I Drove the 2026 Volvo EX60 in Barcelona

The 2026 Volvo EX60 is a critical pivot point. It pushes the Swedish automaker deeper into the premium electric vehicle segment. Driving this new midsize sport utility vehicle for two days around the coastal roads and urban grid of Barcelona reveals a product designed to transition traditional luxury buyers into the electric era without friction. Volvo built this machine on a dedicated electric platform. That distinguishes it from earlier combustion-based architectures. But the vehicle stretches about four inches longer than the familiar XC60, and that translates directly into a more spacious cabin and enhanced cargo utility.

A Dual Motor Setup on Spanish Roads

The drive through Barcelona highlighted the immediate benefits of a platform built specifically for battery power. Power delivery is immediate. The model tested was the P10 all-wheel-drive variant, which delivers 503 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque, and it’s characterized by the silent, linear acceleration typical of high-performance electric drivetrains. In the congested streets of the Catalan capital, the vehicle moved with quiet precision, but the rural mountain roads outside the city showcased a highly refined chassis balance. So it’s a car that can handle both.

This midsize SUV’s highway manners lean heavily toward comfort and isolation. It's quiet. Wind noise is minimal, and the suspension filters out road imperfections effectively, so drivers can expect a serene cabin environment that makes long-distance travel feel effortless.

Power and Charging Specifications

• The P6 rear-wheel-drive base model starts at $58,400 in the United States but will not be offered in Canada.
• The P10 all-wheel-drive model delivers up to 322 miles (518 km) of driving range.
• An 800-volt electrical architecture enables a 10% to 80% charge in approximately 19 minutes.
• The upcoming P12 all-wheel-drive variant will arrive later with increased power and range.

The charging performance is a highlight. It's the new 800-volt architecture that reduces the DC fast-charging window to under twenty minutes, and this directly tackles one of the primary hurdles of electric vehicle ownership. The range exceeds 300 miles on the P10. So this rapid energy replenishment positions the vehicle as a viable primary family car instead of a secondary commuter vehicle.

Scandinavian Design Meets Digital Innovation

The cabin stands out. It's one of the most compelling aspects of the package, with a thoroughly Scandinavian design language that utilizes sustainable wood trim and offers premium materials such as Nappa leather. But because the vehicle rides on a dedicated electric platform, the floor is completely flat, which opens up legroom for rear-seat passengers and creates a more airy, expansive atmosphere. Practicality is addressed with a highly flexible cargo area featuring underfloor storage compartments and rear seats that fold completely flat.

It's led by a Google Built-in infotainment system. But Volvo-developed software runs over the Google platform, and this setup integrates the Google Gemini artificial intelligence assistant so occupants can control vehicle functions through conversational voice commands.

"The EX60 combines luxury, technology, and everyday usability into one of Volvo's most compelling electric SUVs to date."

Connie Peters, an automotive journalist who spent two days testing the vehicle in Spain, noted that the voice assistant successfully managed navigation requests, adjusted the tri-zone climate control, handled text messaging, and even answered specific questions about the car's own technical specifications with lighthearted humor.

A New Approach to Occupant Protection

Safety remains a core pillar of the brand. This model introduces a novel safety feature: a multiadaptive seat belt. It automatically adjusts to the specific body size of the occupant after they enter the vehicle. It's a modern continuation of the safety legacy that began when the company invented the three-point seat belt back in 1959, updating physical protection for the digital age.

Premium Audio and Cabin Comforts

Audio performance is exceptional. It's thanks to a standard Bowers & Wilkins sound system, widely regarded as one of the finest setups in the automotive industry, delivering immersive clarity throughout the cabin. Higher trim levels expand on this experience by integrating additional speakers, including units built directly into the front seat headrests. So you'll also find an electrochromic panoramic glass roof, rear heated seats, multiple USB-C ports, wireless phone charging, and clever pop-out cup holders. But don't expect any new surprises.

Pricing and Market Availability

Pricing structures differ notably between North American markets. But Canadian buyers can't get the entry-level P6. In the United States, the rear-wheel-drive P6 starts at $58,400, while the top-tier P10 trims reach approximately $68,745 and offer a range of configurations that appeal to diverse preferences. Canada's lineup starts with the P10 at CAD $77,500, and the fully loaded P10 Ultra trim as tested reaches CAD $87,919. So the higher-performance P12 variant is scheduled to debut at a later date.

The 2026 Volvo EX60 makes a strong case for itself. But it's not just another electric SUV in a crowded market. By combining rapid charging, a beautifully crafted interior, and highly advanced safety tech, this car offers a compelling entry point for luxury buyers who are ready to make the switch to electric power.