Volvo's Gravel Gambit Hits SA

EX30: Reimagines Off-Road Luxury for the EV Age

- Charl Bosch

Volvo Car South Africa's unveiling of the EX30 Cross Country this week comes at a pivotal time for the Chinese-owned Swedish brand.

Besides forming part of a product roll-out comprising three models before the end of the year, and a further one in 2026, Gothenburg's future has been shrouded in uncertainty following well-publicised reports earlier this year of its dealerships shutting down.

However, according to newly appointed managing director Grant Locke an exit for the Geely-owned marque isn't on the drawing board anytime soon as per the imminent arrivals of the facelift XC60 and XC90, and, next year, the all-electric ES90.

Heading these, the EX30 revives the off-road Cross Country moniker last seen locally on the V40 Cross Country six years ago.

A further first for the nomenclature as propulsion now comes from electricity instead of petrol or diesel, the single variant also ushers in a number of changes under its skin as opposed to being nothing but an aesthetic overhaul.

The national launch on the outskirts of Pretoria was, therefore, anything but straightforward as the relatively short route featured extensive gravel driving which proved to be the Cross Country's most impressive aspect.

Arriving as the new flagship EX30 variant, the Cross Country uses the top-spec Twin Motor Performance Ultra as a base, with power coming from a pair of electric motors driven by the same 69kWh battery pack as the standard model.