2027 Volvo EX60: A Real Leap Forward
The road to electrification has been fraught with obstacles for Volvo in Canada. The recent launch of the U.S.-assembled EX90 was not a success, partly because it was rushed and came with its share of glitches, and partly because it was subsequently subject to counter-tariffs.
The EX60 is now entering the fray. Assembled in Torslanda, Sweden, it is stepping into a rather competitive market filled with major new models such as the BMW iX3 (named 2026 World Car of the Year by the automotive press) and the all-electric Mercedes-Benz GLC, as well as established SUVs like the Tesla Model Y and the Cadillac Lyriq.
The Car Guide put the EX60 through its paces last week in Spain. It’s a vehicle that wears many hats, including that of carving out a respectable niche for Volvo in the North American electric vehicle market.
Top-notch performance, with a focus on comfort
Globally, the Volvo EX60 is available in three variants: the P6, P10, and P12. The P6 is equipped with a single electric motor on the rear axle and will not be sold in Canada. The P10, on the other hand, is equipped with two motors and will be the first to arrive in Canada. The P12, which offers higher performance, is expected to follow in the 2028 model year.
Like all electric vehicles in this segment, the straight-line performance of our P10 test model was exhilarating, with no less than 503 horsepower and 524 lb-ft of torque at the driver’s fingertips. The motors are powered by a 95-kWh NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) battery, 93 kWh of which is usable.
Using “cell-to-body” technology, the battery is fully integrated into the vehicle to improve torsional rigidity and simplify assembly. According to Volvo, it is still possible to replace individual battery modules. Whether a complete replacement is possible remains to be seen.
On paper, this battery is rated to travel 514 km on a full charge according to the EPA’s North American driving cycle. However, during our mixed-use (and somewhat spirited) test drive, our consumption readings showed an average of 16 kWh/100 km, which means we could have traveled approximately 581 km.
Another feature that sets the EX60 apart is its ability to achieve 370 kW of charging power at a Level 3 station, providing 270 km of range in just 10 minutes. In this regard, Volvo’s new SUV ranks among the best in its segment, ahead of the Tesla Model Y, the Cadillac Lyriq, and even the electric Mercedes-Benz GLC, to name just a few. Of course, this charging power is only achievable when all the right conditions are met both inside and outside the battery.
As for the driving experience, it can be summed up in two words: comfortable and quiet. Beyond its electrifying straight-line performance, the EX60’s handling stays true to Volvo’s philosophy of pleasing both the driver and passengers on winding and rough roads with a smooth, supple ride. The EX60 P10 comes standard with semi-adaptive suspension, which helps deliver a light and effortless ride. This lightness is also reflected in the steering. In fact, those seeking a more athletic and responsive driving experience may be left wanting, as the calibration of the chassis components is geared more toward comfort.
A new display and artificial intelligence take center stage
The EX60’s interior fully embodies the Scandinavian automaker’s design philosophy. With understated materials, clean colors, and a minimalist aesthetic, everything comes together to create a soothing and comfortable environment. The new 15-inch OLED screen in the center of the dashboard features an Android interface and is oriented horizontally, with a slight outward curve.
While we once again regret the lack of physical controls for the ventilation system, the new layout seems to make it easier to access these specific functions compared to the traditional vertical display we’re used to seeing in Volvo vehicles, as they are displayed more prominently. The other features on the menu are generally intuitive and easy to use.
The comfortable seats provide ample support for a family vehicle, whether you choose the cloth or perforated leather upholstery. This comfort goes hand in hand with the spacious interior, which offers plenty of room for both passengers and cargo. To that end, the EX60 offers 634 liters of cargo space behind the second row, which is more than the BMW iX3’s 520 liters but less than other rivals like the Cadillac Lyriq, Tesla’s Model Y, and Audi’s Q6 e-tron. As is the case with the iX3, we find the width of the A-pillars at the front of the vehicle to be a drawback, as they can obstruct visibility in that area.
The wave of artificial intelligence sweeping the globe has obviously not spared the automotive industry. This technology will play an increasingly significant role in the driving experience, for better or for worse. Volvo has chosen Google Gemini as the agent to assist EX60 occupants with tasks such as adjusting the cabin temperature, seat settings, and media and navigation features. But what’s the difference between a voice assistant we’ve known for years and AI? Conversation, made possible by a high-performance microprocessor. Instead of having to give precise commands, you can have a conversation by describing a problem, to which it will find (and provide) solutions. Of course, the combination of Volvo’s live updates and the agent’s constant learning about the vehicle’s occupants will make it increasingly competent over time.
A P12 model and a Cross Country version are on the way
Less sporty than the BMW iX3, quieter than a Cadillac Lyriq, and more powerful than an electric Genesis GV70, the EX60 stands out as a comfortable, tech-savvy, long-range option in the growing segment of mid-size electric SUVs. It is currently on sale in Canada, with deliveries set to begin toward the end of the summer.
The P10 starts at $77,500 before fees and comes with an extensive list of standard features, including semi-adaptive suspension, a panoramic sunroof, three-zone climate control, and a 21-speaker Bose sound system. A Bowers & Wilkins sound system with Dolby Atmos technology is available for audio enthusiasts.
In addition to the P12 variant, which is set to arrive in 2028, Volvo will be adding a Cross Country model to its lineup. This model will feature the standard equipment typically associated with the Cross Country badge, including stainless steel skid plates, air suspension that raises the ground clearance by 20 mm, and plastic trim on the lower body panels and wheel arches.
