“Wait, who is this car actually for?”
My wife’s WhatsApp video call froze mid-sentence as I proudly panned the camera across the Volvo EX30 Cross Country’s rugged silhouette against Bronkhorstspruit’s golden light. When the WhatsApp video call connection stabilised, I saw her eyes alight with that particular spark, half curiosity, half challenge.
She wasn’t asking about the usual suspects, not the suburban adventurers or safety-conscious families who’ve long loved Volvo’s Cross Country lineage.
Her question cut deeper: “Who’s the new dreamer this car is meant for?”
The answer unfolded like a map to uncharted territory: South Africa’s burgeoning tribe of luxury glampers. Those who chase horizons where five-star comfort meets raw nature, where sustainability isn’t a buzzword but a way of moving through the world.
The Volvo EX30 Cross Country arrives at just the right moment, blending Scandinavian elegance with electric innovation.
With an impressive 427 km WLTP range and lightning-fast charging that takes you from 10% to 80% in just 26 minutes, this all-wheel-drive marvel proves that sustainability doesn’t mean compromising on performance. The WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure) range is the most accurate standardised measurement of how far an electric vehicle can travel on a full charge under realistic driving conditions.
Its twin electric motors launch you from 0-100 km/h in a breathtaking 3.7 seconds, while Volvo’s legendary safety features like the 360-degree camera and Pilot Assist ensure confidence on any terrain.
What truly sets this electric SUV apart is its perfect alignment with South Africa’s emerging glamping culture.
Imagine pulling up to a remote luxury campsite in the Kruger or Winelands, your EX30 Cross Country packed with gear in its 400L boot, rooftop tent secured, and still looking effortlessly stylish. This is a vehicle that understands the modern adventurer’s desire for both comfort and capability.
The connection becomes even clearer when you consider pioneers like Gugu Sithole of Glamping Adventures, who with her burgeoning community of glampers is redefining outdoor luxury with sustainable tourism practices.
The EX30 Cross Country’s eco-conscious engineering and premium aesthetics make it the ideal companion for this new generation of travelers who want to explore without leaving a heavy footprint.
At R1,16 million, Volvo sweetens the deal with free public charging, a home wallbox installation and even Vodacom data – recognising that today’s explorers need to stay connected.
It’s not just a car purchase; it’s an invitation to a lifestyle where adventure meets responsibility, where rugged capability shakes hands with Scandinavian sophistication.
As I reflected on my wife’s question, the answer became beautifully clear.
The Volvo EX30 Cross Country isn’t just for traditional adventurers – it’s for those who believe luxury and sustainability can coexist, for those who see the journey as part of the destination.
For South Africa’s glamping community and beyond, this electric SUV might just be the perfect travel companion, ready to write new stories across our beautiful landscapes.
Volvo, if you’re listening – the roads less traveled are calling, and a new generation of explorers is ready to answer.
The EX30 Cross Country could be their perfect partner in adventure.
Customers will be able to choose from five exterior paint finishes, namely Sand Dune, Cloud Blue, Crystal White, Onyx Black, and Vapour Grey.
“The EX30 Cross Country marks a new chapter for Volvo in South Africa – one that brings our Cross Country legacy into the electric era,” said Grant Locke, Managing Director of Volvo Car South Africa.
“Models like the XC70 and V90 Cross Country have set the tone for what a capable, confident Volvo should feel like off the beaten track. With the EX30 Cross Country, we’re building on that foundation, but in a way that reflects where the world and our brand are going.”
For South Africa’s new generation of luxury adventurers – particularly Gugu Sithole’s glamping community – this might be the Goldilocks EV: not too rugged, a bit precious, just right for weekends where champagne sunsets meet responsible exploration. At R1.16 million, it’s premium but purposeful – exactly the kind of thoughtful indulgence that defines modern, mindful overlanding.
