Volvo just unveiled what could be the most important model in its growing family of electric vehicles. At an event in Stockholm, the Swedish automaker introduced the all-new EX60. Positioned squarely between the compact EX30 and the flagship EX90, this is the automaker's first entry into the midsize electric SUV class -- now the largest, most competitive EV segment globally. Fortunately, it looks like Volvo is putting its best foot forward with EX60, which debuts the brand's latest generation SPA3 battery-electric platform, a generous helping of cruising range and smart dashboard tech powered by Google Gemini AI.
There is a lot riding on this new model. It follows in the footsteps of the gasoline-powered XC60, currently the company's all-time best-selling vehicle worldwide. Replicating that success with an electric equivalent is no small task. Overshadowed by the EX30 and EX90's troubled launches, it's even more important that Volvo get it right this time to win back customer trust. Stack that against an established field of highly desirable competitors and you can see why the EX60 is Volvo's most important electric launch to date. This feels like a make-or-break moment for the brand's EV ambitions.
All-new EV platform
Beneath its Scandinavian skin, the EX60 is the first Volvo built on the automaker's new SPA3 dedicated battery-electric platform. The new platform is quite literally built around the structural battery pack, resulting in a vehicle that is lighter, more tightly integrated and structurally more rigid than Volvo's previous electric or combustion architectures. The EX60 is also the first Volvo car to make use of "megacasting." This manufacturing approach reduces complexity by replacing "hundreds of smaller parts" with larger, recycled aluminum casts. This means less material waste, time, and cost, ultimately resulting in "the lowest carbon footprint for a fully electric Volvo car," equalling that of the much smaller EX30.
From the outside, the EX60 is unmistakably a Volvo with signature design cues like the Thor's Hammer daytime running lights and diagonal slash grille adornment. The five-seat SUV's upright nose, side profile and vertical taillights subtly nod to the brand's sporty wagon heritage with a modern, aerodynamic twist. Overall, it's a clean and very handsome design.
Look closely and you may notice gently sloping roofline, tapered body sides and slick shark-fin-style door pulls that help the electric SUV achieve a slippery 0.26 drag coefficient. For comparison, Volvo's combustion-powered XC60 has a Cd of around 0.35, while the electric Tesla Model X is around 0.24.
Powered by Google Gemini
Inside, the EX60 continues Volvo's Scandinavian minimalist approach, pairing simplicity with technology and complemented by a large panoramic glass roof that floods the interior with light. The dashboard is dominated by a 15-inch curved OLED center display with Google Built-in, which means Google Maps for navigation, the Google Play Store for media apps and, for the first time in a Volvo, Google Gemini as an AI-powered digital assistant. Powering the experience is a Qualcomm AI processor, enabling responsive handling of voice-controlled tasks and deeper integration of Google Gemini directly into the vehicle.
The arrival of Gemini in Volvo's EV brings a more conversational and context-aware experience to the EX60. Drivers can ask Gemini to navigate a hotel address in their email, check whether a particular item or package will fit in the trunk or generate ideas for an upcoming road trip. Volvo says future updates will take this Google partnership further. In the near future, Gemini will be able to use the car's cameras to understand what the driver sees and answer questions about the world outside the vehicle. I'm told that this capability will be opt-in for drivers concerned about privacy.
Enlarge Image Volvo's interior design is minimalist, but its Gemini-powered dashboard tech promises robust AI assistance. Volvo Cars
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