German Handelsblatt: Volvo EX60: With this model, Volvo competes against the BMW iX3012256

Volvo is electrifying its mid-range SUV. Photo: Volvo

Stockholm. The new Volvo EX60 has made its debut as the brand’s fourth purely electric SUV and marks the Swedes’ entry into the strategically important mid-range E-SUV segment with the BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC EQ as key competitors.

The Scandinavians want to fully electrify as quickly as possible and are now offering a fully electric equivalent to their long-standing bestseller XC60. However, the Swedes are shying away from the hard electric cut and are leaving the guaranteed success XC60 in the same segment as a mild and plug-in hybrid in their range for the time being. The fully electric EX60 can be ordered now, prices in Germany start at 62,990 euros.

It is the first purely electric vehicle from the Geely subsidiary, which will roll off the production line at the Torslanda main plant in April, and represents a new generation of cars that is consistently designed for battery drive.

At the same time, it is the first Volvo to be built using mega-casting. A process in which hundreds of small individual components are replaced with a single large aluminum casting. This reduces the use of materials and therefore costs and weight, and in turn improves efficiency, range and CO₂ balance.

In addition, the architecture is designed from the start for continuous improvements and over-the-air updates. In view of the bumpy introduction of the large electric SUV EX90, whose market launch was repeatedly delayed due to problems with the complex electronics, Volvo is confident this time. The close integration of hardware and software is completely under control with mature technology and a clear update strategy. The battery is also integrated as a structural element. The cells are located in the vehicle floor (cell-to-body), which improves rigidity and crash safety.

Technically new, visually familiar

While the technology has been completely turned on its head, the body looks familiar. Visually, Volvo stays close to its familiar appearance so as not to confront the target groups with too much change at once. With a length of 4.80 meters, short overhangs and a gently sloping roofline, the SUV appears compact but at the same time more dynamic than the XC60.

A smoothed front design, flush-mounted glass surfaces, frameless doors and aerodynamically designed door handles in a fin design reduce air resistance, ensure low wind noise and an efficient energy balance. The fixed panoramic glass roof brings additional light into the interior and emphasizes the lounge-like character.

While the technology has been completely turned upside down, the body looks familiar Photo: Volvo

When it comes to the drive, Volvo uses three performance levels. The entry-level model is the EX60 P6 with rear-wheel drive and 80 kWh battery, followed by the all-wheel drive models P10 and P12 with 91 kWh and 112 kWh power storage units, respectively. Depending on the variant, the power range ranges from 275 kW/374 HP to 500 kW/680 HP, the torque from 480 to 790 Nm. The performance varies accordingly: The standard sprint is between 5.9 and 3.9 seconds, but the WLTP range is between 620 and 810 kilometers and always ends at 180 km/h.

Extremely fast on the loader

All versions use an 800-volt architecture. At suitable fast charging stations, up to 340 kilometers can be recharged with up to 370 kW in around ten minutes, and from 10 to 80 percent in 19 minutes. An intelligent charging program ensures that the battery is preconditioned before stopping in order to maintain the high charging performance for as long as possible. Volvo offers three drive variants to suit different requirements, each of which is available in the Plus and Ultra equipment lines; the entry-level Core line will follow at a later date.

When it comes to the drive, Volvo relies on three performance levels Photo: Volvo

If you like something even more robust, both visually and technically, you can choose the EX60 Cross Country with 375 kW/510 hp all-wheel drive. The Allroad variant comes with two centimeters of additional ground clearance, optional air suspension and a unique look with a widened track, flared wheel arches and brushed aluminum underrun protection at the front and rear.

In the interior, the EX60 consistently follows the principle of the “Software Defined Vehicle”. An unusually convex, wide 15-inch OLED touchscreen dominates the center console, complemented by a fully digital 11.4-inch driver display. A conversation-oriented AI based on Google Gemini is celebrating its premiere, which operates navigation, climate or vehicle functions via natural language and can be constantly expanded thanks to OTA updates.

Plenty of legroom

Nevertheless, the practical virtues remain. With a 2.97 meter wheelbase and up to 634 liters of trunk volume with the rear seat upright, the EX60 offers plenty of space for family and leisure time. There is also a frunk with up to 85 liters, a rear seat backrest that can be folded down into three parts, numerous shelves and up to 21 cup holders. High-quality, partly recycled materials, elaborate ambient lighting and an optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system with up to 28 speakers.

A dialog-oriented AI based on Google Gemini is celebrating its premiere, which operates navigation, climate or vehicle functions using natural language and can be constantly expanded thanks to OTA updates Photo: Volvo

The EX60 also relies on high-tech when it comes to safety. Five radars, five cameras and twelve ultrasonic sensors deliver data to a central computer and enable a wide range of assistance systems – from adaptive cruise control and active lane keeping assistant to evasive and emergency braking functions to extensive cross-traffic and door opening warnings.

New features are multi-adaptive seat belts with multi-stage load limiters, an interior radar to detect forgotten children or pets, driver monitoring and the expanded Pilot Assist Plus, which takes over steering movements on motorways up to 130 km/h and supports the driver when changing lanes.

Volvo EX60 – Technical data

Five-door, five-seat mid-size SUV
Length: 4.80 meters
Width: 1.90 meters (with exterior mirrors: 2.07 meters)
Height: 1.64 meters
Wheelbase: 2.97 meters
Trunk volume: 523 liters to 1,647 liters
front storage compartment (Frunk): 85 liters

Volvo EX60 P6

Electric motor
275 kW/374 HP
maximum torque 480 Nm
Battery with 80 kWh (net)
Range according to WLTP: 620 km
One-speed automatic
Vmax 180 km/h
0-100 km/h: 5.9 s
Charging power: DC up to 320 kW (18 min from 10-80%)
AC up to 22 kW (4 hours)
WLTP standard consumption: 14.7 kWh/100 km
CO2 emissions: 0 g/km
Price: from 62,990 euros

Volvo EX60 P10 AWD

Two electric motors
375 kW/510 HP
maximum torque 710 Nm
Battery with 91 kWh (net)
Range according to WLTP: 660 km
One-speed automatic
Four-wheel drive
Vmax 180 km/h
0-100 km/h: 4.6 s
Charging power: DC up to 370 kW (18 min from 10-80%)
AC up to 22 kW (4.5 hours)
WLTP standard consumption: 15.7 kWh/100 km
CO2 emissions: 0 g/km
Price: from 65,990 euros

Volvo EX60 P12 AWD