First Drive: 2026 Volvo EX60 – An Enticing Lineup?

June 29, 2026

In Brief

The Volvo EX60 stands out as a high-end electric-family SUV, delivering impressive range, ultra-fast charging, and a high level of comfort. With its 800 V architecture, it competes with the best premium German EVs thanks to refined performance and cutting-edge technology. Despite a fully digital interface that can feel complex and a steep price, it wins fans with its quality finish, reassuring handling, and elegant interior. This model embodies Volvo’s shift toward electrification while staying true to the brand’s safety and practicality values.

At Volvo, electric isn’t a feature, it’s a manifesto. After the EX30 and EX40, which paved the way to the EX90, the marque’s immense technology flagship, the new mainstream core finally arrives: the EX60.

Volvo EX60 P6: A Premium Family SUV

A premium family SUV designed to outpace not Tesla’s Model Y or the Chinese rivals who tout unbeatable pricing, but the new wave of premium German models: the Audi Q6 e-tron, BMW iX3 Neue Klasse, and Mercedes GLC EQ. Also in the mix is Porsche, diving into the fray with a Macan now powered by a synchronous motor… All top-tier hardware, with a shared promise of over 600 km of range and ultra-fast recharging, thanks to their latest-generation 800 V platform. Yet this level of technology doesn’t come cheap. The iX3 (82.6 kWh, 320 hp) starts at €64,550, the Q6 e-tron (95 kWh, 306 hp) at €70,900, and the GLC EQ (94 kWh, 489 hp) at €71,900, while Elon Musk’s premium SUV undercuts at €57,490. Even in its entry-level P6 guise (83 kWh, 374 hp, 2WD), the EX60 is priced at €66,500 before the government incentive (CEE) of €400. Not cheap, but at this level you’ve long moved beyond “nickel-and-dime.” To appeal to the demanding clientele of this class, Volvo has paid exceptional attention to the packaging…

Volvo EX60 P6: No “Wow” Factor

Aesthetically, the EX60—built in Sweden—doesn’t seek the flashy “wow” moment. At 4.80 m long, the electric sibling to the XC60 (whose sales continue in parallel) revisits the brand’s own styling: Thor’s hammer daytime running lights, balanced proportions, taut lines, and smooth surfaces. The design is exceptionally smooth, with door handles that vanish in favor of small “shark-fin” power-operated fins. A pure Scandinavian restraint that contrasts with rivals’ tech showpieces—LED bands and ostentatious chrome grilles. This SUV doesn’t shout “look at me”; it whispers, “you’ve got good taste.” This restrained elegance carries into the cabin, dominated by a 15-inch central screen running a top-tier Google system (Gemini AI included) paired with a clear 11.4-inch digital instrument cluster. The finish is equally enticing, with flawless fit and 95% of plastics covered in soft-touch materials. The Ultra trim elevates the presentation with superb leather or wool seating, real wood accents, mood lighting, tri-zone climate control, and a Bowers & Wilkins audio system delivering a staggering 1,820 W across 28 speakers, including some integrated into the headrests. It’s the kind of setup that makes you feel like you’re front-row at a concert…

Volvo EX60 P6: No Eye-Catching Gadgets

There aren’t flashy gadgets everywhere—no XXL screen facing the front passenger, for instance—but there is a panoramic roof that dims to bathe the cabin in light. It heightens the sense of space aboard, especially since rear legroom is already generous. The rear bench is wide and flat enough for three adults, with electronically adjustable backrests. The trunk offers 586 L of cargo space, including 63 L under the floor, split 60/40. Volvo even offers optional organizers (priced from €45 to €135) to keep things tidy. Under the hood, the frunk adds 52 L, ideal for cables or a travel bag. A genuine mover with a flat floor and practical, family-oriented thinking—this is Volvo’s DNA—though not everything is perfect…

Volvo EX60 P6: A “Rolling Living Room” Atmosphere

Because the car handles so much of its operations through the digital interface, some simple tasks can feel frustrating, such as adjusting the steering wheel and mirrors via the screen and wheel-mounted controls. The airflow requires opening a menu that makes you take your eyes off the road. In this cadence, you’ll almost need a PhD to operate a simple vent! The voice control and AI, as capable as they are, still can’t handle every situation. For example, starting the car isn’t as intuitive as with a traditional key or push button. You don’t need a key or a button; a light flick on the gear selector engages Drive, a touch of the accelerator, and you glide away. The recommended One-Pedal mode set to Medium provides the smoothest experience (you can toggle a shortcut from the screen). The “rolling lounge” ambiance becomes very real thanks to excellent sound insulation, whether you’re cruising at 50 or 130 km/h (standard laminated glass, no wind or road noise), plush seats with excellent comfort, and a remarkably forgiving suspension, whatever the road conditions.

