The new EX60 is a key model for Volvo, as an electric sibling alongside the brand's best-selling XC60. The petrol-powered crossover continues to dominate Volvo's sales charts and although the EV market is cooling in the US, Volvo hopes to keep growing in Europe. Volvo/dpaIt's the showdown of the year. The new BMW iX3 and Mercedes GLC are both make-or-break sports utility models for their manufacturers.But all of a sudden, Volvo is sailing by with a rival car whose advanced specifications will give it a key advantage in the market.It amounts to a shot across the bows, and yet Volvo is quietly launching the EX60 in Europe in the coming weeks without much fanfare. The firm is relying on stylish design and cutting-edge electric technology as well as a competitive price tag.AdvertisementAdvertisementPrices start at €62,990 in Europe from July which undercuts the German competition by around 10%. On top of that, the EX60 is actually cheaper than the conventional XC60 with its plug-in hybrid powertrain.The 4.8-metre Swedish SUV is a relaxed cruiser with an instantly-recognisable, sensible Volvo look to it.Its appearance is sleek with no unnecessary frills, yet it remains highly distinctive. Not least because of its striking LED lighting signatures at the front and rear.Loyal Volvo customers do not take kindly to gimmicks like the illuminated stars in the grille of the GLC or the iX3 with its retro-futuristic look.AdvertisementAdvertisementThose who want to turn a few heads can fork out an extra €3,000 for the EX60 as a Cross Country version, which makes a slightly bolder statement with roof rails and plastic cladding on the bodywork.Inside, too, the Swedes have kept things pleasantly understated, opting for what the Scandinavians call a warm "hygge" or cosy atmosphere with slim yet comfortable seats, an airy ambience with a dimmable panoramic roof, and plenty of soft fabric surfaces.It's still clean and minimalist inside, so it can appear a little plain at first glance, but actually there are lots of nice touches. Thankfully, the EX60 does not feature wall-to-wall digital screens and it is all the better for it.Buttons and switches are noticeable by their absence. Most of the controls are operated via the touchscreen, which is now mounted horizontally rather than vertically, as was the case with the EX90. This is done using Google's intuitive Android Auto software and the two controls on the steering wheel.AdvertisementAdvertisementIt is quick and easy to do on the first drive, but is a bit of a nuisance when it comes to adjusting the mirrors and the steering wheel, which is small and has a slightly odd shape.The EX60 is as solid and well thought-out as an Ikea kitchen, which is why, with a wheelbase of just under three metres, there is plenty of space in the second row too. The boot offers a generous 523 to 1,647 litres of space, and there are a few other clever, welcome touches as well.For example, a drawer for your smartphone or coffee cups slides out from the centre armrest, while the glove compartment is positioned vertically in front of the centre tunnel to provide more legroom for the passenger and make it easier to reach.There are several storage compartments under the boot floor, each accessible via individual flaps. There is also space under the bonnet at the front for charging cables and other small items.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe EX60 drives exactly as you would want a Volvo to. It is serene and quick enough when you need it. This is certainly a powerful package and both the single-motor P6 and dual-motor P10 will enable you to make rapid progress.Yet at heart, the EX60 is a laid-back sort of vehicle that calmly sticks to its course. It can be equipped with adaptive suspension where desired, and with air suspension in the Cross Country version, it smooths out the road effortlessly.This is not exactly a driver's car but it handles corners with precision. At least, once you have got used to that steering wheel, which does, however, make the EX60 seem more manoeuvrable than it actually is.Volvo offers two powertrain options. The rear-wheel-drive EX60 comes with a 275 kW/374 hp electric motor, while the all-wheel-drive version features twin motors delivering a combined output of 500 kW/680 hp. Although the EX60 weighs a hefty 2.3 tonnes, the motors have no trouble coping with the weight.AdvertisementAdvertisementVolvo caps the top speed at 180 km/h, but with 790 Nm of torque on tap, the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h can be achieved in as little as 3.9 seconds. The manufacturer also aims to be quick when it comes to charging too.With capacities of 83, 95 or 117 kWh, the batteries are not only good for 511 to 810 standard kilometres, but also charge at up to 370 kW thanks to 800-volt technology. In 10 minutes, this is enough for a further 340 kilometres in the best-case scenario.This car is at least as good as the German SUV stars of the electric generation when it comes to efficiency and charging performance.What is more, it offers plenty of space and clever design touches. It looks cool, but does not come with the kind of ideological baggage from BMW which suggests that its new cars are monumental events in the company's history.On top of that, the Volvo is also cheaper than its rivals from BMW and Mercedes so the race between the iX3 and the GLC, the EX60 could well come out on top.Despite its huge display, the EX60 exudes a cosy atmosphere inside. The numerous fabric surfaces and the slim yet comfortable seats play a key role in this. Volvo/dpaNot least because of its distinctive LED lighting at the front and rear, the Volvo EX60 is highly recognisable. Volvo/dpaThe dimmable panoramic roof creates an airy atmosphere inside the Volvo EX60. Volvo/dpa