Latest news with #EX30
Motor Trend
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
Volvo Might Be Spinning Up a New Off-Road Trim Level, and You've Already Seen It
Volvo's Cross Country trim level has been around since 1997, when it was first applied to a lifted V70 station wagon decked out in Subaru-es que plastic body armor. For a time, the Cross Country name was also used interchangeably with the 'XC' moniker before reverting back to the longer Cross Country when XC came to underpin Volvo's SUV naming scheme. (Do you have that all straight?) Until now, the trim has adorned only cars (mostly wagons, though there was one sedan!) modified like that original V70. So, what does it mean, if anything, that for the first time ever, an SUV—namely the 2026 EX30 electric SUV—is getting the Cross Country treatment? Volvo is introducing the Cross Country trim to the EX30 electric SUV, marking the first SUV and EV to get this off-road treatment. This could expand to other Volvo SUVs if successful, leveraging the brand's off-road heritage and appealing to adventure-minded buyers. This summary was generated by AI using content from this MotorTrend article Read Next From Crossing Up Cars To… As a practical matter, the use of the Cross Country name on the EX30's more off-road-y variant is one of convenience. The EX30 Cross Country, with its mildly raised suspension, special black plastic styling elements and fender flares, and available all-terrain tires closely follows the established Cross Country formula. What else would Volvo call it? But that simple explanation glosses over the "firsts" this Cross Country represents: As outlined, it's the first Volvo SUV to bear the name, and the first EV. Every other Cross Country has been a car modified to (vaguely) resemble an SUV. Applying the name and treatment to an actual SUV, even one that blurs the line between SUV and hatchback like the EX30, is a major development. What's In a Name, Then? We don't think Volvo ginned up the EX30 Cross Country simply to convince people the EX30 is an SUV, since the EX30 already is SUV-shaped and the EX program goes beyond what any standard XC product gets. It's additive, not equalizing, relative to Volvo's internal-combustion SUVs. Again, it follows closely the beefed-up Cross Country guise that is now the only way to buy a V60 or V90 station wagon in America. (Those are available as regular cars, sitting lower to the ground sans fender flares and toughened-up styling, in other markets.) In other words, it is a proven, repeatable off-road-ish format that Volvo has now spread to multiple models over the years. So, our natural question posed to Volvo after driving the new EX30 Cross Country was this: Will other Volvo SUVs get the Cross Country option, and is the automaker looking at spinning it off into a new off-road sub-brand? Shiqian Li, vehicle product lead for the EX30 hinted as much, but noted that Volvo is seeing how the market reacts to the EX30 Cross Country first. If people like the EX30 Cross Country, then Volvo could look at adding Cross Country variants to other SUVs where it makes sense. Other automakers are flirting with such off-road-lite sub-brands of late, with Honda spreading its TrailSport trim level from the Passport to the Pilot and CR-V; Kia introducing its X-Pro guise on the Telluride three-row SUV and other models; and Hyundai offering an XRT trim that, applied to the Ioniq 5 electric SUV, largely matches the EX30 Cross Country's upgrades and up-armored look. It makes sense for Volvo to go there, too, especially given its Cross Country heritage and name recognition. On the EX30 specifically, the Cross Country setup gives the fun, small SUV appeal to a different crowd and lets Volvo go full ham sandwich, offering adventure-minded buyers outdoorsy accessories and add-ons such as mud flaps, roof racks, and more. History Repeats Itself In a way, every Volvo SUV today—save for the new all-electric models—owes its name to the original Cross Country. For the V70 Cross Country and its successors, Volvo shortened the name to XC, as in, XC70, until the 70-series cars went away. The smaller V60 and larger V90 wagons that came later readopted the Cross Country nomenclature for their XC'd variants. In the meantime, "XC" came to underpin Volvo's naming scheme for its internal-combustion SUVs: XC40, XC60, and XC90. Volvo could, in theory, append "Cross Country" to those names for off-road-ish variations similar to the V60, V90, and EX30 Cross Country models without creating a redundant-seeming word salad, at least to those not steeped in Volvo naming history. Same goes for the brand's all-electric SUVs, which are emerging with "EX" naming that mimics the XC names (the upcoming EX60 is the XC60's electric sibling, while the EX90 is the XC90's electric counterpart—ditto the EX40 and XC40). The EX30 has no internal-combustion-powered counterpart, but it does have a Cross Country model. Right now we're not sure whether the Cross Country treatment could or would expand beyond Volvo's electric SUVs (the upcoming EX60 seems like the natural next candidate for the off-road upgrade). The internal-combustion XC products are older, and Volvo has said they'll eventually go away near the end of the decade. But until then, those aging products—two of which, the XC60 and XC90, just received light, mid-cycle-style upgrades—could use a shot in the arm; and the XC60 and XC90 offer adjustable air suspensions, making them somewhat easy starting points for Cross Country status. Simply add some fender flares, tougher bumpers, and voila, right? We'll see how people respond to the first Volvo Cross Country'd SUV first, but we wouldn't be shocked to see the Cross Country sub-brand's second act.
