## The 2027 Volvo EX60 First Ride: Is This the Electric Luxury SUV That Will Redefine Volvo’s Next Century?
Volvo, a brand synonymous with safety and Scandinavian design for nearly a century, is standing at a critical juncture. As the automotive world electrifies at a breakneck pace, Volvo’s success hinges on its ability to transition its legendary lineup to battery power without alienating the loyal customer base that has propelled the XC60 to global bestseller status. Enter the 2027 Volvo EX60, the all-electric midsize luxury SUV positioned to bridge the gap between the compact EX30 and the flagship EX90. Our exclusive first ride at Volvo’s proving ground in Sweden offers a tantalizing glimpse into a vehicle that could very well define the brand’s next chapter.
### The Weight of Expectation: Can the EX60 Deliver Where the EX90 Stumbled?
For Volvo enthusiasts, the arrival of the EX60 is more than just the launch of a new model; it’s a referendum on the company’s EV strategy. The rollout of the flagship EX90 was plagued by software glitches and production delays, raising legitimate concerns about whether Volvo was moving too quickly into the electric era. Now, with the 2027 EX60 poised to hit showrooms, the pressure is immense. Can this new EV replicate the XC60’s commercial success while avoiding the technological pitfalls that have hampered its larger sibling?
The competitive landscape certainly isn’t making things easier. Established luxury players like BMW and Mercedes-Benz are aggressively expanding their electric portfolios, offering compelling alternatives that challenge Volvo’s dominance. Meanwhile, the lingering familiarity and perceived value of traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) models continue to pull buyers away from electrification. In this high-stakes environment, the 2027 EX60 must prove that Volvo’s progressive vision is not only viable but superior.
Our initial experience in a 503-horsepower EX60 P10 variant suggests that Volvo has indeed learned from its recent stumbles. The engineering feels polished, the technology intuitive, and the overall package remarkably cohesive. Yet, as with any new vehicle, the ultimate success of the EX60 will be determined not just by its specifications, but by its ability to convert XC60 loyalists to the electric cause.
### Navigating the Electric Portfolio: Where the EX60 Fits in Volvo’s EV Strategy
Volvo’s electric lineup is strategically positioned to cover the full spectrum of the market, with the EX30 and EX90 serving as bookends. The EX30, an ultra-compact city car, starts below the $45,000 mark, making electric mobility accessible to a broader audience. At the other end of the spectrum, the larger EX90 offers three-row seating and luxury amenities for those requiring maximum space and prestige.
The 2027 EX60 slots perfectly into the middle, a sensibly sized midsize SUV that addresses the needs of the core market segment. With a starting price of approximately $60,000 for the all-wheel-drive configuration, it enters a fiercely contested space occupied by formidable rivals such as the BMW iX3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology. This positioning places the EX60 directly in the crosshairs of buyers seeking a premium electric alternative to the gasoline-powered XC60.
The price premium over a base-engine XC60 is notable, currently sitting around $9,000. However, this differential is expected to narrow significantly with the arrival of the entry-level EX60 P6 model. For now, the EX60 must justify its higher cost through superior technology, performance, and driving experience. While the headline-grabbing range figures—up to 400 miles on a single charge—and the innovative new horizontally oriented touchscreen are certainly compelling, the true measure of the EX60’s success will be its ability to entice XC60 owners whose leases are expiring to make the switch to electric.
### Design and Interior: A Modern Interpretation of Scandinavian Luxury
From the moment you approach the 2027 EX60, its contemporary design language sets it apart from its gasoline counterpart. The most striking exterior departure is the adoption of stubby “wing grip” door handles, located just below the window glass. These handles offer a sleeker, more aerodynamic profile compared to the traditional pull-out handles of the XC60. While they are easier to operate than the flush handles found on the Tesla Model Y, they lack the ultimate convenience of the XC60’s established design. Yet, in the quest for maximum range, every aerodynamic advantage counts, and these new handles represent a thoughtful compromise between form and function.
