Volvo’s upcoming EX60 electric SUV claims an 810 km range on a single charge, surpassing rivals like the Tesla Model Y. Debuting January 21, 2026, it integrates Google’s Gemini AI for natural conversations and uses an NVIDIA-powered supercomputer for real-time safety learning. This positions the EX60 as a software-defined vehicle that improves via over-the-air updates, appealing to buyers seeking long-range, intelligent EVs under $60,000.
Background: Volvo’s Shift to Electric Leadership
Volvo Cars, founded in 1927 in Sweden, has built its reputation on safety innovations like the three-point seatbelt. In recent years, the brand accelerated its electrification strategy, aiming for all-electric sales by 2030. The EX90 flagship SUV launched this transition, and the EX60 targets the competitive mid-size segment previously dominated by the XC60 hybrid.
Volvo partners with Google since 2017 for Android-based infotainment, now evolving to Gemini AI integration. Built on the new SPA3 platform with mega-casting for lighter construction, the EX60 aims for affordability comparable to the XC60 hybrid. Production starts in 2026 at Volvo’s Ridgeville, South Carolina plant, with European assembly in Ghent, Belgium.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Platform | SPA3 with mega-casting |
| Range (AWD) | Up to 810 km (WLTP) |
| Charging | 800V architecture, 340 km in 10 min at 400 kW |
| AI System | Google Gemini on HuginCore (NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin, Qualcomm Snapdragon) |
| Connectivity | 4 years free unlimited data |
| Battery Warranty | 10 years |
| Safety | Adaptive seatbelts, LiDAR, global fleet learning |
| Seating | Up to 7 seats (third row possible) |
| Price Estimate (US) | Around $51,000 |
| Price Estimate (UK) | Around £60,000 |
Note: Full specs including battery size, power output, and exact dimensions await official reveal on January 21. Range based on WLTP; real-world figures may vary.
AI and Infotainment: HuginCore Powers Natural Interaction
The EX60 introduces HuginCore, Volvo’s in-house supercomputer named after a Norse mythology bird. Powered by NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Cockpit Platform, it delivers the fastest processing in any Volvo, enabling instant app loading and seamless AI responses.
Google’s Gemini AI marks the first direct vehicle integration by Volvo, allowing natural language queries like “find my hotel address in emails” or “will this box fit in the trunk?” Future OTA updates will let Gemini access cameras to describe surroundings or answer environmental questions, a step beyond current systems in VW or Mercedes.
A portrait-style touchscreen dominates the minimalist dashboard, with a physical volume knob for tactile control. Four years of unlimited data ensures constant connectivity, though post-period costs remain unspecified.
Performance and Efficiency: 810 km Range Leadership
Volvo claims the AWD EX60 achieves 810 km WLTP range, exceeding the BMW iX3, Mercedes EQE SUV, and Tesla Model Y Long Range. The 800V system supports 400 kW DC charging, adding 340 km in 10 minutes—ideal for quick stops.
Mega-casting reduces parts from hundreds to one large aluminum piece, cutting weight and boosting efficiency, following Tesla’s lead. The SPA3 platform lowers production costs, enabling pricing near the XC60 hybrid’s $57,000 base.
Safety Innovations: Learning from the Fleet
Safety remains core, with adaptive seatbelts adjusting force based on passenger size/weight, borrowed from the EX90. HuginCore fuses sensors—including LiDAR—for precise road reading and real-time hazard anticipation.
Connected to Volvo’s global fleet, the EX60 learns from distant incidents via cloud data, enhancing ADAS proactively. This ‘car that learns with every mile’ supports advanced driver aids, though Level 3 autonomy details are unconfirmed.
Comparison with Competitors
| Model | Range (WLTP) | Charging (Peak) | AI Features | Est. Price (US) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volvo EX60 | 810 km | 400 kW (340 km/10 min) | Gemini AI + camera vision | $51,000 |
| Tesla Model Y LR AWD | 533 km | 250 kW | FSD beta, voice commands | $47,990 |
| BMW iX3 | ~460 km | 200 kW | Conversational AI | $66,000 |
| Mercedes EQE SUV | 590 km | 170 kW | MBUX AI | $78,000 |
The EX60 leads in claimed range and charging speed, with superior AI integration. Tesla offers better value and supercharger access, but lags in conversational depth. BMW and Mercedes trail in efficiency metrics.
Verdict
The Volvo EX60 sets a high bar for mid-size EVs with its 810 km range, blazing-fast charging, and pioneering Gemini AI, making it ideal for families prioritizing safety, connectivity, and long trips. It’s for tech-forward buyers who value OTA evolution over raw performance thrills, though real-world range tests and final pricing will confirm if it disrupts the segment. Unanswered: exact powertrain specs, third-row viability, and post-4-year data costs.