Car and Driver
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
View Exterior Photos of the 2026 Volvo EX30 Cross Country
EPA range for the new EX30 Cross Country is not yet available but should be close to the regular EX30's 253-mile estimate.
Car and Driver
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
Driven: 2026 Volvo EX30 Cross Country Puts On Its Hiking Boots
It's probably fair to blame U.S. influence for the SUV-ification of everything. Therefore, you might assume that the new Cross Country version of the Volvo EX30, the brand's new subcompact EV, is a sop to the U.S. market. But the promise of outdoor adventure represented by SUVs appeals elsewhere, too, and Volvo took us to the rugged west coast of Sweden—where urban Swedes indulge in camping, kayaking, and hiking—to drive the EX30 Cross Country in the environs that they claim inspired it. (There's even a topographical map of Sweden's highest mountain embossed into the front fascia.) Our drive combined a smidgen of city cruising and a bit of freeway with winding rural two-lanes—tellingly, there was no off-road portion. Like other Volvo Cross Country models dating back to the seminal V70 Cross Country of the late 1990s, this EX30 might be happy to head down a gravel two-track but isn't meant to scamper over rocks or plow through deep sand and mud. Changes from the regular EX30 are minor. The ride height is increased by 0.75 inch, resulting in 7.5 inches of ground clearance. The springs and anti-roll bars have been softened, and all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels are available, although the cars we drove had summer rubber on 19s. Hill descent control is standard, as it is in the regular EX30. The embossed front fascia has a dark gray finish, and there's a matching gray element on the rear liftgate. The front and rear bumpers are revised, and there's a protective plastic surround for the wheel arches. view exterior photos Volvo The EX30's available dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain is standard here, although there's no special off-road drive mode. Output stands at 422 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. That's plenty. In our test of the regular EX30, the same powertrain punted the little EV to 60 mph in an almost absurdly quick 3.3 seconds. The effect is amplified here with the more softly tuned chassis, where booting the accelerator sends the nose skyward. This could be an EV hot hatch, but it's not tuned that way. The mellower spring rates and anti-roll-bar tuning instead deliver a compliant ride, and the steering is light (even in the firmest of its three selectable modes). There is a Performance AWD mode, which sends power to all four wheels by default—otherwise, the front motor kicks in only when needed. Oddly, Performance AWD mode can't be combined with the highest level of brake regen, so fans of one-pedal driving must choose either-or. The two other regen modes are Low and Off, the latter permitting coasting. view interior Photos Volvo The Cross Country variant doesn't yet have published EPA range figures, but the feds rate the regular twin-motor EX30 (with 19-inch wheels) at 253 miles. European WLTP testing showed a decrease of 4 percent or so for the Cross County version. Volvo claims a 153-kW peak charging rate for the 64-kWh battery. With the same battery pack, the standard EX30 managed 156 kilowatts in our testing and required 39 minutes to refill from 10 to 90 percent. Spending some downtime at an EV charger would provide an opportunity to appreciate the details of the EX30 Cross Country's interior design. Note how the door handles are integrated into the metal trim piece—same for the dashboard vents. Check out the cool, dash-spanning soundbar at the base of the windshield. Our car had the Pine interior, which featured muted greens and tans; a cool blue-gray Indigo color scheme is also available. Both feature recycled materials with interesting textures, and stowage is generous. view interior Photos Volvo Rear-seat space, however, is not. The rear seat has a flat floor and good headroom but is otherwise tight, with narrow access and minimal knee clearance for an adult sitting behind a six-foot driver. The EX30 Cross Country also suffers some ergonomic oddities. The squared-off steering wheel seems unnecessary, since there's nothing to see over the rim. There's no instrumentation in front of the driver—the central touchscreen handles everything, including the speed readout. Other misses include an onscreen touch-slider volume control, adjustment of the side mirrors via the steering-wheel buttons, and a single pair of window switches that do double duty for the fronts and rears. The standard glass roof with no shade might not be an issue in sun-starved Sweden, but buyers in the U.S. Sunbelt will want to purchase the dealer accessory shade. view interior Photos Volvo The EX30 Cross Country is set to launch in the U.S. market late this year. It will be offered in the top Ultra spec only. It will also come solely with the dual-motor powertrain, although Volvo seems open to the idea of adding a single-motor variant if demand warrants it. Pricing isn't yet available but is likely to command at least some premium over the standard EX30, which is currently $47,895 in dual-motor Ultra form. We hate to undermine anyone's outdoorsy good time, but the EX30's single-motor powertrain might suffice perfectly well here. It would eliminate all-wheel drive but would improve range and lower the price while still offering sufficient oomph. In a car that's all about getting out into nature, do you really need to blur the scenery? Specifications Specifications 2026 Volvo EX30 Cross Country Vehicle Type: