Adventurous new Volvo EX60 Cross Country on the cards for South Africa

Last week, Volvo announced the arrival of its highly anticipated, fully electric EX60 crossover SUV, and at the same time lifted the wraps off the EX60 Cross Country.

This variant promises to be a more rugged version of the EX60, following in the footsteps of the EX30 Cross Country.

With the EX60 expected on our shores in the third quarter of the year, the Cross Country is not expected to accompany it just yet.

Once locally launched, it will offer drivers all they’d expect to find in the standard EX60, including a choice between two of its fully-electric motors.

“The EX60 Cross Country is the EX60 for anyone with a ‘go anywhere’ attitude,” said Erik Severinson, Volvo’s Chief Commercial Officer.

“We basically invented this segment, and we felt the EX60 was the perfect next Volvo to get the Cross Country treatment.”

As a fully-electric offering, the Cross Country will feature the class-leading range, fast charging, and cutting-edge technology found in the EX60.

Customers will have a choice between two all-wheel-drive (AWD) powertrain options. These include the P10 AWD Electric with a range of 640km, which will be joined later by the P12, offering even longer range.

Volvo opted not to include the P6, a two-wheel-drive option available for the standard EX60.

The first of the two options, the P10, features an e-motor over each axle, allowing it to generate 375kW and 710Nm.

This AWD configuration means the EX60 will sprint from standstil to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds.

The second option is the top-of-the-line P12 AWD variant, which is the most-powerful configuration in the EX60 and EX60 Cross Country.

It is capable of outputs of 500kW and 790Nm, making it Volvo’s most powerful production car ever.

The EX60 boasts an acceleration of 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds, and will be capable of a range of 810km thanks to its 117kWh battery.

What sets it apart

What will set the EX60 Cross Country apart is its more robust and expressive look, which Volvo believes will convey a statement of freedom and exploration.

It will also be released in a new colour, Frost Green, which Volvo created exclusively for this model.

The Swedish carmaker says this will reflect the inspiration its designers find in Scandinavian nature.

Beyond the colour, the EX60 Cross Country will feature several unique design details to emphasise its “special place” within the Volvo line-up.

The adventure EX60 will be fitted with exclusive wheels, as well as different branding across the front and rear bumpers, and on its D-pillar.

Brushed stainless steel skid plates at the front and back aim to emphasise the car’s expressive look, with wider wheel arches further enhancing the vehicle’s overall presence.

Volvo said that the EX60 Cross Country is not all about looks, and despite the standard model already providing a higher seating position, the Cross Country has seen its ride height increased.

Compared with the EX60, the Cross Country sits 20mm higher off the ground, which Volvo says will further boost visibility and sense of control.

The Cross Country is also fitted with an air suspension, which will allow drivers to add another 20mm of riding height if needed.

The air suspension can also be used to lower the car, enhancing its efficiency at high-speeds by increasing stability and aerodynamics.

Volvo says this will be especially helpful for drivers who travel on the highway and want to maximise their battery range.

“South Africans have always had a strong connection to exploration and enjoying the freedom of the open road,” said Grant Locke, Managing Director of Volvo Car South Africa.

He added that the Cross Country builds on that spirit and will form part of the EX60’s available versions.

“While local availability, specifications and powertrain options are still being evaluated, the EX60 Cross Country is designed to deliver the usability and versatility required for real-world adventures.”

The standard EX60’s pricing will be announced closer to its launch window in Q3 2026.