Two versions of this high-tech ‘must-succeed’ model for 2026, another in 2027 - but no word about elevated Cross Country spin-off.

STATUS as Volvo’s longest-range electric vehicle will shift from one version of the new EX60 to another, with the variant initially holding that credential losing it to another coming in late 2027.

First off the block here in November are an Ultra P6 rear-drive with 275kW/480Nm and up to 611 kilometres’ WLTP-attested range and a 375kW/710Nm Ultra P10 all-wheel-drive, with up to 660km.

These editions are respectively starting at $116,990 and $125,990, making them cheaper than the BMW iX3 and Audi Q6 e-tron equivalents. Orders are being taken from today.

The second half of next year will bring an EX60 P12, another AWD variant with 500kW and 790Nm and up to 810kms’ range.

Volvo New Zealand’s media share about the car today doesn’t make mention of the EX60 Cross Country, an elevated version in which the local agent has previously expressed interest. It has a wider track, 20mm increased ride height and air suspension that lifts the car a further 20mm when needed.

EX60 becomes the second all-new electric car Volvo has launched here in 2026, following the EX90 seven-seater.

The cars are respectively electric equivalents of the XC60 and XC90 fossil fuel-reliant sports utilities that stand as backbone cars for the Sino-Swede make and are continuing as petrol-hybrid cars.

Of the two EVs, the five seat EX60 is a more important for volume and it is going all-out to win appeal with a new platform and with even more advanced technology than the flagship.

Proposed plus points are diverse.

An ability to achieve ultra fast charging capability - though promise of up to 315km of range in 10 minutes is from using 400kW charging infrastructure not availed here., but 10–80 percent DC charge in just 16 minutes at the NZ-peak 350kW is assured.

It has a world-first multi-adaptive seatbelt. This personalises crash protection by analysing real-time data on occupant body shape, seating position, and crash dynamics. It works in conjunction with seat sensors and a cabin-facing camera.

EX60 is also the make’s debut model an entirely new and redesigned infotainment system that's powered by the latest Qualcomm 8255 CPU.

Volvo promises the kind of processing power that ought to future-proof the car. In addition to Google Maps, it also has Google's Gemini AI technology baked in, which is said to provide a more conversational digital assistant.

The car also bases on the brand’s latest platform, SPA-3, a step beyond the SPA2 underpinning used by the EX90 (and Polestar 2).

SPA-3 is the first to use mega-casting, an advanced automotive manufacturing process where massive single-piece aluminium parts are high-pressure die-cast instead of welding dozens of smaller stamped metal pieces together. This reduces vehicle weight, cuts production costs and improves structural rigidity.

The model has been engineered with sustainability in mind with upholstery options including bio-attributed Nordico, chrome-free Nappa Leather certified by the Leather Working Group, and a tailored wool blend made from 30 percent wool and 70 percent recycled polyester.

Volvo NZ’s specification across both variants includes a 28-speaker Bowers and Wilkins audio with Dolby Atmos, an electrochromic roof, ventilated front seats and a 360 degree camera. The AWD car is rated to tow up to 2400kg.

Dane Fisher, group general manager of NordEast Vehicle Distributors, the Giltrap Group division that distributes Volvo here, says the EX60 delivers on NordEast's founding ambition to change expectations of what electrification can deliver for Kiwi drivers.

“The EX60 and its 660 kilometres of range is the strongest statement yet that you don’t have to compromise to go electric, and with a full Volvo EV lineup now in place, that choice is available to more New Zealanders than ever.”

EX60 is almost a match for the combustion-engined Volvo XC60 in size, measuring 4803mm long and 1908mm wide (including mirrors), but is slightly lower at 1639mm.

The LED headlight units feature a fresh take on the company's signature 'Thor's Hammer' lighting signature, with animated sequence running when the car is locked or unlocked.

Integral to the EX60 being able to achieve a long driving range is its aerodynamics. There are numerous minute details that contribute to a low drag figure including the small tabs on the tops of the door that act as the door release. A short roof spoiler at the rear also forms part of the aero package.

The model is designed to deliver more interior room than its ICE equivalent. It lends 634 litres of boot space and a total of 1647 litres when the rear seats are folded. A 'frunk' holds 58 litres, rising to 85 litres if the first aid kit and warning triangle are removed.

The interior adopts the usuals of minimalist Scandi design and it has a smaller steering wheel than is typically seen in Volvos. The two-spoke layout features small square controls for adjusting various functions, including the reach and rake of the wheel - in conjunction with the infotainment system.

Ahead of the steering wheel and placed much closer to the base of the windscreen is an 11.4-inch digital instrument display. Due to its position, there is no head-up display system.