1 month ago
32
Volvo's smallest and most affordable electric vehicle has been given an off-road-inspired makeover, with lifted suspension and bigger wheels.
Electric Cars
The 2025 Volvo EX30 electric car has been given the high-riding Cross Country treatment, promising rugged looks and increased off-road ability when it arrives in Australia later this year.
The EX30 is the first new Cross Country model in seven years, and – in what may come as a surprise – marks the first time the name has been applied to a Volvo SUV, rather than a sedan or wagon.
Australian showroom arrivals are due to commence in the third quarter of 2025 (July to September).
First teased as a prototype two years ago, the EX30 Cross Country sits higher off the road than the regular model, with new, larger-diameter wheels and standard all-wheel drive.
Buyers can replace the Cross Country's base wheel and tyre combination – which has not been defined – with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain rubber.
Driving range has been reduced from the 460km rating of the EX30 Twin Motor Performance, to 427km, though it claims a similar 10 to 80 per cent recharge time of 26 minutes.
It's expected to share the Performance's dual motors developing 315kW and 543Nm combined, fed by a 64kWh (usable) battery pack that in its donor car is claimed to enable a 3.6-second 0-100km/h acceleration time.
Styling changes include front and rear skid plates, wheel-arch extensions, and dark finishes on the tailgate and front bumper, the latter said to feature artwork "showing the topography of the Kebnekaise mountain range in Arctic Sweden".
No interior changes have been quoted, indicating a carry-over 12.3-inch portrait infotainment touchscreen operating most vehicle functions, including the speed as there is no driver instrument display.
Volvo highlights design decisions it has made to simplify the interior, including a soundbar on the dashboard instead of door speakers, and a centrally-placed glovebox.
The Chinese-owned Swedish brand has announced a 'Cross Country Experience', with exclusive offers for owners including a discounted accessory package with a load carrier, roof basket, mudflaps, 18-inch wheels, and all-terrain tyres.
Order books for the 2025 Volvo EX30 Cross Country are open now, ahead of showroom arrivals due to commence by the end of May in select overseas markets, and Australian deliveries by September.
Prices are yet to be announced for Australia, but it is likely to command a premium over the $71,290 plus on-road costs of the dual-motor EX30 Twin Motor Performance.
The last Volvo Cross Country launched in Australia was the V60 Cross Country, which arrived in its current form in 2021, priced from $64,990 – compared to $62,990 and $66,990 for the low-riding V60 Inscription and R-Design respectively it replaced.
Electric Cars Guide
Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family. Highly Commended - Young Writer of the Year 2024 (Under 30) Rising Star Journalist, 2024 Winner Scoop of The Year - 2024 Winner
