Volvo brings back Cross Country concept to EX30

Volvo was late to catch the SUV wave which began in the 1990s, having introduced its first SUV – the XC90 – only in 2002. Nevertheless, before that, it offered customers ‘ruggedised’ Cross Country versions of its stationwagons. These allowed driving further off-road and with protective cladding, they could also get through rough terrain without bodywork damage.

Bringing back the rugged concept
Now, 28 years after introducing its Cross Country range, Volvo is again bringing the concept of all-weather ruggedized vehicles to its showrooms with the new EX30 Cross Country. While the EX30 is already a SUV – with a fully electric powertrain – the Cross Country version enhances its off-road capability with additional ride height and special, bigger wheels, with the option of 18-inch all-terrain accessory tyres.

“In Sweden we face harsh winters, but we also like to make the most of them by getting out and exploring our amazing nature, even when it’s minus 20 degrees Celsius outside. That’s why we want to deliver a fully rounded experience, not simply a car, to our EX30 Cross Country customers,” said Jim Rowan, CEO of Volvo Cars.

Differentiating looks
While its real-world capabilities come first, the EX30 Cross Country is also designed to excel in more diverse conditions – and to look good while doing so. The front shield of the car and the bootlid get a special dark colour, with the front featuring a unique piece of artwork showing the topography of the Kebnekaise mountain range in Arctic Sweden – an inspiration for many Volvo designers.

Chunky front and rear skidplates as well as wheelarch extensions complete the more rugged look and underline that this car is ready to get out into the wild.

Increased storage spaces
Inside, the EX30 Cross Country is highly functional and contains all the clever tech and design from the EX30, with increased storage spaces. The doors contain large storage compartments, made possible by removing  the speakers and incorporating them into the soundbar on the dashboard.

A versatile central storage tunnel between driver and passenger can be slid out as a cupholder, or back if you need to store more things. There’s also a big storage compartment on the floor between driver and passenger. The glove compartment has been placed beneath the centre console, providing easy access for both driver and passenger.

Rear passengers get a neat storage box that slides out from beneath the central tunnel. This box is also removable and washable, so it can double up as a waste bin. At the rear, on the bootlid, there’s a handy ‘Will it fit?’ guide to determine how much gear can get in.

First deliveries and first markets have not been mentioned yet and the price of the EX30 Cross Country is expected to be higher than the regular version.

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