The All-New 2027 Volvo EX60: A Turning Point for the Swedish Automaker?
Introduction: A Crossroads for Volvo in 2026
In the rapidly evolving landscape of the global automotive industry, 2026 stands as a pivotal year for established brands seeking to solidify their transition to electric mobility. Among these legacy automakers, Volvo, with its rich history spanning nearly a century, faces a critical juncture. The introduction of the 2027 Volvo EX60 marks not just the launch of a new model, but a defining moment in the company’s century-long legacy. As Volvo prepares to celebrate its centennial, the success of the EX60 is paramount, potentially shaping the brand’s trajectory for the next hundred years.
The 2027 Volvo EX60 enters a fiercely competitive market, tasked with emulating the staggering success of its internal combustion engine (ICE) predecessor, the XC60. In 2025, the XC60 reigned supreme as Volvo’s best-selling vehicle worldwide, underscoring the immense pressure on its electric counterpart to capture the same market share. However, the path to electrification is fraught with challenges. Volvo must contend with formidable rivals, including the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz, whose own electric offerings are rapidly gaining traction. Furthermore, the allure of familiar, gasoline-powered vehicles continues to sway consumers, presenting a significant hurdle for EV adoption.
This transition is further complicated by the technological stumbles that plagued the rollout of Volvo’s flagship electric SUV, the EX90. These early issues have understandably sown seeds of doubt among consumers regarding the brand’s readiness for a mass-market EV transition. The central question looming over the 2027 EX60 is whether Volvo’s aggressive push into electrification is a bold, visionary move on the cusp of paying dividends, or a premature acceleration that risks alienating its loyal customer base. To gain clarity, we embarked on an exclusive first ride in a 503-horsepower variant of the 2027 EX60 P10 at Volvo’s proving grounds in Sweden, offering a glimpse into the future of this iconic Swedish marque.
Design and Aerodynamics: A Fusion of Form and Function
The first encounter with the 2027 Volvo EX60 begins even before stepping inside. The vehicle’s contemporary design language is immediately apparent in its innovative door handles. These “wing grip” handles are strategically located just below the window glass, offering a sleek, flush appearance. While aesthetically pleasing and contributing to the EX60’s impressive aerodynamic profile, their practicality warrants closer examination. Compared to the traditional pull-out handles of the XC60, the EX60’s handles require a different, more deliberate action to operate. This subtle but significant difference highlights the trade-offs inherent in EV design, where every aerodynamic advantage, no matter how incremental, is pursued to maximize range.
The interior of the 2027 EX60 represents a departure from Volvo’s traditional design ethos, yet it retains a distinctly Scandinavian sensibility. Volvo has successfully crafted an environment that feels both luxurious and minimalist, avoiding the overly austere feel that has characterized some Tesla models in the past. The cabin is bathed in natural light, enhanced by a panoramic glass roof that creates an expansive, airy atmosphere. The multifunctional center console further accentuates this sense of space, providing ample storage and a clean, uncluttered look.
Central to the interior’s technological prowess is the new, horizontally oriented touchscreen display. Positioned at the driver’s fingertips, this 15.0-inch screen serves as the command center for nearly all vehicle functions, from climate control to infotainment. This departure from the vertical orientation found in the EX90 is a welcome change, allowing for more natural and intuitive interaction. The integration of Google’s Android Automotive OS provides seamless access to familiar applications and services, including Google Assistant, which can be used to control vehicle functions through voice commands. However, the reliance on a single, large touchscreen does present a potential drawback. The absence of physical buttons and knobs for frequently used functions, such as fan speed, necessitates multiple on-screen taps, which can be distracting while driving. A judiciously placed physical control for essential functions would undoubtedly enhance the user experience, allowing drivers to adjust settings without diverting their attention from the road.
Performance and Powertrain: Electrifying Acceleration
Underpinning the 2027 Volvo EX60 is a state-of-the-art electric powertrain that delivers exhilarating performance across the model range. Even in the mid-tier P10 configuration, the EX60 demonstrates remarkable acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of just 4.4 seconds. This blistering pace is a testament to the instant torque delivery characteristic of electric vehicles, providing a level of responsiveness that traditional gasoline engines cannot match. The P10 variant, producing 503 horsepower, offers a driving experience that is both thrilling and refined. The power delivery is smooth and linear, without the jarring sensation sometimes associated with high-performance EVs.
