## 2027 Volvo EX60 First Ride: The Electric Midsize SUV That Could Redefine the Brand
As a 10-year veteran of the automotive industry, I’ve witnessed firsthand the seismic shifts reshaping the automotive landscape. But few moments have felt as pivotal as the dawn of the electric era, and standing at the forefront of this transformation is the 2027 Volvo EX60. This isn’t just another EV; it’s a vehicle carrying the weight of Volvo’s century-old legacy, tasked with navigating the treacherous currents of modern competition while ushering the brand into a fully electric future.
Volvo, a company synonymous with safety and Scandinavian design for nearly 100 years, is at a critical juncture. The success of the EX60 is not merely important—it’s imperative. With the automotive world in flux, and legacy brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz aggressively electrifying their lineups, Volvo needs a knockout blow. The scars from the delayed launch of the flagship EX90 still linger, making the market’s perception of Volvo’s technological prowess a delicate matter. Can the 2027 EX60 overcome these headwinds and prove that Volvo is not just adapting to the EV revolution, but leading it?
I recently had the opportunity to experience the 2027 EX60 firsthand at Volvo’s proving grounds in Sweden. Riding shotgun in the 503-horsepower EX60 P10 prototype, I sought to answer the questions that have been buzzing through the industry: Is Volvo moving too fast, or are these bold, progressive moves about to pay off in a monumental way?
### Understanding the EX60’s Place in Volvo’s Electric Pantheon
To truly appreciate the significance of the 2027 EX60, one must first understand where it fits within Volvo’s evolving electric portfolio. The EX30 and EX90 serve as bookends, defining the extremities of Volvo’s EV strategy. The EX30, compact and aggressively priced, targets the entry-level luxury segment, starting below $45,000. It’s a bold statement of accessibility. The EX90, on the other hand, represents the pinnacle of Volvo’s electric ambition—a three-row luxury SUV that commands a premium, starting north of $80,000.
The 2027 EX60 slots precisely into the middle, a vehicle designed for the rational, yet discerning buyer. With a starting price around $60,000 for the all-wheel-drive configuration, it enters a fiercely contested arena. Its primary rivals include the BMW iX3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology, both established players in the premium EV space. However, the EX60 faces a unique challenge: winning over loyalists from its own ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) counterpart. Compared to a base-model Volvo XC60, the EX60 commands a premium of approximately $9,000. This price differential is a significant hurdle, one that Volvo must overcome by demonstrating undeniable value.
While the headline-grabbing range figures—up to 400 miles on a single charge—and the innovative horizontally oriented touchscreen are certainly compelling, the true measure of the EX60’s success lies elsewhere. It hinges on its ability to entice XC60 leaseholders, whose vehicles are reaching the end of their terms, to make the switch to electric. This is the core of Volvo’s strategy, and the EX60 must prove itself worthy of that transition.
### Design and Ergonomics: A Balancing Act Between Familiarity and Futurism
The moment you approach the 2027 EX60, the contemporary nature of its design becomes apparent. This is particularly evident in the vehicle’s unconventional door handles. Dubbed “wing grips,” these stubby handles are located just below the window glass, offering a design that is undeniably sleek. In our prototype, the handles were finished in gloss black, accentuating the vehicle’s modern aesthetic.
However, practicality often takes a backseat to style in the pursuit of aerodynamic efficiency. The EX60’s handles, while visually striking, are less user-friendly than the traditional pull-out handles found on the XC60. They are, however, easier to operate than the flush-mounted handles on the Tesla Model Y, which often require a delicate touch. In the EV realm, where every fraction of a mile counts, these small aerodynamic advantages accumulate to deliver the promised 400-mile range.
Stepping inside the 2027 EX60 reveals a design philosophy that masterfully blends the ergonomic wisdom of the XC60 with the avant-garde spirit of Volvo’s electric future. The seating position remains familiar, a testament to Volvo’s understanding of its core demographic. Yet, the interior environment is entirely transformed. The traditional center console has been replaced by a multifunctional unit that creates a sense of openness, transforming the cabin into an airy, inviting space.
