Natalie Middleton reports back on the rugged and raised Volvo EX30 Cross Country.

Volvo EX30 Cross Country Twin Motor Performance AWD Ultra

List Price: £47,005 | BiK: 4% | Official range: 273 miles | On fleet range: 220 miles | Efficiency as tested: 3.2mpkWh

Report 5:

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As Volvo’s smallest EV, the EX30 CC actually comes with high levels of equipment, from the Harman Kardon soundbar to the 360-degree camera, panoramic roof and Park Pilot Assist on our Ultra version, along with the Google Automotive services.

There’s a vast array of onboard apps, features and menus on the 12.3-inch central portrait touchscreen. Early for an appointment recently, I took to delving through some of them – even checking out the different ambient light themes, all complete with sound effects. I thoroughly recommend the Archipelago setting, inspired by the Swedish coastline, for a zenned-out feel. Or Nordic Twilight for a party vibe. And for more practical, neeky moments, the digital user manual is also there.

Likewise, the Volvo app is rather handy. It enables you to carry out everything from physical actions such as unlocking the car, flashing the lights and honking the horn (I wish I’d known that last year when it took me a while to find our previous EX30 long-termer in a murky car park field), along with charging and air con scheduling, through to checking out maintenance, software updates and even buying things such as insurance or servicing plans, or finding and paying for charging. It also acts as an emergency assistant and tracking service.

One area where Android users have been left behind is with the digital key, which allows you to lock, unlock and start the car using a compatible phone or smart watch.

This was previously only available for iPhone and Apple Watch models. Happily, that’s now changed following a latest over-the-air software update, and the digital key is now compatible with certain Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel models too, provided they have UWB (Ultra-Wideband) capability.

It takes just minutes to set up but it’s handy to have. As mentioned in our report on the standard EX30, the Volvo key fob can be a bit glitchy and slow to react – although this too has been addressed to a degree in the latest update. The digital key generally works well – and it’s certainly surreal to drive off without the actual key fob. You can also share the digital key card with family and friends, and choose which options to share with them. Even if your device doesn’t have UWB capability, you can still use a digital key as a key card.

It’s still recommended you bring your key fob, just in case your phone runs out. Although Volvo says you may still be able to use your digital key as a key card even if your device is dead, depending on the device’s manufacturer.

In that same vein, I’ve realised just how handy the automated unlocking is when I stagger up with a wonky supermarket trolley and no spare hands to dig out keys.

The EX30 Cross Country further proved its practical side as a handy companion for the round trip to last month’s Great British Fleet Event and the evening’s awards. Putting the car into Range mode and making use of one-pedal driving ensured some 220 miles of range overall. This meant that I only needed a quick charge at one of the onsite Allego ultra-rapid devices, thanks to the Volvo’s decent 153kW DC fast charging capability, enabling me to it home without having to stop at night and coming back with a figure of 3.2mpkWh overall.

Aside from some remaining niggles over the EX30 Cross Country, such as the buggy key fob, it’s fair to say that I’m starting to realise how much I’ll miss Volvo’s rugged and stylish electric crossover when it imminently departs our test fleet.

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Since we’re midway through our stint with the adventure-ready Volvo EX30 Cross Country, it’s the perfect moment to see how it stacks up against the standard model.

It’s clear this rugged variant holds several advantages over the core version. The softer suspension is a highlight, offering a more pliant, comfortable ride that absorbs road imperfections far better, while the increased ride height provides a more commanding view.

The staggering 428hp of power and 3.7-second 0-62mph sprint are impressive, but rarely useable on our congested roads; I had to venture out late one evening just to properly engage Performance mode.

The 20-mile electric range deficit compared to the Single Motor Extended Range we tested before is slight but noticeable, occasionally necessitating a charging stop on long-haul trips.

To mitigate this, I’ve embraced the adaptive cruise control. Usually a sceptic of such tech, I’ve found that maintaining a steady pace on recent stints on the A303 and M25 has significantly improved efficiency – stretching my range enough to make it back without stopping.

I’ve also started sticking the Volvo in Range mode; it’s early days yet to check out its benefits but it does noticeably blunt performance so I’m hopeful it will squeeze out extra miles. Currently I’m getting around 200-220 per full charge.

