BMW iX3 crowned World Car of the Year 2026 as EVs lead the way
The BMW iX3 has been named World Car of the Year 2026, with the announcement made at the New York International Auto Show on 1 April.
- Industry News
- 2 April 2026
Volvo Car South Africa expanded its electric line-up with the local introduction of the EX30 Cross Country, the Swedish brand’s first electric Cross Country variant.
What is it?
The EX30 Cross Country has raised ground clearance, all-wheel drive and bold styling to fit the SUV image.
Power:
Power are 315kW and 543Nm from a Twin Motor Performance set-up and with a 69kWh battery pack, which offers up to a 427km range (WLTP) and charges from 10-80% in just 26 minutes.
Exterior:
The Volvo EX30 Cross Country brings a new design language to the brand’s all-electric compact SUV. With its rugged styling and purposeful detailing, the latest EX30 model builds on the Cross Country heritage of adventure-ready design.
Key to its visual transformation is a raised ride height. The newcomer features exclusive 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels finished in Matte Graphite, complemented by distinctive Matte Black aero inserts. Standard LED headlights (with active high beam) are part of the package.
Further design touches set the Cross Country apart from its road-based sibling, 13mm higher than the EX30, bringing the ground clearance to 190mm. The front shield and boot lid are finished in a darker tone.
Interior:
As the range-topping Ultra model, it comes generously equipped with a heated steering wheel and front seats, a fixed panoramic sunroof, two-zone climate control and power-adjustable front seats.
For entertainment, occupants enjoy an immersive experience through a nine-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system. The 12.3-inch central touchscreen integrates most vehicle controls and settings.
As expected from Volvo, the EX30 Cross Country comes equipped with an extensive suite of advanced safety and driver assistance technologies — all included as standard in the high-specification Ultra trim.
Price:
The EX30 Cross Country will be available at dealerships with a price tag of R1 165 000. This includes a three-year/60 000km maintenance plan, a five-year/100 000km warranty, an eight-year battery warranty as well as five years of unlimited roadside assistance. Additionally, EX30 Cross Country owners will receive two years of free public charging, a GridCars wallbox with installation, and 10GB of Vodacom data a month for three years.
The BMW iX3 has been named World Car of the Year 2026, with the announcement made at the New York International Auto Show on 1 April.
Retail new vehicle sales continue to surge in South Africa despite global and regional conflicts, local floods and droughts.
South Africa’s new vehicle market delivered a standout performance in March 2026, extending its domestic growth trajectory to the strongest level seen in nearly two decades.
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