Volvo’s Cross Country badge has been around for 28 years, and until now it has been applied to estate models, giving them a more rugged and SUV-like appearance.
But now Volvo Cars is launching a Cross Country version of the EX30 compact electric vehicle.
Although the EX30 is already classified as a crossover vehicle, the CC treatment adds a few rugged touches to the mix, while simultaneously ushering in new adventure experience packages for customers.
Volvo Cars South Africa has yet to confirm South African availability of the new CC model, but given that the EX30 is currently the country’s top-selling electric vehicle, and the country’s love of the outdoors, we’d be highly surprised if it were not offered locally.
So what makes it different from the regular EX30?
Volvo says the new model comes standard with a twin-motor all-wheel drive system and its ride height has reportedly been raised by 18mm. It also rolls on unique black wheels, which can be optionally fitted with 18-inch all terrain tyres.
The full powertrain line-up for the EX30 Cross Country has yet to be announced but, depending on the model, it will cover up to 427km between charges, and charge from 10 to 80 percent in as little as 26 minutes.
Volvo says customers will be presented with a wide array of bespoke offers and experiences, which will be elaborated on at a later stage, but these will include accessories such as the aforementioned tyres as well as load carriers, roof baskets and mud flaps.
“We launched our first Cross Country car over 25 years ago, and this concept of durable and all-weather cars is core to the Volvo brand,” said Jim Rowan, CEO of Volvo Cars.
“In Sweden we face harsh winters, but we also like to make the most of them by getting out and exploring our amazing nature, even when it’s minus 20 Celsius outside. That’s why we want to deliver a fully rounded experience, not simply a car, to our EX30 Cross Country customers.”
As mentioned, the Volvo EX30 was South Africa’s best-selling electric vehicle in 2024, with 406 units sold throughout the year. The Swedish carmaker also sold 133 XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge models, bringing its EV tally up to 539 units for the year and outselling its nearest rival by 20.86%.
IOL