Few settings lend themselves to a road trip quite like the Catalan countryside. Beyond the kinetic energy of Barcelona lies a landscape of rolling vineyards, dramatic mountain ranges and medieval villages — a fitting backdrop for Volvo's latest electric offering.
On a cloudless late-spring afternoon in Spain, I was handed the keys to the all-new Volvo EX60, the Swedish marque's fully electric midsize SUV and the next-generation successor to its best-selling XC60. Built on Volvo's advanced SPA3 electric vehicle architecture, the EX60 represents a significant leap forward for the brand, pairing its Scandinavian design sensibilities with even more cutting-edge technology. Highlights include an 800-volt electrical system capable of ultra-fast charging, a driving range of up to 810 kilometres, and the integration of Google's Gemini AI platform.
The EX60 will be offered in three distinct configurations, single-motor, dual-motor and all-wheel-drive. The range offers run from 620km all the way up to 810km, an impressive offering considering many electric cars offer 300-400km as the standard.
Having spent the previous day acclimatising to both a new time zone and an unseasonable European heatwave, we were welcomed to The Terrace, a bespoke Volvo installation set within the courtyard of the ME Barcelona. Designed as an immersive introduction to the EX60, the space featured interactive demonstrations of the vehicle's advanced safety systems, including pedestrian detection technology, parking assistance features and Volvo's latest occupant protection innovations. Naturally, the star attraction was the EX60 itself, showcased in all its understated Scandinavian elegance.
Following a detailed briefing on the vehicle's capabilities and an overview of the route ahead, we were each assigned an EX60 and sent out to explore the Catalan landscape.
The first impression was serene. The moment the door closes (with a reassuringly muted thud), the outside world seemed to recede. The cabin feels like a carefully considered retreat: plush upholstery, a substantial centre armrest, a crisp 15-inch landscape-oriented OLED display and a 28-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system complete with integrated headrest speakers contribute to the minimalist yet luxurious atmosphere. Perhaps most notably, the EX60 debuts a world-first multi-adaptive safety belt, capable of adjusting in real time based on sensor data to provide more tailored occupant protection in the event of an accident (certainly something that caught me off guard the first time it lightly adjusted around me, but yet another example of Volvo's enduring commitment to automotive safety innovation).
"The first impression upon stepping inside was one of serenity. The moment the door closes (with a reassuringly muted thud), the outside world seemed to recede."
Volvo's innovative interiors also enhance the sense of spaciousness. Rather than a traditional passenger-side glovebox, storage has been consolidated into a shared central compartment positioned beneath the infotainment display, creating a more open and expansive front cabin environment.
Even while navigating the crowded streets surrounding La Rumbla on our departure from Barcelona, the EX60's refinement was immediately apparent. Active noise cancellation and acoustic glass work in concert to suppress road and wind noise, creating an exceptionally quiet cabin. And beneath the surface, Volvo's new SPA3 platform and structural battery architecture provide impressive rigidity, resulting in a composed and confidence-inspiring driving experience.
The chassis absorbs imperfections with ease, while the steering feels precise and natural. Drivers can also tailor the experience through adjustable brake feel settings and one-pedal driving functionality. But – don't be fooled. Despite its tranquil character, the EX60's performance is far from subdued. Instant electric torque propels the vehicle from 0–100km/h in just 5.9 seconds, delivering effortless acceleration whenever required.
As the roads began to wind through the dramatic landscape surrounding Montserrat, sweeping bends, steep ascents and panoramic mountain vistas provided the ideal proving ground for Volvo's latest electric SUV. Our destination for lunch was Oller del Mas, a thousand-year-old medieval castle and organic winery nestled at the foot of Montserrat near Manresa. Surrounded by vineyards and centuries of history, it offered a quintessentially Catalan interlude. Over a leisurely meal, we sampled some of Spain's most beloved regional dishes – from pan con tomate and patatas bravas to locally produced wines cultivated on the surrounding estate.
The return journey to central Barcelona proved equally effortless. Range anxiety never entered the equation. Volvo claims that a 10-minute stop at a 400kW DC fast charger can add as much as 340 kilometres of driving range – enough time out of your day for a brief coffee break.
"As the roads began to wind through the dramatic landscape surrounding Montserrat, sweeping bends, steep ascents and panoramic mountain vistas provided the ideal proving ground for Volvo's latest electric SUV."
By the time we arrived back in the city, it was clear that the EX60 is more than just an electric replacement for the XC60. It's more a representation of Volvo's vision for the future: technologically sophisticated, luxurious and uncompromising in its commitment to safety and sustainability. And there are few places better to experience that future than the roads that weave through the heart of Catalonia.
Cassandra Dimitroff travelled as a guest of Volvo Australia.
