## The 2027 Volvo EX60: A New Electrified Chapter for the Swedish Marque
**Volvo’s centennial approaches, and the all-electric 2027 EX60 is poised to become one of its most pivotal models. But does this mid-size luxury SUV live up to the considerable hype surrounding it?**
It’s a question many in the automotive industry are asking. For a brand soon to celebrate 100 years of automotive innovation, the pressure on the 2027 Volvo EX60 is immense. This isn’t just another EV; it’s a statement of intent, a potential game-changer in a rapidly evolving market. The stakes are high: with established players like BMW and Mercedes-Benz aggressively expanding their electric lineups, and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles still luring buyers with their familiarity, Volvo needs a hit. Especially after the software teething troubles that plagued the launch of its flagship EX90. Is the Swedish automaker pushing too fast, or is this the moment where its forward-thinking strategy finally pays off?
To get a clearer picture, we traveled to Volvo’s proving grounds in Sweden for a first ride in the 503-horsepower EX60 P10. What we discovered was a vehicle brimming with promise, albeit with a few caveats.
### Understanding the EX60’s Place in the Pantheon
In Volvo’s increasingly electrified portfolio, the EX30 and EX90 serve as bookends. The EX30, compact and starting below $45,000, targets a younger, more urban demographic. The EX90, a commanding three-row luxury SUV, sits at the pinnacle of the range, with a starting price well north of $80,000. Positioned perfectly between these two extremes is the new EX60.
With a starting price of around $60,000 for an all-wheel-drive model, the EX60 slots directly into contention with established EV rivals like the BMW iX3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology. However, compared to its gasoline-powered sibling, the XC60—which has been Volvo’s global bestseller for years—the EX60 commands a premium of approximately $9,000.
While details like its estimated 400-mile range and innovative, horizontally oriented infotainment screen are certainly noteworthy, the ultimate measure of the EX60’s success will be its ability to entice a significant portion of XC60 owners, whose leases are expiring, to make the leap to electric. It’s a crucial transition for Volvo, and the EX60 is the vehicle tasked with making that journey seamless and desirable.
### First Impressions: Design and Ergonomics
Even before stepping inside, the 2027 EX60 makes a contemporary statement. The exterior design language, shared with its electric siblings, eschews traditional door handles in favor of flush “wing grip” designs located just below the window glass. On the EX60 P10, these black handles are easier to operate than the sometimes finicky flush handles found on the Tesla Model Y, but they lack the sheer practicality of the XC60’s traditional pull-out handles. In the relentless pursuit of aerodynamic efficiency, every marginal gain counts, and these handles are a clear nod to that priority.
Stepping inside reveals a cabin that, while sharing familial DNA with the XC60, feels distinctly different. Volvo has maintained a similar seating position, ensuring that long-time Volvo drivers will feel immediately at home. However, the interior architecture is where the electric transformation truly shines. The multifunctional center console creates a sense of openness, a liberating feeling that will undoubtedly impress visitors during showroom visits.
Crucially, Volvo has avoided the minimalist trap that has left some Tesla interiors feeling stark and uninviting. The EX60 manages to feel luxurious without being over-designed. The digital instrumentation is presented on a crisp, 11.4-inch panel positioned closer to the windshield than in the EX90, providing a clear, unobstructed view. The centerpiece, however, is the 15.0-inch touchscreen, finally oriented horizontally—a welcome change that allows for more intuitive interaction. It’s a screen that invites engagement, whether you’re simply adjusting climate controls or asking Google Gemini, the integrated AI assistant, to find a recipe for BBQ wings ahead of the weekend’s big game.
That said, even in this sophisticated cabin, one can’t help but wish for a few more physical controls. While the large touchscreen is undeniably beautiful and capable, the absence of dedicated buttons for even basic functions, such as fan speed, requires navigating through multiple on-screen menus. In the heat of the moment, while your favorite song is blasting through the premium sound system, the need to interrupt the experience to adjust the climate via a voice command or touch screen can feel like an unnecessary friction point. Sometimes, the best interface is the one you don’t have to think about.
