# 2027 Volvo EX60 First Ride: Inside One of the Most Important Volvos in 100 Years
Volvo’s new EX60 EV shows plenty of promise, but there are a couple of asterisks.
By [Your Name], Industry Expert | Published: March 09, 2026
In some ways, the all-new 2027 EX60 we’re riding in is carrying Volvo’s entire reputation in its trunk. For a brand that’s about to celebrate its centennial, Volvo really, really needs its coming all-electric midsize luxury SUV to be a hit along the lines of the similarly sized, gas-powered XC60, which was far and away Volvo’s bestselling vehicle worldwide in 2025.
But the headwinds are strong. Fresh competition from the likes of BMW and Mercedes is threatening to undercut Volvo’s larger global ambitions, while cheaper internal combustion powered models continue to entice buyers with their familiarity. Set against the backdrop of the tech issues that plagued the rollout of its flagship EX90 EV, is Volvo still moving too quickly? Or are its progressive moves about to pay off in a big way?
We took our first ride in a 503-hp version of the 2027 EX60 P10 at Volvo’s proving ground in Sweden to get a clearer picture. This highly anticipated addition to the **Volvo electric SUV** lineup aims to blend Scandinavian luxury with cutting-edge EV technology, potentially reshaping the brand’s future in the competitive **midsize electric SUV** segment.
## The Volvo EX-What?
In Volvo’s electric lineup, the EX30 and EX90 serve as bookends of sorts. The EX30 is incredibly small inside and starts below $45,000, while the EX90 starts above $80,000 and is an electric luxury three-row SUV. This positioning leaves a significant gap in the market, which the EX60 is designed to fill.
The sensibly sized EX60 fits in the middle and starts around $60,000 with AWD. That’s right in line with EV-powered rivals including the **BMW iX3** and **Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology**. But compared to a base-engine Volvo XC60, it’s about $9,000 more expensive, presenting a significant hurdle for cost-conscious buyers.
We could tell you about the 2027 EX60’s up-to-400-mile range or its new horizontally oriented touchscreen, but this is what you really need to know: It will succeed if it can entice enough XC60 buyers whose leases are ending to go the electric route. This transition is crucial for Volvo’s aggressive **EV sales targets** and its goal of becoming an all-electric automaker by 2030.
## Get In
Before you even step inside, the EX60’s contemporary feel begins with stubby “wing grip” door handles located just below the window glass. The 2027 EX60’s black handles are easier to use than the Tesla Model Y’s flush handles but not as practical as the XC60’s standard pull-out handles. When you’re shooting for 400 miles of range, every aerodynamic advantage counts. This design choice highlights the ongoing tension between aesthetic minimalism and everyday usability in modern EV design.
Volvo kept the EX60’s seating position similar to that of the XC60, but the interiors are nothing alike. The electric EX60 feels airy thanks to a multifunctional center console that creates open space and will shine in a showroom visit. The interior also manages to feel luxurious; it’s not so minimalist as to feel bland like some Teslas have in the past. This approach directly challenges the minimalist ethos of competitors like the Model Y, positioning the EX60 as a more premium and comfortable alternative.
Its 11.4-inch instrument panel display is positioned closer to the windshield than in the EX90, and the 15.0-inch touchscreen is—at last on a Volvo—horizontally oriented. This allows for easier interaction even before you ask Google Gemini, an AI assistant, to send you a recipe for BBQ wings for tomorrow’s big game. The integration of Google’s AI assistant is a significant step forward, offering a more intuitive and helpful user experience compared to traditional infotainment systems.
More buttons and knobs would still be appreciated, however. Even a couple for fan speed would eliminate the need for three on-screen taps while you’re driving. Sometimes a song is just too good to interrupt with a voice-activated command. This critique echoes a common sentiment among automotive journalists and consumers regarding the over-reliance on touchscreen controls in many modern EVs, including those from Tesla and even Volvo’s own EX90.
