The Volvo EX30 Cross Country blends all-electric performance motoring with an off-tar (if not quite off-road) adventuring appeal. It sounds odd, but is it actually any good?
We like: Outrageous performance, ride quality, minimalist cabin design.
We don’t like: Just the one (pricey) derivative, off-road tyres aren’t OEM equipment
FAST FACTS
- Model: Volvo EX30 Cross Country Ultra Twin Motor Performance
- Price: R1 165 000 (October 2025)
- Engine: Two electric motors
- Transmission: Automatic transmission
- Power/Torque: 315 kW/543 Nm
- 0-100 kph: 3.7 sec (claimed)
- Claimed consumption: 18.7 kWh/100 km
- Luggage capacity: 400-1 000 litres + 7-litre “frunk”
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Volvo EX30 Cross Country Summary
- The Volvo EX30 Cross Country is the raised sibling to the EX30 electric crossover.
- One derivative available: Ultra Twin Motor Performance
- Impressive pace with a minimalist Google-powered cabin
Where does the EX30 Cross Country fit in?
The Cross Country nameplate is synonymous with the Gothenburg-based car brand; Volvo variants that get the Cross Country designation are tailor-made to explore the great outdoors, but aren’t off-roaders per se (because of their unibody construction and luxury-car underpinnings). Positioned as an extension to the EX30 electric crossover range, the EX30 Cross Country brings some ruggedness to the party.
While we find the design of the standard Volvo EX30 inoffensive, there is something rather endearing and cool about its rugged-looking Cross Country sibling. Granted, our test car came fitted with optional all-terrain tyres and aftermarket roof racks, which added to the appeal, but even then, the blacked-out grille and raised suspension made this a head-turning vehicle.
To transform the EX30 into the EX30 Cross Country, Volvo raised its ride height by 19 mm (for 190 mm of ground clearance) and added chunkier bumpers and other embellishments. Look closely at the grille and you’ll spot some intricate detailing. This is a topographical map of a Swedish mountain range, complete with GPS coordinates, should you ever wish to visit. Touches like that really add a sense of occasion.
As far as rivals go, if you want an electric family SUV at this price point, your best options come from the BMW Group and Mercedes-Benz. We’ve selected the acclaimed Mini Countryman SE over its BMW iX1 cousin because it offers more nonconformist appeal – something we believe buyers in this segment prioritise – and the EQB 350. The Volvo is comfortably the quickest and has the highest battery capacity.
EX30 Cross Country Ability & Ride Comfort
To reiterate, the EX30 Cross Country sits a bit higher than its standard counterparts, and its suspension has been slightly retuned (made more pliant) to facilitate dirt-road excursions. When we assessed the standard EX30, we found it had a firm and sporty setup; this car’s ride is softer/more comfort-oriented.
With a higher ride height relative to the EX30, the Cross Country’s body roll is slightly more noticeable, but at no point does it feel cumbersome. These tasty-looking wheels are arguably one of the coolest aspects of the Cross Country, but despite our best sleuthing efforts, we could find nothing about price.
So we reached out to Volvo South Africa about that, and this was its feedback: “These are not officially approved tyres by Volvo – Volvo do not sell them. A customer may fit them at a retailer like Tiger Wheel and Tyre. The tyres were temporarily fitted for the launch to… give the car a more off-road look.”
That’s a bit of a shame, because the all-terrain boots complemented the test unit; in fact, we’d strongly consider fitting a Cross Country Ultra Twin Motor Performance with 225/55 R19s. Even if you don’t plan on venturing off tar, they’d likely withstand pothole impacts better thanks to their hardier construction. And the best part? All-terrain tyres tend to generate more road noise, but these were pleasantly quiet.
When we traversed our favourite stretch of gravel road, the EX30 Cross Country felt quite sure-footed, with no shortage of grip. Remember that the vehicle has a motor on each axle, which gives it all-wheel-drive capability. Bear in mind that the Performance drive mode causes a lot of wheelspin, which reduces the tyres’ lifespan – rather dial the power delivery back a touch by favouring the Range priority mode.
Volvo Performance & Efficiency
Make no mistake: the Volvo EX30 Cross Country is seriously quick. With outputs of 315 kW and 543 Nm, it is comfortably the quickest model in its segment. When we engaged Performance mode and turned off the stability control temporarily on our test strip, the Cross Country bolted from a standstill to 100 kph in 4.01 sec. Despite its “off-road orientation”, the flagship EX30 delivered ballistic on-road performance.
