Volvo EX60

The changes start with the looks. The previous mid-size SUV, the XC60, had a traditional Volvo front with big headlights, a large grille and a prominent logo. The bonnet was high and the wheel arches had plenty of space to give the tyres room off-road. The EX60 is a new-generation car with a closed grille, vicious-looking small headlights and a refinement more reminiscent of a luxury passenger car than an SUV. Volvo has deliberately done so, as an adventurous version will follow later named "Cross Country". All these changes not only reflect the new era, but also serve the streamline and (pedestrian) safety.

Space

The EX60 is only offered as an electric car and therefore the platform is tailor-made for electric propulsion. Thus, a lot of space can be extracted from the exterior dimensions. Space in the front and rear is good for a car of this size. In Scandinavian tradition, the seats are excellent and almost inviting for long journeys. A deep compartment can be found under the already generously sized boot. Just in front of the rear bumper are two hatches giving access to a large bin and a hefty shopping bag.

A characteristic of Scandinavian brands is modesty. The shapes are simple, so the look is calm. This even applies to the upholstery, which in this case is made of wool. Even the rest of the materials are aimed at creating a warm, welcoming ambience for the occupants and not to impress others. Displays are used where it makes sense, not for decoration.

Software defined vehicle

Volvo opts for a minimum of buttons. There are buttons on the steering wheel that have different functions depending on the situation. On the dashboard, a large rotary knob can be found under the central display that adjusts the volume of the audio system. This is also the only decorative element in the car, as it is finished in crystal. With this disarmingly simple design, Volvo wants to make it clear that technology serves the driver and no special knowledge is required despite the underlying complexity.

Because in fact, the EX60 is a computer on wheels! Its great advantage is that, just like a mobile phone or a PC, this car can receive updates and thus gets better and better over time. Those updates serve not only to fix bugs, but mainly to make the car smarter. Think more effective safety features and even entirely new functions; something unthinkable in a conventional car. Volvo achieves its goal by dividing an oversized computer into compartments. Each of which has its own speciality. The computer that controls the brakes and safety features, for example has to react much faster than, say, the infotainment system. Splitting functions prevents a failure in one computer from affecting another. It also prevents software from one manufacturer from having access to data that is privacy-sensitive.

Most carmakers buy the hardware and software that operates safety features as an off-the-shelf unit. Volvo has been analysing road accidents for decades, learning more and more about their causes and drivers' reactions. That knowledge is now wrapped up in artificial intelligence that intervenes when necessary to prevent an accident. With every update, this system will get better at its task, which is why, according to Autozine, Volvo is entirely justified in opting for artificial intelligence (AI) here. In one respect, the EX60 differs greatly from the larger EX90: it is also prepared for self-driving functions, while the EX60's computer is limited to serving safety.

Android Automotive

One choice made by Volvo is controversial: the development of the infotainment system (audio, communication and navigation) has been completely outsourced to Google with Android Automotive. The advantage of this is that familiar applications are available in the car, and those who log in with a Google account have instant access to all data linked to it. Google Maps not only provides clear instructions, but also champions bypassing traffic jams and understanding inputs. The latter means that a company name or half an address is enough.

Since recently, Google's artificial intelligent assistant, Gemini, has also been available in modern Volvo cars. Literally all tests done with it failed. Gemini could not show the car's consumption, but gave a definition of consumption and tips on how to drive more economically. When asked to navigate to the same destination as yesterday, there was no answer. Finally, Gemini went wrong when asking it to play music from yours truly's favourite artist: Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. For now, Gemini only functions in one language and that is American English with an American accent (which very starts speaking Canadian when asked for British English).

The big problem with using Android in the car is in privacy, as Google's aim is to collect data. That is why Volvo has now partially reversed this choice. From now on, it is possible to accept Volvo's terms and conditions, but not Google's. Anyone who bothers to read the latter will understand why. Without Google services, functionality may be limited, but unlike similar systems from other brands, the EX60 is still usable. Moreover, Volvo keeps support for Apple out of this, so Apple users can disregard all Google functionality without a problem. There is also good news in terms of the long term: thanks to the compartmentalised setup ("virtualisation" in jargon), it is technically possible to swap Android Automotive for another system later.

For the audio system, Volvo is working with Bowers & Wilkins. How this sounds depends heavily on the music chosen. This is because B&W packs no less than 28 speakers and a lot of amplifier power. Therefore, it shines with spaciousness and spectacle. For this reason, Apple Music comes as standard, as Apple leads the way with "spatial audio". However, when an average song is played in stereo, the EX60's audio system loses much of its charm and only deserves the label "decent".

