While some automakers are getting cold feet about releasing new electric vehicles in the U.S. amid uncertain economic conditions and rapidly slowing sales towards the end of 2025, others are pressing forward with some highly advanced cars. Volvo is one of those companies prepared to launch an entirely new model this year.
Between delays caused by software issues, tariffs making production in China tenuous, and its inability to take advantage of any federal incentives, it’s been a rough couple of years for Volvo’s EVs. However, the automaker is still going forward with some of its electric plans, and the next step is the new Volvo EX60.
Volvo says the most efficient EX60 will go up to 400 miles on a full charge, which is more than the similarly sized BMW iX3, Cadillac Optiq and Mercedes-Benz GLC EV. Two other versions will be offered, one with an estimated 310-mile range and two-wheel drive and an all-wheel drive model with up to 320 miles on a charge. The EX60 has not yet been given range estimates by the EPA, though.
The EX60 also uses new underpinnings for Volvo called HugInCore, which is its way of describing a new set of electric motors, battery cells and mega casting that Volvo says reduces weight and increases performance and efficiency. All models will come with a built-in Tesla-style North American Charging Standard (NACS) charge port, rather than an adapter that Volvo uses on its existing EVs, for access to that company’s Supercharger network.
Even the seatbelts have been redesigned, which is significant since Volvo introduced the three-point seatbelt as we know it almost 70 years ago.
Volvo will also use the EX60 to launch an integrated version of Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, which is set to appear in more vehicles as it replaces Google Assistant. Apple Music will also be pre-installed, the company said, along with Dolby Atmos, and will be offered with a 28-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system on some versions.
Along with Google, the EX60 will use pieces from Nvidia and Qualcomm to power infotainment and advanced driver assistance system technologies, with Volvo promising “no-lag” UX systems. That’s also significant, as the early versions of the EX30 and EX90 models were criticized for slow and bug-riddled systems that required over-the-air updates to operate. Outlets like Consumer Reports found features such as the audio system and climate control not operating correctly or freezing, and the car could be practically undrivable while the systems were updated.
Volvo expects the first EX60s to land at dealers starting in the summer with all variants available by the end of 2026. There will also be an EX60 Cross Country off-road-themed version with slightly more ground clearance and styling modifications.
While Volvo still expects that its older gas-only and plug-in hybrid models will be volume sellers (and is already preparing to build them in the U.S. starting at the end of this year), it’s still banking on being competitive in the electric luxury SUV niche for the next few years. And now it’s looking to get a fresh start.
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