Recently, one of the safest and most innovative brands in the automotive industry, Volvo, allowed us to take a closer look into the brand’s electric future during the ES90 presentation. Hybrid cars were as energetically released in the global auto market, and the compact electric crossover that was sneakily unveiled was the EX60, which pointed to a bright future. This new model will be based on the new SPA3 architecture, which will be a major leap towards building sustainable vehicles. In this article, I will express my opinions about the surprise teaser and, in particular, what it entails to fans of Volvo such as myself.
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A Teaser in the Shadows
That is why the revelation of the EX60 occurred during what was largely the ES90, that has been Volvo’s focus revealed during the launch event, which is a mid-size sedan. Although a sharp-eyed person observed a sneak peek of the EX60 25 minutes before the live stream from Stockholm, Sweden. In the little glimpse that a woman allowed when she opened the car door while half obscured by a curtain, one could glimpse a clay model of the EX60. The glimpse was quite short and the door was shut almost immediately, but it revealed that the car has an EX90-like rear end. While the primary shape of the car was largely concealed, burly upper taillights and the contour of smooth forms of the muscular fenders offered a glimpse of what was more to be expected.
What We Saw
However, one can point to several noticeable elements of the car design coming from this short reveal – the EX60. The angular taillights, which were fixed at the side of the back window, enhanced the modernity but at the same time gave a look of dynamism. On the outside edges of the car, they made the transition in the planned order, thus enhancing the appearance of the car’s contours. The muscular and shapely rear haunches, along with the low and recessed liftgate, further enhanced the design of the crossover. Complementing it, a black bumper strip with a chrome horizontal bar gave some esteem.
The SPA3 Platform: A New Era
The tweet may be short, it consists of a single word, but it suggests something more significant, something principal. The EX60 will be based on a new SPA3 architecture. This is a strategic move from Volvo, bearing in mind that the company aims to base all future models on this platform. By so doing, the SPA3 system will not only bring about a scale of costs that would be considerably lower than what was initially expected, but also scalability, something that Volvo will have to consider as having the potential to transform the manufacture of cars completely.
This year, Volvo provided information about the EX60 that the first test vehicle for this model has been constructed and tested. This early development stage shows that Volvo is very keen on its electric transformation. The new upgrade of the current platform is to the next level of technology, and with respect to the SPA2, it might as well be a giant leap. Given that EX90 and ES90 are assembled on the SPA2 platform, there is likely to be some similarity in terms of technology when the details will be available closer to that date.
Why It Matters
It is not hard to feel like Volvo has hit the reboot button with the teaser of the EX60. The intention to electrify it is very praiseworthy and the prospect of the latest SPA3 architecture is quite enticing. The way the company works to incorporate new technology in its buildings while preserving the safety aspect and, at the same time, its unique design, is commendable. To the consumers, it means safer vehicles, factors friendly, and more efficient, and not forgetting the aspect of quality.
Personally, I am much looking forward to have EX60 unveiled officially. Since I am a big fan of Volvo’s design approach, I would like to know how they are going to combine attractive design with contemporary electric engineering. Volvo has every right to aspire to sell luxurious cars for daily use that are also ecologically sustainable.
Looking Ahead
There is much to anticipate since everyone is waiting for the new launch of the EX60. Volvo has very high expectations and everyone is eager to see what the car manufacturer has to offer to the market. Even with regards to specific details it is premature to speak, but the basis built with the SPA3 platform indicates some potential.
Final Thoughts
It was quite a welcome surprise to see an unexpected teaser of the Volvo EX60 during the ES90 presentation that I was able to witness myself. This we can consider as a major milestone in Volvo’s path to becoming electric only car manufacturer. Therefore, Volvo as a brand will be safe and won’t be a trailing brand but an industry leader in terms of safety and innovation. The future is electric and Volvo is particularly charged up for it.
