Volvo EX60 Cross Country Brings Adventure Vibes to the Brand's Newest EV

Complementing the debut of the all-new EX60 -- which I think is the brand's most important EV yet -- Volvo also let its more adventurous side show, unveiling the new Volvo EX60 Cross Country. The variant brings the familiar Cross Country formula to Volvo's growing EV lineup, pairing rugged design cues and light off-road capability with the clean, modern foundation of its new electric SUV.

The Cross Country name has been part of Volvo's identity for nearly three decades, signaling a tougher, more outdoors-ready take on the brand's wagons and SUVs. The new EX60 Cross Country carries that philosophy into the electric era. It will be just the second fully electric Volvo to wear the Cross Country badge, joining the smaller EX30 Cross Country that hit the road last year. 

Visually, the EX60 Cross Country stands apart from the standard model with its wider track and more pronounced fender flares. The rugged styling is highlighted by bumpers finished in contrasting matte black with "Cross Country" debossed graphics. (There are also small Cross Country branded plates on the SUV's D-pillars.) Brushed stainless steel skid plates and a unique wheel design further reinforce its go-anywhere vibe without straying into over-the-top territory.

Functionally, the EX60 Cross Country offers modest but meaningful upgrades for light off-road use. The SUV's ride height has been increased by 20mm (0.8 inches) over the standard model, and models equipped with air suspension can raise an additional 20mm at the touch of a button. That results in a total ground clearance of roughly 7 to 7.6 inches -- good enough for rutted dirt roads, but definitely not a rock crawler. At highway speeds, the air suspension can also automatically lower below the static ride height to maintain aerodynamic efficiency, helping preserve range.

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Matte bumpers and brushed stainless steel skid plates complete the adventure-ready Cross Country look.

Volvo Cars

The EX60 Cross Country will be offered exclusively with dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrains. Buyers will be able to choose between the P10 AWD and the longer-range P12 AWD variants, reinforcing the idea that this model is designed for surefootedness over varied terrain. Battery capacity and rated power for each configuration are identical to the standard EX60, but the changes to the exterior and suspension come at a cost. 

Volvo estimates around 300 miles of range for the P10 version, which is 20 miles lower than the standard EX60 P10 AWD. Final figures for the P12 have yet to be announced, but I expect a similar reduction to that configuration's 400-mile standard estimate.

The EX60 Cross Country looks less like a hardcore off-roader and more like a logical extension of Volvo's newest EV for drivers enamored with the idea of tackling dirt roads, snow-covered driveways and weekend escapes. Orders for the adventure-ready EX60 Cross Country are scheduled to open later this year with customer deliveries expected after the standard model has established itself at dealerships.

Antuan started out in the automotive industry the old-fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. He now has nearly 20 years of expertise and experience behind the wheel of hundreds of cars, including electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, hydrogen, and traditional combustion vehicles. For each car he tests, Antuan covers more than 200 miles behind the wheel and evaluates driving dynamics; acceleration and braking performance; range; and efficiency. Antuan's goal is to use his extensive car knowledge to educate CNET readers and help with their next car-related buying decision. Whether you're EV-curious, an EV-enthusiast or a combustion-car loyalist, Antuan will bring you the unbiased advice, reviews, best lists and news you need. You can reach Antuan at [email protected]