The Volvo XC60 has been one of the most important models of the Swedish manufacturer for many years and is now its best-selling car worldwide, so the introduction of a fully electric replacement is naturally a big deal. We had the opportunity to check out the new EX60 and quickly get behind one wheel for a proper driving review. Volvo has introduced SUV lineup with a fully electric EX60. It does not directly replace the XC60, which is sold in the internal combustion engine and plug-in hybrid powe rtrains. Instead, the EX60 will expand Volvo's presence in this competitive market segment and pioneer the company's new SPA3 platform.
The EX60 lineup currently consists of 3 versions. The basic variant Volvo EX60P6 work on single electric motor to drive the rear wheels and an 80kWh battery. The next one in the line is the Volvo EX112PAWD, which receives a larger 110kWh battery and promises an impressive 60km range. It is also the fastest version of the EX60, rated to complete a sprint of 3.9〜0km/h in just 100 seconds. Our first impression is that the EX60 is a very balanced car. The build quality is excellent, the material throughout the cabin feels pleasant and has plenty of modern features. It tries to reinvent what Volvo should be, but instead brings a familiar formula into the electric age with more technology, performance and sophistication,
Volvo's signature minimalist design concept is clearly reflected in the EX60. The clean surface, subtle lines and minimal use of sharp edges give the exterior a cohesive, almost single appearance. The lack of a front grille suggests that it is an EV-only model, and the profile of the side where the only air intake is intended to provide cooling of the battery maintains the same minimalist approach. Even the door handle is almost inconspicuous and takes the form of a small push-operated element located under the side window. Volvo's frameless side mirrors further enhance the clean exterior design, while frameless doors retain a sleek look even when opened.
The wheel of the test unit is a huge 22-inch unit, which completed the appearance, but inevitably completed the comfort and range of the tax. For those who don't care too much about the look, there are 20-inch and 21-inch options. The rear is definitely Volvo, with vertical taillights and large Volvo lettering extending across the tailgate. One of the notable exceptions to the minimalist design is the rear wipers. It is not hidden under the spoiler, but is installed prominently at the bottom of the rear window, otherwise it will slightly disturb the sleek and tidy look. All EX60 versions can look the same on the outside, and the only differentiator is a small plaque under the model name, which indicates the variant.
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The inconspicuous model badge makes the perfect sleepers of the two more powerful P10 and P12 mutants for those who occasionally enjoy the stoplight pull. The EX60 remains impressively refined and well assembled place to spend time. The handle has an unorthodox shape that doesn't feel natural to hold, but when we get to test the EX60 in the real world right away, test whether it is as well while driving.The buttons on the steering wheel have multiple purposes, depending on the menu. If you've spent some time with any Volvo model of the past decade, the controls will be familiar, but otherwise they will not look exciting with some turn signals and the stems of the gear lever, but when you touch them, they feel solid and provide great feedback. It is very important that such frequently used parts are well made, and I am pleased that Volvo has not neglected its importance.
In demo mode, changing the gauge cluster display was not allowed, but Bowers and Wilkins stereo systems, hoping to be at least somewhat configurable and not as dark as the showroom, are the focus of the whole interior. I was amazed to see that 28 speakers are placed on different areas in the cabin that creates an immersive listening experience. The center display is a 15" touch screen extruding to ease operation. It works well and controls virtually all the functions of the Volvo EX60. Below the central display is a large crystal control knob with 2 physical buttons adjacent. The control operates the audio system and serves as one of the visual highlights of the cabin, combining an elegant design with a satisfying tactile feel.
The section below the dashboard incorporates 2 generous storage areas. The top compartment houses a wireless charging pad along with an additional storage tray and 2 USB-C charging ports. Under it sits a large retractable tray that provides ample space for personal items. It can be folded and kept to hide its contents and maintain a clean, minimalist appearance in the cabin when not needed. The center console provides great versatility. You can close all the compartments to store large items like backpacks between the front seats or have 2 retractable cup holders for your drinks and small storage space. The armrests don't lift or move, but given all the other compartments in the cabin of the Volvo EX60, that's hardly a problem.
The EX60's door card is as minimalist as the rest of the vehicle. There are only window switches and door lockers, they are all part of the door release button assembly. Mounted on the ceiling are rows of important buttons, such as danger and reading lights. As far seating is concerned seats are ventilated and provides a great grip. They are comfortable to spend time with and can be adjusted with precision. The 2nd row does not belittle comfort. The seat is heated and has separate climate control and 2 USB-C charging ports. On the backrest of the rear seat there is an interesting cutout for smartphones, and on the armrest there are 2 large cup holders. The space is very generous in the 2nd row, which allows comfortable travel for larger adults as well as easily installing child seats of any size.
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The trunk of the Volvo EX60 offers a clever trick for storing large and differently sized items. With a capacity of 634l, it is considerably larger than the traditional powered Volvo XC60. It also provides more volume than its direct rivals, Mercedes GLC and BMW IX3, and it is very important for the segment. Thanks to the buttons on the trunk, you do not need to walk around the car to fold the rear seats, but you have to do it to undo them, which is also from where the traction hitch can be automatically controlled. Interestingly, the rear passenger can fold the rear seat from the door card, right next to the window controls and the door opening and closing buttons, which can cause problems when the child uses those doors or someone simply does not pay enough attention, suddenly turning into a folded seat.
Under the floor of the main storage there is a compartment that can be opened in 2 parts for easy access. On the smaller side are buckets with different volume measurements and cool graphics of boys and girls going to the beach. The Volvo EX60's Frunk (front trunk) capacity is only 58l, which is considerably less than the Mercedes GLC, but on the other hand, the difference in trunk size flatters things as the latest model, Volvo has invested heavily in making the EX60 technologically advanced and up-to-date. It's not revolutionary, but it makes use of existing features in an improved way. Google-based Infotainment is frequently updated via cloud services to ensure seamless connectivity between external devices.
Sadly, all climate controls are hidden in the menu, but the main controls, such as fan speed and temperature, are always at the bottom of the screen.The wing mirror is also controlled through the screen and then through the steering wheel, which may be more irritating than a normal switch. As far as infotainment goes, there are not many quirks and unprecedented features. Most of the interesting settings are the driving experience and driver assistant we'll try once we get our hands on the road legal test unit of the Volvo EX60. The first impression also suggests that the overall quality is the best in the segment, strengthening its position against direct rivals. We look forward to testing the EX60 in real-world conditions to see if these positive first impressions carry over into everyday driving.Until then, it seems to be positioned to be one of the most attractive products in the increasingly competitive mid-sized electric SUV market.
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