World premiere: the new Volvo EX30 Cross Country – test, drifting, and fika in the Swedish winter

A small car for big adventures? Is the new Volvo EX30 Cross Country a true outdoor vehicle or just clever marketing on four wheels? And how does it handle the harsh Swedish winter? We put the new Volvo EX30 Cross Country to the test during its world premiere in Lapland – driving through snow, ice, and under the Northern Lights– fully loaded with outdoor gear.

WWho doesn’t dream of sitting by a campfire after a long winter hike, enjoying a Swedish fika while reflecting on the day, and spending the night in an Aurora capsule under the polar sky? But getting out into the wild isn’t always easy – or so it seems. Snowy roads, blizzards, and the sun hanging low on the horizon… The reality is: first, you have to make it there.

World premiere in Lapland’s winter wonderland: the new Volvo EX30 Cross Country Ultra

For the world premiere of the new EX30 Cross Country, Volvo didn’t settle for some dull showroom. Instead, they took us – and the EX30 – straight to where it belongs: the Swedish backcountry. Thermal base layers, thick socks, hiking boots – backpack packed, and off into the wild!

Sub-zero temperatures are the ultimate test for electric cars, which raises the big question: how winter-ready is the Volvo EX30 Cross Country? The ingredients for the ultimate Swedish Volvo adventure: a cosy winter cabin, a snowshoe hike, test drives on ice and snow – drifting included (because who doesn’t love to slide around on four wheels?). But is a 19 mm increase in ground clearance, a tweaked suspension, off-road design elements, skid plates, optional all-terrain tires, and a roof rack really enough to keep the Cross Country legend alive? And all that for exactly €2,000 extra?

When the Volvo EX30 Ultra was first introduced in 2024, we tested it as a city EV in Hamburg’s rush hour traffic – and came away impressed. The minimalist design, spacious interior feel, and driving dynamics stood out. The Harman Kardon soundbar, driver assistance systems, and the absence of a head-up display were all talking points – but you can read all about that in our original review. The new Volvo EX30 Cross Country Ultra is essentially an evolution of this model. Think of it as an additional trim level based on the top-tier Volvo EX30 Ultra variant: the same all-wheel drive (AWD) system with 428 PS, the same 64 kWh NMC battery, and, like all Volvo models, an electronically limited top speed of 180 km/h. Charging peaks at 175 kW, allowing for charging from 10 to 80% in around 26 minutes. The entire infotainment and navigation system is powered by Google (Google Maps, Google Play, Google Assistant), and is both intuitive to use and familiar!

Genuine outdoor capability or just rugged looks? – What sets the Volvo EX30 Cross Country apart from the EX30 Ultra?

Can two centimetres really make a difference? Volvo have been making Cross Country models for around 30 years. Originally, they were slightly lifted versions of Volvo estates like the V70 and V90, which were designed for slightly more outdoor capability. But then came SUVs,a vehicle class that naturally sits higher and looks tougher, challenging the very purpose of Cross Country models.

And this raises three key questions:

• Do Cross Country models still have a place in today’s market?
• Are they just a marketing exercise, or does this category represent the perfect middle ground?
• Does a Cross Country version of a compact SUV like the Volvo EX30 – a crossover by definition – not contradict the whole concept in the first place?

Let’s look at the numbers: technically, the EX30 Cross Country shares the same components as the standard EX30. However, the suspension has been raised and tuned for better comfort and stability. The 19-inch wheels with optional off-road tires contribute to an overall increase in ground clearance of 19 mm. For comparison’s sake: the Volvo V90 Cross Country sits around 50 mm higher than the standard version. The EX30 Cross Country gains only 19 mm, but that’s mainly because the base model is already taller. In total, though, it still has slightly less ground clearance than the Volvo V90 Cross Country – a car we’ve been using as a company vehicle for years. But there’s a good reason for that, which we’ll get into in the next section.

The Volvo EX30 Cross Country is Volvo’s first fully electric model to get the Cross Country treatment. Unlike their combustion-engine counterparts, electric SUVs tend to sit lower, which is meant to improve aerodynamics (Cd value) and maximise range. Extra height means more drag, which in turn reduces efficiency – something that’s particularly critical for EVs. From that perspective, the Cross Country version makes sense, not just visually, but also within Volvo’s lineup. Yes, it’s marketing, but let’s be honest, it looks the part!

