Rival: EX60 Configurator opening this month

[MaskedRacerX]

I will admit, the EX60 is growing on me. It may be a toss up between the R2, iX3, and the EX60. The other thing I discovered yesterday is the EX90 (3-row) has some serious discounts right now and can be leased for similar prices. I know they had some major software issues at launch, but if those issues have been resolved, I may need to consider one of those as well.

I poked around in an EX90 and at the fit/finish/execution is spectacular. I know they had some growing pains with their tech stack, and started at 400v (the MY26 are 800v).

The upgraded audio system in the EX90 is apparently breathtaking.

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[Great Gatsby]

FWIW, quite a few folks on the iX forum are very interested in the EX60, possibly even over an iX3. Same ruminations with the P12 not being available in the short-er term.

The other main group is waiting on the iX5 Holy smokes, same battery/motor tech, and purportedly coming with a 147kW battery

(I realize the iX5 is definitely a different market segment)

I am awaiting the iX5 unveiling. This is more my taste and would create its own class. The iX3, Volvo EX60 and R2 are more compact and battle in the crowded Model Y segment while the iX5 would be more midsize and no one is really playing in this space, in the EV world anyway.

If the rumors are anything to go by, the iX5 would be worth waiting for but it doesn't sound like we will see it here until at least 2027 unfortunately. It would be my pick out of all of these vehicle if it were out now. Or the Scout Traveler.

 

[manitou202]

I poked around in an EX90 and at the fit/finish/execution is spectacular. I know they had some growing pains with their tech stack, and started at 400v (the MY26 are 800v).

The upgraded audio system in the EX90 is apparently breathtaking.

I didn't realize the 2025s were 400V. That changes things quite a bit. The discounts on the 2026s are not as good. I probably need to wait and see how lease rates pan out for the various cars.

 

[MaskedRacerX]

If the rumors are anything to go by, the iX5 would be worth waiting for but it doesn't sound like we will see it here until at least 2027 unfortunately. It would be my pick out of all of these vehicle if it were out now. Or the Scout Traveler.

It should be pretty amazing. It's kind of a hybrid in that it's sill CLAR platform (like our iX), but utilizes a lot of the NK drivetrain (batteries, motors, control systems), so it'll be interesting to see what the final product looks like (exterior and interior), the exterior has been spied a bit, does have some of the iX3 design treatment (which makes sense), but where falls between the current CE X5 and iX will be interesting.

Heck, if someone said today, "Choose your car for the next 36 months after your iX returns ..." I could happily say, "OK, another iX, an M70 this time" but the iX5 should be better (at least we know it'll be 800v super fast charging)

The Scout, yeah, sigh, I love what I've seen, been reserved since you could, but I just have so many doubts now, and we know we're not going to see them till we're well into our next round of car(s).

I didn't realize the 2025s were 400V. That changes things quite a bit. The discounts on the 2026s are not as good. I probably need to wait and see how lease rates pan out for the various cars.

I think that was the only major change, if you're not that concerned about charging time and the discount was substantial enough, I might consider a MY25.

The computer can be updated in the MY25 to the MY26 spec for free, from Volvo:

And this upgrade is not limited to the 2026 EX90: owners of the 2025 EX90 will also receive this upgrade at no charge in the coming months.


Saw this posted somewhere. The most notable upgrades setting the 2026 EX90 apart include:

800-Volt Architecture: Replaces the previous 400-volt system, allowing the 2026 EX90 to add up to 155 miles of range in just 10 minutes at compatible DC fast-chargers.

Core Computer Upgrades: A more powerful dual NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin-based computer resolves earlier software instability while unlocking enhanced active safety features.

Interior & Comfort: Adds a new ventilated Nappa leather option in Cardamom, Dawn, and Charcoal, as well as an available electrochromic panoramic roof with adjustable tint.

Upgraded Hardware: The updated motors and battery pack are lighter, delivering increased efficiency and faster acceleration.

 

[Apprunner]

the first drives of the EX60 P10 are up. It does 0-60 in about 4s flat. I bet the P12 will do it in a brisk 3.5s and with 400 miles of range with a CATL battery, its pretty impressive.

