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Can Volvo’s New Electric SUV Rewrite the Rulebook?

Silver Volvo EX60 SUV beside a vineyard with a bold yellow banner reading '500 MILE RANGE' and 'FIRST DRIVE' text—review thumbnail

From Motoring Echo

The premium electric SUV market is becoming increasingly competitive, but Volvo believes its all-new EX60 has everything required to leapfrog the established order. Promising class-leading range, ultra-rapid charging, next-generation safety technology and unmistakable Scandinavian design, the EX60 arrives with lofty ambitions.

To discover whether the claims stand up in the real world, DriverReviews presenter Vicki Butler-Henderson headed to the roads of Spain to carry out the full road test, putting the new Volvo through its paces to see whether it really deserves the title of a genuine game changer—or whether it’s simply another premium EV with an impressive specification sheet.


Exterior Design – Scandinavian Simplicity Perfected

Volvo has resisted the temptation to over-style the EX60. Instead, it follows the brand’s familiar minimalist philosophy with clean body lines, muscular proportions and a confident stance that feels both modern and unmistakably Volvo.

The signature ‘Thor’s Hammer’ LED lighting remains, while the sculptured profile and flush detailing give the SUV an aerodynamic appearance without sacrificing practicality. It manages to look sophisticated rather than aggressive—an approach that fits perfectly with Volvo’s premium identity.


Powertrain & Performance

Vicki’s test car was the entry-level P6 model, proving that buyers don’t necessarily need to stretch to the flagship version to enjoy impressive performance.

The rear-wheel-drive P6 develops 374hp, enough to accelerate from 0-62mph in just 5.9 seconds. Power delivery is immediate, smooth and effortless, making overtaking and motorway driving feel completely relaxed.

For those wanting even more performance, Volvo also offers the P10 and the range-topping P12 AWD. Producing an impressive 680hp and nearly 800Nm of torque, the flagship reaches 62mph in only 3.9 seconds while also claiming an extraordinary 503-mile driving range—currently one of the longest figures offered by any production electric SUV.


Driving Experience – Comfort Comes First

One area where the EX60 immediately impresses is refinement.

During DriverReviews’ Spanish road test, Vicki found the Volvo prioritises comfort without becoming detached from the driving experience. The steering feels reassuringly accurate, body control remains composed, and the ride quality effortlessly absorbs poorer road surfaces.

Rather than chasing outright sportiness, Volvo has focused on creating an SUV that feels relaxing over long distances—something many buyers in this segment will undoubtedly appreciate.

The result is an electric SUV that’s quiet, confidence inspiring and remarkably easy to live with.


Charging & Everyday Usability

Volvo’s latest electrical architecture significantly raises the bar.

The EX60 supports 400kW DC rapid charging, allowing drivers to add up to 211 miles of driving range in as little as ten minutes, provided a suitable ultra-rapid charger is available.

Another standout feature is bidirectional charging, enabling the vehicle to supply electricity back to a home, the National Grid or external electrical equipment, adding another layer of real-world practicality beyond everyday driving.


Interior – Scandinavian Luxury Meets Artificial Intelligence

Inside, the EX60 continues Volvo’s tradition of understated luxury.

Premium sustainable materials combine with clean dashboard architecture to create a calming environment that feels both modern and welcoming.

Technology takes centre stage, including:

  • Google Gemini AI integration
  • Volvo’s advanced HuginCore safety platform
  • A stunning 28-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Dolby Atmos audio system
  • The world’s first adaptive seatbelt system, capable of adjusting protection based on occupant characteristics and accident conditions

The overall impression is one of intelligent design rather than technology for technology’s sake.


Practicality

Family buyers remain a key target for the EX60, and practicality is strong throughout.

Boot capacity stands at 523 litres, expanding to 1,674 litres with the rear seats folded.

Towing capability is equally impressive:

  • 2,000kg for rear-wheel-drive models
  • 2,400kg for all-wheel-drive versions

These figures place the EX60 firmly among the most versatile electric SUVs currently available.


Wheels & Tyres

The test vehicle rode on striking 22-inch alloy wheels fitted with Pirelli Scorpion Elect tyres.

The tyres feature Volvo’s dedicated VOL marking, confirming they have been specifically engineered for the EX60 to optimise efficiency, refinement and handling characteristics.


Rivals

The EX60 enters one of the busiest sectors of the market, taking on premium rivals including:

  • BMW iX3
  • Audi Q6 e-tron
  • Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology
  • Porsche Macan Electric
  • Polestar 4

However, Volvo’s combination of exceptional claimed range, cutting-edge safety innovations, ultra-fast charging capability and practical family usability gives it several genuinely distinctive selling points.


Vicki Butler-Henderson’s Verdict

Following her comprehensive Spanish road test for DriverReviews, Vicki Butler-Henderson concludes that the EX60 is far more than simply another premium electric SUV boasting an impressive range figure.

Its combination of Scandinavian design, effortless performance, class-leading charging technology, innovative safety systems and genuine everyday usability makes it one of the most complete electric SUVs Volvo has ever produced.

Whether buyers choose the capable P6 or the astonishingly powerful P12 AWD, the EX60 demonstrates that Volvo remains firmly focused on building electric vehicles that prioritise comfort, intelligence and real-world ownership rather than chasing headline performance figures alone.


Motoring Echo Verdict

★★★★★ 4.8/5

The Volvo EX60 arrives as one of the most convincing premium electric SUVs of 2026. It blends outstanding range, exceptional charging capability, benchmark safety technology and beautifully restrained Scandinavian styling into a package that feels genuinely future-focused.

While the premium EV segment has no shortage of talented competitors, the EX60 possesses enough innovation and everyday practicality to carve out its own identity—and it may well become the new benchmark that rivals are forced to follow.


Motoring Echo Road Test Ratings

CategoryScore
Exterior Styling⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Interior Quality⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Driving Experience⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Performance⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Practicality⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Technology⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Charging & Range⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Value for Money⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Overall Rating: 4.8 / 5 Stars


Motoring Echo Top Tips

  • Best for: Families seeking a premium electric SUV with exceptional range, comfort and safety.
  • Sweet Spot: The rear-wheel-drive P6 delivers more than enough performance while keeping costs below the flagship models.
  • Charging Advantage: If you have access to the latest 400kW charging network, the EX60 becomes one of the quickest EVs to recharge for long-distance travel.
  • Tow Car Potential: With up to 2,400kg towing capacity, the EX60 is among the most capable electric SUVs for caravans and trailers.
REVIEW OVERVIEW
Can Volvo's New Electric SUV Rewrite the Rulebook?
can-volvos-new-electric-suv-rewrite-the-rulebookWhile the premium EV segment has no shortage of talented competitors, the EX60 possesses enough innovation and everyday practicality to carve out its own identity—and it may well become the new benchmark that rivals are forced to follow.