One potentially transformative feature to up our electric range is the customisable steering wheel button, which can be assigned to different functions. I’ve been using it for speed limit warnings, but by mapping it to the one-pedal drive function, I can bypass the frustrating sub-menus usually required to toggle it on the move. The only issue is that it doesn’t show which setting you’re in, until you press it again.

My only minor gripe remains the display: as with fellow long-term tester Nat Barnes in his Polestar 2, I’d much prefer a ‘miles per kWh’ readout over the current ‘kWh/100 miles’ format. This would make it so much easier to judge my efficiency at a glance without having to calculate it myself.

In that vein of thought, I’ve also realised that I’ve become far more relaxed about long-distance electric driving. There’s a lot to be said for pre-planning charging requirements –  and the Volvo is handy at popping up with charging suggestions when you’re getting low on electrons – but armed with Zapmap and Google, charging on the fly is a lot easier than it used to be.

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It’s impossible to file a report on the EX30 Cross Country without commenting on the news about the new commercial version of Volvo’s small electric SUV. Something that I’d never have guessed at but made perfect sense when I saw the news.

Electric car conversions are big news at the moment, kicked off by the Dacia Spring and Škoda Enyaq versions, and the EX30 Cargo brings added food for thought for fleets, with its high levels of onboard tech and the option of the ludicrous 428hp P8 all-wheel drive powertrain.

Throughout our test, I’ve appreciated Volvo’s smallest electric car’s compact footprint, which is a huge plus and makes it easy to manoeuvre in urban and sub-urban environments, and to park too. As a van, its versatility is heightened by stripping out the rear seats for a flat floor with a 1,000-litre load capacity and a 390kg payload.

We’ve optimised the cargo space on our long-termer by removing the adjustable floor. Although the EX30’s boot may be tighter than some rivals’, this has made a massive difference. Combined with the low loading lip, the extra depth means I rarely notice the lack of space. There’s also a small frunk and some impressively large cabin storage bins to pick up the slack.

Van drivers are likely to appreciate the high levels of spec on the incoming Volvo van too, although the lack of physical controls and the fact that some functions are nested inside a touchscreen menu may cause frustration.

But equally, the EX30 is excellent for Google integration, featuring Android Automotive OS with Google Maps, Assistant and Play Store built-in.

On the subject of tech, there’s also some big improvements for the small Volvo on the way too. Including the arrival of vehicle-to-load – effectively turning it into a powerbank – along with a refreshed user interface, which will be rolling out to existing models via a free over-the-air update. Happy days!

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Volvo has a long history of Cross Country models, starting off with the V70 XC back in 1997.

For the EX30 CC, Volvo says it’s “made for more than city streets. A compact SUV designed to thrive on detours”.

It definitely stands out from its rear-wheel-drive siblings. The Cross Country gets the same distinctive, Norse-inspired Thor’s Hammer LED headlights, characterised by T-shaped daytime running lights to showcase its minimalist, grille-less front-end.

But the ruggedised front also gets a bespoke blacked-out fascia with a topographical map design of the Kebnekaise range; Sweden’s highest mountain. The EX30 CC also comes with an extra 19mm ride height, front and rear skid plates, underbody protection, Cross Country badges along with unique five-spoke 19-inch wheels – and 18-inchers with all-terrain tyres as a no-cost option.

Colour choices across the EX30 line-up are inspired by different Scandinavian landscapes but are more muted than the Moss Yellow previously available. Our is ‘Sand Dune’, influenced by Sweden’s west coast. I thought it was pretty unique-looking until I spotted an exact same model and plate in the local supermarket just days after ours arrived. But a few weeks on and I’m yet to spy another one. All colour choices are paired with a black roof and Ultra versions get tinted rear windows at no extra cost.

The cabin can be specified with either a textile & Nordico theme or wool blend & Nordico. The former features a sporty blue ambience using recycled denim while the latter gets a pine green look for a more eco take. It all feels good, tasteful and hard-wearing – as already proven by our previous EX30 test.

As with all EX30s, it’s a light and airy interior, fitted with a panoramic roof and focused on Scandi design and filled with some delightful touches such as the elegant and functional door handles.

The armrest really is handy; not overly intrusive for drivers like me who don’t like something right in the way, practical enough for those who do. It’s also equipped with sliding cupholders, plenty of storage and a rather functional pullout box with embossed tree and moose images. A lower layer at the front adds in phone storage and charging points.

