Volvo has confidently addressed the three main concerns for newbies to the electric vehicle scene with the arrival of its all-new EX60 family SUV.
With a driving range of up to 503 miles between charges, range anxiety will be a thing of the past; thanks to its 800-volt electrical system, 211 miles can be added via a fast charger in 10 minutes and the pricing starts from £56,860, which is on a par with the best-selling XC60 plug-in hybrid model. So, it’s clear to see why Volvo claims the EX60 is the company’s ‘game-changer’.
The vehicle will be sold with a choice of three batteries. The entry-level P6 has an 83kWh unit delivering 374hp and 480Nm of torque. This rear-wheel drive model is the cheapest version and can achieve up to 385 miles on a single charge.
The EX60 P10 is equipped with a larger 95kWh battery offering 510hp and 710Nm. It has electric motors on both axles for all-wheel drive, costs from £59,860 and has a 410-mile range.
Finally the most powerful EX60 is the AWD P12 with a 117kWh battery, 680hp and 790Nm. It can complete the 0-62mph sprint in a blisteringly fast 3.9 seconds and the range increases to 503 miles between charges. This is the most expensive car in the SUV line-up starting from £64,860.
Customers can choose from generously-equipped trim levels too called Pure and Ultra, which will be available initially, and an entry-level Core specification launching a little later.
Additionally, a more robust Cross Country model will be added to the mix with more muscular styling and a raised ground clearance. This model will only be offered in P10 AWD format.
The EX60 has been designed, developed and will be built in Gothenburg, Sweden, using a new scalable SPA3 platform that will feature on future models ranging from compact city cars to larger people movers. There is a mega casting process whereby a single, high precision casting replaces hundreds of smaller parts. This, along with the battery cells being integrated into the car’s floor, result in a lighter, efficient and a more spacious vehicle without any compromise to the structure.
Design-wise, the EX60 in both SUV and Cross Country guise is a head-turner. It features the distinctive Thor Hammer front lighting signature plus upright tail lamps that make it easily recognisable from the front or rear. There is a sloping roofline, illuminated door handles with haptic touch feature, active grille shutters and smart alloy wheels. The car is slightly wider than its sibling, the XC60, and has a longer wheelbase which results in extra occupant space.
The interior is high-end, elegant and clutter-free with a perfect mix of physical and touchscreen controls. Expect to see fine ash wood trim, top quality wool blend upholstery, along with an optional panoramic roof that has electrochromic technology letting the driver to adjust the level of transparency.
The EX60 is also the first Volvo to launch with Gemini, Google’s new AI system. This allows occupants to have natural conversation with the personal assistant which can offer guidance on a vast range of topics, such as restaurant recommendations, points of interest or simply the weather forecast at a destination further down the track.
The main focal point is a large touchscreen that’s super-quick to react and expect to find luxurious touches, such as a 28-speaker Bowers and Wilkins sound system with headrest speakers in the four main seats. There is a smaller driver display that shows vital numbers such as speed and range, while the new two-spoke steering wheel completes the look.
Not surprisingly for Volvo, the safety technology is comprehensive, advanced and constantly improving as it processes new information from its surroundings. It also gleans knowledge from the experiences of other Volvo cars globally, including any near-misses or accidents, to constantly keep improving. These system upgrades are completed via on going over-the-air updates.
Additionally, a world first for the EX60 is the multi-adaptive seatbelt system, that adjusts according to the size, body shape and positions of individuals inside the car. It can also calculate the speed and angle of any accident and adjust the belt’s tension accordingly.
And, with active families in mind, the EX60 has practicality bases well covered. The boot is accessed via a powered tailgate and is generously sized, while there is ample room in the back for three occupants with the completely flat floor being another asset.
Volvo is exceptionally proud of the EX60 and that was evident at the unveiling event when Anders Bell, Chief Engineering and Technology Officer, Volvo Cars, summed up, saying: “This is our game-changer. It’s the most technically advanced car we have ever built and one that marks the end of range anxiety. When we set out to build the smartest Volvo ever and establish a new benchmark for automotive safety, we started out with customers in mind. We wanted to push the envelope on technology to anticipate our customer’s needs and make their lives easier, better and more enjoyable.
“As our tech gets more advanced, life in your EX60 gets easier, safer and more enjoyable. Today, this is the best car we have ever made, tomorrow it will be even better.”