# **The 2027 Volvo EX60 Redefines the Luxury Electric SUV: A First Look at Volvo’s Most Important Vehicle in a Century**
As Volvo approaches its centennial celebration, the brand is betting its future on a new generation of electric vehicles. At the forefront of this transformation is the all-new 2027 Volvo EX60, an electric midsize luxury SUV that promises to challenge the status quo in a market increasingly dominated by EV innovation. With the success of the similarly sized XC60 gas model—Volvo’s top seller worldwide in 2025—the pressure is on for the EX60 to deliver a compelling package that can convert traditional SUV buyers to the electric cause.
However, the path forward is not without its obstacles. Volvo faces mounting pressure from established German luxury automakers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz, both of which are aggressively expanding their EV lineups with compelling alternatives such as the BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology. Furthermore, the lingering memory of the software glitches that plagued the launch of Volvo’s flagship EX90 EV continues to cast a shadow, raising questions about whether the company is moving too quickly in its electrification efforts.
Yet, the early indications from our first ride in a 503-horsepower prototype of the 2027 EX60 at Volvo’s proving grounds in Sweden suggest that these concerns may be premature. The EX60 appears poised to inherit the XC60’s mantle of practicality and comfort while introducing a suite of technological advancements that could solidify Volvo’s position as a leader in the premium EV segment. This comprehensive analysis will delve into the EX60’s design philosophy, interior innovations, performance capabilities, and the strategic decisions that will determine whether it becomes one of the most significant vehicles in Volvo’s storied history.
## **Understanding Volvo’s New EV Hierarchy**
To fully appreciate the significance of the 2027 EX60, it’s essential to understand where it fits within Volvo’s rapidly evolving electric vehicle lineup. The EX30 and EX90 serve as the two bookends of Volvo’s EV strategy. The EX30, positioned as an affordable entry point, starts below $45,000 and competes in the compact EV segment with a focus on accessibility and efficiency. The EX90, on the other hand, represents the pinnacle of Volvo’s electric aspirations, offering a three-row configuration, advanced safety features, and a starting price above $80,000.
The EX60 fills the crucial middle ground, offering a sensible, midsize footprint that directly targets the sweet spot of the luxury SUV market. With a starting price around $60,000 and standard all-wheel drive, it enters a highly competitive arena populated by established EV players. The BMW iX3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology are its most direct rivals, offering comparable size, range, and luxury appointments. However, the EX60 faces a significant challenge: it is priced approximately $9,000 higher than a base-engine Volvo XC60, its gasoline-powered counterpart.
This price differential is a critical factor in the EX60’s success. For Volvo to achieve its ambitious goals, the EX60 must entice a substantial portion of XC60 lease-end customers to make the switch to electric. The vehicle’s ability to deliver a compelling value proposition that justifies this premium will be the ultimate determinant of its market impact. While the prospect of up to 400 miles of range and a new horizontally oriented touchscreen are notable advancements, the true measure of the EX60’s success will be its capacity to convert traditional Volvo buyers into loyal EV advocates.
## **Design and Ergonomics: A Balance of Familiarity and Innovation**
The 2027 Volvo EX60’s design philosophy strikes a delicate balance between evolutionary refinement and forward-thinking innovation. From the moment one approaches the vehicle, the contemporary feel is evident in the stubby “wing grip” door handles, subtly integrated just below the window glass. These handles offer a more refined aesthetic than the flush designs found on vehicles like the Tesla Model Y, while also being easier to operate than the Model Y’s recessed handles. However, they do not quite match the effortless functionality of the XC60’s traditional pull-out handles.
This design choice underscores a broader strategic imperative for Volvo: in the pursuit of aerodynamic efficiency to maximize range, every design element must be carefully considered. The EX60’s profile maintains a visual kinship with the XC60, ensuring that existing Volvo customers immediately recognize and appreciate its lineage. Yet, the interior marks a dramatic departure, signaling a clear break from the past and a bold embrace of the electric era.
