Volvo's Latest EV Aims to Induce Range Anxiety in the Mercedes GLC EQ and Envy in Their Seats | Carscoops

      The new EX60 is touted for its rapid charging capabilities and impressive range, but it's a concealed feature at the rear that raises the most curiosity.

      Volvo’s latest EX60 SUV can extend its range by 211 miles in just 10 minutes. A teaser image suggests the possibility of a third row of seats being folded down. Competing with the BMW iX3, the complete unveiling of the EX60 is set for January 21.

      Volvo is set to launch a significant new electric vehicle, and it appears to have impressive specifications. The EX60, debuting later this month, revealed this week range figures that surpass those of its competitors such as BMW, Mercedes, and Tesla, along with a potential seating capacity for seven.

      We will need to wait until January 21 for comprehensive details about the EX60, but the fact that it is rated at 503 WLTP miles (810 km) of electric range demonstrates its noteworthy capabilities.

      For comparison, BMW's new iX3 has a maximum range of 500 miles (805 km), whereas the GLC 400 with EQ Technology, which was introduced at the Munich Auto Show last September, is rated at only 443 miles (713 km), according to Mercedes. Tesla’s most range-oriented Model Y doesn't even reach 400 miles (644 km).

      Quick Charging

      Volvo also mentions that you won’t need to spend much time at charging stations when you do require a recharge. Thanks to its 800-volt electrical system, the EX60 can gain 211 miles (340 km) of range in merely 10 minutes. Additionally, it comes with a 10-year battery warranty.

      We’ve already caught a glimpse of the rear and profile of the EX60 in earlier teasers, and alongside the announced electric range, Volvo has also provided a preview of the front. The brand’s iconic Thor hammer DRLs are featured, consisting of segmented LEDs, and we can spot ADAS sensors positioned beneath each side mirror.

      Redefining the Seatbelt

      The EX60 marks the first Volvo to utilize the company’s SPA3 platform, an enhancement of the previous SPA2 architecture that supports models like the EX90. It will also be the first vehicle in the brand’s lineup to include a new adaptive seatbelt that employs sensors to assess the height, weight, and shape of a passenger to determine the necessary seatbelt force during a crash.

      Potential for Seven Seats

      Unlike its competitors, the BMW iX3 and Mercedes GLC, which are strictly two-row designs, the EX60 seems to have a compact third row of seats hidden beneath the trunk floor. Although Volvo hasn’t confirmed anything about seven seats, a trunk image suggests the presence of two folded seats.

      The image of the body-in-white displays configurations for a 50:50 split third row, and it appears that there will still be sufficient room for a few shopping bags even when the seats are in use. More details will be revealed on January 21.