## The All-New 2027 Volvo EX60: A New Era of Electrified Luxury Driving
Volvo is poised to celebrate its centennial with a vehicle that could redefine the premium electric SUV segment. The 2027 Volvo EX60 isn’t just another addition to Volvo’s burgeoning EV lineup; it represents a strategic pivot, aiming to capture the sweet spot between the compact, affordable EX30 and the flagship, three-row EX90. For drivers in the United States seeking a blend of cutting-edge technology, sustainable luxury, and everyday practicality, the EX60 emerges as a compelling contender in the fiercely competitive automotive landscape.
The pressure on Volvo to deliver a home run with the EX60 is immense. In 2025, the venerable XC60, with its proven internal combustion engine (ICE) technology, reigned as Volvo’s best-selling model globally. This enduring popularity underscores a significant challenge for the brand: persuading loyal ICE buyers to embrace the transition to electric mobility. Furthermore, the automotive industry in 2026 is witnessing an unprecedented surge in innovation, with legacy automakers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz launching sophisticated electric rivals that threaten to eclipse Volvo’s market share. This environment demands more than just incremental improvements; it requires a bold reimagining of what a premium electric SUV can be.
Our initial assessment, based on a first ride in a 503-horsepower prototype at Volvo’s Swedish proving grounds, suggests that the EX60 is well-equipped to meet these challenges. While certain aspects warrant further scrutiny, the vehicle demonstrates a remarkable capacity to blend performance, comfort, and sustainable luxury in a package that could very well become the new benchmark for its class.
### Understanding the EX60’s Place in the Volvo Ecosystem
Volvo’s electrification strategy has been characterized by a two-pronged approach, establishing clear entry and flagship points in its EV portfolio. The 2027 EX60 strategically positions itself in the middle, bridging the gap between its siblings.
The EX30, launched as a compact urban EV, has garnered attention for its accessible starting price, often falling below the $45,000 mark. This positioning targets younger buyers and those prioritizing affordability in their transition to electric vehicles. However, its diminutive size, while perfect for city living, limits its appeal for families or individuals requiring more cargo space and passenger comfort.
At the other end of the spectrum lies the EX90, a full-sized, three-row electric SUV that commands a starting price exceeding $80,000. Positioned as Volvo’s technological flagship, the EX90 showcases the brand’s most advanced safety features, autonomous driving capabilities, and luxury appointments. Yet, its substantial size and premium pricing make it an unlikely choice for many mainstream buyers.
The 2027 EX60 enters this dynamic as the rational choice, offering a compelling balance of size, range, and luxury. With a starting price point around $60,000 and standard all-wheel drive, it enters direct competition with established electric luxury SUVs such as the BMW iX3 and the Mercedes-Benz EQ Technology variants of the GLC. While this represents a premium of approximately $9,000 over a base-engine XC60, the EX60’s advantages in performance, technology, and sustainability justify the additional investment for many consumers. The ultimate litmus test for the EX60 will be its ability to convert existing XC60 leaseholders, ensuring a smooth transition of Volvo’s most loyal customer base to its electric future.
### Design and Ergonomics: A Refined Approach to Luxury
Volvo has long been celebrated for its Scandinavian design ethos, characterized by minimalist aesthetics and functional elegance. The 2027 EX60 continues this tradition while introducing several innovative touches that enhance both form and function.
From the moment one approaches the vehicle, the EX60’s contemporary character is evident. The implementation of “wing grip” door handles, positioned just below the window line, offers a sleek, aerodynamic profile. While these handles are notably easier to operate than the flush designs found on Tesla models, they lack the intuitive familiarity of the traditional pull-out handles featured on the XC60. This design choice underscores a broader theme within the EX60: a willingness to prioritize aerodynamic efficiency for the sake of maximizing electric range.
Stepping inside the cabin reveals a space that has been meticulously crafted to create a sense of airiness and light. Volvo has retained the driver-centric seating position familiar to XC60 owners, but the interior architecture has been fundamentally rethought. The most significant departure from the XC60’s design is the integration of a multifunctional center console that spans the length of the cabin. This innovative design element eliminates the traditional, bulky transmission tunnel, creating a sense of open space that makes the EX60 feel significantly larger than its exterior dimensions would suggest.
