We put the Volvo EX60 through its paces over several hours in Hamburg and the surrounding countryside.Volvo
Volvo’s EX60 is the electric counterpart to its best-selling XC60 and the first model on the dedicated SPA3 platform. A drive around Hamburg shows how central computing, Pilot Assist, Gemini and a cleaner cockpit come together in daily use – and where the software still needs work.
An oversized city-map poster, styled like a child’s play mat, offers the first suggestions for places worth seeing in Hamburg. On the evening before the test drives, it hangs in a conference room at The Fontenay, the city’s luxury lakeside hotel, while several EX60s wait outside for the assembled press. The playful backdrop feels deliberate and very Volvo. With the EX60, the Swedish brand is targeting families in particular, offering them an electric car intended to match – or surpass – combustion-powered alternatives in every practical respect.
The most obvious visual and tactile change is the much smaller steering wheel. It feels excellent in the hands, makes the EX60 seem lighter on its feet and is particularly enjoyable on winding roads.Volvo
The technical basis for the digital experience is HuginCore, Volvo’s centralised computing architecture. The manufacturer divides the work between two powerful systems. Nvidia’s Drive AGX Orin serves as the central core computer for safety- and driving-related data processing. It combines information from cameras, radar, other sensors and Google HD Maps, providing the computing basis for environmental perception, Pilot Assist and further driver-assistance functions. Volvo rates its performance at 254 TOPS. The chip runs the safety-certified Nvidia DriveOS.
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8255, by contrast, handles the user experience that occupants see and touch. The cockpit chip is the heart of the new User Experience Computer, processing display content, infotainment, graphics and audio, along with interaction with Android Automotive and Google Gemini. A separate Snapdragon Auto Connectivity Platform provides 5G, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections.
The smooth animations, rapidly loaded maps and immediate responses of the central OLED screen are therefore largely down to the Qualcomm system. In the background, the Nvidia computer observes the surroundings and prepares driving-related decisions.
HuginCore builds on the technical foundation of the EX90 and ES90, but Volvo has fundamentally changed the processes behind it. “The tech stack is still similar, but the processes behind it are completely different, with the aim of significantly improving software quality,” says Stiegler. Lessons from the Polestar 3, EX90 and ES90 flow directly into the EX60.
At the same time, Volvo is developing more of the software itself. This includes control software for the steering, electric motors, inverters, dampers and driver-assistance systems. The central communication layer within the vehicle architecture also comes from Volvo. Stiegler estimates the in-house share at around three quarters.
Why does the driver display feel almost like a head-up display?
During our test, the display remains easy to read as the light changes. Even through polarised sunglasses, the information stays clearly visible. A special coating reduces reflections, while dual-cell technology provides strong contrast. Drivers can choose between map, surround and focus views – three simple and immediately understandable options. There is little need for anything more.
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The electric counterpart to the XC60 is the first model on the new SPA3 architecture, developed exclusively for battery-electric vehicles.Volvo
Under more difficult conditions, however, lane guidance does not remain continuously active. On narrow, twisting sections, the system switches several times between available and temporarily unavailable. What impresses is how clearly the EX60 communicates these changes. Messages appear directly in the forward-positioned driver display, while green strips beside the lane markings show unambiguously when steering assistance is active again.
Trust develops quickly on straight roads. With oncoming traffic on a narrow lane, however, it still feels better to take full control. Pilot Assist works very well, but it does not replace the driver’s attention. Hands should remain on the steering wheel.
The system only begins to complain forcefully after roughly 30 seconds if that rule is ignored. Yet the lightest tap of a finger is enough to reset the warning cycle. That leniency may please relaxed drivers more than safety instructors.
Why does the central screen work better in landscape format?
The visual centre of the cabin is the 15-inch OLED touchscreen. Unlike the portrait displays in earlier Volvo models, it is arranged horizontally and curves gently. Both driver and front passenger can read it easily, while the orientation still clearly favours the driver.
In the standard layout, Google Maps occupies most of the screen while the media player remains visible. A fixed bar along the bottom keeps key functions such as climate control within reach. Context-sensitive buttons appear only when needed, for example for the 360-degree camera or the tailgate.
On the move, the system reacts quickly and smoothly. Maps load promptly, menus are logically organised and configurable shortcuts bring functions such as One Pedal Drive or driver-assistance settings closer to the top level. This emphasis on faster access to frequently used functions makes a noticeable difference in everyday operation.
The concept is not beyond criticism. Additional physical controls for climate, steering-wheel adjustment and exterior mirrors would be welcome. Adjusting the steering wheel and mirrors requires an initial selection in the menu, followed by input through the steering-wheel controls. Once learned, it works quickly. At first contact, it is hardly self-explanatory.
What does the smaller steering wheel change?
The new steering wheel is considerably smaller than before and noticeably changes the character of the driving position. It feels direct and suits the EX60’s agile behaviour. The precise steering is also linked to the dedicated electric platform.
Because there is no combustion engine to accommodate, the steering rack can sit ahead of the front axle. According to Stiegler, this improves how forces are introduced and creates more freedom when tuning the front axle.
Even more pleasing is the welcome return of physical buttons. Volume, voice control, display view, cruise control, following distance and assistance systems can all be operated without looking away from the road. The programmable star button is useful too, particularly for quickly switching off the speed warning.
Google Gemini understands natural language far better than conventional voice assistants. During the test, the system responds quickly and reliably recognises freely phrased requests. It controls navigation, Spotify, climate functions and the heated seats. Through its connection to navigation and location data, Gemini can also answer questions about the surrounding area. A live function supports an ongoing conversation.
The weakness is vehicle-specific knowledge. Asked how to adjust the steering wheel, Gemini produces a generic internet answer about a mechanical lever, even though the EX60 uses electric adjustment through the menu and steering-wheel buttons.
In future, the assistant should work more convincingly as a digital owner’s manual and take users directly to the relevant setting. It can discuss the neighbourhood, yet it still needs to learn its own car.
What do Google services and the audio system add?
Google Maps is deeply integrated into the vehicle, takes account of range and charging stops, and synchronises destinations with other devices. Apps such as Spotify can be installed through the Google Play Store. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also available.
The smartphone becomes part of the operating concept as well. It can function as a digital key via UWB and load personal settings for the seat, steering wheel, mirrors and infotainment.
The 28-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system remains one of the highlights. The sound is precise, spacious and, once again, deeply impressive. Different sound environments, including the Gothenburg Concert Hall and a 3D surround mode, change the presentation noticeably. Buyers who can justify the option and care about music receive genuine added value.
Volvo also uses the microphones from the noise-cancellation system to amplify conversations between the front and rear seats through the headrest speakers. It is a small detail, but a clever one for the families at whom this car is aimed.
Where does the EX60 interface still fall short?
The EX60 combines Volvo’s familiar minimalism with a digital operating concept that is much faster and better structured. The forward driver display, compact steering wheel, tactile controls and central OLED screen are particularly convincing.
Extra climate buttons would still be useful. Steering-wheel and mirror adjustment remain unnecessarily hidden at first, and Gemini needs a better understanding of the vehicle context. Overall, however, the infotainment is enjoyable to use, the cabin feels suitably premium and the interaction between software and vehicle already works very convincingly.
