Volvo | 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

Volvo XC40 Recharge

By Bill McCarthy

Volvo has gone the Full Monty with electric with their small XC40 leading the charge, if you pardon the pun. The firm has confirmed it will be an electric-only car manufacturer by 2030 and will roll out several additional electric models in the coming years.

The stylish Recharge is their first 100 per cent electric SUV, offering the usual Volvo refinement, and depending on the model, a claimed range of 261 miles.

They are not cheap, this range starts at £45,750, but Volvo is a premium brand and you do get plenty for your money.

It is a stylish SUV looking very much like non-electric versions, with smart light clusters to front and rear and a choice of striking alloy wheels. It has a sleeker look and the front lights feature the now familiar ‘Thor’s Hammer’ design. It also features a discrete rear spoiler.

Like other electric vehicles, the grille has been blanked out, rendering the car less attractive as a result.

The interior is real premium quality and dominated by the nine-inch tablet style touchscreen and a 12-inch TFT display behind the smart multi-function steering wheel.

The central screen controls major functions and now features Google Maps, navigation, infotainment and smartphone connectivity. There are also a number of apps available.

It has a real high-end feel with leather style micro tech powered seats, soft touch finish and a minimalist approach to buttons and and dials.

All models are well equipped, and standard kit includes two-zone climate control, cruise control, rear parking sensors, electric windows and door mirrors and host of other goodies.

This model adds 20-inch alloys, Sensus Connect with Premium Sound by Harman Kardon with Dolby Pro Logic II Surround Sound, powered boot, power-adjustable and heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, a panoramic sunroof and a 360-degree parking camera.

Like most electric cars, acceleration is instant and the 231bhp on tap from the electric motor powers the car to 60mph in seven seconds. Pretty much hot hatch territory.

A fairly lengthy road trip put the claimed 256 mile range to the test, as well as recharging availability on the UK roads.

Hook up though, and it can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent capacity in around half an hour using a 150kW fast charger, if you can find one, otherwise a full hit using the 11kW onboard charger will take eight hours

Despite being an SUV, it sits fairly low to the ground and feels stable, cornering well and good feedback from the well weighted steering.

In practical terms it has plenty to offer with the rear seats folding and tumbling to provide maximum stowage space of 1,295 litres. There is even 21 litres of extra space at the front beneath the bonnet lid, where the combustion engine would have been.

Safety kit is comprehensive, with City Safety which includes pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection, and front collision warning with fully automatic emergency braking, including at junctions,.

There is also a host of other technologies, like autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian, animal and cyclist detection and front collision warning are included on this model.

Also standard are full set of airbags and lane mitigation, which steers you back into the correct lane if drifting.

Factfile

Volvo XC40 Recharge Pro

Price: £51,750

Mechanical: 231bhp, electric motor driving with 69 kWh battery driving front wheels via automatic gearbox

Max speed: 99mph

0-62mph: 7 seconds

Range : 262 miles

CO2 emissions: 0g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles

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EX30 Cross Country: Performance meets utility