We’ve always thought of the more rugged sort of Volvos - the sort you could travel to the Siberian branch of Ikea in - as a variety of four-wheeled labrador. Friendly, always available for a run and unfazed by just about anything. The Swedish company’s latest EV, the EX30 Cross Country that you see here, carries exactly that resonance. Those go-anywhere looks are not just for style, either: this is one labrador that thinks it’s a St Bernard.
The Cross Country badge means something to Volvo, as anyone who’s run a 2000-era V70 XC - four wheel-drive, rugged credentials - will tell you. They were - and are - tough beasts. The EX30 Cross Country is the first electric Volvo to carry that moniker, so it has something to prove. First thing you notice here over the regular EX30 is the added right height, perfect for navigating the occasional boulder or pothole. Four wheel-drive? Present and correct, thanks to a twin electric motor set-up, one each for front and rear wheels.
Cosmetically we’d have to say that the EX30 Cross Country very much looks the part. Wheel arches are extended for a more aggressive look and to accommodate the optional hefty off-road tyres on 18-inch rims. Black roof adds to air of purposeful menace. Skid plate is both evocative of proper off-roading and also handy for keeping the undersides in shape. Side and back black panelling is unique to the Cross Country edition of the EX30.
Volvo EX30: Quick for an electric off-roader
Performance is far from laggardly. Indeed it’s indecently swift for an off-roader, in the electric tradition, with 60 mph coming up in 3.7 seconds, which is fast sports car quick. Volvo reckon you’ll get 230 miles on a full charge, down from 253 miles on the standard EX30, but still enough to get you to a challenging hill and back in time for tea. Suspension has been softened over the regular EX30 for more comfort over rough ground.
Of course you’ll want to accessorise your new family addition. You might want to add extra utility with the Volvo-branded carry-everything roof rack you see in these images, sensibly sized mud flaps or an electric tow bar. Just two themed choices for the interior, by the way: Volvo say “Pine” has a colourway inspired by Scandinavian forests, with upholstery in wool blend and the company’s Nordico fabric; while jeans wearers might go for “Indigo”, with its denim-inspired materials and inspiration from - yes - the night.
If you’re convinced by the need in your life for a Volvo that’s also a labrador, and that produces no mess of any kind, then we’d humbly suggest the new Volvo EX30 Cross Country might be for you. As we’ve said, we’re taken by both the rugged looks and the promise of proper off-road abilities. Volvo are more than happy to take your order right now, with prices starting at about £48,000. Find us at the nearest Ice Hotel for a bracing cocktail.
Next up: Five of the best electric cars to buy in 2025.
