Volvo EX30 Cross Country Trekking to South Africa: A New Era for the Compact EV

Volvo Car South Africa has officially announced that its adventure-ready EX30 Cross Country will arrive in the country during the third quarter of 2025. This marks the first time in over a decade that the automaker revives its Cross Country nameplate. It was previously seen on the V40-based variant. The new EX30 Cross Country represents a bold evolution in the compact electric SUV space. It promises to blend performance with durability.

Powerful Twin-Motor Performance

While pricing is yet to be confirmed, it’s been revealed that the South African-spec EX30 Cross Country will be based on the high-end Twin Motor Ultra Performance model. This configuration includes dual electric motors paired with a 69-kWh battery. This setup delivers an impressive 315 kW of power and 543 Nm of torque. Despite its rugged build, this SUV doesn’t compromise on speed. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds.

The estimated driving range sits at 427 km on a full charge. This is slightly down from the 460 km offered by the standard EX30 due to the added off-road components. Fast-charging capability remains on par, needing just 26 minutes to charge from 10% to 80% using a DC charger. This is ideal for those on the go.

Rugged by Nature, Refined by Design

Visually, the EX30 Cross Country stands apart from its standard sibling thanks to several off-road-focused upgrades. These include a matte black grille panel embossed with a topographical map of Sweden’s Kebnekaise mountain range. Additionally, it has distinctive black cladding over the wheel arches, redesigned front and rear bumpers, and underbody skid plates. A black panel stretching across the tailgate adds further visual flair.

The SUV also gets a 19 mm boost in ground clearance, thanks to reengineered suspension. This gives it better capability over uneven terrain. South African buyers will benefit from 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels as a standard feature. These are optional in European markets.

Familiar Interior, New Purpose

Inside, the Cross Country remains identical to the standard EX30. It maintains Volvo’s clean, minimalistic design and cutting-edge technology suite. Though the rugged changes are exterior-focused, the cabin still offers a premium feel. It includes sustainable materials, digital displays, and intuitive infotainment controls designed for modern living.

Felipe Yagi, Head of Marketing and Communications for Volvo Car South Africa, highlighted the unique appeal of this new entrant: “The EX30 Cross Country builds on everything people love about the EX30, adding rugged capability and distinctive design details. It’s a refined, all-electric SUV that feels equally at home on gravel roads or in the city, offering South Africans a practical way to go further with confidence.”

Adventure-Ready Yet Urban-Savvy

Although full pricing details remain under wraps, it’s expected that the Cross Country will carry a premium over the standard EX30 Twin Motor Ultra Performance, which is currently listed at R1 114 000. Given its added features and rugged appeal, buyers should anticipate a slightly higher figure once official figures are released.

With its all-terrain styling, spirited performance, and clean electric drivetrain, the Volvo EX30 Cross Country signals a new chapter in our country’s evolving EV market. More details, including local pricing and final specifications, are expected in the months leading up to its launch.

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