Volvo’s new EX60 ticks all the EV boxes

Although Volvo has backed away from an all-electric portfolio by 2030, that hasn’t slowed down its EV product development — and the new EX60 doesn’t show any signs of cutting corners.

It’s the debut product on the new Volvo-developed SPA3 architecture and ticks all the boxes you expect on a state-of-the-art SUV: 800V architecture, cell-to-body construction, zonal electrical architecture, in-house developed motors, and megacasting. The numbers are impressive: a 400-mile range for the AWD model, 173 miles in 10 minutes via a 400kW fast charger, a 10–80% fast charge in ~19 minutes, up to 19.2kW AC charging, up to 670hp, and 0–60 in as fast as 3.8 seconds.

If you’re a fan of Volvo’s newest look, you’ll like the EX60; unlike the larger EX90 (which looks more like a cleaned-up XC90), the EX60 has the long wheelbase and short overhangs that only an EV architecture can enable. The drag coefficient is a competitive 0.26; that’s good, although not class-leading, but it allows this Volvo to still look like a Volvo and not a bar of soap. And rather than soon-to-possibly-be-illegal retractable door handles, Volvo takes a page from Ford with little fins integrated into the beltline for a cleaner look (although perhaps at the sacrifice of functionality).

The interior takes a new approach for Volvo, with a large landscape-style central touch screen and numerous pullout and slide-out storage areas rather than a fixed console. Like the Toyota bZ/Subaru Solterra and Peugeot’s iCockpit, the EX60 features a small display mounted near the base of the windshield, with the driver looking over (not through) the squircle-shaped steering wheel. If you’re a fan of vintage cars, you’ll appreciate the available wool-blend upholstery — but don’t worry, leather and a modern textile are also available.

Inside, the infotainment is still Android-based, with Google Gemini and built-in Apple Music with Dolby Atmos standard (but yes, you still get smartphone mirroring). The available 28-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio includes headrest speakers in all four main seats. There is plenty of safety kit, including Volvo’s unique multi-adaptive safety belt and a safety cage strengthened with boron steel.

STRENGTHS

• Clear Volvo identity on a contemporary proportion

• Clean sheet architecture with cell-to-body structure (higher energy density, lower mass, fewer resources, and better space efficiency) and megacasting (less material waste, fewer parts, quicker to build, and lower cost)

• Impressive range and performance numbers

• Strong environmental focus: 27% of content is recycled, 37% lower CO2 footprint

• Priced comparable to an XC60 PHEV (~$60,000)

• Broad array of models (including Cross Country variant with air suspension)

• Available electrochromic glass roof

WEAKNESSES

• Limited flexibility in options (only 2–4, depending on model)

• Physical controls limited to volume knob and steering-wheel-mounted joysticks

• No hands-free driving capability (yet)

  
  

THE BOTTOM LINE

While it doesn’t bring any new technology to the segment, the EX60 combines the latest state-of-the-art technologies to offer a compelling alternative to the new BMW iX3, Mercedes GLC EQ, and Audi Q6 e-Tron.

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