Volvo is quite literally charging ahead with its latest masterpiece, the EX60. More than just a new model, it’s a huge step in their fully electric future, and as such, is built on a completely new architecture designed from the ground up for EVs.
We sat down with Lorina Gewargis, the product lead for the EX60, who has been with this project since its inception, to uncover the journey, challenges, and triumphs behind Volvo’s next-generation electric SUV.
Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Design Engineering from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, Lorina joined Volvo Cars in 2013 and has held diverse roles across Engineering, Product & Strategy, and Programme Management. More important for us right now, in recent years, Lorina has served as Vehicle Product Lead for the EX60, overseeing the development of the new mid-size SUV and its EX60 Cross Country cousin. In this role, Lorina balances product content and attributes, helping shape the product vision, definition and customer value.
So what’s the EX60 & EX60 Cross Country all about?
From Blank Sheet to Electric Pioneer – The SPA3 Journey
Developing a completely new car is no mean feat. Lorina confirms the EX60’s journey began years ago, starting with a completely new architecture known as SPA3. This wasn’t an adaptation; it was a revolution.
The decision to build the EX60 on this dedicated electric platform was strategic and uncompromised from day one. “It’s our first car on the SPA3,” Lorina explains. “We said that we wanted to do an architectural platform that was uncompromised only for electric vehicles.” This commitment allowed Volvo to target the largest BEV segment, ensuring the EX60 would be a true electric leader.
She says that it’s a multi-year commitment, but while establishing the architecture takes years, the subsequent vehicle development can proceed more rapidly once that foundation is laid.
Balancing Heritage with Modernity – The Design Ethos
One of the biggest challenges for Lorina and her team was walking the tightrope between Volvo’s cherished heritage and the demands of a modern, fully electric vehicle. The XC60, its predecessor, has been a best-seller for years, setting a high bar.
“We had big shoes to fill,” Lorina admits. The goal was clear, the EX60 needed to be instantly recognisable as a Volvo, yet simultaneously embrace its electric future.
“For us, it was important that we want to stay true to our heritage, we wanted to make the EX60 look like a Volvo car,” she emphasises. This meant modernising the design without abandoning the core visual identity. The result is a vehicle that, while different (lower and with distinct proportions) still exudes that unmistakable Volvo presence, successfully attracting both loyalists and new customers.
Performance and Poise – A Dual Personality
Driving the EX60 reveals a fascinating duality. It embodies the core Volvo ethos of safety and reliability, feeling well made with no squeaks, no rattles, yet, it possesses a wild side when pushed, offering exhilarating performance. Lorina says that this dynamic character is a direct result of its design. “The lower overall vehicle height and centre of gravity contribute to a sedan-like feel in certain settings, making it very fun to drive”.
Beyond performance, the EX60 focusses on refinement. The cabin is incredibly quiet on the road, and according to Lorina, has been described as an isolation chamber. This tranquility was a deliberate choice, aimed at creating a personal sanctuary.
“This quietness was super important for us because we wanted to give EX60 consumers ’their living space’, it’s their living room – kind of,” Lorina explains, highlighting the focus on overall comfort and drivers having a “me time” experience.
Intelligent Choices – Features and Functionality
Lorina says that every feature in the EX60 was meticulously considered. For instance, the team initially leaned towards air suspension for ultimate comfort. However, extensive testing revealed that the adaptive suspension system already delivered exceptional comfort, making air suspension unnecessary for the standard model.
“I realised that we actually don’t need it. The level of comfort is great, and because it’s got adaptive suspension, it’s still active in that sense,” Lorina recounts. In fact, she told us that Air suspension is reserved for the EX60 Cross Country, where its higher ride height and specific use case benefit from the added functionality.
Similarly, the absence of massage seats was actually a data-driven decision. “Consumer studies indicated a low willingness to pay for this feature among Volvo buyers, leading the team to prioritise other elements,” she says.
Firsts
On the technology front, the EX60 introduces a world-first multi-adaptive seatbelt, a significant safety innovation debuting with this model on the new SPA3 architecture. And while the Google Gemini infotainment system is rolling out across other Volvo cars, the EX60 boasts a dedicated, “most powerful” computer for its infotainment, allowing for greater functionality and the future integration of advanced assistance features utilising its array of cameras and sensors.
The Road Ahead – Pride and Purpose
For Lorina, the EX60 is more than just a product; “it’s my baby” she says emotionally. Adding, “seeing it come to fruition and receiving positive feedback has been an overwhelming and deeply proud experience”.
Tarmac Takeaway
The EX60 represents Volvo’s commitment to an electric future, blending iconic heritage with cutting-edge innovation to deliver a vehicle that is both familiar and revolutionary. It’s a culmination of years of dedication, balancing consumer needs, engineering prowess, and a clear vision for what an electric Volvo should be. And just for the record, it drives REALLY well too!
