The 2027 Volvo EX60: A Turning Point for the Swedish Marque
As Volvo approaches its centennial milestone, the spotlight intensifies on its latest all-electric offering, the 2027 EX60. This midsize luxury SUV is not merely another addition to Volvo’s burgeoning EV lineup; it represents a critical juncture in the brand’s journey, tasked with replicating the phenomenal success of its gasoline-powered sibling, the XC60. In a landscape increasingly dominated by electric mobility, the EX60 faces formidable competition, not only from established luxury automakers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz but also from the lingering shadows of past product launch challenges. Volvo’s trajectory—a bold pivot toward an all-electric future—hinges significantly on the market reception of this pivotal model.
Our initial immersion in the 2027 EX60 P10, a 503-horsepower variant, took place at Volvo’s proving grounds in Sweden. This firsthand experience offered a glimpse into a vehicle that encapsulates the brand’s evolving identity, blending Scandinavian design principles with cutting-edge automotive technology. The EX60 occupies a strategic position in Volvo’s electric ecosystem, nestled between the compact, more affordable EX30 and the flagship, three-row EX90. This positioning allows Volvo to cater to a broader spectrum of the luxury market, offering a compelling alternative for consumers seeking a premium electric SUV without the sheer scale of the EX90 or the restricted cabin space of the EX30.
The strategic placement of the EX60 also dictates its pricing structure. With a starting point hovering around $60,000 for the all-wheel-drive configuration, the EX60 enters the fray as a direct competitor to established electric models such as the BMW iX3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology. However, this competitive pricing places it at a notable premium—approximately $9,000 more—than a base-engine Volvo XC60. This price differential underscores the imperative for the EX60 to deliver a compelling value proposition that transcends mere electrification, enticing existing XC60 loyalists to make the transition to an electric powertrain when their current leases conclude.
Design and Ergonomics: A Fusion of Form and Function
The exterior of the 2027 EX60 signals a departure from Volvo’s traditional design language, embracing a more contemporary aesthetic. This is immediately evident in the novel “wing grip” door handles, ingeniously positioned just below the window line. While these handles present a sleeker profile compared to the conventional pull-out handles of the XC60, they strike a balance between form and functionality that surpasses the flush designs found on some competitors, such as the Tesla Model Y. This thoughtful design choice is not merely an aesthetic flourish; it is a subtle nod to the aerodynamic efficiencies crucial for maximizing the vehicle’s electric range.
Stepping inside the EX60 reveals a cabin that masterfully blends spaciousness with luxury, a testament to Volvo’s prowess in interior design. While the seating position retains a comfortable familiarity, inherited from the XC60, the interior environment itself is a world apart. The architectural centerpiece of the cabin is the multifunctional center console, a design element that liberates significant floor space, lending the interior an air of airiness and openness. This design ethos ensures that the EX60 presents a compelling visual statement in showroom settings, immediately differentiating it from its competitors.
Unlike the minimalist austerity that has characterized some electric vehicles in the past, Volvo has eschewed a stark, spartan design in favor of an interior that feels both luxurious and inviting. The material selection and finish exude quality, creating a tactile and visual experience that aligns with the expectations of the luxury segment. This commitment to refined design ensures that the cabin remains a sanctuary, insulated from the rigors of the outside world.
The digital interface within the EX60 represents a significant evolution for Volvo. The 11.4-inch instrument panel display is positioned higher on the dashboard, closer to the driver’s line of sight, mirroring the layout of the flagship EX90. The centerpiece of the infotainment system is a 15.0-inch touchscreen, which, for the first time in a production Volvo, adopts a horizontal orientation. This strategic shift in aspect ratio is a direct response to user feedback and ergonomic considerations, allowing for a more intuitive display of information and facilitating easier interaction with the vehicle’s myriad functions. The integration of Google’s Gemini AI assistant further enhances the user experience, offering a sophisticated level of voice command capability that allows drivers to manage navigation, climate control, and entertainment systems effortlessly.
However, the pursuit of a streamlined, minimalist aesthetic has, in some respects, come at the expense of tactile controls. While the large touchscreen is undeniably impressive, there is a discernible absence of physical buttons and knobs for frequently used functions. This reliance on the touchscreen for even basic climate adjustments, such as fan speed, necessitates multiple on-screen taps, which can be distracting while driving. In an effort to strike a better balance between digital integration and driver focus, a judicious increase in the number of physical controls for essential functions would undoubtedly enhance the overall user experience, particularly for drivers who value the immediate feedback and intuitive operation of traditional controls.
