Volvo's Cross Country name returns on EX30

Twin-motor compact crossover is first EV to wear the badge, and more could be on the way

- Alastair Crooks

IT'S been 25 years since Volvo introduced the Cross Country badge to its line-up with the V70 XC. In the UK at least, this rugged, offroad-biased trim level petered out to nothing, with none of the brand's current range being offered in Cross Country guise. But now the name is back and for the first time ever it will feature on an electric car.

The EX30 Cross Country might look familiar, because this production car is all but indistinguishable from the prototype model that was revealed alongside the EX30 in 2023. Volvo says that we can expect the Cross Country to join the standard car line-up by the summer, commanding a premium of roughly £1,000 over the conventional Twin Motor Ultra-so expect it to start at around £47,000.

While the badge now adorns a compact electric crossover, Volvo points out that the Cross Country's focus very much lies in tough terrain.

So what do you get for the extra outlay? There's distinctive black panelling at the front and rear, while at the back it's a tough 'foil' over the painted surface. Alongside this are black plastic wheelarch extensions, a plastic front skid plate, plus embossed Cross Country branding on the rear pillar and beneath the rear bumper.