Rugged new Volvo EX30 Cross Country Bows

Revealed earlier today, the new Volvo EX30 Cross Country sees the recently localised model gaining the Swedish marque's signature rugged, all-terrain treatment. The model debuted online through a special live stream.

Notably, the EX30 stands as the brand’s first electric vehicle (EV) and crossover SUV model type to bear the Cross Country badge. As a refresher, Volvo’s Cross Country treatments are offered in its signature V60 and V90 estates, as well as its past V40 hatchback model.

Versus the regular EX30, the new Cross Country variant sits 19 MM taller, boasting a number of rugged additions in the process too.

Versus the regular EX30, this new Cross Country variant sits some 19 MM taller, gaining chunkier front and rear skidplates, typical off-roader-esque black exterior cladding and additional wheel arches tacked on, as well as 720 MM all-terrain tyres shod at each corner.

Distinct too are the noticeably more sculpted front and rear bumpers. Both mud flaps and 19-inch wheels are optionally available, as are a slew of off-grid “essentials” like a roof-mounted kayak holder, roof-mounted tent, as well as a stowaway towbar.

On board, the cabin of the Cross Country remains largely unchanged from the regular EX30.

Moving into the cabin and, aptly, as evidenced by the images features, the Cross Country variant’s innards remains largely unchanged from the regular EX30 crossover – not entirely bad news if you asked us. Instead, changes continue to be abound elsewhere.

The lifted ride height also indicates tweaked suspension hardware, most notable being the five-link rear assembly that has been softened to allow this tiny crossover to cope with bumpier, rougher, and muddier terrains and tracks, as well as “ankle-deep” snow and highways.

"From launch," the EX30 Cross Country is only available in dual-motor, AWD guise, boasting 422 HP and 543 NM outputs plus up to 427 KM of range enabled by a 69 kWh NMC battery pack.

Though it appears convincing as one, the EX30 Cross Country is NOT presented as a hardcore off-roader. Instead, it vies for “weekend explorers,” argues Volvo, who also emphasises that its Cross Country badge was meant for them to access nature on nature’s terms, not conquer it.

Naturally, the EX30 Cross Country is available only in dual-motor, all-wheel-drive (AWD) format “from launch” – it shares the same mechanical underpinnings as the range-topping Ultra Twin Performance guise.

Unchanged too is the 69 kWh NMC battery's acceptance of 11 kW AC and up to 153 kW DC charging inputs, the latter enabled 10% to 80% re-charges in just 28 minutes.

In turn, the sees the EX30 Cross Country getting primed with the largest battery pack – 69 kWh, NMC type – available in its range. This juices the dual-motor setup mentioned to output 422 HP and 543 NM and cover up to a maximum of 427 KM (WLTP).

As for its on board charger (OBC), things also remain unchanged here as both an 11 kW AC and 153 kW DC inputs are accepted. Additionally, the latter brings the ability to re-charge from 10% to 80% in just 28 minutes too.

Various rugged options are available too includes mud flaps, 19-inch wheels, as well as roof-mounted adventure accessories.

Apart from the dual-motor, AWD guise detailed, Volvo hinted that a single-motor variant may come later. For now, sales for the EX30 Cross Country have begun in Volvo’s Swedish home market, and sales in other European markets are slated to commence soon after.

Closer to home, there’s no word if Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) will offer the EX30 Cross Country locally just yet. However, given the historical popularity of the older and arguably similar-sized V40 Cross Country prior, we won’t discount said possibility yet.

It ultimately boils down to you folks, and this begs the question: would you fancy this more rugged and adventure-reader flavour of the Swedish marque’s tiniest and most affordable EV offering yet? Share your take in the comments below, as well as our social media pages…