Volvo reinvents its smallest car as all-electric 4×4 boasting all-terrain mudflaps, skid-plates and ‘chunky’ front
VOLVO has reinvented its smallest motor into an all-electric, all-terrain 4x4 – with a delightful focus on off-road driving.
A jacked-up version of the EX30 is set to become the Swedish brand’s first EV and first SUV to use Volvo’s cool new Cross Country branding.
While drivers might already be familiar with the EX30 – the smallest car Volvo makes, which has become hugely popular thanks to its good looks and competitive price point – the EX30 Cross Country introduces a string of notable differences.
Firstly, it’s much taller and chunkier; raised by 19mm, with beefier front and rear skid plates, the optional addition of mudflaps, and 720mm all-terrain tyres.
There’s also a five-link rear suspension that has been softened to cope with bumpier, off-road terrain.
Volvo also claims it can handle muddy tracks and even “ankle-deep” snow.
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However, the brand has stressed that the EX30 Cross Country is not a “hardcore” off-roader, saying it’s more aligned with “weekend explorers”.
They added: “Cross Country is about helping you access nature on nature’s terms – not conquering it.”
It certainly looks the part, featuring a more rugged appearance than the standard car – including a blacked-out front grille and boot lid, as well as more sculpted front and rear bumpers and blackened arches.
It can also be optioned with 19-inch alloy wheels, as well as a roof-mounted kayak holder, roof-mounted tent, and stowable towbar.
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Despite these additions, the interior of the EX30 Cross Country is exactly the same as the standard car's.
Only available in all-wheel drive – at least for now – the 4x4 set-up draws power from a 69kWh battery, which feeds two motors for a combined 422bhp.
It also offers 264 miles of range – certainly enough for weekend explorations.
Jim Rowan, Volvo Cars’ CEO, said: “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.
“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.”
Volvo last introduced the Cross Country badge some 25 years ago with the V70 XC.
Since then, in the UK at least, this rugged, special off-road trim has been non-existent.
The Cross Country EX30 line-up is expected by the summer and will command a premium price - roughly £1,000 over the standard Twin Motor Ultra - so expect it to start around £47,000.
