Volvo EX60: Glorious & Critical for EV Future

Quick Verdict

The Volvo EX60 isn't just another electric SUV; it's a pivotal moment for the Swedish brand, poised to replace its most successful model ever, the XC60. After an initial 700 miles, including a substantial 265-mile highway journey on a single charge, the EX60 P10 Ultra has left a profound impression. It delivers a remarkably comfortable and spacious cabin, impressive real-world range, lightning-fast charging capabilities, and a suite of advanced tech, all wrapped in a handsome, commanding design. While it faces stiff competition from both established luxury players and aggressive new Chinese entrants, the EX60's blend of refinement, practicality, and forward-thinking features makes it a genuinely glorious — and critically important — vehicle.

Introduction: A New Era for Volvo

Volvo has put all its chips on the EX60, an all-electric SUV designed to fill the considerable shoes of the gas-powered XC60, which has been Volvo's best-selling model for nearly two decades. In a rapidly evolving automotive landscape, saturated with new EV competitors and tightening global budgets, the EX60's success is crucial for Volvo's electric vehicle ambitions. It needs to capture the broad appeal of its predecessor while navigating the complexities of the modern EV market. Our initial experience with the all-wheel drive P10 Ultra model suggests Volvo might just have a winner on its hands.

Design and Build Quality: Scandinavian Elegance Meets Road Presence

From the moment you lay eyes on it, the EX60 makes a statement. Its design is both modern and distinctly Volvo, featuring the brand's iconic "Thor's Hammer" headlights and a strong, confident stance that commands attention. The reviewer notes it "looks great from all angles," and its size gives it a "commanding" presence on the road.

Inside, the cabin maintains Volvo's reputation for understated luxury and functionality. It feels "light and airy," contributing to a pleasant atmosphere for occupants. The choice of a "surprisingly small squared-circle steering wheel" is an interesting design detail that adds to the contemporary feel. Overall, the build quality and aesthetic align perfectly with what one would expect from a premium European manufacturer, suggesting a car designed for both comfort and a touch of modern flair.

Performance and Range: Highway Hero with Rapid Recharges

One of the most impressive aspects of the EX60, particularly the P10 model, is its real-world range and charging capability. While Volvo quotes up to 410 miles (WLTP), the EPA figure of 310 miles seems more realistic. Crucially, the reviewer managed a 265-mile journey from central England to Scotland on a single charge (starting at 95% and finishing at 9%), almost entirely at fast highway speeds. This is a significant achievement for an EV, as highway driving typically drains batteries much faster, and it suggests genuine long-distance usability. This impressive performance has allowed the reviewer to "start forgetting about range anxiety."

Power delivery is equally commendable; the EX60 is "fast off the line" despite the inherent weight of its battery pack. It also handles corners well, demonstrating a balance between comfort and dynamic ability.

When it's time to recharge, the EX60 boasts 400kW fast-charging support, capable of adding approximately 211 miles of range in a mere 10 minutes – assuming you can find a compatible charging station. For US buyers, the inclusion of a native North American Charging Standard (NACS) port is a game-changer, granting direct access to Tesla's extensive Supercharger network without needing an adapter, which is a major convenience advantage.

Interior Comfort and Practicality: Spacious Sanctuary

The EX60 truly shines as a comfortable long-distance cruiser. The cabin is spacious, capable of seating five adults comfortably, and the seats are noted for their comfort. The suspension system delivers a "smooth ride," even on less-than-perfect roads, which is vital for reducing fatigue on extended journeys.

For those with families, pets, or hobbies requiring cargo space, the EX60 is highly practical. The rear seats fold completely flat, offering ample room. The reviewer, at 6-foot-2-inches tall, even tested its "car camping" potential by laying down comfortably, highlighting its versatility for active lifestyles. This adaptable interior space is a significant draw for a broad range of buyers.

Tech and Features: Innovation for Convenience and Safety

In the Ultra spec model, the EX60 is packed with cutting-edge technology. Highlights include an electrochromatic roof that can dim at the touch of a button, providing instant shade and privacy. Audiophiles will appreciate the immersive 28-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, complete with Dolby Atmos support.