Basic model: P6

In terms of dimensions, the Volvo EX60 is by no means a city car, so the manufacturer provides large batteries for travelling long distances. To indicate the electric power, Volvo uses the letter "P", followed by a number indicating the rank. The base version is the "P6" and it is good for 374 hp / 480 Nm combined with rear-wheel drive and a battery with a capacity of 83 kWh. Despite weighing over 2 tonnes, this is enough for good performance. However, the power is built differently from other electric cars: first calmly and then increasingly violently. This takes some getting used to, but also gives it a character of its own.

Like any other electric car, the EX60 recovers energy during coasting and braking, but the degree of regeneration can only be determined via the central display. This is far less convenient than using the usual levers behind the steering wheel. Volvo promises an improbably low consumption of 14.7 kWh / 100 km for this base engine. However, on an average route under favourable weather conditions, this could be achieved to the last decimal point! That also means a distance of 611 km could be covered on a battery charge.

Powerhouse: P10

Above the P6 is the "P10" and it is a powerhouse in every sense. Power increases to 510 hp / 710 Nm and to prevent the car from stalling in a cloud of smoking tyres, four-wheel drive is standard on the P10. Similarly, more engine power requires more energy, which is why a 95-kWh capacity battery comes as standard.

From the first few metres, it is abundantly clear that the P10 packs much more power than the P6, as even in standard mode there is always a huge reserve on standby. The slightest movement of the accelerator therefore immediately results in eager acceleration. When the throttle is firmly depressed in sport mode, the EX60 P10 is almost insanely fast, the occupants are instantly pressed into the seats and any luggage that is not strapped in slides resolutely against the rear wall. Unfortunately, the P10 does consume more than Volvo promises. Test consumption came to 18.6 kWh per 100 km (compared to 15.7 kWh per 100 according to the brochure). The surplus power allows the P10 to tow trailers of up to 2,400 kg.

Handling

The EX60 P6 and P10 not only have different batteries and powertrains, they are also on different chassis. In both cases, the car feels big and stable, but less colossal than the EX90, which is almost intimidatingly large at times because of its size. The feeling in the brake pedal is artificial. The electronics determine when engine braking is applied and when the mechanical brakes come into action, but that balance was not good during the beta software test.

The P6 has variable dampers that provide more or less resistance depending on frequency. This has the advantage of cleverly combining comfort and dynamics. However, as with other brands using this technology, this "trick" does not always work and therefore the driver always has to wait and see how the car will react in a specific situation. However, as a rule, the EX60 P6 is a calm, comfortable car.

The P10 uses active dampers and therefore has two different characters. In comfort mode, the P10 is at least as comfortable as the P6, but with a more predictable / consistent character. In sport mode, communication with the driver is many times better, giving the car a more confident feel. In addition, tilt is then reduced from minimal to zero, making the P10 challenging for sporty driving.

Conclusion

Cars have become increasingly sophisticated over the years. Equipment became richer. With the advent of electric propulsion, every car is quiet, fast and economical. This has basically reached the limits of what is possible with mechanics.

So Volvo is now taking the next step by focusing on software. With this, Volvo is certainly not the first, but it is ahead of the established brands. Moreover, Volvo is giving its own interpretation to the concept of the "software defined vehicle". Volvo deploys software to make driving easier and, above all, much safer. The ease also comes from its integration with Google's Android for the infotainment system. Although this works extremely well, it is a nightmare in terms of privacy, which is why, with the arrival of the EX60, Volvo is making it possible to restrict the use of Android. While other manufacturers actually develop the infotainment system in-house, Volvo spends that time developing its own safety features. Because the computer now has full control over the car, artificial intelligence at Volvo can assist in preventing accidents. Volvo is constantly learning in this field and equips the EX60's brain with the latest safety knowledge every quarter.

Because software cannot do without hardware, Volvo has developed a new platform for the EX60. This also offers a wide range of electric motors, batteries and chassis. The base version is already more than adequate in practice. The P6 impresses with handling, performance, equipment, range and charging speed. Not only is the P10 superior to the P6 in terms of performance, it is also superior to any counterpart with an internal combustion engine. The P10 may tow heavy trailers and is both comfortable and sporty thanks to an adaptive suspension.