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Volvo Cars has taken the wraps off its new all-electric EX60, a mid-size SUV positioned for a high-volume segment of the market. The reveal was accompanied by the debut of a more adventurous EX60 Cross Country variant.
The five-seater EX60 marks Volvo's first major entry into the globally popular mid-size electric SUV category and it says the vehicle has been developed to address key considerations for potential electric vehicle buyers.
"The all-electric EX60 represents a new beginning for Volvo Cars and our customers," says Håkan Samuelsson, CEO of Volvo Cars. "We've focused on creating a car that removes obstacles to electric adoption, supported by a new architecture featuring technologies like mega casting and cell-to-body integration."
The EX60 will be offered with three powertrains. The headline figure comes from the P12 all-wheel-drive variant, which Volvo claims can travel up to 810 kilometres on a single charge. A P10 AWD model offers up to 660 km and a rear-wheel-drive P6 is rated for up to 620 km.
Samuelsson adds using a capable 400 kW fast charger can add roughly 340 kilometres of range in approximately 10 minutes. The vehicle is built on the new SPA3 platform and uses Volvo's HuginCore core computing system.
The design follows Volvo's Scandinavian principles, with a drag coefficient of 0,26 to aid efficiency. The interior uses natural materials and is designed for space, benefiting from a flat floor. A long wheelbase is intended to improve rear legroom and boot space.
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An available Bowers & Wilkins audio system includes 28 speakers, with headrest speakers fitted to the four main seats for the first time in a Volvo. Apple Music with Dolby Atmos support will be pre-installed.
The vehicle's infotainment system operates on Android Automotive OS and introduces a new Google-developed voice assistant, designed to respond to conversational commands for vehicle functions.
Volvo emphasises the EX60's safety, incorporating a boron steel safety cage and a new multi-adaptive front safety belt. The vehicle is designed to receive regular over-the-air software updates.
The EX60 Cross Country
Revealed simultaneously, the Cross Country variant builds on the EX60 with a raised ride height, increasing ground clearance by 20 millimetres. An optional air suspension can raise it a further 20 mm.
"It's the EX60 for anyone with a 'go anywhere' attitude," says Erik Severinson, Volvo's Chief Commercial Officer. "We basically invented this segment and the EX60 was the perfect next Volvo to get the Cross Country treatment."
It features design elements including Frost Green exterior paint, rugged wheel arches, stainless steel skid plates, and distinct badging. Two all-wheel-drive powertrains will be offered: a P10 AWD with up to 640 km range and a longer-range P12 AWD.
South African launch plans have still to revealed.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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