Volvo's EX60 mid-sized EV crossover may look conservative but its technology is anything but. Jonathan Crouch takes a look...

Background

Volvo's EX60 redefines its brand. Here, we going to find out why. Volvo's history can effectively be divided into four eras. The first is the solid, safe last-century brand your dad will remember. The second began with the take-over of the company by Chinese giant Geely in 2010, who bank-rolled the SPA architecture undergirding the host of models that followed. Things got into choppier waters when that platform was evolved into the SPA2 EV chassis used by Volvo's first large full-electric model, the EX90, initially plagued with problems. But that's all in the past now because Volvo's very different fourth era starts right here with this car, the EX60. It could hardly be more important. It's arguably the most significant Volvo since the very first one, the OV4 of 1927. Which might surprise you if you're thinking of this mid-sized electric crossover merely as the EV alternative to the brand's combustion XC60. It is that, but at the same time, this model represents completely new era of design. With the introduction of a very different SPA3 platform that features new construction methods and provides for a family of next-generation motors and advanced battery technology. Nothing is carried over from any previous model, but almost everything will be to the new Volvos (and Polestars) that will follow this car. But then nothing less than a complete re-think would have done for car tasked to compete with segment rivals as good as the second generation BMW iX3 and the latest EQ version of the Mercedes GLC. Is the EX60 at that level? Let's find out.

Engines and Tech Spec

As you'd expect in the class, there's a choice of single motor or dual motor powertrains. And Volvo offers no fewer than three battery choices and two suspension set-ups; you're not short of choice. Things kick off with the entry-level rear-driven single motor P6 version, which has a 369bhp EESM motor energised by an 86kWh battery pack offering a drive range figure of up to 384 miles. Volvo though, expects most EX60 customers to opt for the mid-level P10 variant, which adds a front-axle ASM electric motor and uses a larger 95kWh battery pack energising a 503bhp total output, enabling a 0-62mph time of 4.6s (1.3s faster than the P6). Range is up to 410 miles (similar to a Mercedes GLC EQ but a little down on the BMW iX3 xDrive50). At the top of the line-up is the EX60 P12 AWD, which has an enormous 117kWh battery able to set a new class benchmark range figure of 503 miles. This variant's two e-motors together develop 671bhp and power the car to 62mph in 3.9s. There's a brake regen system with a 'One Pedal Drive' setting. And with the dual motor models, there are 'Range', 'Off-Road' and 'Performance' drive modes. As for suspension, well there's a choice between passive or optional adaptive dampers. Unless you go for the alternative 'Cross Country' version (which sits 20mm higher), a variant available in air-sprung form. With the air springs set high, you get a further 20mm of ground clearance. As you'd expect, 'Cross Country' derivatives can only be had with a twin motor AWD format. Handling should be aided by the fact that this EX60 has a more rigid body than any EV Volvo before it. This is thanks to its 'cell-to-body' battery design which sees the cell packs mounted directly into the frame of the car. And a 'mega-casting' production method, which means that large component parts are produced as single pieces rather than lots of individual components bolted together. The stiff new SPA3 platform also helps. Like the Neue Klasse and MB.EA platforms that undergird this model's BMW Mercedes rivals, this new-era chassis allows for a completely fresh level of electronic driving tech, in this case using Nvidia's DRIVE AGX Orin set-up and Qualcomm computing power. All the driver assistance and vehicle control systems are controlled by new generation computing set-up called 'HuginCore' which, according to Volvo, empowers the car 'to think, process and act' and is capable of 50 billion operations per second.