In a departure from some of its more Spartan competitors, Volvo has managed to imbue the EX60’s interior with a sense of understated luxury. It avoids the minimalist trap that has left some Tesla interiors feeling stark and uninviting. Here, the materials feel premium, the design is intentional, and the overall atmosphere is one of refined comfort.
The digital interface is a critical component of this modern experience. The 11.4-inch instrument panel display is positioned closer to the windshield than in the larger EX90, creating a more immersive view for the driver. The centerpiece, however, is the 15.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, which finally adopts a horizontal orientation—a move long overdue for a Volvo. This landscape layout allows for more natural interaction, whether you’re adjusting climate controls, navigating the infotainment system, or utilizing the integrated Google Gemini AI assistant. The ability to simply ask Gemini to find a recipe for BBQ wings for the upcoming game, for instance, highlights the seamless integration of technology into the driving experience.
Nevertheless, the push toward digital integration is not without its trade-offs. As an industry veteran, I firmly believe that some physical controls remain indispensable. The EX60 could benefit from a greater number of tactile buttons and knobs, particularly for frequently used functions. A simple set of controls for fan speed, for example, would eliminate the need for multiple taps on the touchscreen while driving. There are moments behind the wheel when a song is playing, the mood is just right, and the last thing a driver wants to do is interrupt that flow to fiddle with a digital interface.
### Performance and Driving Dynamics: Electrifying Power Meets Refined Handling
Even in its mid-range specification, the 2027 EX60 demonstrates a level of performance that is nothing short of exhilarating. The P10 variant we experienced produces a staggering 503 horsepower, and with just a few jabs of the accelerator, the vehicle’s potency is undeniable. From the passenger seat, the power delivery feels refined rather than brutish. There is no sense of the vehicle being out of control or overly dramatic, yet the 503 horses are very much felt. The EX60 P10 possesses more than sufficient passing power, capable of dispatching slower traffic with ease. It’s the kind of performance that elicits a “watch this” demonstration for passengers, backed by a claimed 0-to-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds.
Interestingly, both the standard and performance driving modes deliver the same 503 horsepower. This approach differs from some EVs that restrict full power to a specific drive mode or a temporary boost function. In the EX60, the power is always available, ready to be deployed whenever the driver desires.
Looking further down the model lineup, the base EX60 P6 will offer 369 horsepower and a 0-to-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds. For those seeking the ultimate in performance, the upcoming P12 variant is slated to produce a breathtaking 670 horsepower, capable of launching the EX60 to 60 mph in a mere 3.8 seconds. While faster electric luxury EVs certainly exist, these figures underscore the fact that even the base models offer performance that would be considered exceptional for a family-oriented SUV just a few years ago.
One of the critical areas we evaluated was the throttle response. In early prototypes of the 2025 EX90, we noted a brief delay when applying wide-open throttle. This initial hesitation was not apparent in our test of the 2027 EX60. The power delivery felt immediate and linear, a positive sign for the brand’s overall EV refinement. Of course, the ultimate test will be when we get an EX60 into our full testing regimen, where we can evaluate its performance across a comprehensive range of metrics.
Beyond outright acceleration, the driving dynamics of the 2027 EX60 have been significantly enhanced through a revised steering system. The steering ratio has been quickened by 10 percent compared to the XC60. This translates to a more responsive feel, requiring less input from the driver during tight maneuvers. This approach is reminiscent of Tesla’s strategy, which uses quicker steering to impart a sporty character to its vehicles. Conversely, we have experienced the opposite end of the spectrum, where the overly slow steering in some Cadillac EVs makes parking lot maneuvers a tedious chore. The EX60 appears to strike an optimal balance, offering agility without sacrificing comfort.
### Ride Quality and Driving Modes: Tailoring the Experience to the Driver
The 2027 EX60 offers a range of one-pedal driving experiences, catering to the diverse preferences of EV drivers. This flexibility is a critical factor in EV adoption,