As with the standard EX30, boot space is 318 litres, accessed via the electronic tailgate and with an adjustable boot floor, tie-down points and 12V socket. With the 60/40 folding seats down, there’s 904 litres of space. There’s also a ‘frunk’ with 7 litres of space.

The tech set-up is the same as the rest of the EX30 line-up, with just one 12.3-inch central portrait touchscreen for everything; from driver information to infotainment and also used to access some key functions such as changing the driver assistance features, wiper settings, wing mirrors and heating controls, which can make some things harder than they need to be. However there is a handy, if somewhat weirdly located, switch for quick access to demisters; it’s situated of all places, on the roof alongside the emergency assistance buttons.

The options list supports the emphasis on more adventurous types. Ours comes with the foldable towbar (£1,450) but other action-focused extras include the roof basket (£384); either a reversible load compartment mat (£105) or an all-weather version (£156); luggage net (£94); bike holder for 3-4 bikes (£521; requires towbar); Fix4Bike folding bicyle holder for two bikes (£594; requires towbar again); Travel 400 roof box (£542); and finally an aluminium bicycle holder for the roof with frame bracket (£105).

For me, it’s the larger bike holder that optimises the EX30 CC’s activity focused credentials and would be a gamechanger for family weekends, while showing the ruggedised Volvo is not just a pretty face.

As the brand’s first fully electric Cross Country model, the EX30 fits with the brand’s heritage although it might leave some serious off-roaders disquieted. It’s an interesting question as to who it’s aimed at, mixing both performance and off-roading, but the brand says it’s more for “weekend explorers” seeking an adventurous SUV for city streets and muddy roads.

First Report:

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As one Volvo door closes, another one opens.

With the departure of our EX30 Single Motor Extended Range RWD Ultra after some six months with us, we’ve swapped over to the EX30 Cross Country Ultra.

Billed by Volvo as “the adventurous type”, it’s basically a higher-riding and higher-performance version of Volvo’s smallest SUV, kitted out with matte black body cladding for a “bold, ready-for-anywhere look” and solely available with the twin-motor setup.

While the standard EX30 gets a choice of Single Motor, Single Motor Extended Range or Twin Motor Performance versions depending on grade, the CC is only available as the Twin Motor Performance.

And the full grade line-up of Core, Pulse and Ultra is pared down to just the Ultra for the CC.

There’s also a big price uplift. The standard EX30 in Single Motor form and Core specification starts at £33,060, while the EX30 Cross Country Ultra starts from £47,060. A fairer comparison through shows the standard EX30 in Twin Motor Performance and Ultra guise is £45,860, putting the upgrade to the Cross Country at £1,200.

All Volvo EX30s have some pretty eyewatering performance figures but, as with every version featuring the top-spec powertrain, the Cross Country takes it into another realm. As an example, the entry-level EX30 Single Motor gets 272hp and is capable of 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds, while the Single Motor Extended Range gets the same 272hp but a 5.3-second time for the 0-62mph dash. But the Twin Motor Performance powertrain used for both the standard EX30 and the sole option for the EX30 CC gets an insane 428hp and 3.6-second figure for 0-62mph.

Just to put that in perspective, that’s the fastest-accelerating Volvo ever.

As you’d expect, there’s an impact on official WLTP range, with the Twin Motor Performance coming out at 279 miles versus 295 for the Single Motor Extended Range with the same 69kWh battery and 209 for the standard Single Motor with the smaller 51kWh battery. Still, 279 miles on paper sounds good enough for many drivers’ everyday needs.

Our Ultra trim comes with a wealth of features befitting its top-tier status. There’s the 12.3-inch centre console touchscreen with voice controls; divisive as it’s virtually button-free and not always intuitive. Then there’s the Google Automotive Services, the Harman Kardon dashboard soundbar, rear parking camera, power-operated tailgate and the Swedish brand’s driver-assistance Safe Space Technology.

The only option on ours is the £1,200 foldable towbar, bringing the P11D as tested up to £48,405. But for those wishing to maximise the outdoorsy credentials of the EX30 CC, the option list includes a roof basket or box and a bicycle holder.

First impressions are that the EX30 Cross Country does stand out from the standard model in terms of looks and performance.

But will three months with the CC prove the merits of the EX30’s more rough and rugged variant and justify the price uplift?