The seating position in the EX60 remains consistent with that of the XC60, providing a familiar and comfortable perch for the driver. However, the interior environment is anything but familiar. The cabin of the EX60 feels remarkably airy and open, largely thanks to a multifunctional center console that creates a sense of expansive space. This design element will undoubtedly be a highlight during showroom visits, offering a tangible demonstration of the packaging advantages inherent in electric vehicle architecture.
Volvo has also managed to imbue the EX60’s interior with a sense of genuine luxury, successfully avoiding the minimalist sterility that has sometimes plagued early EV designs, particularly those from Tesla. The EX60 manages to feel upscale and inviting without being overly sparse. At the heart of the driver’s interface is an 11.4-inch instrument panel display, positioned closer to the windshield than in the larger EX90. This placement allows for a clear and unobstructed view of essential driving information.
Dominating the center stack is a new 15.0-inch touchscreen, a significant departure from Volvo’s previous vertical orientation. This horizontally positioned display offers a more intuitive and user-friendly interface for controlling vehicle functions. The large screen provides ample real estate for displaying navigation maps, media controls, and climate settings, reducing the need for complex menu diving.
However, even with the advancements in the EX60’s interface, there remains room for improvement in terms of physical controls. While the large touchscreen is undoubtedly a technological marvel, the lack of physical buttons for certain functions can be frustrating. The need to navigate through multiple on-screen menus for something as simple as adjusting fan speed can disrupt the driving experience. In moments when a particular song is playing or a specific podcast is being enjoyed, the interruption caused by voice-activated commands can detract from the overall enjoyment of the drive. Volvo’s decision to consolidate so many controls into the touchscreen reflects a broader industry trend, but it is a trade-off that may not resonate with all consumers, particularly those who value the tactile feedback and ease of use offered by traditional buttons and knobs.
## **Performance and Driving Dynamics: Electrifying Power Delivery**
The 2027 Volvo EX60’s performance credentials are immediately apparent, even in the mid-tier P10 variant that we experienced during our initial ride. Multiple throttle jabs reveal a powertrain that delivers instant and substantial acceleration, with the 503 horsepower figure translating to a visceral sense of forward thrust. From the passenger seat, the power delivery feels refined and controlled, never becoming overly dramatic or unsettling. Yet, the sheer force of the acceleration is undeniable, providing a compelling demonstration of the vehicle’s capabilities to passengers. The claimed 4.4-second sprint to 60 mph places the EX60 firmly in the realm of high-performance vehicles, a remarkable feat for a family-oriented luxury SUV.
One of the most compelling aspects of Volvo’s approach to the EX60’s powertrain is the decision to offer the full 503 horsepower across both the standard and performance driving modes. Unlike some EV manufacturers that restrict peak power to a specific drive mode or a temporary “boost” button, Volvo allows drivers to access the full potential of the powertrain at all times. This approach simplifies the driving experience and ensures that the EX60 feels potent and responsive, regardless of the selected mode.
For buyers seeking even more exhilarating performance, the EX60 lineup includes additional variants that promise to push the boundaries of what is expected from a Volvo. The base EX60 P6 model will offer a still-respectable 369 horsepower, with a claimed 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds. At the upper end of the spectrum, the forthcoming EX60 P12 variant will unleash a staggering 670 horsepower, with a projected 0-60 mph time of just 3.8 seconds. While faster electric luxury SUVs certainly exist, these performance figures are nothing short of extraordinary for a vehicle designed with family practicality in mind.
Our initial passenger-seat experience in the EX60 P10 revealed a notable improvement over the 2025 EX90, where we noted a brief but perceptible delay in throttle response. In the EX60, the power delivery felt immediate and linear, without the hesitation that plagued the larger SUV’s initial rollout. This is a promising sign that Volvo has addressed the software and calibration issues that hampered the EX90’s launch, and it suggests that the EX60 will benefit from a more polished and refined powertrain experience from day one.
The 2027 EX60 also incorporates a revised steering system, featuring a ratio that is 10 percent quicker than that of the XC60. This adjustment results in a more direct and responsive steering feel, requiring less input from the driver to execute turns. This approach is reminiscent of Tesla’s strategy for giving its vehicles a sporty character, and it is a welcome development for drivers who appreciate a more engaging driving experience. On the other hand, the overly slow steering in
