Is this Australia's most off-road capable electric SUV? 2025 Volvo EX30 Cross Country arrives to challenge Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra

Volvo has launched a more rugged Cross Country variant of its electric EX30 SUV.

With an Australian launch date confirmed for the third quarter of this year, Volvo said the EX30 Cross Country's extensive testing in the harsh Scandinavian climate means its improved off-road capability – and appealing looks – are translatable to any environment.

It gains standard all-wheel drive and optional 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tyres (or 19-inch alloys and highway tyres as standard), which, along with springier suspension, can increase the ride height by up to 18mm.

Chunky front and rear skid plates have been installed to protect the car’s underbody when traversing rough terrain, while bigger wheel arches help to complete the rugged look.

A newly-designed front grille adds an artistic flair, showcasing a topographical map of the Kebnekaise mountain range in Arctic Sweden, while Cross Country badging adorns the exterior.

Optional Cross Country packaging will also add a load carrier, a roof basket, all-terrain tyres and mudflaps.

The interior remains unchanged with a 12-inch portrait multimedia touchscreen, which remains responsible for most cabin functions. It comes equipped with Google built-in and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The powertrain is sourced from the top-spec EX30 Twin Motor Performance Ultra’s nickle-manganese-cobalt battery pack, which offers a usable capacity of 64kWh and a claimed driving range of 427km. Charging time from 10 to 80 per cent is claimed in 26 minutes.

Two electric motors mounted on the front and rear axle provide 315kW/543Nm and a supercar-esque 0-100km/h sprint time of just 3.5 seconds.

A full list of specifications, including pricing, is expected closer to its arrival in Australian showrooms later this year.

It is poised to attract a premium over the top-spec Twin Motor Performance Ultra, which currently starts at $71,290, before on-road costs.

Pricing is expected to be closer to all-wheel drive variants of the Subaru Solterra and its shared-platform Toyota bZ4X – Australia’s only other electric SUVs marketed as off-road capable.

Either model is priced at $76,990 and $74,900, (both at before on-road costs), respectively.