Volvo, a brand synonymous with safety, introduces a new seatbelt system that automatically adjusts to the user's body shape, size, and weight, aiming to provide optimized resistance in emergency situations – a claimed first of its kind. Standard driving assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane assist, contribute to a relaxed driving experience, especially on long hauls.

Google's Gemini AI is integrated for voice control, though the reviewer hasn't yet had cause to test it. One notable drawback at launch is the absence of Apple CarPlay, although Volvo assures that an over-the-air update will introduce it soon. This temporary omission might be a minor inconvenience for some iPhone users.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Impressive Real-World Range: Achieved 265 miles on a single charge at highway speeds.
• Blazing Fast Charging: 400kW charging capability for rapid top-ups.
• NACS Port (US Models): Direct access to Tesla Supercharger network is a huge advantage.
• Luxurious & Comfortable Interior: Light, airy cabin, comfortable seats, smooth ride.
• Spacious and Versatile: Ample room for five, rear seats fold flat for extensive cargo or car camping.
• Advanced Safety Features: New self-adapting seatbelt system, standard driving assistance.
• Premium Tech: Electrochromatic roof, 28-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio with Dolby Atmos.
• Strong Performance: Fast acceleration and good handling for an SUV.
• Critical Importance: A make-or-break car for Volvo's EV future, suggesting significant investment and development.

Cons:

• Apple CarPlay Not Yet Available: A notable omission at launch, though promised via OTA update.
• Premium Price Point: While competitive with luxury rivals, it's more expensive than some emerging Chinese EV brands, which could be a factor for budget-conscious buyers.
• Initial Impressions: Reviewer has only spent a short time (Day 1, 700 miles) with the vehicle, long-term reliability and experience are yet to be fully tested.

Comparison to Alternatives

The EX60 enters a hotly contested market. Priced from $59,795 (£56,860) to $68,745 (£65,360) for the Ultra spec P10, it's positioned to compete directly with established luxury electric SUVs from BMW, Mercedes, and Audi. The reviewer notes its competitive pricing against these European stalwarts. However, the EV landscape has also seen the rise of numerous Chinese brands like BYD, Chery, and Jaecoo, which often offer vehicles at more aggressive price points. The EX60's challenge will be to tempt buyers away from these cheaper options by highlighting its premium build quality, advanced features, range, and brand prestige.

From a driving dynamics perspective, the reviewer was more impressed with the EX60 than the much more expensive Lotus Eletre or the new Ford Capri they had previously driven, suggesting it offers a particularly satisfying driving experience for an electric SUV.

Buying Recommendation

Based on these initial, highly positive impressions, the Volvo EX60 comes with a strong recommendation for anyone in the market for a premium electric SUV. If you value a comfortable, spacious, and technologically advanced vehicle with genuinely impressive real-world range and fast-charging capabilities – especially with NACS compatibility for US buyers – the EX60 should be at the very top of your list.

While the absence of Apple CarPlay at launch is a minor snag, the promise of an upcoming OTA update mitigates this. Its price point, though premium, is competitive within the luxury segment and justified by the car's overall quality and feature set. For those looking for a sophisticated, capable, and future-proof electric family hauler, the EX60 appears to deliver in spades. However, as with any new model, monitoring long-term reliability and software updates will be key.

FAQ

Q: How does the EX60's range compare to other EVs?

A: The EX60 P10 model has an EPA-estimated range of 310 miles. The reviewer personally achieved 265 miles on a single charge during a highway trip, starting at 95% and ending at 9%, demonstrating strong real-world performance, especially at higher speeds where EVs are typically less efficient.

Q: What are the charging options for the Volvo EX60?

A: The EX60 supports rapid 400kW charging, which Volvo claims can restore about 211 miles of range in just 10 minutes. Crucially for US buyers, it will feature a native North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, allowing seamless access to Tesla's network of over 29,000 Superchargers without an adapter.

Q: Is the EX60 a comfortable car for long trips and families?

A: Yes, the EX60 is designed for comfort on long journeys. The cabin is described as light and airy, with comfortable seating and a smooth suspension system. It comfortably seats five adults, and the rear seats fold fully flat, providing ample cargo space or even room for an adult to lay down, making it highly practical for families, pets, or extensive gear hauling.