We suspect the additional drag of the roof rack and off-road tyres were the reasons behind the vehicle not getting closer to its claimed 0-100 kph time of 3.7 seconds. As is the case with every modern Volvo, the top speed is limited to 180 kph, which is fine by us. There’s no drama to it: just flatten the accelerator pedal and the Cross Country won’t hesitate to barrel toward the horizon in a frighteningly clinical manner.
With a 69 kWh battery, Volvo reckons there’s around 427 km of range available. The reality is that even when fully charged by our AC box, the test unit never showed more than 400 km of range. Remember that EV range depends on driving style too – if you spend lots of time travelling on freeways at triple-digit speeds, the total range would be significantly less than if you drove gently around town at, say, 60 kph.
Features and Practicality of the Volvo EX30
The EX30 Cross Country is available exclusively in Ultra trim, which is, suitably, the model’s highest spec level. A panoramic roof, a 360-degree-view camera, Harman Kardon audio, heated seats and -steering wheel, plus Volvo’s comprehensive advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) package are standard.
One criticism is that, as lovely as that panoramic sunroof is, the EX30 isn’t equipped with a retractable sunshade, so the cabin can get quite toasty. You can order a portable one from Volvo’s accessories list.
On that topic, the brand’s online configurator keeps things refreshingly simple. Customers have a choice of 5 exterior paint finishes (R5 000 each) and a pair of interior colours to choose from (at no extra cost).
Volvo says the cabin of the EX30 (including the Cross Country) is trimmed in a wide range of recycled materials that feel reasonably upmarket, and we appreciated the aesthetics of the minimalist design.
While we eventually became accustomed to the absence of an instrument cluster, the dearth of cabin buttons means that most of the car’s functions need to be accessed via the Google-powered 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. That can be a tad frustrating – you must tap that screen to perform simple ergonomic tasks, like adjusting the side mirrors. Thankfully, you won’t have to do that every day!
The system supports over-the-air updates, and Volvo has sent out a few of them; the difference between the Cross Country’s interface and that of the first EX30 we reviewed back in May 2024 was significant.
See also: Volvo EX30 Review: It’s super fast, but is it super smart?
This Google-powered infotainment system (not to be confused with Android Auto) features integrated Google applications, such as Maps, YouTube and many more. Simply sign in to your Google account, and the infotainment system will set itself up according to your preferences. It does require a constant data connection for full functionality, but Volvo SA has you covered. Relax, Apple users, CarPlay is included.
Volvo EX30 Cross Country Price and after-sales support
The Volvo EX30 Cross Country Ultra Twin Motor Performance costs R1 165 000 (November 2025), which includes 2 years of complimentary public charging, a Gridcars charger installed at your home, and 10 GB of Vodacom data every month for 3 years. The vehicle is sold with a 5-year/100 000 km vehicle warranty, an 8-year/160 000 km battery warranty and a 3-year/60 000 km maintenance plan.
Verdict
Cynics will say the notion of taking an electric car on off-tar adventures is silly, because range anxiety will rear its ugly head once you venture away from urban centres in an EV. Also, a raised ride height and extra body cladding may not be sufficient reasons to purchase the Cross Country version over the already competent EX30 Ultra Twin Motor Performance, given how infrequently the range-topping variant will be put to full use. Sure, but when has logic ever played a dominant role in the car-buying decision process?
Cars don’t exist only to transport us; they’re extensions of ourselves and should make us smile. For that reason, we love the Cross Country’s “silliness” and image. Few cars are as niche and interesting as this EX30 variant. We don’t know why it exists, but we’re glad it does. If you buy one, you’re in for a fun time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Volvo EX30 Cross Country cost in South Africa?
What are the key differences between the standard EX30 and the Cross Country model?
- Increased Ground Clearance: Raised to 190 mm (13 mm higher than the standard EX30).
- Styling: Features front and rear skid plates, matte black panels, wider wheel arch extensions, and unique 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels.
- Powertrain: It is exclusively offered in the Twin Motor Performance All-Wheel Drive configuration.
What is the electric driving range of the Volvo EX30 Cross Country?
What are the performance specifications of the EX30 Cross Country?
What warranty and maintenance plan are included in South Africa?
- Vehicle Warranty: 5-year/100,000 km
- Battery Warranty: 8-year/160,000 km
- Maintenance Plan: 3-year/60,000 km
