Volvo Car South Africa to expand electrified line-up with four new models on the way

HONESTLY, what’s wrong with people? Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed how the use of a cellphone while driving has become the norm these days?

The worrying thing is that these days we have almost come to accept that people will be driving and speaking on their phones. It’s as if the fact that they have rebelliously persisted in doing it for so long means that law enforcement has just thrown in the towel and accepted driving and speaking as the status quo.

So what do the rebels do? They push the boundaries – and nowadays, we even see drivers sending texts or, if my instincts are right, browsing social media behind the wheel.

Why should I bore anyone with how dangerous it is? All I pray for is that the innocent will be protected from damage, harm or a fatal collision.

Yet, besides the dangers posed by these … I call them “idiots” … I believe that they are missing out on so much. Not to trivialise the dangers of being inattentive as a driver, but has anyone else noticed the sheer volume and variety of new cars on our roads these days?

For me, texting is out of the question simply because there are so many new makes, models and types of vehicles on the road, that I have enough problems focusing on my driving due to the fact that my head is whipping and swivelling on my neck as I pass dozens of shiny new machines every time I leave my driveway!

Someone might need to pray that the innocent be protected from me, because rumour has it that my affliction is about to get worse … Yes, you’ve guessed it, there are more, new, exciting vehicles headed for South African roads that should keep my head pivoting like a bright-eyed child in a toy store around Christmas time!

And this time it’s Volvo! It’s no secret that Volvo Cars' ambition is to become a fully electric car maker, and in its commitment to an ongoing reduction of its carbon footprint, with the ambition to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. To that end, they are starting to introduce the vehicles that will drive them into that planned future, and the offerings are exciting.

Volvo Car South Africa (VCSA) is charging ahead with its electrification plans. Under new managing director Grant Locke, the company has confirmed four new electrified models will launch locally – with the first arriving over the coming months.

“Our focus is clear: we are committed to offering South African motorists more choice as they make the transition to electric driving,” says Locke. “These new vehicles, paired with our ongoing investment in our local operations and services, underline the fact that we are here to stay and grow.”

Volvo EX30 Cross Country

Leading the line-up is the Volvo EX30 Cross Country, based on the award-winning compact SUV. Now kitted out with more ground clearance and rugged styling, the Cross Country offers a WLTP-estimated range of 427km and promises adventure without emissions. Think of it as urban practicality with a wilder side – and the off-road cues to match.

For those wondering about that jargon, WLTP is an acronym for Worldwide Harmonised Light vehicles Test Procedure. And if you’re still confused, it’s simply a global standard for measuring vehicle emissions and fuel consumption.

Volvo XC60 and XC90

But they’re not stopping there. Before we have a chance to catch our breaths, local showrooms will welcome refreshed versions of Volvo’s bestselling XC60 and XC90 SUVs. Both gain subtle exterior updates, a sleeker grille, and Volvo’s new Google-powered 11.2-inch infotainment system, now sharper and faster than before. Mild-hybrid and Recharge plug-in hybrid options will be available.  

Volvo ES90

Looking even further ahead, 2026 will mark the debut of the Volvo ES90 – a sleek, all-electric flagship combining sedan elegance with SUV practicality. Built on the same SPA2 platform as the EX90, it boasts a 700 km WLTP-estimated range and is loaded with safety tech, including LiDAR and Volvo’s next-generation driver attention system. Inside, the ES90 promises luxury, with Bowers & Wilkins audio, Google infotainment, and a panoramic glass roof all standard, creating a mobile sanctuary for drivers and passengers.

With this expanded range, and with their plans already in motion, Volvo aims to give South African motorists more choice as the brand commits to a fully electric future.

And if you think about it really carefully, if we start practising driving without the distractions of a mobile device, we’ll actually get to see these beauties on our roads over the next few months. Happy Volvo spotting all!