### Electrifying Performance: Power and Precision
Even in this mid-tier configuration, the 2027 EX60 P10 is undeniably quick. Multiple throttle jabs from the passenger seat reveal a surge of power that is both immediate and satisfying. There’s a linearity to the acceleration that is characteristic of high-performance EVs, but what impressed us most was the refinement. Unlike some electric vehicles that can feel jerky or over-dramatic, the EX60 delivers its 503 horsepower with a smooth, controllable surge. The 4.4-second sprint to 60 mph, while not class-leading, is more than sufficient for everyday driving and provides ample ammunition for those “watch this” moments with passengers.
One of the most commendable aspects of Volvo’s approach here is the consistency of the power delivery. Whether you select the standard or performance driving mode, the full 503 horsepower is available. This stands in contrast to some competitors that reserve peak performance for a specific drive mode or a temporary boost function, often limited to just a few seconds at a time. Volvo’s philosophy is clear: if you’re paying for the power, you should have access to it whenever you want it.
Looking further down the EX60 lineup, the performance picture becomes even more compelling. The base EX60 P6 model will offer a still-potent 369 horsepower, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds. For those seeking the ultimate expression of electric performance, the later-release EX60 P12 will unleash a staggering 670 horsepower, capable of launching the family-friendly SUV to 60 mph in a blistering 3.8 seconds. While quicker electric luxury EVs certainly exist, the sheer speed on offer in the EX60 range is nothing short of remarkable for a vehicle designed with family hauling in mind.
During our brief time in the P10, we noted an absence of the initial throttle delay that we experienced in our early encounters with the 2025 EX90. This suggests that Volvo has been diligently working on refining the software and control algorithms that govern the electric powertrain. Of course, the ultimate test will come when we get a production-spec EX60 in for our full battery of instrumented testing, but the initial signs are extremely positive.
Beyond the straight-line performance, the EX60’s chassis dynamics have also undergone significant revision. It utilizes a steering system with a ratio that is 10 percent quicker than that of the XC60. This translates to a more agile and responsive feel, requiring less input from the driver for a given turn. It’s a characteristic that Tesla has long used to impart a sporty feel to its vehicles, and it works well here. On the other hand, we’ve previously critiqued Cadillac EVs for their overly slow steering ratios, which can make low-speed maneuvers like parking unnecessarily laborious. The EX60 strikes an excellent balance, offering precision without sacrificing ease of use in everyday driving scenarios.
### The Art of Deceleration: Regenerative Braking Reimagined
One of the most significant differences between driving an electric vehicle and a traditional internal combustion car is the experience of deceleration. EVs offer the potential for one-pedal driving through regenerative braking, a technology that recaptures energy that would otherwise be lost as heat. However, the implementation of this technology varies wildly between manufacturers, and it remains one of the most contentious aspects of EV driving for many consumers.
Volvo has clearly put considerable thought into this, offering multiple one-pedal driving experiences in the EX60. The system provides a standard braking feel with minimal regenerative effect, ideal for those who prefer a traditional driving experience. For those ready to embrace one-pedal driving, there is a light mode that gradually increases regenerative braking, allowing the driver to bring the car to a smooth stop without ever touching the brake pedal. For drivers who have become accustomed to the aggressive regenerative braking of vehicles like the Rivian R1T, a more aggressive mode is also available.
Perhaps the most intelligent option, however, is the auto mode. This system actively monitors the behavior of the vehicles ahead, adjusting the level of regenerative braking based on the driving conditions. If the car in front brakes suddenly, the EX60 will proactively increase its regenerative braking to help slow down more quickly and efficiently. This adaptive approach takes the guesswork out of one-pedal driving, allowing the driver to focus on the road ahead while the car handles the nuances of energy recuperation.
Based on our limited passenger experience, the initial calibration of these systems appears to be exceptional. The transitions between the different modes are seamless, and the braking performance is consistent and predictable. This level of refinement is crucial, as a poorly implemented regenerative braking system can be a major source of frustration for
