The 2027 Volvo EX60: A Bold Bet on Electrification at the Crossroads of Heritage and Innovation
As Volvo prepares to mark a century of automotive excellence, the introduction of the all-new 2027 EX60 marks a pivotal moment in the Swedish automaker’s storied history. This electric midsize luxury SUV is more than just a new model; it represents Volvo’s boldest statement yet about its future, carrying the weight of a brand reputation that has long been synonymous with safety and Scandinavian design. For a company facing intensified competition from German rivals and the lingering hesitations of consumers accustomed to internal combustion engines, the EX60 is not merely an addition to the lineup—it is a critical gamble on the success of electrification.
The automotive landscape of 2027 is one of rapid transition, where established players are scrambling to redefine themselves in the electric era. Volvo, a pioneer in safety technology and understated luxury, finds itself at a critical juncture. Its larger global ambitions are being tested by the encroachment of BMW and Mercedes-Benz, both of whom are aggressively expanding their EV portfolios with compelling offerings. Simultaneously, the allure of familiar, gasoline-powered models continues to sway buyers seeking reliability and proven performance. Against this backdrop of market volatility and technological evolution, the central question looms large: Has Volvo moved too quickly with its EV strategy, or is the 2027 EX60 the very vehicle that will propel the brand into its next hundred years of success?
To gain initial insights into this highly anticipated model, we had the opportunity to experience a 503-horsepower version of the EX60 P10 at Volvo’s proving grounds in Sweden. This first ride provided a glimpse into a vehicle that aims to blend Volvo’s traditional strengths with the cutting-edge capabilities of electric propulsion, all while navigating the complexities of a rapidly changing automotive market.
The Volvo EX-What? Decoding the Brand’s Electric Architecture
In understanding the significance of the 2027 EX60, it is essential to situate it within Volvo’s evolving electric vehicle strategy. The brand has established a clear, albeit distinct, hierarchy in its EV lineup. At the entry point is the EX30, a compact SUV designed to make electric mobility accessible, starting below $45,000. This model serves as a gateway to the Volvo brand for a new generation of buyers, emphasizing affordability and maneuverability in urban environments.
At the opposite end of the spectrum sits the EX90, Volvo’s flagship electric luxury SUV. Starting above $80,000, the EX90 represents the pinnacle of the brand’s technological ambition, offering three rows of seating, advanced driver-assistance systems, and a comprehensive suite of luxury features. It is the halo vehicle that showcases Volvo’s vision for the future of family transportation.
Nestled precisely between these two extremes is the 2027 EX60. This midsize luxury SUV is positioned to capture the heart of the market, offering a balanced combination of size, performance, and premium amenities. With an anticipated starting price around $60,000, the EX60 directly competes with formidable EV rivals such as the BMW iX3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology. These competitors are themselves paragons of German engineering, offering a blend of driving dynamics and luxury that has set the benchmark for the segment.
However, the EX60 faces a significant challenge in its domestic market. Compared to a base-engine Volvo XC60, the electric EX60 commands a notable premium—approximately $9,000 more expensive. This price differential highlights the ongoing consumer preference for traditional powertrains. For the EX60 to achieve widespread success, it must overcome this initial cost barrier by delivering a compelling value proposition that convinces XC60 owners, whose leases are nearing expiration, to make the switch to electric.
While details such as the EX60’s impressive projected range of up to 400 miles and its innovative, horizontally oriented touchscreen are certainly noteworthy, they are secondary to this fundamental market dynamic. The ultimate measure of the 2027 EX60’s success will not be found in its specifications alone, but in its ability to persuade a critical mass of buyers to embrace Volvo’s electric future.
Get In: A First Impression of Design and Ergonomics
The contemporary feel of the 2027 EX60 begins even before one opens the door. Volvo has eschewed traditional handles in favor of a modern design element: stubby “wing grip” door handles located just below the window glass. This design choice is a clear nod to aerodynamic efficiency, a critical factor in maximizing the range of any electric vehicle. The black finish of the handles complements the vehicle’s sleek exterior, conveying a sense of refined modernity.