The interior strikes a delicate balance between minimalism and luxury. Unlike some electric vehicles that have ventured into overly spartan territory, resulting in a less-than-inviting atmosphere, the EX60 maintains a premium feel throughout the cabin. Material quality is exceptional, with sustainable and recycled materials seamlessly integrated into the design. This commitment to eco-friendly luxury positions the EX60 as a leader in sustainable automotive design, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers who refuse to compromise on comfort or aesthetics.
Technology integration is another hallmark of the EX60’s interior design. The driver is greeted by an 11.4-inch instrument panel display positioned closer to the windshield than in the larger EX90. This placement ensures that critical driving information is always within the driver’s natural field of vision, minimizing distraction. The centerpiece of the cabin is a stunning 15.0-inch touchscreen display, now oriented horizontally rather than vertically. This orientation allows for a more natural and intuitive interaction with the vehicle’s infotainment system, making tasks such as navigation and media selection significantly easier to manage while driving.
The user interface, developed in partnership with Google, offers seamless integration with Google Assistant and Google Maps, providing access to a wealth of information and entertainment options. The voice-activated AI assistant, Google Gemini, can handle complex queries, such as finding recipes for tomorrow’s barbecue or locating nearby charging stations, with remarkable accuracy.
Despite the advanced technological integration, Volvo has wisely resisted the temptation to eliminate all physical controls. A selection of well-placed buttons and knobs remains, providing haptic feedback for frequently used functions. This approach acknowledges that while voice commands and touchscreen interfaces are powerful tools, there are moments when a physical control is simply more efficient. For example, adjusting the fan speed can be accomplished with a single tap on a physical control, eliminating the need to navigate through multiple on-screen menus. This thoughtful balance between touch and tactile controls demonstrates a deep understanding of driver preferences and contributes significantly to the overall usability of the vehicle.
### Performance and Driving Dynamics: A New Benchmark for Speed and Efficiency
The 2027 Volvo EX60 represents a significant step forward in terms of performance for the brand. While its primary focus may be on luxury and comfort, the vehicle’s electric powertrain delivers exhilarating acceleration and responsive handling that rivals the best in its class.
Our initial test drive in the EX60 P10 model, equipped with a potent 503-horsepower dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, immediately highlighted the vehicle’s impressive capabilities. Even from the passenger seat, the vehicle’s acceleration was palpable, with multiple throttle jabs revealing a responsiveness that belies its size. The power delivery is smooth and linear, without the drama or abruptness that can sometimes accompany high-performance EVs. This refined acceleration makes the EX60 an exceptional highway cruiser, providing ample power for confident overtaking maneuvers.
A notable departure from some competitors is Volvo’s decision to offer the full 503 horsepower across all driving modes, rather than restricting it to a specific performance setting. This ensures that drivers can experience the vehicle’s full potential regardless of their selected driving mode. This approach eliminates the need to activate a temporary power boost or engage a specific “sport” mode to access maximum performance, simplifying the driving experience and making the EX60 feel more cohesive and intuitive.
For those seeking even more power, Volvo has confirmed that a higher-performance variant, the EX60 P12, is on the horizon. This top-tier model is expected to deliver a staggering 670 horsepower, enabling it to achieve the 0-60 mph benchmark in an astonishing 3.8 seconds. While this may place the EX60 P12 in a league of its own in terms of raw acceleration, even the standard P10 model offers performance that far exceeds the expectations for a family-oriented SUV.
Crucially, the EX60 appears to have addressed some of the preliminary software glitches that hampered the initial rollout of the EX90. The wide-open throttle delay that was reported in early EX90 prototypes was noticeably absent in our EX60 test vehicle, suggesting that Volvo has refined its software architecture to deliver a more seamless and responsive driving experience. The ultimate test of the EX60’s performance capabilities will, of course, come when we have the opportunity to conduct our full testing regimen, but our initial impressions are overwhelmingly positive.
Beyond straight-line acceleration, the EX60’s driving dynamics have been significantly enhanced through a revised steering system. The engineers at Volvo have reduced the steering ratio by 10 percent compared to the XC60, resulting in a more direct and responsive feel. This engineering decision mirrors the approach taken by Tesla to imbue its vehicles with a sporty character, making tight maneuvers feel more nimble and intuitive. Conversely, this more direct steering will be a welcome improvement for those who found the slower steering ratios in certain Cadillac EVs to be cumbersome during
