By Malusi Msomi

If the standard Volvo EX30 already felt like the cool, minimalist EV for the city, the Cross Country version is the same car that now owns a pair of hiking boots. Think Batman’s eco-friendly grocery getter that is also keen for a weekend escape. Volvo has taken its smallest electric SUV and given it a tougher stance, more attitude and a bit more confidence when the tar road ends.

Styling

Visually, the EX30 Cross Country is an appealing thing. Compared to the standard model, it sits higher thanks to increased ground clearance, wears chunkier skid plates and comes standard with all-wheel drive. You can also opt for 18-inch all-terrain tyres if gravel roads and campsite detours are part of your regular routine.

The off-road-inspired stance works well with the EX30’s clean design, and the aerodynamic roof rack adds to the adventure-ready look. It feels purposeful rather than overdone, which is very much on brand for Volvo.

Interior

Inside, the Cross Country remains largely unchanged from the standard EX30, and that is not a bad thing. The cabin is smartly designed, with clever storage solutions, a removable rear storage box, wireless smartphone charging and Google built-in doing most of the heavy lifting.

Everything is controlled through the 12.3-inch central touchscreen. It looks futuristic and keeps the cabin uncluttered, but it does mean there are no physical buttons to fall back on. Some drivers will love the clean approach, while others will miss traditional controls. A head-up display or a small driver screen, similar to what Volvo offers in the larger EX90, would have been a welcome addition.

As expected, Volvo’s safety tech is comprehensive, with adaptive cruise control and a suite of driver assistance systems quietly working in the background.

On the road

Power comes from Volvo’s Twin Motor electric setup, producing a healthy 315 kW and 543 Nm. Those numbers translate into serious pace, with a 0 to 100 km/h sprint of just 3.7 seconds. For something with a roof rack and off-road pretensions, it is properly quick.

Despite the performance, the EX30 Cross Country is easy to live with day to day. The ride is comfortable, road manners are good, and it feels well suited to urban driving. The claimed range is 427 km, which proved realistic enough for daily use, and fast charging from 10 to 80 percent in 26 minutes helps make longer trips less stressful.

The aerodynamic roof rack is genuinely practical, but it does introduce noticeable wind noise at speeds above 100 km/h. It is not a deal breaker, but it is something you become aware of on the highway.

We did not attempt any serious off-roading, but the increased ground clearance and all-wheel drive make the Cross Country better suited to gravel roads and rougher surfaces than the standard EX30. It feels more confident when conditions are less than perfect.

Final word

The Volvo EX30 Cross Country successfully adds a layer of versatility to an already appealing electric SUV. It looks good, goes very quickly when asked, and remains comfortable and usable as a daily driver. While the fully touchscreen-based interior will not be to everyone’s taste, the overall package feels well thought out.

At a starting price of R1,165,000, it is not cheap, but it offers a unique mix of performance, practicality and understated ruggedness. If you like the idea of an electric SUV that can handle school runs during the week and gravel road getaways on the weekend, the EX30 Cross Country makes a strong case for itself.