Electric Cars

Volvo is making a significant stride into the electric vehicle market with the introduction of the 2027 EX60. This new compact electric SUV is poised to follow in the footsteps of its highly successful internal combustion counterpart, the XC60, which recently became Volvo's all-time best-selling model. The EX60 not only continues Volvo's legacy in the compact luxury SUV segment but also ushers in a new phase of technological advancement for the Swedish automaker. It features the innovative SPA3 platform, offering impressive power outputs and extended range capabilities, aiming to captivate a broad audience with its blend of performance, efficiency, and cutting-edge features.

The 2027 Volvo EX60 represents a pivotal moment for the brand, launching an electric equivalent to the celebrated XC60. With over 2.7 million units sold, the XC60 has set a high bar, and the EX60 is designed to capitalize on that success within the burgeoning EV market. This new model debuts Volvo's highly scalable SPA3 platform, a groundbreaking architecture that allows for immense flexibility in vehicle sizing, from larger models than the three-row EX90 to smaller ones than the subcompact EX30. This platform is not just about scalability; it also incorporates megacasting technology, a revolutionary manufacturing process that significantly reduces the number of individual parts by using recycled aluminum to create large, single components. This innovation promises to streamline production, cut costs, and enhance the vehicle's structural integrity.

Beyond its innovative platform, the EX60 integrates advanced battery technology. Volvo's new structural battery packs, utilizing "cell-to-body technology," are designed to optimize space, reduce weight, and boost energy density by 20 percent. These batteries also support 31 percent faster charging, a crucial factor for electric vehicle adoption. The EX60 further elevates its technological prowess with the inclusion of HuginCore, an in-house developed hardware and software system, co-created with tech giants like Google, Nvidia, and Qualcomm. It's also the first Volvo to feature Gemini, Google's AI-powered voice assistant, enhancing the in-car user experience.

Charging convenience is another highlight of the EX60, as it is the first Volvo to adopt the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, providing compatibility with Tesla's extensive Supercharger network. Equipped with a 19.2-kW onboard charger for Level 2 connections, the EX60 can also leverage 400-kW DC fast-chargers to gain up to 173 miles of range in just 10 minutes. The vehicle will be offered with three distinct battery capacities: an 80-kWh pack for the single-motor P6, and larger 91-kWh and 112-kWh options for the dual-motor P10 and P12, respectively. Volvo anticipates all EX60 models will achieve an 18 to 19-minute charge time from 10 to 80 percent, with the P12 variant projected to deliver an impressive 400 miles of range, making it the longest-range Volvo EV to date.

The EX60's interior showcases Volvo's commitment to luxurious and intelligent design, featuring a streamlined dashboard with a narrow digital gauge cluster and a prominent 15.1-inch curved OLED display powered by Google software, alongside standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Practicality is also a key consideration, with smart storage solutions and a spacious cabin, offering 20 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 64 cubic feet. Additionally, the EX60 boasts a towing capacity of 4500 pounds, a significant increase over the XC60. For those seeking adventure, a rugged Cross Country variant will join the lineup in the 2028 model year, featuring all-wheel drive, increased ride height, exclusive wheels, and enhanced body elements, reinforcing Volvo's versatility.

The 2027 Volvo EX60 is poised to redefine the electric compact SUV segment. With its advanced SPA3 platform, impressive power, long-range capabilities, and cutting-edge technology, it represents a significant leap forward for Volvo's electric ambitions. Starting prices are anticipated to range from approximately $55,000 to $70,000, with availability in the U.S. beginning this summer. The EX60 offers a compelling blend of Scandinavian design, innovation, and performance, signaling a bright future for Volvo in the electric vehicle landscape.

The Land Rover Defender has marked a significant milestone, achieving a debut victory in the Stock category at the 2026 Dakar Rally. This success is particularly noteworthy as the Dakar Rally is renowned globally as the ultimate test of off-road endurance and vehicle reliability. For production-based vehicles like the Defender Rally's D7X-R, winning this event underscores a challenging balance between competitive speed and maintaining close ties to standard showroom models.

This remarkable achievement was spearheaded by the team of Rokas Baciuška and co-driver Oriol Vidal, who secured their Stock class title in the Defender Dakar D7X-R. Their consistent, powerful performance throughout the event culminated in a Stage 13 victory on the final day, concluding with a total time of 58 hours, 9 minutes, and 45 seconds. The strong showing of two other Defender vehicles near the top of the Stock class standings further solidifies this triumph as a well-coordinated, factory-backed effort rather than a singular fortunate outcome.

The Defender’s Stock class competitor is engineered upon the robust Defender OCTA platform, integrating a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. It features crucial modifications aimed at enhancing durability and maximizing speed in off-road environments. These upgrades include a wider track, increased ground clearance, revised suspension, and improved cooling systems, all designed to ensure the vehicle withstands the rigorous demands of desert racing. This strategic design proves the Defender platform’s inherent strength to conquer the Dakar without extensive re-engineering into a bespoke prototype.

Land Rover's success at the Dakar Rally is more than just a race win; it's a powerful affirmation of the Defender's capabilities and a significant marketing statement. This victory resonates with potential buyers who are drawn to the rally car's rugged aesthetic and proven performance. It reinforces the brand's heritage, promising consumers that the vehicles they can purchase share the same spirit of adventure and resilience demonstrated on the world's toughest terrains. This win is set to inspire a new generation of enthusiasts and solidify Land Rover's position in the high-performance off-road segment.