## Punch It!
We’re not even in the most powerful EX60, and it’s clear with multiple throttle jabs how quick the P10 is. From the passenger seat, it never seems out of control or overly dramatic, but that 503 hp is definitely felt. The EX60 P10 has more than sufficient passing power that doubles as a “watch this” demonstrator for passengers, thanks in part to its claimed 4.4-second sprint to 60 mph. This rapid acceleration places it firmly in the performance EV category, rivaling the best from competitors.
Whether you use the standard or performance driving modes, you get the same 503 hp both ways—some EVs restrict the full power to a drive mode or a button that gives you 10 seconds of extra quickness. This constant availability of power is a key differentiator for Volvo, ensuring that drivers can access peak performance whenever needed without navigating complex drive modes. This approach aligns with Volvo’s commitment to safety and driver confidence, even in a performance-oriented vehicle.
Below the 2027 EX60 P10 we rode in, the base EX60 P6 will make 369 hp and accelerate to 60 in 5.7 seconds, while the P12—a later debut—will make 670 hp and launch to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, according to Volvo. This tiered performance structure allows Volvo to cater to a wide range of buyers, from those seeking efficiency to those demanding outright speed. The P6 model, in particular, will be critical for competing in the **affordable electric SUV** segment, while the P12 serves as a halo model to showcase the brand’s technological capabilities.
Quicker electric luxury EVs exist, but regardless, that type of speed is bonkers for a family-oriented Volvo. The P6’s 5.7-second 0-60 time is more than adequate for daily driving, while the P10’s 4.4-second sprint provides a significant performance boost. For those seeking the ultimate in EV performance, the P12’s 3.8-second launch is sure to impress, making the EX60 a formidable contender in the **fast electric SUV** market.
From the passenger seat, we didn’t sense the same brief wide-open throttle delay we reported early on with the 2025 EX90. But of course, the ultimate test will be when we get an EX60 in for our complete testing regimen. The EX90’s launch issues have cast a long shadow over Volvo’s EV program, and the success of the EX60 will be crucial in restoring consumer confidence in the brand’s ability to deliver high-quality electric vehicles.
Before that happens, we can tell you that the 2027 EX60 uses a revised steering system with a ratio that’s 10 percent quicker than that of the XC60. That means tight maneuvers will require a bit less turning of the steering wheel. It’s the sort of thing Tesla has used to give its cars a sporty feel. On the opposite side of the spectrum, we’ve complained about how slow steering in Cadillac EVs makes parking lot maneuvers more work than it should be. This balanced approach to steering—neither overly sporty nor sluggish—aims to provide a comfortable yet responsive driving experience suitable for a luxury family SUV.
## Customize Your Driving Experience
Like the EX90, the EX60 offers different one-pedal driving experiences. The EX60 offers standard braking feel with minimal regen, a light one-pedal driving mode that will eventually get you to a fairly smooth stop, a more aggressive mode (for those used to Rivians), and an auto mode that adjusts based on what the cars it senses ahead of you are doing. This freedom of choice is exactly what we want to see from an EV’s regenerative braking system. Based on our limited passenger experience, everything seemed well-tuned.
This level of customization allows drivers to tailor the driving experience to their personal preferences, whether they prioritize efficiency, comfort, or performance. The inclusion of an auto mode that adapts to surrounding traffic conditions further enhances the vehicle’s sophistication, leveraging advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) to optimize energy recuperation. This feature is particularly beneficial in urban environments where traffic patterns are constantly changing, helping drivers maximize their range while maintaining a smooth and comfortable ride.
We also experienced a moderately quiet cabin. Volvo spent a lot of time working on quietness, and even in our test SUV’s 22-inch wheels wrapped in summer tires, it was fairly hushed. Anyone exiting a non-PHEV XC60 will find it super-quiet. This attention to detail in noise reduction is crucial for a luxury vehicle, as it directly impacts passenger comfort and
