V60, with the last XC model (the V60 Cross Country) introduced in 2018. No, Volvo has extended this spirit of adventure into the electric era with the EX30 Cross Country.
I still fondly remember the original Volvo Cross Country model, introduced with the second-generation V70. This derivative, the V70 XC, featured higher ground clearance (210 mm) thanks to a raised suspension, different bodywork with unpainted bumpers and fender extensions, and all-wheel drive as standard.
Initially, engine and gearbox choices for this model were limited to a 2.4-litre petrol engine with low-pressure turbo or a D5 turbodiesel mill, but this was extended when the model was renamed to XC70 in 200,3 with inter alia a bi-fuel engine (never available in South Africa).
However, with a new XC70 in the works after a decade-long absence (as a plug-in hybrid to be built in China on the Scalable Modular Architecture platform from parent company Geely), Volvo has now extended the XC spirit of adventure into the electric realm with the new EX30 Cross Country.
BOLDER EXTERIOR STYLING
Blending the XC heritage with modern sustainability, the new compact all-electric SUV features bolder exterior styling than its EX30 donor with purposeful detailing and a ride height raised by 13 mm to 190 mm, giving it a more commanding presence.
Further design touches setting the Cross Country apart from its road-biased sibling are a front shield and boot lid finished in a darker tone, the front fascia featuring unique artwork inspired by Sweden’s Kebnekaise Mountain range, standard LED headlights (with active high beam), wider wheel arch extensions and pronounce skid plates, as well as exclusive 19″ Matt Graphite five-spoke alloy wheels, complemented by Matt Black aero inserts.
The sophisticated, minimalist interior of the Cross Country is similar to that of the EX30 on which it is based. Available only in the range-topping Ultra trim, it is generously equipped with amenities such as a heated steering wheel, heated and power-adjustable front seats, a huge fixed panoramic sunroof, and two-zone climate control.
The 12.3” central touchscreen integrates most vehicle controls and settings, including seat and climate control adjustments, and it supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with built-in Google services such as Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play for seamless smartphone connectivity.
While it makes the cabin clutter-free, I found the system even more distracting than in the EX30. It was nearly impossible to press the correct icon or slider while bouncing around on a slightly rough dirt road surface, as we encountered on our Highveld test route. Given Volvo’s preoccupation with safety and distracted driving, this absence of buttons (at least for vital commands) makes even less sense.
In line with Volvo’s commitment to sustainability, recycled and renewable materials are used throughout the cabin. The crisp, immersive sound experience of the nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system is something to appreciate, and sometimes necessary, given the absence of any engine noise.
The Cross Country offers 400 litres of cargo space behind the second row of seats, and it has front storage compartments for smaller essentials. Five exterior paint finishes are available, and the EX30 CX looks particularly smart in Sand Dune and Vapour Grey. A range of accessories, such as mudflaps and roof racks, will also be available through Volvo retailers.
LINEAR POWER
Powered by Volvo’s Twin Motor Performance electric drivetrain with an output of 315 kW and 543 Nm of torque, a single-speed transmission and all-wheel drive, the EX30 Cross Country is a smidgen slower than its standard counterpart, with linear acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds (0.1 seconds slower than the EX30), with top speed limited to 180 km/h to reinforce the brand’s commitment to safety.
With a 69kWh battery pack and a consumption figure of around 18.7 kWh (although the best we saw was just under 20 kWh), Volvo claims an electric range of up to 427 km (on the WLTP cycle) for the EX30 Cross Country – enough for a short country jaunt but surely not sufficient for an extended trip into the hinterland with no charging points available en route.
Recharging the EX30 Cross Country from 10% to 80%, according to Volvo, can take as little as 26 minutes (using a compatible fast charger). However, with the current charging infrastructure in South Africa, it will likely take much longer.
On the road, there also isn’t a discernible difference between the Cross Country and its road-biased counterpart in terms of handling, ride comfort and overall refinement. Still, on dirt without the optional all-terrain tyres fitted, the ride on the normal 19″ tyres became harsh, and the rougher road surfaces generated more interior noise.
As expected from Volvo, the Cross Country features a comprehensive range of passive and active safety and driver assistance systems, including Post-Impact Braking, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection, Pilot Assist with Steering Support, Evasive Manoeuvre Assist, and Traffic Jam Assist.
LAST WORD
Aimed at the more adventurous and lifestyle-minded buyer, the EX30 Cross Country certainly looks the part; yet, in essence, it remains a standard EX30 with increased ride height, more suitable tyres (as an option), and some supplementary body and drivetrain protection.
Now available at dealerships, the EX30 Cross Country retails for R1,165,000. This includes a three-year/60,000 km maintenance plan, a five-year/100,000 km warranty, an eight-year battery warranty, and five years of unlimited roadside assistance. Additionally, EX30 Cross Country owners will receive two years of free public charging, a GridCars wallbox with installation, and 10 GB of Vodacom data per month for three years.
Report by FERDI DE VOS | Images © VOLVO CAR SOUTH AFRICA