Stepping inside the EX60 reveals a completely transformed interior experience. While the seating position maintains the familiar, commanding view that XC60 drivers appreciate, the cabin itself feels worlds apart. The electric architecture allows for a multifunctional center console that creates a sense of openness, enhancing the airy ambiance of the space. Crucially, Volvo has avoided the temptation to strip the interior down to the point of feeling bland. The EX60 manages to feel luxurious and inviting, striking a delicate balance between minimalist aesthetics and genuine comfort. This approach directly addresses a common criticism of some electric vehicles that prioritize technology over livability.
Technology is front and center, but it is integrated in a way that feels natural rather than overwhelming. The 11.4-inch instrument panel display is positioned closer to the windshield than in the EX90, providing the driver with a clear, unobstructed view of essential information. The 15.0-inch central touchscreen, a significant departure from Volvo’s previous vertically oriented displays, is finally horizontal. This orientation allows for more intuitive interaction with maps, media, and vehicle settings. Even before engaging voice commands, the ease of use is apparent. The integrated Google Gemini AI assistant is ready to handle complex requests, such as finding a recipe for BBQ wings for the upcoming big game, seamlessly blending digital convenience with everyday life.
However, even in this technologically advanced cabin, there is room for improvement. The reliance on the touchscreen for fundamental climate control functions is a point of contention. The current setup requires multiple taps to adjust something as simple as fan speed, which can be distracting while driving. The inclusion of a few physical buttons or knobs for frequently used controls would significantly enhance the user experience, allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. As Volvo continues to refine its in-car technology, a greater emphasis on tactile controls for essential functions will be crucial for maintaining its reputation for safety and driver focus.
### Performance and Driving Dynamics: A New Level of Electric Potency
Even in its non-top-tier configuration, the 2027 EX60 demonstrates a level of performance that is nothing short of exhilarating. Our passenger-seat experience in the 503-horsepower EX60 P10 confirmed that this electric SUV possesses ample acceleration for merging, overtaking, and impressing passengers. The claimed 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds is seriously impressive for a family-oriented Volvo, signaling a new era of performance for the brand.
What is particularly noteworthy is that the full 503 horsepower is available across both the standard and performance driving modes. This contrasts with some electric vehicles that restrict maximum power to a specific mode or a temporary boost function. In the EX60, the exhilarating acceleration is always at your disposal, providing a consistent and confidence-inspiring power delivery.
For those seeking even more velocity, the EX60 lineup includes a future-release P12 model that is projected to deliver a staggering 670 horsepower. This flagship variant is expected to obliterate the 60 mph mark in a scarcely believable 3.8 seconds, placing it firmly in the realm of hypercars. While the P12 will undoubtedly be an astonishing machine, the mid-range P10 already offers more than enough performance for the vast majority of drivers.
From a handling perspective, the EX60 benefits from a revised steering system that is 10 percent quicker than that of the XC60. This more direct ratio translates to more immediate response to steering inputs, reducing the amount of wheel turning required for tight maneuvers. This approach is reminiscent of Tesla’s strategy for giving its vehicles a sporty feel, but Volvo has managed to achieve this without sacrificing the comfortable ride quality that defines the brand. In contrast, some electric vehicles have been criticized for overly slow steering, making low-speed parking lot maneuvers unnecessarily cumbersome. The EX60 strikes an admirable balance between agility and comfort.
One of the most polarizing aspects of electric vehicle driving is the regenerative braking system. The 2027 EX60 offers a refreshingly flexible approach, catering to diverse driver preferences. The system provides four distinct modes: standard braking feel with minimal regeneration, a light one-pedal driving mode that gradually brings the car to a smooth stop, a more aggressive mode for those accustomed to the strong regeneration of vehicles like Rivians, and an intelligent auto mode that adapts to the driving conditions and the behavior of vehicles ahead. This level of choice is precisely what EV drivers demand, allowing each individual to tailor the driving experience to their liking. Based on our limited passenger experience, the system appears to be well-calibrated and intuitive to use.
Cabin quietness is another area where the EX60 excels. Volvo has invested significant effort in acoustic engineering, and the results are evident. Even with the large 22-inch wheels and summer tires fitted to our test vehicle, the cabin remained remarkably hushed. Drivers transitioning from a non-plug-in hybrid XC60 will find the EX60 to be exceptionally quiet, further enhancing the sense of luxury and refinement.
### Ride Quality and
