Prepare to be amazed by the Volvo EX60: Is this the electric SUV that finally cracks the code on long range and stunning design? The automotive world has been buzzing with anticipation for the latest electric vehicles hitting the market, and the Volvo EX60 is certainly a shining star among them, especially after its inclusion in WIRED's highly anticipated EV list. But what truly sets this newcomer apart? It's the jaw-dropping claim of a range exceeding 400 miles, a figure that could very well redefine expectations for electric travel.
But here's where it gets interesting... Positioned neatly between the larger EX40 and the flagship EX90, the EX60 shares a design kinship with the compact EX30. While the EX30 is a commendable car, it's been noted for being perhaps too powerful for its own good. The EX60, however, seems to have learned from this, presenting a sleeker profile. Early images from Volvo initially suggested a triumph in design, hinting that the engineers had managed to eliminate the rather conspicuous lidar bulges that detracted from the EX90's aesthetic. For those who remember, a Volvo designer even admitted to me the challenges faced with the EX90's roofline! However, I've been informed that these initial EX60 images showcase the vehicle without the lidar system. This means if you opt for the optional lidar on your EX60, those familiar humps will indeed be present.
And this is the part most people miss... Volvo is acutely aware of the aesthetic impact of these lidar units. They went to considerable lengths to downplay them on the EX90, even resorting to showing the car from a significant distance in their promotional materials. By revealing the EX60 with a perfectly smooth, uninterrupted roofline, Volvo has made a deliberate choice. At best, this keeps their design team happy; at worst, it could be seen as potentially misleading customers who are drawn to the car's clean lines and might not realize the lidar option will alter its appearance.
So, while the EX60's design draws inspiration from the winning look of the EX30, the decision to initially present it without the lidar lumps is a strategic one.
The Performance Powerhouse: Let's talk numbers! With a potential maximum range of 503 miles (as measured by the WLTP standard), we can expect a still-impressive over 400 miles when assessed by the US EPA. This electric SUV is equipped with all-wheel drive and boasts an 800-volt architecture. This advanced system allows for a remarkable feat: adding 210 miles of range in just 10 minutes! Of course, this requires access to a 400-kW fast charger and your battery to be in that optimal 10-20% charge sweet spot. Even under the EPA cycle, a 10-minute charge can still deliver a substantial 173 miles, placing it firmly in contention with impressive rivals like the new BMW iX3. Volvo estimates that, under ideal conditions, a quick 19-minute charge can take you from 10% to 80%. Contributing to these impressive range figures is a very respectable drag coefficient of 0.26, which helps the car slice through the air more efficiently.
A Commitment to Electric: It's commendable that Volvo is fully embracing the electric future and not hedging its bets with combustion or hybrid variants for the EX60. While the combustion-powered XC60 will remain available for a few more years, this signals a clear direction for the brand.
Innovative Technology Under the Hood (and Body!): The EX60 pioneers cell-to-body technology, where battery cells are integrated directly into the vehicle's structure. This innovative approach enhances energy density by a claimed 20%, while simultaneously reducing weight and optimizing space. This is a trend we're likely to see adopted by more manufacturers soon.
Furthermore, Volvo has engineered a new underbody, chassis, and suspension system, building upon the advancements seen in the EX90. They've also impressively utilized megacasting to create large, single aluminum components, such as the entire rear underbody, using a massive 8,400-ton casting machine. This process replaces approximately 100 individual parts with a single, robust piece of metal, leading to a stiffer and lighter body structure. While this technique isn't entirely new to Volvo, with Tesla and XPeng employing similar methods in some of their EVs, it's a significant engineering achievement.
The Brains Behind the Beauty: In line with competitors like BMW, Volvo is highlighting the EX60's formidable computing power. Its Snapdragon Cockpit Platform, powered by Nvidia Drive AGX Orin and a new Qualcomm 8255 CPU, gives the EV's "brain" the capacity for over 250 trillion operations per second. Notably, the EX60 will be the first Volvo to feature Google Gemini integration, directly competing with BMW's announcement of its iX3's Intelligent Personal Assistant being powered by Amazon's Alexa+.
Safety Reimagined: Volvo, the inventor of the modern three-point seat belt in 1959, is set to unveil an entirely new iteration of this iconic safety feature in the EX60: the world's first multi-adaptive safety belt. This revolutionary system reportedly uses real-time sensor data to dynamically adjust tension based on your body, current traffic conditions, and the severity of a potential crash. This is a testament to Volvo's enduring commitment to safety.
A Design That Catches the Eye: Following current automotive trends, the EX60 dispenses with traditional exterior door handles. Instead, it features sleek, small pull-tabs, reminiscent of those found on the Ford Mustang Mach-E. To comply with proposed Chinese regulations requiring easily operable mechanical handles, these are mechanical tabs rather than electronic ones. It will be fascinating to see if this clever design solution, allowing for a cleaner door aesthetic, gains wider adoption.
For the Adventurous Spirit: For those with a penchant for the outdoors, an alternative Cross Country version of the EX60 will be available. This variant boasts distinct exterior colors and design elements, including wider wheel-arch claddings and black upper door moldings, to give it a more rugged, "adventurous" look. The addition of air suspension provides an extra 20 millimeters of travel, enhancing comfort on less-than-perfect roads.
What do you think about Volvo's approach to the EX60's design, especially regarding the lidar system? Does the promise of over 400 miles of range outweigh the potential aesthetic compromise? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Deliveries for the EX60 are anticipated to commence around the summer, though pricing details are yet to be announced.