Performance Dynamics: Electrifying Acceleration Meets Refined Handling
The performance credentials of the 2027 EX60 are nothing short of impressive, even in its mid-range P10 configuration. Multiple throttle applications in the passenger seat immediately conveyed the vehicle’s potent acceleration capabilities. The surge of power is immediate and substantial, yet it is delivered in a manner that feels controlled and refined, avoiding the jarring sensation that can sometimes accompany high-performance EVs. This controlled delivery ensures that the exhilarating 503 horsepower output is felt as a smooth, linear wave of acceleration rather than a violent shove.
A notable departure from some competitors is Volvo’s decision to offer the full 503 horsepower across both the standard and performance driving modes. Unlike some manufacturers that reserve peak performance for specific drive modes or limited-time “boost” functions, the EX60 provides its full complement of power on demand, irrespective of the selected driving mode. This ensures that drivers have access to the vehicle’s full potential whenever the road ahead allows.
The EX60’s powertrain strategy is designed to cater to a range of performance expectations. Below the P10, the base EX60 P6 will deliver a respectable 369 horsepower, achieving a 0-to-60-mph time of approximately 5.7 seconds. At the upper echelon of the range, the forthcoming P12 variant is slated to produce a staggering 670 horsepower, promising a 0-to-60-mph time of a mere 3.8 seconds. While ultra-high-performance EVs certainly exist, the speed offered by the EX60 variants is undeniably impressive for a family-oriented luxury SUV, providing a compelling blend of practicality and exhilarating performance.
One area where the EX60 appears to have addressed early concerns is in the throttle response. In contrast to some initial reports regarding the 2025 EX90, which experienced a brief delay in throttle response during initial acceleration, the EX60 P10 exhibited an immediate and linear response to throttle inputs. This suggests that Volvo has refined its electronic throttle control systems to deliver a more seamless and predictable driving experience from the outset.
Steering and Handling: A Focus on Agility and Control
Volvo has equipped the 2027 EX60 with a revised steering system that represents a notable enhancement over the standard XC60. The new system features a steering ratio that is 10 percent quicker, translating to a more direct and responsive feel at the helm. This characteristic is reminiscent of the sporty handling traits that Tesla has successfully employed to give its vehicles a more nimble feel. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the slower steering ratios found in some Cadillac EVs have been criticized for making low-speed maneuvers, such as parking lot navigation, feel unnecessarily laborious. The EX60’s steering appears to strike a judicious balance, offering the agility desired for spirited driving without compromising ease of use in urban environments.
The EX60 offers a spectrum of one-pedal driving experiences, catering to the diverse preferences of EV enthusiasts. This flexibility is a critical aspect of the EV driving experience, allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle’s behavior to their individual comfort levels and driving styles. The system provides a standard braking feel with minimal regenerative braking for those who prefer a traditional driving experience. For drivers who embrace the efficiency of one-pedal driving, the EX60 offers a light mode, which gradually reduces speed to a smooth stop, and a more aggressive mode, comparable to the setup found in Rivian vehicles, for drivers who prefer more assertive regenerative braking. Furthermore, an intelligent auto mode dynamically adjusts the level of regenerative braking based on the behavior of the vehicles ahead, optimizing efficiency and reducing driver workload. The initial impressions suggest that Volvo has meticulously calibrated these systems to deliver a refined and intuitive one-pedal driving experience.
Cabin Quietness and Ride Comfort: A Serene Driving Environment
Volvo has invested considerable engineering effort into ensuring that the EX60 offers a quiet and serene cabin environment. The initial experience in the test vehicle, equipped with 22-inch wheels wrapped in summer tires, confirmed these efforts. The cabin remained remarkably hushed, even during spirited driving on the proving grounds. For drivers transitioning from a non-plug-in hybrid XC60, the difference in cabin quietness will be immediately apparent and appreciated.
The ride quality, based on our passenger experience, was commendable. The suspension effectively isolated the cabin from road imperfections, providing a comfortable ride without feeling overly soft or disconnected. It is important to note that U.S.-spec models will be equipped with all-season tires, which may