Volvo’s approach to drive modes further enhances the EX60’s versatility. Both the standard and performance driving modes provide access to the full 503 horsepower output, allowing drivers to tailor the car’s character to their preference without compromising performance. This stands in contrast to some manufacturers that reserve peak power for specific driving modes or temporary boost functions. The EX60’s powertrain is designed to deliver electrifying performance as a standard offering.
Looking further down the model lineup, the base EX60 P6 model promises to deliver a compelling balance of efficiency and performance, with an estimated 369 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds. This configuration is expected to appeal to the bulk of Volvo’s traditional XC60 customer base, offering a significant performance upgrade over the outgoing gasoline model while maintaining a reasonable price point. For those seeking the ultimate in electric performance, the forthcoming EX60 P12 variant is poised to deliver, with a projected 670 horsepower and a breathtaking 0-60 mph time of just 3.8 seconds. While this places the EX60 P12 in the realm of high-performance electric supercars, it underscores Volvo’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of EV technology.
Driving Dynamics and Ride Quality: A Balanced Approach
The 2027 Volvo EX60 represents a significant evolution in Volvo’s approach to driving dynamics. The vehicle features a revised steering system with a ratio that is 10 percent quicker than that of the XC60. This enhanced responsiveness allows for more agile handling and requires less steering input during tight maneuvers, giving the EX60 a sportier feel that rivals Tesla’s renowned agility. This focus on driver engagement is a welcome development for Volvo, which has historically prioritized comfort and refinement over outright performance.
Complementing the revised steering system is the EX60’s advanced regenerative braking system. Drawing inspiration from Rivian’s innovative approach, the EX60 offers multiple one-pedal driving modes that allow drivers to tailor the level of regenerative braking to their preference. The system ranges from minimal regeneration for a more traditional driving feel to a more aggressive mode that enables significant energy recuperation. An auto mode dynamically adjusts the level of regeneration based on the driving conditions and the behavior of vehicles ahead, providing a seamless and intuitive experience. This level of customization is a significant advantage for EV manufacturers, allowing drivers to optimize their driving experience and maximize range.
In terms of ride quality, the 2027 Volvo EX60 demonstrates a commendable balance between comfort and control. Even with 22-inch wheels wrapped in performance-oriented summer tires, the cabin remains remarkably quiet and composed. Volvo’s extensive engineering efforts in noise reduction are evident, providing a serene sanctuary for occupants. The ride is supple enough to absorb road imperfections effectively, while still providing a degree of feedback that allows the driver to feel connected to the road. However, it is important to note that U.S.-spec models will be equipped with all-season tires, which may alter the ride and handling characteristics compared to the summer tires used in our test vehicle.
Further enhancing the EX60’s adaptability is the availability of adjustable air suspension, though this feature will be exclusive to the later-released 2028 EX60 Cross Country model. For the standard EX60 variants, including the P10 model we tested, three distinct settings are available for both the steering and suspension systems. These settings allow drivers to fine-tune the vehicle’s character to their specific preferences, whether seeking a plush, comfortable ride for long-distance cruising or a firmer, more engaging setup for spirited driving. The ability to customize these parameters enables drivers to create a driving experience that is truly their own.
Technological Innovations and Safety Features: A Pillar of Volvo’s Identity
Technology and safety have always been at the forefront of Volvo’s brand identity, and the 2027 EX60 continues this tradition with a suite of advanced features. The integration of Google’s Android Automotive OS provides a seamless and intuitive user interface, allowing drivers to access their favorite apps and services directly through the vehicle’s touchscreen. The built-in Google Assistant enables voice-activated control of various vehicle functions, from navigation and media playback to climate control and phone calls. This deep integration of Google’s ecosystem represents a significant step forward in automotive infotainment, offering a level of convenience and functionality that is unmatched by traditional systems.
Safety remains a paramount concern for Volvo, and the 2027 EX60 is equipped with a comprehensive array of driver-assistance systems designed to enhance safety and reduce driver fatigue. These systems include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The advanced sensor suite