Volvo EX60 P6: Velvet Glove, Iron Fist

Yet under that velvet glove lies an iron grip. With 374 hp and 480 Nm, the P6 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.9 seconds, despite tipping the scales at nearly 2.2 metric tons. Not bad at all. The Swedish SUV also shines on twisty roads: a low center of gravity, well-controlled body movements (adaptive damping, though not adjustable on this version), and a very stable rear-wheel-drive setup that offers a confidently predictable feel even when you push harder. The one area that left us wanting was the steering feedback: too light in standard mode, too “sticky” in dynamic mode. Technically, the EX60 P6 packs an 83 kWh gross (80 kWh net) battery. Volvo quotes 611 km WLTP, which places it among the leaders on paper. In real-world conditions, after two days of varied routes (city, back roads, and highway segments), our average consumption settled at 16.8 kWh/100 km.

Volvo EX60 P6: The Real Challenge? Rapid Charging

That translates into a practical range of around 480 km. Not as far as some expect, but still a solid figure for long journeys. And Volvo clearly understands the major hurdle today: rapid charging. Thanks to its 800 V architecture and the ability to ingest up to 370 kW on DC fast chargers, the EX60 can go from 10 to 80% in just 16 minutes on the right charger (a built-in converter also enables charging at 400 V stations, including Tesla’s). In addition, Google Maps-based route planning, automatic battery preconditioning, and Plug & Charge simplify everything: the charger chosen by the GPS recognizes the car and starts charging automatically, without apps or cards, with the battery at an ideal temperature. The missing ingredient for some might be an onboard espresso machine to optimize those charging breaks! At home, charging is simpler but still longer. If you want to see the 100% indicator on the dashboard first thing in the morning after a light breakfast, plan about 8 hours on an 11 kW wallbox, 12 hours on 7.4 kW units, and up to 24 hours on a Green’Up wall outlet…

Volvo EX60 P6 374 ch/83 kWh Ultra: The Pros

  • Comfort and road manners
  • Presentation and finish
  • Very fast charging

Volvo EX60 P6 374 ch/83 kWh Ultra: The Cons

  • Fully digital interface can be complex
  • Steering feel isn’t as informative as some would like
  • Not a small price tag…

Auto-Journal’s Verdict: 4.5/5

The EX60 isn’t the flashiest nor the cheapest in its class, but it checks the essential boxes: range, charging speed, finish, equipment, comfort, and road manners. In a segment where showiness often takes center stage, its understated Scandinavian elegance remains refreshing and appealing.

Volvo EX60 P6 374 ch/83 kWh Ultra: In Numbers


Read our test of the Volvo EX60 P6 374 hp / 83 kWh Ultra in Auto-Journal issue No. 1210, dated 28/05/2026

Comparison Table

Model Power (hp) Battery (kWh) WLTP Range (km) Price (€) 0-60 mph (s) Rapid Charging Boot (L)
Volvo EX60 P6 374 83 (80 net) 611 66 500 5.9 10-80% in 16 min (370 kW, 800 V) 586
BMW iX3 Neue Klasse 320 82.6 64 550
Audi Q6 e-tron 306 95 70 900
Mercedes GLC EQ 489 94 71 900
Tesla Model Y 57 490

The Essentials to Remember

  • The Volvo EX60 targets the premium segment of electric family SUVs with long range and ultra-fast charging.
  • It offers a high-end finish, a refined interior, and a full set of tech features (Google, Gemini AI, Bowers & Wilkins sound).
  • Its main drawbacks relate to the complexity of its digital-first interface and a price tag that’s steep compared with some rivals.
  • The P6 version delivers 374 hp, an 83 kWh battery, and 0-60 mph in about 5.9 seconds.
  • During our test, average energy consumption came to 16.8 kWh/100 km, equating to roughly 298 miles of real-world range.
  • Safety, comfort, quietness, and practicality remain at the heart of Volvo’s proposition.

FAQ

What is the real-world range of the Volvo EX60?

The Volvo EX60 lists 611 km WLTP, but during testing, real-world range was about 480 km in varied conditions.

How long does it take to recharge the Volvo EX60?

On an 800 V supercharger delivering 370 kW, the EX60 can go from 10% to 80% in just 16 minutes.

What is the starting price of the Volvo EX60 P6?

The Volvo EX60 P6 starts at €66,500 before the €400 government incentive.

What are the strong points of the Volvo EX60 according to the article?

Key strengths are comfort, handling, presentation, finish, and fast charging capability.

What interior features distinguish the Volvo EX60?

It stands out with a 15-inch central screen, wool or leather upholstery, real wood trim, a Bowers & Wilkins 1,820 W sound system, and ambient lighting.

Nolan Kessler

I focus on performance-driven cars, emerging technologies, and the business forces shaping the automotive industry. My work aims to deliver clear, relevant insights without unnecessary noise, with a strong attention to detail and accuracy. I follow the evolution of mobility daily, with a particular interest in what defines the next generation of driving.