9:12 am, August 19, 2026
The premium electric SUV has had a sort of reinvention recently, with cars like the BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric becoming real turning points in the world of EVs.
Now more than ever, these cars show buyers don’t have to compromise on range and driving enjoyment when its comes to posh high-riders with plugs.
Volvo has already established itself in this market with models including the EX30 and EX90. Now, though, it’s the turn of the EX60 – and this could be the most important electric Volvo yet.
What’s new?
There’s plenty about the EX60 that feels typically Volvo, but the Swedish firm has also thrown a fair amount of new technology at its latest EV.
It’s built on a brand new platform, and with the top models offering a 503-mile range, the EX60 is aiming to be the perfect premium, family-sized SUV.
What’s under the bonnet?
Volvo will initially offer the EX60 with three battery and motor configurations.
Things start with the P6, which develops 369bhp and offers up to 385 miles of range. Above that sits the dual-motor P10 AWD, boosting power to a substantial 503bhp while increasing range to 410 miles.
The headline-grabber, however, is the P12 AWD. It promises a whopping 503 miles between charges – giving it the longest claimed range of any EV currently on sale.
Charging speeds are equally impressive. The EX60 can accept up to 400kW, allowing a 10-to-80 per cent top-up in around 16 minutes if you can find a suitably powerful charger. The entry-level P6 misses out on the full 400kW figure, although its 350kW maximum is hardly sluggish.
What’s it like to drive?
Anyone expecting Volvo to have turned the EX60 into some kind of electric performance SUV may be disappointed. Comfort is very much the priority here – and that’s no bad thing.
The ride is impressive. I drove on a variety of roads in Somerset and Dorset, and the EX60 was outstandingly refined. It’s super-hushed on the move, and my car, fitted with adaptive dampers, had a sumptuous ride quality. It’s a very, very relaxing car to drive.
It’s not perfect, though. The steering isn’t particularly engaging and the tiny steering wheel feels just a bit too small, leaving you oddly disconnected from such a substantial car.
A big shout out is needed for the ADAS systems. This has been the Achilles Heel of many recent Volvos, but in the EX60 they are significantly better. Even the one-pedal mode is good – it’s so good in fact I had it engaged all of the time as the brake pedal feel isn’t the nicest. It works very well and intuitively.
Performance certainly isn’t an issue. With more than 500bhp, the P10 is properly quick, but we suspect the cheaper P6 will be more than fast enough for the vast majority of buyers.
How does it look?
The family resemblance is obvious. Park the EX60 between an EX30 and EX90 and there’s little doubt all three came from the same drawing board.
That’s largely a good thing. Volvo’s trademark ‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlights give the front end plenty of presence and help the EX60 look suitably futuristic without becoming unnecessarily fussy.
The rear-end is the nicest, I feel, as there’s a hint of old Volvo V70 Estate in the upright-ish glass and stacked lights.
What’s it like inside?
Much like the exterior, the EX60’s cabin takes plenty of inspiration from the smaller EX30 and larger EX90.
For family buyers, the big news is storage – because there’s loads of it. Volvo has ditched the type of glovebox it has favoured recently – which annoyingly is controlled by pressing a button on the touchscreen – and instead fitted a large storage area beneath the central screen. It’s usefully sized and can be concealed, so valuables aren’t left sitting on display.
There’s also a neat slide-out cupholder arrangement underneath the central armrest, adding another useful touch to what is a very well thought-out cabin.
Material quality is generally good, with a nice mixture of different materials. It’s arguably a bit stark, but it feels posh enough.
Rear-seat passengers are well catered for. The completely flat floor means whoever draws the short straw and ends up in the middle seat still has decent room for their feet, while the boxy body pays dividends when it comes to headroom.
What’s the spec like?
Now for the important bit – price. Fortunately for Volvo, the EX60 stacks up pretty well against its premium rivals.
The range starts at £56,860 for the P6 in Plus specification, bringing 385 miles of claimed range. The P10 costs £59,860 and increases that to 410 miles, while the range-topping P12 comes in at £64,860 with its attention-grabbing 503-mile figure.
Standard equipment is generous. Plus models get climate control, a heated steering wheel, the 15.04-inch curved central display and a lengthy list of driver assistance technology. A fixed panoramic roof is standard as well.
As already mentioned, however, virtually everything is controlled through that central touchscreen – including adjustment for the mirrors and steering wheel. The display itself is quick and responsive, but that doesn’t stop us wishing Volvo had fitted a few more buttons.
Buyers can step up to Ultra specification for features including laminated side windows and an upgraded Bowers & Wilkins sound system, but we’d be tempted to stick with Plus. It gets the important kit while keeping the EX60’s price looking competitive.
Verdict
The Volvo EX60 is arriving in one of the most hotly contested areas of the new-car market, so simply being good isn’t enough.
Fortunately, there’s a lot here to like. The range figures are excellent, equipment levels are strong and the interior is spacious, practical and clearly designed with family life in mind. Add in impressive refinement and rapid charging and the EX60 makes a compelling case for itself. The EX60 is easily the best electric Volvo to date.
The spec
- Model as tested: Volvo EX60 P10
- Price: £59,860
- Engine: Dual electric motor
- Power: 503bhp
- Torque: 710Nm
- Max speed: 112mph
- 0-60mph: 4.4 seconds
- MPG: NA
- Emissions: 0g/km
- Range: 410 miles
- Maximum charge speed: 400kW