Compared to the EX90 I was also able to take on the ice, the EX30 is more playful and a bit more of a handful. That’s thanks to that wheelbase. But it’s easy to get into a rhythm whether you have the stability control fully on or are driving in a reduced—but not completely off—setting.
If you aren’t set up properly for a corner, you’ll experience a ton of safe understeer while the traction control tries to make sense of what you’re doing. With speeds so low, the fear of death is nonexistent, so you can really focus on getting the line right and getting a feel for the car. And I do love this car.
The retuned suspension might help on bumpy roads, but it also helps you understand and feel what the chassis is doing when you’re in a slippery situation. Instead of snapping around, the body sits much more progressively as the suspension loads up. It’s not trying to keep you flat, so you get more suspension to play with. There isn’t more suspension travel than the standard car, but you can feel more of what is going on. That helps build confidence.
Volvo
Volvo uses an interesting mix of materials in the EX30 interior, and many of them are recycled. But the car uses no buttons; it’s all controlled by that touchscreen.
Volvo
Volvo
There’s lots of useful storage inside.
Volvo
Volvo
The rear seats aren’t too claustrophobic.
Volvo
There’s lots of useful storage inside.
Volvo
The rear seats aren’t too claustrophobic.
Volvo
The real smarts come in the tuning of the suspension rebound. Not only does it load up predictably, but it also unloads just as predictably. If there are any sudden movements on the ice, it’s because you as the driver aren’t getting something right. It is, however, extremely rewarding when you do get it right.
Why it matters
In the real world, all of this equates to controllable confidence in an emergency. If you pop over a Swedish hill, spot reindeer sleeping in the middle of the road, and must swerve (this happened to me), the car is less likely to do something scary on the broken tarmac.
These suspension differences should make for a smoother-riding EV anywhere the tarmac freezes and thaws at least once a year. Other plus points are more horsepower than anyone reasonably needs and reasonably quick fast charging. I also like the look with the front shield, skid plates, and wheel arch extensions.
Pricing is unknown at this point, but based on current Twin Motor setups, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Cross Country starts somewhere below $50,000. That’s getting a bit pricey for something of its size, but there’s a lot to like in this package.
