The 2027 Volvo EX60: Inside One of the Most Important Volvos in a Century
Volvo’s new electric EX60 SUV shows significant promise, though it comes with a few notable caveats.
By Zach Gale, Industry Expert with 10 Years of Experience
Published: March 9, 2026
In many respects, the all-new 2027 Volvo EX60 we’re reviewing is carrying the weight of Volvo’s entire reputation. For a brand approaching its centennial, the success of this midsize electric luxury SUV is critical. It needs to replicate the triumph of its gasoline-powered counterpart, the XC60, which remained Volvo’s best-selling vehicle globally in 2025.
However, the competitive landscape is increasingly challenging. Established rivals like BMW and Mercedes-Benz are aggressively expanding their EV offerings, potentially diluting Volvo’s global market share. Meanwhile, familiar internal combustion engine models continue to attract buyers with their proven reliability and lower upfront costs. Against the backdrop of the software and tech issues that complicated the launch of its flagship EX90 electric SUV, one must ask: Is Volvo moving too fast? Or are these progressive electrification strategies finally poised to deliver substantial rewards?
We secured an early ride in a 503-horsepower version of the 2027 EX60 P10 at Volvo’s proving grounds in Sweden to gain a clearer perspective on its capabilities.
Understanding the 2027 Volvo EX60 Lineup
Volvo’s electric portfolio currently positions the EX30 and EX90 at opposite ends of the spectrum. The EX30 is a compact model with a starting price under $45,000, while the larger EX90 is a premium three-row electric SUV priced above $80,000.
The 2027 Volvo EX60 slots neatly between these two, offering a sensible midsize footprint. With an all-wheel-drive configuration, it starts at approximately $60,000. This pricing aligns closely with EV competitors such as the BMW iX3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC equipped with EQ Technology. However, when compared to a base-model gasoline Volvo XC60, the EX60 carries a premium of about $9,000.
While the 2027 Volvo EX60’s impressive range of up to 400 miles and its new horizontally oriented touchscreen are notable features, the key metric for its success will be its ability to convert existing XC60 owners whose leases are expiring to the electric side of the equation.
First Impressions: Exterior and Interior Design
The contemporary feel of the 2027 Volvo EX60 begins before you even open the door, highlighted by its distinctive “wing grip” door handles positioned just below the window line. While these black handles are easier to operate than the flush designs found on the Tesla Model Y, they are not quite as convenient as the traditional pull-out handles of the XC60. This design choice underscores a critical consideration for electric vehicles: every aerodynamic advantage counts when targeting a 400-mile range.
Volvo has maintained the familiar seating position in the EX60, mirroring that of the XC60. However, the interior environments are distinctly different. The electric EX60 offers an airy atmosphere, largely thanks to a multifunctional center console that opens up the cabin space. This design element is particularly effective in a showroom setting, helping the vehicle stand out. Furthermore, the interior successfully conveys a sense of luxury, avoiding the overly minimalist aesthetic that has sometimes made Tesla interiors feel sparse in the past.
The 11.4-inch instrument panel display is positioned closer to the windshield compared to the EX90. The 15.0-inch touchscreen, a welcome change for Volvo, is now oriented horizontally. This layout allows for more intuitive interaction, even before engaging Google Gemini, the integrated AI assistant, to find a recipe for BBQ wings for an upcoming event.
Despite the advanced technology, there is a case to be made for additional physical controls. Incorporating a few extra buttons, such as dedicated controls for fan speed, would eliminate the need for three on-screen taps while driving. Sometimes, a favorite song is playing, and the interruption required for a voice command feels unnecessary.
Performance Capabilities of the 2027 Volvo EX60
Even without experiencing the most powerful variant, the EX60’s responsiveness is immediately apparent. Multiple throttle jabs confirm the impressive acceleration capabilities of the P10 model. From the passenger seat, the experience never feels out of control or overly dramatic, yet the 503 horsepower output is distinctly felt. The 2027 Volvo EX60 P10 delivers ample passing power, serving as an effective demonstration of its capabilities for passengers, evidenced by its claimed 4.4-second sprint to 60 mph.