Design and Build

The least revolutionary thing about the EX60 is the way it looks. And that's as it should be. Avant-garde extrovert design in this segment is already catered for by the BMW iX3 and the Mercedes GLC EQ. At 4,803mm long, this Volvo is a fraction longer than the BMW and a fraction shorter than the Mercedes - and has an aerodynamically-optimised look that will feel familiar for loyalists to this Swedish maker. Unlike with other Volvo EVs, there's no attempt at a front grille - just a small lower intake. But the brand typical 'Thor's Hammer' lighting signature is present and correct. There are two versions - the standard one and the 'Cross Country' crossover-themed model (which sits 20mm higher). Clever design touches include door handles that sit underneath the window glass and pop open using an electronic latch. They contribute to a sleek drag coefficient of just 0.26Cd (considerably lower than normal for an SUV of this size). The cabin is a slightly more inviting take on the kind of minimalist vibe you'll find with some Chinese rivals, but it's nothing like any Volvo you'll have tried before. There's no conventional instrument binnacle - just a narrow 11.4-inch horizontal display mounted right up near the windscreen. There is no connected centre console either; none is needed because the gear selector is mounted on a left steering wheel stalk. Instead, there's a large centre storage cubby with a small shelf above. You get the expected big centre screen (15.04-inches) which unfortunately houses controls for the climate system and (unlike with other Volvos) is mounted in a landscape format. As usual with the brand, this monitor works with Google multimedia software and for the first time in a Volvo incorporates Gemini conversational AI. Which means that it doesn't just respond to set phrases - you can converse with it, for instance, asking whether something you just bought will fit into the EX60's boot. You might not be as pleased to find that a glovebox is missing or that there's no proper toggle switch for adjusting the mirrors; and the two-spoke wheel is an acquired taste. But the interestingly-shaped tiered dashboard is beautifully fabricated with open-pore wood, fabrics and high quality plastics. Despite the fact that all of this is bankrolled from the Orient, little Swedish flags are dotted around to remind you what you bought. As you'd hope from an EV of this size, rear seat leg room is generous and the back seats are heated with a powered backrest reclining mechanism. And out back, there's a large boot of 523-litres in size with some clever under-floor compartments, one of which is fully waterproof and quite deep. Great for muddy boots, though Volvo also thinks you might use it to hold ice for summer picnics. The rear seat conveniently splits 40:20:40, freeing up 998-litres of space. The charging cables don't have to go in the back because there's also an under bonnet 'frunk' offering between 58 and 85-litres of space, depending on the drivetrain you choose.

Market and Model

From launch, Volvo was asking £56,360 for the entry-level P6 rear-wheel-drive model. The dual-motor P10 version is priced from £59,860 and the top P12 version costs from £64,860. There are two trim levels - 'Plus' and 'Ultra'. It's the EX60 P10 AWD variant you'll probably be looking at. To give you some class perspective, a rival BMW iX3 xDrive50 cost from around £59,000 at the time of this Volvo's launch, while the Mercedes GLC with EQ Technology was priced from around £60,000, just below an equivalent Audi Q6 e-tron. Standard equipment includes 20 inch five spoke alloy wheels, a fixed panoramic sunroof, a surround view camera system, a Park Pilot Assist parking set-up and a heat pump. Semi-autonomous drive tech includes Pilot Assist with Lane Change and Curve Speed Assist. Inside, there's a 1,200-watt Bose Premium Audio System, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and three-zone electronic climate control, plus rear seats with heating and powered backrest. Media features are dealt with by a 15.04-inch centre screen incorporating a complete suite of Google Automotive Services. As you'd expect, there's a very complete set of safety features, including Forward Detection, Blind Spot Information with Steer Assist, Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Collision Warning Mitigation, Door Opening Alert, a Lane Keeping Aid with departure warning, Run Off-Road Protection and Intersection Auto Brake.

Cost of Ownership

As you'd expect, the EX60 meets the highest class standards when it comes to DC charging. The rear-driven single motor model can DC charge at up to 320kW; it's up to 370kW for the dual motor models, which at an 800V DC charger with a maximum 400kW charge rate can add to 10 miles of range every 10 minutes. AC charging at home is rated at 12 hours 45 minutes for a full charge of the base 83kWh P6 version. You can improve that to 8-9 hours if you're able to 11kW charge your EX60 P6 with a three-phase supply. The P10 95kWh model needs 14 hours at a 7.4kW wallbox; or 9 hours 45 minutes for an 11kW AC charge. The P11 117kWh model needs 18 hours at a 7.4kW wallbox; or 12 hours for an 11kW AC charge. Volvo promises that its app will give owners access to an 'ecosystem' of services, which will include public charging stations and smart home charging management. The latter will support owners with a home 'powerbox' linked both to the car and roof-mounted solar panels. This EX60 will also support a plug-in charge system for public charge points which will automatically start charging the car and will sort payment for you when it's plugged into a compatible charger. In addition, the Swedish maker has developed this and other future EVs with bi-directional vehicle-to-grid compatibility, which allows the EX60 to power home appliances, electronics and even top up other EVs using the energy stored in its battery pack.

Summary

It may not look it but what we have with this EX60 is completely new era of Volvo. Tesla and Chinese brand-influenced manufacturing techniques have reduced weight, slashed costs and improved efficiency. In a way that will influence a whole future generation of models from the Swedish marque. And allows this car to compete with the highest class standards set by competitors like the BMW iX3 and the Mercedes GLC EQ. This car's conservative Scandinavian vibe will appeal if, as is quite possible, you find the styling of those two rival models somewhat divisive. And no other brand can offer anything quite like the alternative 'Cross Country' version of this EX60. So the car that Volvo can't afford to fail with looks well set. But you might feel that you still need to be a fan of the brand to really want one.