In terms of performance figures (according to the manufacturer), the differences between the Volvo EX30 Ultra and the new Volvo EX30 Cross Country are as follows:

• Around 1 kWh/100 km higher consumption = roughly 25 km less WLTP range
• 0.1 seconds slower from 0–100 km/h (but at 3.7 seconds, still quicker than a Porsche 911 Carrera)
• Same tire rolling noise
• 23 kg higher overall weight = 23 kg less payload capacity

Back to Lapland – and to the emotions: the EX30 Cross Country really makes a statement. If there’s one thing Volvo know how to do, it’s design. After the world premiere, we find ourselves standing on a frozen lake with Katharina Sachs, Senior Exterior Designer and the creative mind behind the EX30. Together, we dive into the details of the Cross Country’s styling: the matte grey front and rear bumpers with glossy black topographic accents are just as striking as the matte grey wheel arch extensions and the 19-inch, five-spoke alloys in glossy black.

If we had to choose, we’d definitely go for the Cross Country model! Even though the EX30 Cross Country is technically a compact SUV, it embodies the understated style that Volvo’s Cross Country models are known for – rugged without overdoing it. Just enough, but never too much. We love the EX30 Cross Country’s outdoor vibe!

Volvo EX30 Cross Country on Test: how does the Swedish compact EV handle ice and extreme cold?

“Robin!” – A frantic knock at my door, just before midnight. I was just about to get cosy (or should I say hyggelig?) in my Aurora capsule and drift off into some well-earned sleep when my colleague Marko from RAMP burst in, brimming with excitement: Northern Lights! So, trousers and boots back on, and out into the freezing night. The campfire is still burning. What luck! Lapland and the Northern Lights – a perfect combo!

Electric cars and winter aren’t necessarily the best match. While the EX30 Cross Country does come with a heat pump, it still loses range in the harsh Scandinavian winter – but this isn’t surprising. In temperatures just below freezing, our test car showed around 230 km of range. That’s definitely enough for half a day on the ice track and more than sufficient to reach the airport 120 km away for the journey home. Still, winter driving requires a bit more planning – you’ll want to factor in charging stops. In summer, though, the EX30 offers more than enough range for most use cases!

Let’s be honest: studded tires and ice are part of everyday life in a Swedish winter, but in the rest of Europe? Not so much (in fact, they’re completely illegal). That made it all the more exciting to give them a go. Both the traction and acceleration from the 428 PS all-wheel drive system are seriously impressive.
The Volvo EX30 Cross Country strikes a great balance between agility and stability. Next to its bigger sibling, the EX90, it feels noticeably sportier, more dynamic, and – let’s be real – way more fun to drive. Especially in Performance AWD mode with ESC switched off. On a closed course with a soft snow buffer, we were able to push the car to its limits while enjoying every second of it!

Kicking up snow? Yes, please! Drifting? Absolutely! But once the little EX30 really goes sideways without ESC, it’s surprisingly tricky to catch again.

And that brings us to the key point: Volvo put safety above anything else – and a Volvo is meant to be driven with the assistance systems on – period. There are plenty of electronic safety features that are permanently active, and which you actually have to fight against on the ice track if you want to get the car drifting.

That might sound like a downside, but in reality, it’s a big plus. People buy Volvos for their safety, and even when you push it deliberately, the EX30 always finds its way back under control.

With its clever storage solutions – like the central glove box and removable organiser for small items – the EX30 Cross Country offers plenty of space to stow away your outdoor gear. With 318–904 litres, the boot isn’t class-leading, but thanks to its upright tailgate and decent height, it’s surprisingly practical. For proper outdoor expeditions, though, you’re better off travelling as a duo rather than squeezing all your mates onto the back seats, unless you make use of extras like the stylish (but range-reducing) roof rack. Or, for a more practical solution, a cargo box for the tow hitch, which isn’t as cool-looking, but definitely useful. Volvo offer their own cargo box too, or you could go for the newly released (and rather pricey) Thule Santu, which pairs perfectly with the best rear-mounted bike rack on the market.

Conclusions: Volvo EX30 Cross Country on test

Is the new Volvo EX30 Cross Country more about looks and marketing than pure off-road capability? Yes, and that’s absolutely fine. It’s not here to replace a Defender, but if you’re after a compact, electric adventure vehicle with Scandinavian minimalism and cool, understated style, the EX30 Cross Country is a seriously tempting option.
For an additional €2,000 over the EX30 Ultra, we’d say it’s well worth it. We already liked the EX30,but the new EX30 Cross Country Ultra takes it up a notch. It’s a vibe!

Words: Robin Schmitt Photos: Christian Bittmann, Robin Schmitt