Volvo EX60 Deep Dive: Premium Electric SUV Technology and Performance Tested

Verdict First: A Relaxing, Long-Range Luxury EV That Finally Challenges the Germans

The Volvo EX60 is a premium electric SUV built on a new platform that aims to combine long range, rapid charging, and a spacious, minimalist cabin to serve as a refined family-sized alternative to established German luxury EVs. As a verdict up front, this is the brand’s most convincing electric car to date: it prioritises comfort and usability over outright sportiness, and does so with range figures and cabin quality that push it ahead of some rivals. It feels plusher and of better build quality than the BMW iX3, and its claimed ranges of up to 503 miles and charging speeds up to 400kW place it in the top tier of current luxury EVs. The trade-off is that driving engagement and physical controls lag behind the best, but for family buyers and long-distance commuters, the EX60 is a standout.

Design, Cabin and Usability: Minimalist but Thoughtful

The EX60 follows Volvo’s reductive, minimalist design philosophy, so at first glance the cabin looks plain, but closer inspection reveals careful detailing and smart storage. Flowing layers of wood, fabric and leather-like materials give the interior a bright, airy feel, especially with lighter trims, and perceived quality is high – noticeably plusher and of better build quality than the BMW iX3. Family usability is a clear priority: the boot floor lifts in two parts, so you can reach the deep underfloor well without emptying the whole load area, and Volvo will even sell you a plastic bucket designed for muddy items like crabs, complete with crab motifs. Around the cabin there are numerous cubbyholes and neat touches like slide-out cupholders from the centre console, creating a space that is both practical and distinctly premium rather than flashy.

Technology, Interface and Google Gemini: Smart but Screen-Heavy

The EX60’s technology story is central to this Volvo EX60 review. A 15-inch landscape central display hosts almost all key functions in an updated software suite derived from the EX90, and it operates quickly with a more logical layout and handy shortcut buttons along the bottom and right edges. However, Volvo’s continued focus on digital controls has downsides: mirror and steering wheel adjustment still live inside menus, and the substantial lack of physical buttons makes it a chore to use while driving. Volvo is proud of its Google Gemini AI-powered voice assistant, which works well for setting navigation and locating chargers but is less capable at surfacing more obscure settings or handling complex queries. The driver display sits at the end of the dashboard, so you don’t refocus much from the road, but the unusually small steering wheel, designed to avoid blocking the instruments, feels odd and takes time to adapt to.

Real-World Comfort, Refinement and Range in a Premium Electric SUV

On the road, the EX60 behaves exactly as a premium electric SUV aimed at families should. Comfort is the priority, and on mixed routes in Somerset and Dorset the EX60 was outstandingly refined, super-hushed at speed and, with adaptive dampers, delivered a sumptuous, very relaxing ride quality. Steering is accurate but not particularly engaging, and that same tiny steering wheel can leave you feeling slightly disconnected from such a substantial vehicle. Performance from the dual-motor variants is more than strong enough; power outputs rise to over 500bhp in the P10, yet the P6 is likely sufficient for most buyers. Range figures are a headline strength: the EX60’s top P12 AWD version promises 503 miles between charges and can accept up to 400kW, allowing a 10–80 per cent charge in around 16 minutes on a suitably powerful charger. One-pedal drive mode works intuitively and helps offset a brake pedal feel that is less satisfying.

Luxury EV Comparison: EX60 vs BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric

The EX60 enters a segment where the BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric have helped redefine what a premium electric SUV can be, showing buyers they need not sacrifice range or driving enjoyment for plug-in luxury. Against this backdrop, the EX60 stands out less for sharp handling and more for its mix of comfort, space and technology. Its cabin feels plusher and of better build quality than the iX3, and its range and rapid charging figures are at least as compelling as those German benchmarks. Equipment levels are strong, with climate control, a heated steering wheel, panoramic roof, a large curved central display and extensive driver assistance features included on Plus models. According to one road test, "The EX60 is easily the best electric Volvo to date" thanks to its excellent range figures, strong equipment, and family-focused practicality combined with impressive refinement and rapid charging capability.

Buy if / Skip if

• Buy the Volvo EX60 if you want a premium electric SUV that prioritises comfort, refinement and long-range capability over sporty handling.
• Skip the Volvo EX60 if engaging steering feel and a traditional, larger steering wheel are top priorities for your driving enjoyment.
• Buy the Volvo EX60 if you value a spacious, practical and high-quality interior that feels plusher than German rivals like the BMW iX3.
• Skip the Volvo EX60 if you dislike screen-heavy interfaces and prefer plenty of physical buttons for everyday controls.
• Buy the Volvo EX60 if rapid DC charging and headline-grabbing claimed ranges are key factors in your luxury EV comparison.
• Skip the Volvo EX60 if you want a cabin that looks immediately dramatic rather than minimalist and subtly detailed.