Interestingly, both the standard and performance driving modes utilize the same 503 horsepower output. This differs from some EVs that reserve maximum power for a specific drive mode or a temporary boost function.
Below the P10 model we experienced, the base 2027 Volvo EX60 P6 will deliver 369 horsepower and accelerate to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. A higher-performance P12 variant is slated for a later release, expected to produce 670 horsepower and achieve 0-60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. While faster electric luxury EVs certainly exist, these performance figures are remarkable for a vehicle designed with family orientation in mind.
Unlike some early reports on the 2025 EX90, we did not observe the same brief delay in throttle response in the 2027 Volvo EX60. However, the definitive test will come when we conduct our comprehensive testing regimen.
We can, however, provide insights into the 2027 Volvo EX60’s steering system. It has been revised to offer a ratio that is 10 percent quicker than that of the XC60. This translates to requiring less steering wheel rotation for tight maneuvers, a characteristic that Tesla has effectively used to impart a sportier feel to its vehicles. Conversely, we have previously noted that the slower steering in Cadillac EVs can make parking lot maneuvers more cumbersome than necessary.
Customizing the Driving Experience: Regenerative Braking and Ride Quality
Similar to the EX90, the 2027 Volvo EX60 offers various one-pedal driving experiences. The EX60 provides a standard braking feel with minimal regenerative braking, a light one-pedal mode that gradually brings the vehicle to a smooth stop, a more aggressive mode tailored for drivers accustomed to Rivian’s system, and an adaptive auto mode that adjusts based on the behavior of vehicles ahead. This degree of flexibility in regenerative braking is precisely what is needed in an EV. Based on our initial passenger experience, the system appears to be well-calibrated.
The cabin noise level was also commendably low. Volvo has invested significant effort into ensuring a quiet interior, and even with the 22-inch wheels fitted with summer tires on our test vehicle, the cabin remained remarkably hushed. Drivers transitioning from a non-plug-in hybrid XC60 will find the EX60 exceptionally quiet.
The ride quality also impressed from our vantage point, effectively isolating the cabin from road imperfections while still providing a subtle sense of the road surface. However, the experience for end-users may vary, as U.S.-spec models will be equipped with all-season tires, which could alter the ride and handling balance.
Only the later-released 2028 Volvo EX60 Cross Country variant will be available with Volvo’s air suspension system. The EX60 P10 we sampled featured three distinct settings each for the steering and suspension.
We experimented extensively with these on-screen settings and could clearly discern the differences between the softest and firmest suspension settings while being driven around Volvo’s test track. As with other vehicles offering this level of customization, it allows drivers to identify their preferred configuration and maintain it for future drives.
Key Takeaways from Our Initial Experience
Based on our time riding in a 2027 Volvo EX60 P10 AWD at Volvo’s testing facility in Sweden, this electric luxury SUV demonstrates considerable potential. We remain curious about how the ride and handling balance will adapt to all-season tires and whether the large 22-inch wheels will negatively impact performance over rougher American road surfaces.
Ultimately, if the 2027 Volvo EX60 enjoys a smooth and trouble-free launch, it will significantly help Volvo regain the positive reputation that was affected by the issues surrounding the EX90 rollout. The interior design flourishes of the EX60 are poised to strongly impress buyers, and its exterior styling is only slightly less appealing than the more aerodynamically optimized XC60 gasoline models.
This brings us to two concluding points. Firstly, we are eager to get behind the wheel of the 2027 Volvo EX60 ourselves and experience it on all-season tires. We hope this opportunity comes soon.
Looking at the broader picture, the 2027 Volvo EX60 shows immense promise. While the price premium over a base XC60 gas model is substantial at present, this gap will narrow once the 2027 Volvo EX60 P6 base model becomes available. Our initial experience with the new EX60 highlights how automakers like Volvo are making it increasingly compelling for luxury SUV consumers to consider making the switch from gasoline to electric power.