While these handles are certainly easier to operate than the flush handles found on the Tesla Model Y—which can often require a deliberate push to disengage—they are not quite as practical as the standard pull-out handles of the XC60. This trade-off between form and function is emblematic of the design philosophy underpinning the EX60. When every aerodynamic advantage counts toward achieving a target range of 400 miles, such design decisions become strategic imperatives rather than mere aesthetic choices.
Upon entering the cabin, the immediate impression is one of spaciousness and airiness. Volvo has maintained a seating position that is very similar to that of the XC60, ensuring that drivers accustomed to the brand’s ergonomics will feel immediately at home. However, the interiors of the two models are nothing alike. The electric architecture of the EX60 allows for a multifunctional center console that creates a sense of open space, a design feature that will undoubtedly shine during showroom visits. This open layout contributes to a feeling of tranquility and refinement, characteristic of Scandinavian design principles.
Furthermore, the interior manages to feel luxurious without succumbing to the pitfalls of excessive minimalism. Unlike some early Tesla interiors, which were criticized for feeling sparse and lacking in tactile quality, the EX60 strikes a balance that feels both modern and inviting. There is a considered use of materials and a thoughtful arrangement of controls that convey quality and attention to detail.
Technology is integrated seamlessly into the cabin experience. The 11.4-inch instrument panel display is positioned closer to the windshield than in the larger EX90, providing the driver with a clear and unobstructed view of essential driving information. Dominating the center of the dashboard is a 15.0-inch touchscreen, which, in a welcome departure from previous Volvo models, is oriented horizontally. This layout allows for more intuitive interaction with the infotainment system and the array of digital services it offers.
The integration of digital assistants further enhances the user experience. The ability to issue voice commands to Google Gemini, for example, to find a nearby restaurant or get directions, streamlines the process of navigation and information retrieval. However, this reliance on screen-based controls does come with certain trade-offs. A notable area for improvement is the control of basic comfort functions. Even a couple of dedicated buttons for something as fundamental as fan speed would eliminate the need for multiple on-screen taps while driving. The current implementation requires the driver to navigate through menus to adjust climate settings, a process that can be distracting. Sometimes, a song is simply too good to interrupt with a voice-activated command, and having physical controls for essential functions would cater to this very human desire for simplicity and immediacy.
Punch It: Assessing Performance and Driving Dynamics
Even in its mid-range P10 configuration, the 2027 EX60 demonstrates a level of performance that is nothing short of remarkable. With multiple throttle jabs, the sheer quickness of the vehicle is immediately apparent. From the passenger seat, the acceleration never feels out of control or overly dramatic, yet the 503 horsepower is clearly being put to effective use. The EX60 P10 possesses more than sufficient passing power, serving as a potent “watch this” demonstrator for passengers, with a claimed 0-to-60-mph time of just 4.4 seconds.
Interestingly, both the standard and performance driving modes deliver the same 503 horsepower output. This contrasts with some electric vehicles that restrict full power to a specific drive mode or a temporary boost function, limiting the exhilarating experience to brief bursts. In the EX60, the full measure of its performance is available whenever the driver demands it.
Looking ahead, Volvo has outlined a clear performance hierarchy for the EX60 lineup. The base model, designated the P6, will deliver 369 horsepower and is projected to accelerate to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. This positions the entry-level EX60 as a very capable performer in its own right, offering strong acceleration for everyday driving. At the pinnacle of the range will be the P12, a later addition to the lineup, which is expected to produce a staggering 670 horsepower. This top-tier model will launch to 60 mph in a blistering 3.8 seconds, placing it firmly in the realm of high-performance sports cars.
While faster electric luxury EVs certainly exist, the performance credentials of the EX60 range are undeniable. The very notion of a family-oriented Volvo capable of such rapid acceleration is a testament to the transformative potential of electric powertrains. This level of performance, once the exclusive domain of specialized sports cars, is now becoming a defining characteristic of the modern luxury SUV.
Our initial experience in the EX60 P10 did not reveal the same brief delay in throttle response that was noted in early assessments of the 2025 EX90. This early feedback suggested that Volvo may have addressed some of the software and calibration issues that affected the initial rollout of its flagship EV. However, the ultimate test of the EX60’s performance will