 

[TexasBob]

I am awaiting the iX5 unveiling. This is more my taste and would create its own class. The iX3, Volvo EX60 and R2 are more compact and battle in the crowded Model Y segment while the iX5 would be more midsize and no one is really playing in this space, in the EV world anyway.

If the rumors are anything to go by, the iX5 would be worth waiting for but it doesn't sound like we will see it here until at least 2027 unfortunately. It would be my pick out of all of these vehicle if it were out now. Or the Scout Traveler.

iX5 should be widely available sooner than iX3. Production start is due for August-September 2026 in Spartanburg, South Carolina. So we will not be depending on our smallish allocation from Debrecen until the Mexico plant opens for the iX3 next year. It is a very interesting vehicle IMO. However the i7 only got a boost to 250 kw on charging using the same CLAR / neue klasse hybrid so I am not too optimistic it is going to hit the mark for me - especially at the premium price.

 

[Mos Eisley]

I'll admit to becoming a bit enamored with the new EX60, but pricing a P10 with the options I need want pushes the total cost to $79k. Getting a little to rich for my blood.

 

[rbdavis808]

I find EX60 more appealing than iX3, but neither has more of what I want than R2 and both cost more. Obviously both have certain significant things R2 does not, but I don't need any of those things.

Don't expect our R2 number to be called before early '27 though (plus waiting on RAP1/LIDAR anyway), and will be paying close attention to early R2 buyer reports. If I read things that sound bad I suppose EX60 could look more appealing. Early buyer reports on EX30/90 were not particularly great so I would want to see something better there re: EX60, too, before going that route.

 

[Mos Eisley]

 

[Sportstick]

Given the volume of what's being written about both EX60 and iX3, I asked Gemini to sum it up in a brief comparison. Based on this review, the iX3 aligns more closely with what I want in a daily driver. Add to that the more than one-year wait for the P12 EX60 in the U.S. to get a CATL battery and EX60 sank in my shopping list.


For those interested, here's how AI summarized what's being said:

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The BMW iX3 and Volvo EX60 are two of the most significant next-generation premium electric SUVs to hit the road. While both utilize brand-new, dedicated 800V EV architectures, road tests reveal they have drastically different personalities. The BMW iX3 is a sharp, engaging driver's car, while the Volvo EX60 focuses on whisper-quiet serenity and high-tech comfort. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]


Driving Dynamics & Handling


BMW iX3: Built on the "Neue Klasse" platform, testers praise its exceptionally responsive "Heart of Joy" central handling computer. Even on standard passive steel springs, the ride manages to be firm, completely flat in corners, and rewards enthusiastic driving with a distinct rear-wheel power bias. It genuinely handles like a traditional sporty BMW.

Volvo EX60: Built on the new SPA3 platform, road tests describe the ride as incredibly supple, calm, and relaxed. However, the steering is noted as being quite light and lacks tactile feedback when pushed hard through tight bends. The P10 and P12 variants feature standard adaptive dampers that prioritize insulating passengers over cornering thrills. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]

Power & Acceleration

• Straight-line speed: The Volvo EX60 dual-motor trims actually edge out the BMW in outright acceleration. The EX60 P10 pushes 503 horsepower and hits 0-62 mph in a rapid 4.6 seconds. By comparison, the standard dual-motor BMW iX3 50 xDrive produces 469 horsepower and completes the 0-62 mph sprint in 4.9 seconds. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Range, Efficiency, and Charging

• Real-world range: The BMW iX3 utilizes a highly efficient 108.7 kWh usable battery pack. Testers note it easily squeezes out 3.8 miles per kWh, leading the class with an official WLTP range of up to 500 miles. The Volvo EX60 P6 and P10 trims use smaller packs (80 kWh and 91 kWh usable) and hover around 307 to 322 miles of range. You have to wait for the top-tier P12 variant (112 kWh) to match BMW's 500-mile mark.
• Charging speeds: Both utilize 800V setups, but Volvo pulls ahead in raw charging speed. The EX60 can pull up to 370 kW, clearing a 10-80% charge in a blistering 16 minutes. The iX3 peaks higher at 400 kW but requires 21 minutes for the same 10-80% cycle due to its larger battery volume. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]

