Electric cars have become absurdly expensive. But when a Swede enters the market, offering supercar power and marathon range for a reasonable price, it's time for panic in Germany. Is the EX60 perfect? Well, it has a few flaws. But the advantages are simply too great to ignore.
Let's face it: the prices of new electric cars have skyrocketed in recent years. When you check off a few must-have extras in the online configurator, BMW iX3 or Mercedes GLC EQ, the number quickly and painfully flies towards 90,000 euros. And then on the scene enters Volvo EX60A car backed by Chinese Geely capital, offering an entry-level model at a price that will make Munich and Stuttgart think seriously about their margins.
For this money, you get a car with a battery that is almost too big to be real and equipment that would require the sale of minor assets for German competition.
Three Flavors of Swedish Power (and One Very Strict Nanny)
Volvo, which is with its legendary model Volvo XC60 For many years, the company has defined the class of safe family SUVs, and with the EX60, it is launching a completely new electric architecture in three main configurations. The battery size is strictly linked to the selected powertrain:
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P6 (Rear Drive): A base that is not basic at all. It offers 80 kWh net battery capacity and 275 kW (368 hp) power. The price starts at 63,000 euros for the Plus package, while the richer Ultra version will cost you around 69,790 euros (prices apply to the German market, but are very comparable to prices on our local market).
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P10 (Four-wheel drive): A golden mean and probably a bestseller. It boasts 92 kWh net battery capacity, exceptional 375 kW (503 hp) and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in sports 4.6 secondsThe starting price is 66,000 euros, and for the fully equipped Ultra package you will pay approximately 72,800 euros (prices apply to the German market, but are very comparable to prices on our local market).
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P12 (Four-wheel drive): Pure madness. A battery with 112 kWh net capacity and gross 500 kW (670 hp)Acceleration to 100 km/h occurs here in less than 4.0 seconds. Price? For the Plus package you will pay 72,000 euros, and the Ultra version will make it easier for you to 78,800 euros (prices apply to the German market, but are very comparable to prices on our local market).
But here's where that famous Volvo safety irony comes in. Whether you buy a P6 or the furious P12 with nearly 700 horsepower, the final speed is electronically limited to 180 km/h (112 mph).
Having 680 horsepower and a 180 km/h top speed is like having a hungry cheetah but only being able to walk it on a three-meter leash. For most global markets, this won't be a problem at all, but those of you who regularly frequent German highways will probably find yourself angrily slapping that small steering wheel when a wheezing diesel station wagon from a decade ago overtakes you.
Charging: Faster than you can drink coffee
Where Volvo EX60 Where it really shines and delivers a direct hit to its rivals is its new 800-volt architecture. The P10 and P12 models support ultra-fast direct current (DC) charging with incredible peak power 370 kW. What does this mean in practice? That you will charge a battery from 10 % to 80 % in just 16 minutes (for model P10) or in 19 minutes with the P12's massive battery. In just four minutes of charging, the car gains approximately 74 kilometers (46 miles) of range. Add to that the standard AC charger with a power output of 22 kW at higher trim levels and it's clear that Volvo simply didn't skimp in this area.
Driving: Active silence that may even be frightening
Although the EX60 doesn't have air suspension (that will be exclusive to the upcoming Cross Country version), it does have a great adaptive chassis with active damping. The car even on huge 22-inch rims It absorbs bumps from the road surprisingly softly and elegantly. The small, almost video game-like steering wheel takes some getting used to, but makes the ride surprisingly agile.
The real special feature of the cabin is its soundproofing. It combines laminated glass and a system for Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)The result is absolute, almost deathly silence at highway speeds. For some, this will be sonic nirvana, for others it will feel a bit unnatural, like wearing noise-canceling headphones. A stunningly good sound system Bowers & Wilkins with 28 speakers and support for Dolby Atmos will of course ensure that you hear every breath of your favorite artist in this silence.
Swedish flies and that “Apple” elephant in the room
Of course, the EX60 is not without its flaws. The exterior door handles have been replaced by unusual aerodynamic “fins” with a button at the back, which is neat in design, but in practice less natural than a classic handle (and firefighters would probably have something to say about it).
The main headache for many, however, lies in the beautiful new horizontal touchscreen. Although the car runs on Google's excellent Gemini operating system with built-in artificial intelligence, at launch Apple CarPlay simply doesn't exist.. Not wired, not wireless – no way. Volvo has decided to push its own system to the forefront, and for iPhone users who want to map their specific apps to the car's screen, this is a significant blow to the belt. The solution? The Swedes promise that Apple CarPlay will be added later via an over-the-air software update (OTA), expected in the summer. Until then, you'll have to rely on the excellent, but sometimes a little stubborn, built-in interface.
There are no compromises when it comes to everyday usability and space. The trunk measures a respectable 523 liters, and under the front cover there is a spacious “frunk” with 58 liters For towing heavy toys or caravans, the EX60 will provide exceptional towing capacity of up to 2,400 kg (5,291 lbs) and dynamic roof load up to 100 kg (220 lbs).
Conclusion: Why the competition should sleep poorly
The Volvo EX60 is a car that will shake up the world of electric SUVs. If the electronic top speed limit at 180 km/h doesn't ruin your sleep at night and you can live without Apple CarPlay for a few months, this is one of the most complete packages in this car class right now.
For just under 73,000 (for the fully equipped P10 Ultra version) you get top-notch technology, brutal 370 kW charging, prestigious Scandinavian minimalism and performance that would make many a German CEO's office sweat when looking at the price. And if you stop at just the entry-level P6 model for 63,000 euros, you get a car that offers most of the model's essential virtues, but remains surprisingly family-friendly.
Personally, I think the EX60 is the kind of car where compromises feel like thoughtful engineering decisions, not panicked cost-cutting measures in search of higher margins. It offers prestige without arrogance, exceptional power without vulgar posturing, and comfort that makes the competition seem dangerously outdated. For that price, Volvo is not just selling a car, it's selling a peaceful and surprisingly quiet revolution. And a very, very fast revolution at that.
