Volvo
EX30 Cross Country
A pioneer of crossover style
The vehicle height is 20mm higher than the standard model, and gray spoilers are attached under the front and rear bumpers.
The Cross Country is familiar to car enthusiasts as a grade that enhances Volvo’s SUV aesthetic. With its higher ride height, plastic moldings on the fenders, and all-wheel drive, it has become a visual expression of the toughness of an SUV.
The EX30 is the cross country version of this car. The EX30 is Volvo’s most compact BEV, and already has a tall SUV design, but in addition to the usual modifications such as raising the vehicle height by an additional 20mm and fitting black extensions to the fenders, the front grille is mostly made of black plastic, giving it a visual appeal that exudes wildness and strength. The wheels are also specially fitted in matte black, giving the overall car a more rugged look. The EX30 has an urban yet slightly too smart impression, but this new model adds a new level of strength, and many people will likely prefer this model.
Mechanically, a special suspension has been installed to accommodate the increased vehicle height. The only powertrain available is the “Twin Motor Performance” with motors at the front and rear, and there is no single motor option, which is typical of a Cross Country model.
A soft ride
The interior is made from natural and recycled materials and the amount of wiring harnesses has been reduced to a minimum, giving the EX30 the lowest carbon footprint in Volvo’s history.
The first thing I noticed when I started driving was how much better the ride was. The special suspension, which has been raised, seems to have a softer setting overall, and the shocks from the road that were felt with a thumping sensation in the standard EX30, now feel even more rounded. However, I didn’t feel unsteady in the corners, so I didn’t feel uneasy even when I increased my pace. The acceleration is just as good as ever, and the intensity of the acceleration from partial throttle in performance mode in particular is so strong that I found myself relaxing my right foot. The one-pedal drive switch, which previously could only be switched on the center monitor, has now been placed on the steering wheel, further improving practicality.
Even if you don’t have the opportunity to drive off-road or on snowy roads, you can’t go wrong with this Cross Country model, as the price difference between it and the standard Twin Motor Performance model is only 200,000 yen.
(1)
(2)
(1) The latitude and longitude engraved on the front grille are the location of Mount Kebnekaise, Sweden’s highest peak. (2) The black fender arches are proof that it’s a cross-country vehicle. The exclusive matte black wheels are 19 inches.
REPORT/Gensuke NAGATA
PHOTO/Koichi SHINOHARA
SPECIFICATIONS
Volvo EX30 Cross Country
Body size: Length 4235, Width 1850, Height 1565mm
Wheelbase: 2650mm
Vehicle weight: 1880kg
Front maximum output: 115kW (156PS)
Front maximum torque: 200Nm (20.4kgm)
Rear maximum output: 200kW (272PS)
Rear maximum torque: 343Nm (35.0kgm)
Drive system: AWD
Suspension type: Front MacPherson strut, rear multi-link
Brakes: Front ventilated disc, rear disc
Tire size: Front and rear 235/50R19
0-100km/h acceleration: 3.7 seconds
Driving range: 500km (WLTC)
Vehicle price: 6.49 million yen