front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon PRICE (C/D EST) Base: $50,000 POWERTRAIN Front Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 154 hp, 148 lb-ft Rear Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 268 hp, 253 lb-ft Combined Power: 422 hp Combined Torque: 400 lb-ft Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 64 kWh Onboard Charger: 11.0 kW Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 153 kW Transmissions, F/R: direct-drive DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 104.3 in Length: 166.7 in Width: 72.8 in Height: 61.7 in Passenger Volume, F/R: 54/37 ft3 Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 32/14 ft3 Curb Weight (C/D est): 4250 lb PERFORMANCE (C/D EST) 60 mph: 3.4 sec 100 mph: 8.7 sec 1/4-Mile: 11.9 sec Top Speed: 112 mph EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST) Combined/City/Highway: 104/111/95 MPGe Range: 227 mi Reviewed by Joe Lorio Deputy Editor, Reviews and Features Joe Lorio has been obsessed with cars since his Matchbox days, and he got his first subscription to Car and Driver at age 11. Joe started his career at Automobile Magazine under David E. Davis Jr., and his work has also appeared on websites including Amazon Autos, Autoblog, AutoTrader, Hagerty, Hemmings, KBB, and TrueCar.
Miami Herald
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
MINI Should Be Concerned About The Volvo EX30's Range
The Mini Countryman SE ALL4, which is often simplified to Countryman Electric, and the Volvo EX30 are some of the newest EVs to hit the market. Both models come priced to battle with industry favorites, with the German Countryman Electric starting at $45,200. The Swedish Volvo EX30 is a tad more expensive, priced from $46,195, but that extra cash gets you a pretty notable difference in range. The 2025 Volvo EX30 has finally arrived, following a series of delays that had made the model's future uncertain. Available in two trim packages with an all-wheel drive powertrain, the EX30 boasts an all-electric range of 253 miles. While that isn't class-leading range, it's a healthy amount more than the Mini Countryman Electric. The German EV caps out at 212 miles, with the ability to charge to 80% in as little as 30 minutes when connected to a DC fast charger. The Volvo EX30 can charge to 80% in slightly less time, around 27 minutes. The Swedish electric crossover features a 69 kWh battery, while the Mini Countryman Electric comes equipped with a 64.7 kWh battery. The Volvo EX30 is available in two trim packages, both of which come powered by dual electric motors. A single-motor version is expected to arrive in the United States later this year. The Mini Countryman Electric, on the other hand, is available in just one trim level. The Volvo EX30 packs in plenty of luxury amenities, but it isn't top dog in its class when it comes to range. The Kia Niro EV matches the EX30 in range, with an estimated 253 miles on hand, while the Hyundai Kona Electric offers up to 261 miles of range. Notably, while lacking many comparable features to either the Mini Countryman Electric or Volvo EX30, the South Korean EVs both land on the more affordable side of the segment. While there's a significant range difference between the two, that's not the only area the Volvo EX30 dominates the Mini Countryman Electric. Both models come equipped with a dual-motor, all-wheel drive setup, but the Swedish EV offers a higher level of performance. The EX30's electric motors generate 422 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. That kind of power pushes the EX30 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. The Countryman Electric's dual electric motors produce 308 horsepower and 364 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-to-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds. EVs don't exactly have a reputation for being lightweight, but there's a clear-cut difference between the EX30 and Countryman Electric. The EX30 boasts a curb weight of 4,151 lbs, yet Mini's sole EV weighs in at 4,588 lbs. The Countryman Electric is the longer of the two, thanks in part to its 175-inch wheelbase. The EX30 measures 166.7 inches in length. Despite that difference in length, it's a mixed competition when it comes to interior passenger space. For example, the EX30 offers 41.7 inches of front headroom, while the Countryman Electric offers 40.7 inches. The German EV offers more rear shoulder room, though, at 54.8 inches versus the EX30's 53 inches. As far as styling goes, the Volvo EX30 and Mini Countryman Electric both feature a modernized design for their debut year. While the Swedish EV features a more minimalist style that's typical for Scandinavian models, the Countryman Electric is more eccentric. The EX30 rides on 19-inch five-spoke black wheels that create an athletic base for the EV. The Countryman Electric rolls out with 18-inch asteroid wheels that fit the German model's quirky personality. EVs are still relatively new, and many drivers have their concerns. Range anxiety, or the concern that an EV will run out of charge on the road, has proved itself as a major point of concern for drivers making the switch. Higher single-charge range tends to resonate better with consumers, which makes the Volvo EX30 a model that manages to stand out from a rather small crowd. While the Mini Countryman Electric is certainly a unique model that fits its manufacturer's bill, its subpar range could be a deciding factor for Mini enthusiasts interested in making the jump to electrification. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Euronews
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- Euronews
The Big Question: How can Volvo compete with Chinese EVs?
