Coming this summer as a 2027 model, Volvo released yet another battery electric vehicle, the EX60.
Built on its brand new SPA3 platform, the EX60 receives the latest and greatest tech from the Swedish brand, which benefits the vehicle in the form of faster charging and longer range. Offering a variety of electric motor and battery pack options, you can equip the EX60 with up to 670 horsepower, 583 lb.-ft. of torque, and 400 miles of driving range, according to Volvo.
That will get you to 60 mph from rest in under four seconds. But will also likely sap more energy along the way. To counter that, Volvo says the EX60 will accept up to 400 kW of recharging power, which will add 173 miles of range in 10 minutes time. Or, if you go from 10-80 percent state of charge, expect to wait 19 minutes. For U.S. customers, the real trick will be finding a 400 kW charger.
Inside, the EX60 packs an up to 28 speaker Bowers & Wilkins stereo system and an up to 15.0-inch center display. Of course, the latter runs wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. But it also natively operates with Google’s Gemini AI Assistant.
Finally, there’s a Cross Country variant of the EX60 with a bit more ground clearance and rugged look. In my video, I speak with three experts about the new BEV. One on the exterior, another on the center display, and a third who showcases some of Gemini’s features.
Views on Vehicles focuses on new car reviews and news, presented by Robin Warner, a perennial car nut. The reason for the channel’s focus becomes crystal clear when you look at Robin’s experience. He spent five years of his adult life as an engineer: four years in traction and stability control calibration, and little over a year in vehicle dynamics. He also spent 15 years of his adult life as an editor at various magazines, including stints at Car and Driver, Road & Track, and Autoweek.
A transcript, created by AI and edited by a staffer, is below.
The TTAC Creators Series tells stories and amplifies creators from all corners of the car world, including culture, dealerships, collections, modified builds and more.
[Image: Robin Warner/YouTube screenshot]
Become a TTAC insider. Get the latest news, features, TTAC takes, and everything else that gets to the truth about cars first by subscribing to our newsletter.
Transcript:
Hello everybody, this is Robin Warner, and I’m sitting in the brand-new—literally hours-old—2027 Volvo EX60. This is a battery-electric compact crossover SUV, and I’m not alone.
I’m joined by Anna from Volvo, who knows quite a bit about the interior—especially the center display and how it all works. Anna, what do we need to know about this screen?
Anna: We’ve moved to a landscape layout and added new controls for both the driver and the passenger. The first thing you’ll notice is the sidebar on the driver’s side. It changes depending on the situation to give you what you need in the moment.
Robin: What kind of situations affect that?
Anna: For example, when parking, we’ve found that drivers want quick access to mirror controls—like tilting them down to see the curb and avoid damaging the wheels. So those controls appear when you’re parking. Once you’re back on the road, the interface changes.
Robin: So it adapts as you go.
Anna: Exactly. Then you’ll see controls like windshield settings, one-pedal drive, and quick access to the camera.
Robin: This system also includes a Gemini AI-powered assistant, although we can’t fully use it in this demo. To show how it works, I’m now joined by Josh from Google.
Josh, how does Gemini work in the EX60?
Josh: You can activate Gemini by tapping the icon and asking it questions. But the better experience is Gemini Live, which allows for a real-time conversation.
Robin: Let’s try that.
Josh: Sure—just start Gemini Live and speak naturally.
Robin: Hey Google, let’s chat. I’m heading home and want to make dinner for my kids. They like chicken and potatoes—any ideas?
Gemini: A simple roasted chicken with seasoned potatoes would work well. You could also try something more involved, like stuffed chicken breast or a chicken pot pie. Are you looking for something quick or more time-intensive?
Robin: Something that takes a bit more time. Also, can you find a grocery store along my route?
Gemini: Based on your route, there are a few options nearby. Would you like me to navigate to one?
Robin: Yes, the first one.
Gemini: Navigation is set. Anything else?
Robin: That’s it, thanks.
Gemini: Have a safe drive.
Robin: So how much of this is cloud-based versus running in the car?
Josh: Right now, most of it is cloud-based. But Volvo’s updated hardware can support an embedded version in the future. Finding the right balance is something we’re working on.
Robin: Were there challenges integrating this into a moving vehicle?
Josh: Since it’s mostly cloud-based, it didn’t require much additional processing power in the car. But future updates may bring more on-device capabilities.
Robin: What’s the difference between standard Gemini and Gemini Live?
Josh: Standard Gemini is for quick, one-off questions. Gemini Live is designed for ongoing conversations—you can interrupt, change topics, and interact more naturally.
Robin: And eventually, this will tie into more vehicle functions?
Josh: Yes. The goal is to integrate it with things like navigation, charging, and even understanding vehicle data. For example, you could ask for a lunch stop that also has a charger nearby.
Robin: Can you activate it with voice?
Josh: Yes, the plan is to support a “Hey Google” wake word, similar to Google Assistant.
Robin: And this system comes standard?
Anna: Yes, Gemini is standard on the EX60.
Robin: What else should we know about the interior?
Anna: Climate controls are now always visible on the screen—you don’t need to open a menu. The system is designed to be intuitive, since people don’t spend as much time learning their car as they do their phone. Elements stay in consistent positions so it’s easy to use.
We also have a smart widget that changes based on what you’re doing. For example, if you’re listening to music, it shows media. If you get a call, it switches to phone controls.
Robin: This is based on Android Automotive OS, right?
Anna: Yes, but the interface you see is entirely Volvo-designed. Google provides things like Maps, the Play Store, and Gemini.
Robin: How does the driver display work with the center screen?
Anna: The driver display focuses on driving information. You can switch views, including full-screen navigation. It also shows real-time data from the car’s sensors.
Robin: I also noticed the large panoramic roof.
Anna: It’s fixed, but electrochromatic—you can darken it electronically.
Robin: And the steering wheel?
Anna: The controls are joystick-based. You can move them up, down, left, or right, and press to select. The right side controls media, and the left side handles driver assistance features.
Robin: Thanks, Anna.
Now let’s step outside and take a look at the design. I’m here with Goran from Volvo.
Goran, what stands out on the exterior?
Goran: This is the EX60 Cross Country. Up front, you’ll notice the closed-off electric face—no grille. We’ve emphasized Volvo’s signature Thor’s Hammer lighting, which is now more defined day and night.
We’ve also integrated multiple radar systems—long-range, mid-range, and side radars—hidden within the body.
Robin: Aerodynamics seem important here.
Goran: Very much so. The standard EX60 has a drag coefficient of 0.26, while the Cross Country is 0.27 due to its higher ride height. The air suspension can raise or lower the vehicle by 40 mm.
Robin: How does it compare in size to the XC60?
Goran: Similar overall, but with a longer wheelbase—about 2970 mm—which improves interior space and cargo capacity.
Robin: The door handles are unusual.
Goran: They’re fixed and use a haptic touch system. Unlike flush handles, they don’t freeze and always remain accessible. They’re also designed for durability and safety, with redundant systems in case of failure.
Robin: Moving to the rear?
Goran: The taillights are inspired by earlier Volvo designs but are more pronounced and graphical. Aerodynamics continue here with a tapered rear design.
All the bright trim on the Cross Country is real brushed stainless steel, not plastic.
Robin: Wheels?
Goran: This one has 21-inch wheels, with other designs available. We’ve also added small aerodynamic elements, like a “gap filler” near the front wheel arch, which improves airflow and adds a bit of range.
Robin: That’s a small detail with a measurable impact.
Goran: Exactly. Every improvement counts when it comes to efficiency.
Robin: Thanks for the walkthrough—it’s been really informative.
