Story | William Ha Photography | Volvo Cars Media
Full electric vehicles (EVs) lost some sales momentum late last year, but several premium manufacturers like Volvo Cars remain bullish on launching all-new EVs. They are doing so by offering unique Scandinavian style, defined by understated yet premium-looking designs, along with extended driving range, ample power and new technologies within highvolume segments.
The sub-compact EX30 and mid-size EX60 crossovers headline Volvo’s latest all-new line-up.
EX30
Sized well and priced to attract first-time luxury EV buyers, the EX30 comes in two versions: a standard single-motor rear-wheel drive model offering up to 420 km of range and 268 horsepower (hp), along with a dual-motor option that provides all-wheel drive and 422 hp. This strong output helps it accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds. If you don’t drive aggressively, you won’t lose much in total driving range (407 km) compared to the standard model, making it the better choice.
Both drivetrains can charge from 10% to 80% in just under 30 minutes using a Level 3 public fast charger.
Inside is typical Scandinavian minimalism, with unique features like f loating door release pulls, a single-piece power seat adjuster switch and an available 9-speaker sound system that includes a sound bar spanning the base of the windshield. The infotainment includes Google built-in, but driving this vehicle will require some adjustment, as there is no instrument display behind the steering wheel, and the lack of physical buttons and knobs could be a dealbreaker for some. For example, adjusting the side mirrors and opening the centre-mounted glove box require accessing virtual buttons on the centre screen.
EX60
This highly anticipated mid-size crossover will be delivered next year and offers the best of contemporary Volvo styling and technology on an all-new EV platform. You’ll get up to 640 km of range in the P12 AWD trim (vs. 514 km for the standard P10 AWD trim), along with the ability to gain up to 270 km of range with just 10 minutes of charging using a Level 3 public fast charger. Horsepower ranges from 360 hp up to a whopping 670 hp.
Other standout features include an available 28-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system with headrest speakers for all four outboard seats, pre-installed Apple Music and Dolby Atmos—a technology that produces a 360-degree sound field around passengers to deliver an enhanced listening experience.
You also get a new Google Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistant called Gemini, which is more advanced than Google Assistant as it enables natural, personalized conversations and expands the vehicle’s voice-command functions. For example, you can ask the system if an item you recently bought will fit in the cargo area, or even discuss vacation ideas.
XC60
Those not ready to step into a full EV can consider the refreshed XC60, Volvo’s venerable mid-size crossover offered in both mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants. Major updates include a redesigned front end and an updated infotainment system with an 11.2-inch screen featuring Google built-in.
Whether you choose the 247-hp mild hybrid or the 455-hp PHEV, both drive and handle well. The PHEV offers the best of both worlds, with tremendous on-demand power and the ability to travel up to 58 km on battery power when fully charged.
Current Tesla owners, EV enthusiasts, or those looking to move beyond the usual German or Japanese luxury makes may find the newest Volvo line-up compelling. Every model offers modern, premium styling with surefooted handling, impressive technology, calming comfort and power to spare.
VOLVO’S NEW MULTI-ADAPTIVE SEATBELT
Volvo invented the three-point seatbelt we all use back in 1959, and the incoming EX60 will feature its new Multi-Adaptive Seatbelt—a cutting-edge system that can vary tension strength during a collision based on inputs from a host of sensors. These sensors assess the passenger’s physical profile, posture and seating position, along with the vehicle’s travel direction and speed.
Think of this technology as customized protection, where each passenger receives the appropriate amount of seatbelt tension for maximum safety while minimizing injuries caused by the belt. For example, in a high-impact frontal collision, a larger passenger requires more seatbelt tension for protection than a shorter, lighter passenger.
Once EX60 models hit the road and enable Volvo to gather additional real-world data, the system can be further improved via over-the-air updates.
