Mbabane – Volvo Cars South Africa has introduced the EX30 Cross Country, marking the first Cross Country-badged model in nearly a decade and the first without a combustion engine. The compact electric SUV was tested on local roads, including a climb up Sani Pass, to show its capability for everyday off-road conditions.
The EX30 Cross Country comes with a raised ride height, skid plates, wider wheel arches, 19-inch matte Graphite alloy wheels, matte Black aero inserts, and standard LED headlights with active high beam. Design touches include darker tones on the front shield and boot lid, while the front fascia features artwork inspired by Sweden’s Kebnekaise mountain range.
Under the hood, the SUV carries a 69-kWh battery powering two electric motors for a peak output of 315kW and 543Nm of torque. Performance testing at Gerotek recorded a 0-100 km/h sprint in 4.14 seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 180 km/h. Real-world range averaged 301 km, with charging possible via home wall box or public fast chargers.
Drivers noted the central 12.3-inch touchscreen controls most functions, including mirror adjustments, and absence of a traditional instrument cluster required constant attention to the screen for speed monitoring.
Priced at R1 165 000, the EX30 Cross Country outperforms the BMW ix1 xDrive30 M Sport and Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 AMG Line on power, torque, performance, and running costs. Volvo claims electricity consumption of 18.7kWh per 100 km, while the test averaged 22.9 kWh per 100 km.
Test data recorded includes a single-speed transmission, 1 910 kg licensing mass, 0-100 km/h in 4.14 seconds, quarter mile in 12.53 seconds at 178.4 km/h, and Good Year Efficient Grip 235/50 R19 tyres. The vehicle comes with a five-year or 100 000 km warranty and maintenance plan.
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