Volvo has a new mid-size SUV EV, the EX60 and it enters the largest market segment for EVs, coming with excellent range, charging speed and performance.
I have no doubt, like previous models, this newcomer from Volvo will major on safety and I can say that I have had proof of just how safe their cars are. Some time ago while on a press launch in Spain, I was passenger in a RHD Volvo, the road was very slippery due to mud and unfortunately we ploughed in to a lorry, my side of the car was torn apart; thanks to the numerous safety aids on board I walked away from the accident.
More than any other topic, would be buyers of EVs ask about range and to be fair over the recent past, I have observed that EVs are delivering much improved range. Of course it depends on a number of factors such as weather conditions and the manner in which the vehicle is driven. With the new EX60, the claim is just over 800 kilometres (498 miles) from a single charge, which is bound to please. Further good news, you can add up to 349km (217 miles) of range in a mere ten minutes when using a 400kW fast charger, making a charging stop almost as fast, not quite, as a fuel stop. When it comes to the battery, Volvo delivers with a ten year warranty. Apparently the key to the class leading range is SPA3, the most advanced electric car architecture to date from Volvo, and this underpins the new EX60. It unlocks maximum efficiency in key systems inside the vehicle and allows an EV range that matches cars which have petrol engines. By integrating the battery directly in to the structure of the EX60 with cell to body technology and developing e- motors in house this makes this newcomer more energy efficient and reduces excessive weight. Also the new cell design of the battery balances energy density and power delivery, thus further improving driving range. Power choice is excellent as Volvo offer three different powertrains. The P12 AWD offers the class leading range, while the P10 AWD clocks in with a range of up to 659km (410 miles). A rear wheel drive variant, the P6 delivers up to 620 km (385 miles) and in total the new EX60 is available in seven attractive variants, aimed at covering the needs and lifestyles of a wide customer base.
When it comes to styling, the new EX60 takes the company’s Scandinavian design principles much further in to the EV era. The exterior is a bold, confident look and for those who travel in this new EV there are high end materials employed to deliver a calm, refined and versatile space with excellent storage capability. For music on the move and many do enjoy as the road unfolds the EX60 offers an excellent choice with a premium 26 speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system. For the first time in a Volvo, this system also includes headrest speakers on all of the four main seats and it is the first from Volvo with Apple Music pre-installed with Dolby Atmos. Production of the new EX60 commences in Sweden this spring and customer deliveries of the P6 and P10 start in summer; the P12 will follow soon after.
Ian Lynas