There are around 256 million cars on the roads in the European Union, according to data from the European Commission. With ambitious targets to phase out new petrol and diesel powered cars in the EU by 2035, an influx of Chinese EV brands such an BYD entering Europe and trade tariffs threatening the export market, the European automotive industry is at a critical moment. 'I think to have a credible end date for combustion cars there needs to be a very credible date also for investments and expansion of the charging networks. Otherwise, it will not be possible to be all electric by 2035,' Håkan Samuelsson, CEO and president of Volvo Cars, told Euronews. But what else needs to be done to ensure the industry stays alive, kicking and competitive? In this episode of The Big Question, Eleanor Butler sat down with Håkan Samuelsson to discuss the future of the automotive industry in Europe. Emissions targets softened In order to meet climate targets, the EU has introduced carbon limits for carmakers, looking at average emissions across a fleet. Many carmakers have sought to collaborate with other firms on these targets, forming 'pools' and combining their emissions. This means that companies with low-carbon or zero-carbon fleets can sell credits to more polluting automakers, permitting them to use a portion of their allowance. While EV frontrunners benefitted from these targets, demands are now softening. For instance, automakers can now average their emissions over three years instead of one. This means that if they overshoot the limit for one year, they can aim to undershoot for the next and avoid penalties. 'We plan, we develop these cars and we also, of course, saw value in emission credits that we could sell to other builders who are not as fast. And I think that's a good way of using that money to speed up the transition. And that is, of course, a big drawback now with the delay of everything, which is not good for our company,' Håkan told The Big Question. He also added that although countries like Norway are very advanced with their charging infrastructure, EV targets will not be met until charging capacity is boosted across the bloc. 'I think we need to rely on the possibilities to drive on a combustion engine when you lack charging possibilities,' Håkan added. Localised production for local tastes While some European carmakers are calling on the EU to impose tariffs on foreign competitors, Håkan takes a more liberal approach. 'There is really no protection in the form of tariffs or other ways. The only protection for our industry is that we shape up and we need to be more competitive.' 'I think a good forecast is that we will have very tough competition from new Chinese EV players [in the EU]. And then the sooner we get used to that and the sooner we start developing our cars, the better,' Håkan told The Big Question. In Europe, Volvo has already begun to produce the popular EX30 model in Ghent, Belgium in a bid to reduce delivery time and transportation costs and emissions. It's a similar situation in the US, where Volvo has a production plant in Charleston, South Carolina. Håkan hopes to increase production capacity here, not only to avoid Trump's tariffs but also to be closer to the customer base. 'We need now to find a bread-and-butter model that can sell in high volumes, which we can deliver faster to our customers and of course reduce stock and transportation costs. So local production is not only a cost increase, it has advantages also. 'So even if the tariffs come down to a more reasonable level, we still need to use our factory more than we do today,' he added. And in China, Håkan stressed that Volvo needs to really focus on what the local market is asking for, rather than replicating European offerings. 'Chinese customers are very tech-interested, so they like a lot of software features in their cars,' he explained. 'And I think that's an example of a situation where you can't just put European-developed features in the car, you need to develop [the tech] together with the Chinese to really lead.' The Big Questionis a series from Euronews Business where we sit down with industry leaders and experts to discuss some of the most important topics on today's agenda. Watch the video above to see the full discussion with Håkan Samuelsson.
