Volvo Is Making The EX30 EV Rugged
Volvo doesn’t get the attention that Subaru’s Outback gets, or even the oddball appreciation once pointed AMC’s way, but the Swedish automaker was one of the first to make a lifted off-road car. Its latest model, spotted by the CarBuzz photographers during winter testing, looks like the next evolution of the off-road car. It’s a Cross Country version of the EX30 EV, and it’s looking kinda mean in the snow.
2025 Volvo EX30
- Base MSRP
-
$34,950
- Base Trim Engine
-
Electric
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
268 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
253 lb-ft
The brand’s first off-roader was the V70 XC wagon launched in 1997. Since then, Volvo has expanded the Cross Country brand to other wagons and even sedans. Today, a Cross Country is the only way to get a new Volvo wagon in the US.
Lift Suspension, Add Plastic, Print Money
It’s a simple formula: add some suspension height, new tires, and plastic cladding around the wheel wells. But it works incredibly well, and now nearly every automaker is doing it, even to their crossovers.
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This brings us back around to this EX30 EV being put through its paces. Our spy shooters reported that Volvo’s crew was not happy to see the extra cameras, blocking the shots and preventing us from getting even more images of the new model.
No wonder they’re unhappy because this is a completely exposed and production-ready-looking model of a vehicle we’ve never seen before. We wouldn’t be surprised if it was in the snow for a photo or commercial shoot, not just testing.
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The EX30 XC is lifted versus the standard dual-motor Performance model, giving it more clearance underneath. It has winter tires, so we can’t tell if Volvo is planning all-terrain rubber, but we can see that this car has some extra sidewall versus the standard model, which makes the ride more comfortable and the tires more durable off-road.
Big C-Pillar Letters Leave No Doubt
There is already plenty of cladding on the EX30’s lower doors, so Volvo hasn’t added any here. But there is a new black nose panel with a topographical map motif, a strong sign that this is an off-roader. Then there’s that big roof basket up top, another sign that this Volvo is going to be aimed firmly at outdoorsy people.
If you want even more confirmation, though, look at the C-pillar trim. The black stripe between the blue paint and glossy roof is clearly embossed with Cross Country lettering.
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We don’t have more details, but we do have some expectations. The EX40 CC will most certainly come with the two-motor Performance driveline. That’s the only EX40 with all-wheel drive, it also offers 428 horsepower, making it the quickest Volvo ever. With a 65 kWh (usable) battery, the EX30 Twin Motor Performance offers an EPA-estimated range of 253 miles. Expect that to be a bit lower if the CC has all-terrain tires and a lot lower with the roof basket.
No word on when production might start, but with a model looking this complete, Volvo is highly likely to launch this model in the next few months.
