Volvo EX30 Cross Country boasts rugged looks and blistering pace but there are trade-offs
The Cross Country sits at the peak of the EX30 line-up.
Image: Supplied
Volvo’s ‘Cross Country’ badge has survived the transition to the electric era with this flagship version of the EX30 compact model.
The moniker originally adorned the V70 estate of the late 1990s, giving the venerable wagon an SUV-like makeover with a raised ride height and more rugged features.
You could argue that the EX30 is already a crossover of sorts, but the Cross Country treatment does take things up a rugged notch or two with a ride height that’s been raised by 13mm to 190mm, as well as added skid plates and wider wheelarch extensions. The front shield (where the grille would have been) and boot lid now have a black finish, and unique Matte Graphite 19-inch alloy wheels add further distinction.
Volvo has, however, limited its accessibility as the Cross Country is only available in range-topping Twin Motor Performance Ultra guise, with a price tag of R1,165,000 (in December 2025), making it R51,000 more expensive than the regular EX30 equivalent. For the record, the EX30 range starts at R835,000 for the Single Motor Core model.
The CC is available with a range of accessories that allow owners to personalise their vehicles.
Image: Supplied
But let’s not worry about all of that, as the Twin Motor Performance brings spellbinding performance to the equation. Featuring a pair of electric motors that collectively produce 315kW and 543Nm, the EX30 flagship offers supercar-slaying performance, and that’s no exaggeration, with 0-100km/h coming up in just 3.6 seconds.
Granted, you’re not getting the acoustics of a burbly V8 supercar, but there is a certain thrill to the almost weightless and instantaneous thrust provided by this vehicle - and you’re not going to get better acceleration for the money, unless you opt for the non-CC version.
Of course, the handling isn’t on a par with a sports car, and nor is it a real ‘off-roader’, even though it did manage to amble its way up Sani Pass. But the EX30 CC certainly has a niche for itself as a performance model and occasional weekend getaway car.
Fitted with a 69 kWh battery pack, its claimed range is 427km between charges, while a fast-charge from 10% to 80% can take place in as little as 26 minutes.
Europe’s EV Database estimates a real-world range of 370km in mixed conditions in mild weather, covering around 295kW on the highway and up to 485km in pure city driving, where brake regeneration can be taken advantage of.
The interior takes minimalism to the extreme.
Image: Supplied
The interior of the EX30 is perhaps not its strongest suit.
We appreciate the fact that most of it is hewn from recycled materials and much thought has gone into overall efficiency, with details such as the sound bar and central electric window controls saving on wiring. Volvo really had its heart in the right place when designing this vehicle - but the end product is compromised from a user’s perspective.
Rear legroom is relatively cramped for a vehicle in this price range, and the front of the cabin is too minimalistic and overly digitised in our opinion.
Never mind that the climate system requires screen inputs for all of its functions; even the glovebox requires operation via this large 12.3-inch vertical touchscreen. The system boasts built-in Google services, but also supports Apple CarPlay.
Other standard features include a Harman Kardon premium sound system, heated steering wheel and panoramic sunroof, although the latter lacks a sunshade - this can apparently be bought as an add-on.
Some EX30 owners have complained about software bugs and unreliable in-car apps. We didn’t encounter any mishaps during our week-long stint with the EX30 CC, however, we weren’t entirely impressed by its overall functionality.
VERDICT
The Volvo EX30 Cross Country has plenty going for it if you’re looking for an electric car with scintillating performance and a bit more visual flair. Its flaws are well documented, but this remains a fascinating and somewhat satisfying product that doesn’t like to follow the rules.
IOL Motoring