Volvo EX30 Cross Country: How the compact all-terrain electric SUV is built and how it drives

The Volvo XC70 Cross Country. A model that "invented" the all-terrain station wagon niche in 1997, arriving on the market the following year, and at the same time began a long lineage of iconic models from the Swedish brand. Twenty-seven years later, the historic trim returns in combination with the Volvo EX30 Cross Country, a fully electric compact SUV with an outdoor character.

But what's different between the Volvo EX30 and the Volvo EX30 Cross Country? The main change comes from the 2.5-centimeter increase in ground clearance, complemented by a series of aesthetic and functional details. The car's front bumper and tailgate feature a special dark color, while the front features a graphic that reproduces the topography of the Kebnekaise mountain range in Arctic Sweden. Front and rear skid plates and wheel arch extensions complete the outdoor look. Added to this is the option to install specific accessories, such as 18-inch all-terrain tires, mud flaps, and a large roof tray.

Paired exclusively with the Twin Motor Performance all-wheel drive version, it features a 69 kWh battery, 315 kW of power (428 horsepower), a 0-100 km/h time of 3.7 seconds, DC charging up to 175 kW and 22 kW of AC charging, and a range of 427 kilometers. On the road, like the standard version, the 428 horsepower is almost excessive for this type of vehicle, with a setup geared more toward comfort than sporty driving. The increased ground clearance is useful, especially when driving on gravel roads. On board, the EX30 features the same minimalist interior, with a large central touchscreen for managing all the vehicle's functions. Available exclusively with the full Ultra trim, it's already on sale starting at €54,400.