electric | On the road

Volvo EX30CC (Cross Country) Ultra

By Bill McCarthy

The Volvo EX30 Cross Country takes the award-winning formula of the standard EX30 and injects it with a dose of rugged adventure. While its sharp, urban styling – featuring signature ‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlights – doesn’t scream traditional off-roader, this pumped-up variant is engineered to tackle gravel tracks and muddy trails without compromising its city-friendly usability.

This model doesn’t resemble a traditional Volvo 4×4, but key features hint at its potential. The standard grille is replaced with one featuring black detailing for a classier look. It also features pronounced wheel-arch extensions and exclusive 19-inch Cross Country alloy wheels, increased ground clearance nd underbody protection.

Bolstered by a record sales year and a growing UK market share (now at 3.28%), Volvo is strengthening its EV lineup. To encourage sales, the brand is currently offering a self-funded £1,500 promotional grant on new EX30 models.

Enhanced rugged styling

Building on the stylish foundation of the standard EX30, the Cross Country version adds a more adventurous aesthetic. It sits higher off the ground and features key upgrades that hint at its capability:

Minimalist, sustainable cabin

Inside, the EX30 Cross Country continues Volvo’s ‘less is more’ philosophy. The cabin offers minimalist, tech-focused design, using high-quality, sustainable materials like a wool blend upholstery and Nordico, a material derived from pine.

Nearly all functions are controlled through the central vertical tablet and Google Assistant voice commands. While this setup significantly reduces clutter, the system isn’t the most intuitive. Still, it does provide the driver with nearly every piece of information about the vehicle and various apps.

It’s just a matter of finding them without being distracted while driving. The upside is a spacious feel, enhanced by a panoramic glass roof and smart storage solutions.

Performance and off-road

There is a choicer of three electric powertrains. The Single Motor Extended Range model produces 272 hp, accelerates from 0-62 mph in 5.3 seconds, and offers a WLTP range of 295 miles. This Twin Motor model has a range of 273 miles and the 428 bhp of power rockets the vehicle to 62 mph in a thrilling, supercar-challenging 3.6 seconds.

It is also an engaging drive, with sharp steering and excellent handling, even if the ride is a shade on the firm side.

Practicality and storage

The EX30 Cross Country is designed for an active lifestyle. It offers versatile storage solutions perfect for both daily use and weekend getaways:

Boot Space: A practical 318 litres, expandable by folding the rear seats.
Frunk: The bonnet area known as the ‘frunk’ adds extra storage in the front, particularly useful for charging cables or smaller bags.
Cabin Storage: Plenty of cup holders, bottle holders, and spacious door bins throughout.

While the coupé-like styling slightly compromises rear-seat headroom, the cabin comfortably accommodates three children.

Comprehensive Volvo safety

As expected, safety is paramount. The EX30 includes a full suite of active and passive safety features. A standout innovation is a door-opening alert system that warns you if you are about to open your door into the path of a cyclist or passing vehicle.

Verdict

The Volvo EX30 Cross Country successfully builds upon the qualities of the standard car. It adds genuine off-road presence and capability without sacrificing performance, technology, and contemporary styling. A versatile electric SUV as Volvo transitions to a fully electric future by 2040. For company car users, its zero tailpipe emissions qualify it for the three per cent BIK rate.

Factfile

Volvo EX30CC (Cross Country) Twin Motor Performance Ultra
Price: £47,060
Mechanical: 428bhp, 69kWh battery, driving all wheels via automatic gearbox
Max speed: 112mph
0-62mph: 3.7 seconds
Range (WLTP): 273 miles
CO2 emissions: 0g/km
BIK rating: 3 per cent
Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles

Hyundai Ioniq 9 Calligraphy

By Bill McCarthy

There’s an old saying that good things come in small packages, which is often true. But the same can apply at the other end of the scale. In the case of the Ioniq 9, it isn’t just large – it’s huge, at over five metres long and nearly two metres wide. And yes, it’s very good indeed.

Striking design and road presence

Bristling with technology and LED light arrays, it has serious road presence and delivers excellent performance.

A full seven-seater (or a six-seater in this configuration), it competes with the likes of the Mercedes GLS, BMW X7, Range Rover, and its own stablemate the Kia EV9. The design cleverly combines the boxy shape needed for a practical people-carrier with a swooping bonnet and roofline for better aerodynamics.

The active air flap also contributes to a low drag coefficient of just 0.259 Cd.

Range and powertrain

It can be charged from 10-80% in just 24 minutes using a 350 kW charger and also offers Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, with a three-pin socket for powering exterior devices.

The claimed EV range is up to 385 miles on a single charge. If accurate, this makes range anxiety a thing of the past – provided you can afford the £78,000-plus price tag for this top model.

Power is impressive, with a 110kWh battery standard across the range. Options include a Long Range RWD with a 160-kW rear motor, a Long Range AWD with an additional 66-kW front motor, and a Performance AWD featuring 157-kW motors on both axles for maximum output.

Trim levels and pricing

There are three trim levels: Premium, Ultimate, and Calligraphy. Prices are not cheap but are competitive for this segment, starting from £64,995.

Power and performance levels vary; the top 427PS AWD version – the quickest – can accelerate from 0-62 mph in just over five seconds, which is rapid for such a large vehicle.

A high-tech, luxurious Interior It is packed with high-tech equipment, including all the electronic wizardry you would expect at this price point.

The interior, especially in this model, feels like a cross between a comfortable sitting room and a high-tech office.

Light floods in through the full-length panoramic roof and, despite the slightly curving roofline, head and legroom are good even for rearmost passengers.

The centrepiece is the curved central screen, which controls major functions like navigation, smartphone connectivity, and infotainment.

It is also the first Hyundai to feature an AI Assistant voice control. Another clever touch is the central console, which can slide up to 190 mm for greater storage flexibility.

On the road

On the road, this model features a 303 bhp dual electric motor setup that delivers rapid pace and an impressive range for its size. It is a capable motorway cruiser, with that torque being particularly useful for overtaking. The focus is firmly on comfort, delivering a hushed and comfortable ride for all occupants.

This is aided by active noise-cancelling technology, acoustic glass, and noise-reducing tyres.

Practicality and safety

While it is a luxury vehicle, it is also highly practical, easily transitioning from a premium cruiser to a van-like load carrier. It has 330 litres of boot space with all seats in place, rising to a maximum of 2,494 litres when all the seats are folded.

Safety equipment is comprehensive, featuring collision avoidance systems to the front, side, and rear, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot warning, and a host of other features.

Factfile

Hyundai Ioniq 9 Calligraphy
Price: £78,595
Mechanical: 307 PS combined dual electric motors and 110kWh battery driving all wheels via an automatic transmission
Max Speed: 124 mph
0-62 mph: 6.7 seconds
Range: 372-376 miles WLTP
Insurance Group: 48
ECO2 emissions: 0g/km
BiK rating: 3%
Warranty: Five years/unlimited miles

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EX30 Cross Country: Performance meets utility