Direct Comparison Overview

Attribute [1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15]	BMW iX3 (50 xDrive)	Volvo EX60 (P10 AWD)
Driving Focus	Sporty, engaging, driver-centric	Serene, plush, family-centric
Horsepower	469 hp	503 hp
0-62 mph Time	4.9 seconds	4.6 seconds
Battery Size	108.7 kWh (Usable)	91.0 kWh (Usable)
Max WLTP Range	~500 miles	~322 miles (410 mi for P12)
10% to 80% Charge	21 minutes	16 minutes
Suspension Type	Passive steel springs (very composed)	Adaptive dampers (very insulated)
Cabin Quietness	Quiet, but features mild tire noise	Vault-like silence

Cabin Experience and Technology

• The BMW Cabin: Employs a striking, ultra-wide Panoramic Display reflecting vital statistics across the base of the entire windshield. Reviewers love how responsive Operating System 10 is, but some note a few interior door panels feature harder plastics than expected for this price point.
• The Volvo Cabin: Emphasizes a minimalist, Scandinavian layout with a massive 15.4-inch central OLED screen. It features premium, sustainable material choices like optional tailored wool seats. It also debuts native Google Gemini AI integration for highly natural voice control over navigation and climate functions. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]

If you are looking to purchase one of these models, I can provide more details on trim levels, regional pricing structures, or cargo space flexibility to help you choose. Which aspect would you like to explore next?

 

[TexasBob]

Ugh the charging speed on a 400V Supercharger is awful. It peaks at 120kw (around a 45 minute 10-80). It is awesome on 800V but on the majority 400V systems you are much quicker in an R2. iX3 does not have the same architectural limit. It will do 10-80 in ~30 minutes on a V3.

 

[Great Gatsby]

Ugh the charging speed on a 400V Supercharger is awful. It peaks at 120kw (around a 45 minute 10-80). It is awesome on 800V but on the majority 400V systems you are much quicker in an R2. iX3 does not have the same architectural limit. It will do 10-80 in ~30 minutes on a V3.

Didn't know that. That actually makes a huge difference.

 

[TexasBob]

Didn't know that. That actually makes a huge difference.

I know RIGHT? I mean that is a deal killer for me. Why are reviewers not talking about this - other than the obvious reason that they are more interested in getting free boondoggles to Spain than telling like it is.

 

[rbdavis808]

Cool thing mentioned in the OoS EX60 drive review video that appeared today -- first I ever heard of the Volvo Overseas Delivery Tourist program, although maybe not news to others here.

If you put down a non-refundable $6000 deposit on certain Volvo models, Volvo will (1) buy you two r/t airfares to Sweden and put you up in a hotel for a bit, (2) deliver your car to you at the factory, (3) let you Thelma+Louise it around Europe for up to two months (minus airborne activities) then (4) ship it to the US for normal destination charges. Wow. EX60 is not yet on the list of approved models but looks like it belongs there and presumably will be added, unless the OoS video is a total tease.

Still doesn't make me want to ditch our R2 res, but when we replace our Ioniq5 in a few years I will give this some very serious consideration if the program's still around.

I really wanted to do something like this with our R2 on the US mainland before shipping it to Honolulu, but it turns out the private ocean-shipping details have their little devils, plus we have some family responsibilities at the moment which could make this difficult. Seems like Volvo is at least providing a pretty solid shipping solution.

 

[DuoRivian]

Cool thing mentioned in the OoS EX60 drive review video that appeared today -- first I ever heard of the Volvo Overseas Delivery Tourist program, although maybe not news to others here.

If you put down a non-refundable $6000 deposit on certain Volvo models, Volvo will (1) buy you two r/t airfares to Sweden and put you up in a hotel for a bit, (2) deliver your car to you at the factory, (3) let you Thelma+Louise it around Europe for up to two months (minus airborne activities) then (4) ship it to the US for normal destination charges. Wow. EX60 is not yet on the list of approved models but looks like it belongs there and presumably will be added, unless the OoS video is a total tease.

Still doesn't make me want to ditch our R2 res, but when we replace our Ioniq5 in a few years I will give this some very serious consideration if the program's still around.

I really wanted to do something like this with our R2 on the US mainland before shipping it to Honolulu, but it turns out the private ocean-shipping details have their little devils, plus we have some family responsibilities at the moment which could make this difficult. Seems like Volvo is at least providing a pretty solid shipping solution.

yes the program was mentioned by Redline reviews too.

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