The electric SUV segment is showing no signs of slowing down. Manufacturers across the world have been getting in on the portion of the market which continues to rise in demand, and Volvo has been present in it for a little while now. It is hoped, however, that this car – the EX60 – will be the one to make its stamp on the world.

Rivalling accomplished rivals such as the BMW iX3 and BMW GLC, the EX60 weighs in with a long range and plenty of on-board technology, but is that enough to put it at the top of the list? We’ve been driving it to find out.

credit: PA

What’s new?

The Volvo EX60 brings a handful of traditionally ‘Volvo’ innovations, but these are bundled together with plenty of brand-new features. For instance, there’s a big focus on storage inside – more on that later – yet with Google’s Gemini AI service, you can, in theory, have a full ‘conversation’ with the car’s on-board assistance. We gave this service a good test, too, and it found local hairdressers rated by Google scores and even recommended a used motorcycle to cut through our Barcelona test route’s traffic.

Volvo will also be introducing a ‘Cross Country’ version of the EX60, which brings a boost in ride height and more adventure-focused design touches.

What’s under the bonnet?

The EX60 will be available, initially, in three battery and motor configurations. Things kick off with the P6, which brings a range of up to 385 miles and a total output of 369bhp, while the dual-motor P10 AWD ups that power output to 503bhp and range increases, too, to 410 miles. At the top – and due to be introduced slightly later – is the P12 AWD, which brings a headline range of 503 miles, the longest of any EV currently on sale.

The EX60 also benefits from a very rapid maximum charge rate of up to 400kW, which means you could take the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in around 16 minutes. Sadly, the entry-level P6 does without this, but still gets a respectable 350kW charge rating.

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What’s it like to drive?

The EX60 certainly lies on the comfort end of things when it comes to driving style. The ride is good – though our Spanish test routes were glass-smooth – and what really stands out is the level of refinement that this car offers. Even at motorway speeds, it is remarkably hushed, which will help to make longer journeys more relaxing. The steering isn’t the most pleasant, mind you, while the ultra-small steering wheel is – in our opinion – a little too compact and leaves you feeling a little lost when piloting the car. It’s a shame, as ‘traditional’ Volvo steering wheels have always been very pleasant to use. Unfortunately – and as we’ve found on some other Volvos – the main screen is a little too distracting to use safely on the move. More physical buttons could help with this, or even some clearer shortcuts on the screen itself.

With over 500bhp, the mid-range P10 is more than quick enough but for most, we reckon that the standard P6 will bring more than enough performance. What we’d really like would be a single motor car with the larger battery found on the P10 and P12; it feels like it would bring the best blend of performance and efficiency.

How does it look?

Given that the EX60 slots between the smaller EX30 and the larger seven-seater EX90, you can see how Volvo has brought some ‘family’ styling to tie the three together. There’s lots to like, too, with the classic ‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlights providing a futuristic appearance up front.

Around the rear, it’s a little more slab-sided. However, the EX60’s boxy design is what helps it to deliver good levels of headroom.

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What’s it like inside?

In a similar vein, the interior of the EX60 has elements of EX30 and EX90. The good news – and what will help the EX60 to appeal to family buyers – is that there’s loads of storage inside. There’s no traditional glovebox, but this area has been replaced by a large section underneath the main screen and provides a usefully large storage space and one which can be concealed to help keep your items safe. There’s also a very good slide-out cupholder section underneath the central armrest. Material quality is good, too, though we can’t help but feel that some of the upholstery and trim sections don’t quite feel up to the usual ‘Volvo’ levels of solidity

Back space is great, too. There’s a fully flat floor, so even the person in the middle seat has enough space to stretch out and, as mentioned, headroom is great too. There are seatback pockets, too, but oddly enough, there’s a little too tight, so you can’t store much in them aside from thinner items like a phone or book.

What’s the spec like?

Here’s the crunch point –the price. However, don’t fear, as the EX60 is competitively priced against rivals. You’ll pay £56,860 for the entry-level P6 in Plus grade and its range of 385 miles, or £59,860 for the P10, which brings a range of 410 miles. At the top, you’re looking at £64,860 for a P12 and its standout 503-mile range.

Equipment levels are solid across the board. Plus cars get climate control, heated steering wheel and that clever 15.04 curved central display, as well as a load of safety assistance features. The fixed panoramic sunroof is included, too. As mentioned, the central screen is where you’ll access pretty much everything about the car – even the wing mirror and steering wheel adjustment – and while it’s quick to respond and accurate, we’d still like more physical buttons to help keep things safer. Many brands have returned to physical buttons – we’re looking at you, Volkswagen – and we can’t help but feel that Volvo might do this soon as well.

You can move up to ‘Ultra’ grade if you’d like laminated side windows and an upgraded Bowers and Wilkins sound system, but, in truth, we reckon that the EX60 is at its best in standard Plus specification, where its price is kept the most competitive.

Verdict

The Volvo EX60 enters a very competitive area of the market. However, we feel that it has all of the tools to succeed; a great range, lots of equipment and a genuinely well-packaged interior which feels perfectly suited to the family buyers who operate in this area of the car market.

We’d like more buttons and less reliance on a single screen, but in nearly all other areas, the EX60 nails the brief for a comfortable and spacious family EV.

Model as tested: Volvo EX60 P10

Price: £59,860

Engine: Dual electric motor

Power: 503bhp

Torque: 710Nm

Max speed: 112mph

0-60mph: 4.4 seconds

MPG: NA

Emissions: 0g/km

Range: 410 miles

Maximum charge speed: 400kW