Volvo increasingly talks about its vehicles as a kind of “third space” between home and work—not simply a place to commute, but a place people genuinely want to spend time. And in the all-new Volvo EX60, that philosophy feels fully realized.

The P6 Ultra we drove was finished in Dawn, Volvo’s soft grey-beige interior palette. Combined with weathered grey ash wood trim and subtle textile accents, it felt distinctly Scandinavian. Like much of the vehicle, practicality is understated. Storage spaces are plentiful without being obvious, small items have a sensible place to go, and the most frequently used controls are within easy reach. Beneath the floating center console, a deep felt-lined compartment easily accommodated a handbag while preserving the cabin’s clean, uncluttered feel.

The sound system is a powerful 28-speaker Bowers & Wilkins setup, complemented by a crystal volume roller from Swedish glassmaker Orrefors—though its use is somewhat optional. The EX60 is the first vehicle to feature Google’s Gemini AI assistant integrated into the Android Automotive OS. Use voice prompts to do everything from adjusting the volume and finding a nearby restaurant to drafting emails and saving directly to Google Docs.

The same restraint carries through to the rest of the cabin. Even the steering wheel, flattened at the top and bottom and pared back to two spokes, feels less like a traditional control surface and more like an extension of the interior architecture. Perhaps some of the most interesting design details were on display in an EX60 Cross Country P10 AWD at a lunch stop during the drive. Developed in collaboration with the Swedish School of Textiles, its knitted, ventilated upholstery combines a softer, more residential feel with integrated ventilation—another first for Volvo.

Susnjar explained that the oversized wave-inspired pattern stitched into the Nordico seats was also partially a sustainability exercise. The pattern gives Volvo greater flexibility during production, reducing material waste while ensuring no two seats are exactly alike.

A similarly playful approach appears throughout the Cross Country. Hidden crab illustrations are tucked inside removable rear storage buckets, while a tiny moose Easter egg sits discreetly beneath the passenger-side mirror—fun details many owners may not notice immediately.

Cool, Calm, Composed

The EX60 will arrive this fall with three powertrain options. The rear-wheel-drive P6 tested here offers up to 307 miles of EPA-estimated range, while an all-wheel-drive P10 variant increases capability and extends range to an estimated 322 miles. Buyers willing to wait a little longer can opt for the forthcoming P12 AWD, a flagship model expected to deliver up to 670 horsepower and nearly 400 miles between charges.

Clear of Barcelona traffic, the P6 settled into the role of effortless long-distance cruiser that Volvo has long excelled at building. The route to our lunch rendezvous point at Oller del Mas winery followed the motorway before climbing through the Serra de Collserola, where it felt especially at home among the rolling hills beyond the city.

With 369 horsepower and an EPA-estimated range of 307 miles, the P6 RWD Ultra has more than enough power for everyday driving – from navigating Barcelona traffic to cruising through the Catalan countryside, the car felt relaxed and composed rather than eager to prove itself. Volvo’s new “cell-to-body” battery design integrates the battery directly into the vehicle’s structure and floor, improving rigidity while freeing up more cabin space.

The result is an airy interior with a flat floor and a surprisingly open feel. It also introduces something new for Volvo in this format: a front trunk, or frunk, large enough to hold charging cables, grocery bags, or weekend luggage. Around back, clever split-level cargo storage hides additional compartments beneath the floor, including removable bins and a subtle pictogram guide that makes organizing charging equipment feel oddly charming.

Into the Catalan Countryside

The roads back toward Barcelona wound through the hills above the city, offering a final chance to settle into the vehicle before returning to more spirited traffic below. Wind noise barely registered, the cabin remained hushed even over rougher sections of road, and several hours of driving never felt tiring—the last few blocks back to ME Barcelona notwithstanding. More than anything, the experience reinforced what Susnjar had been describing earlier in the day. The materials, textures, and design details weren’t simply aesthetic choices; they were all working toward the same goal.

By the time we dropped down into Barcelona, the conversation with the design team felt less abstract. The vehicle isn’t short on technology or performance, but neither feels like the main story. Instead, Volvo has focused on creating a cabin that feels comfortable, intuitive, and remarkably easy to spend time in. For a company long associated with safety and practicality, that may be the most interesting evolution of all. The EX60 doesn’t just move people efficiently from one place to another—it makes the time spent in between feel considerably more enjoyable.

All photos courtesy of Volvo Cars.