Core, Plus or Ultra: What Safety Tech Each 2027 Volvo EX60 Trim Adds

If you're shopping for an electric SUV, safety is probably high on your list - especially if you're navigating highway traffic, winter roads, or school drop-off lanes with kids in the back. The 2027 Volvo EX60 is built on the idea that safety should never be optional, but each trim level adds its own layer of protection and driver assistance. Here's what Core, Plus, and Ultra buyers get when it comes to keeping everyone safe.

Standard Safety Across All Trims

Every EX60 includes Volvo's new SPA3 electric architecture, which features a boron steel safety cage - the same high-strength material used in the brand's flagship models. The structure is designed to absorb and redirect impact forces away from the cabin.

Every EX60 also includes Volvo's multi-adaptive safety belt, a world-first advancement that adjusts tension based on the driver's size, seating position, and the severity of a potential collision. This system works with the car's sensors to provide smarter, more personalized protection in the front row.

The braking system uses regenerative braking combined with traditional disc brakes - 345 mm ventilated discs up front on AWD models, 325 mm at the rear. The system includes ABS and Electronic Brake Distribution, and the EX60 can stop from 100 km/h in 35 metres under ideal conditions.

Core Trim: The Foundation

The Core trim is where most buyers will start, and Volvo made sure the safety suite here is comprehensive. You get the multi-adaptive safety belt, the boron steel cage, and the full regenerative braking system. The Core also includes Volvo's Driver Understanding System, which monitors driver attention and can provide alerts if it detects signs of distraction or fatigue.

The P10 AWD Electric powertrain in the Core delivers 503 hp (375 kW) and 710 Nm of torque, which translates to confident acceleration when merging onto highways or passing slower traffic - situations where power matters for safety. The Core reaches 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, and the AWD system helps maintain traction on wet or icy roads.

The Core's 95 kWh battery provides up to 514 km of preliminary range, which means fewer charging stops on longer trips. The 800V charging architecture allows the Core to add up to 325 km of range in just 10 minutes at a 400 kW fast charger - useful if you need to top up quickly on a road trip.

Plus Trim: Enhanced Awareness

The Plus trim builds on the Core's foundation with additional driver assistance features.

The Plus also offers the option of Volvo's active suspension with CCD/4-C dampers, which improves handling stability and reduces body roll in emergency maneuvers. This suspension setup uses semi-active shock absorbers that adjust in real time based on road conditions and driving inputs.

The Plus trim is available with the same P10 AWD Electric powertrain as the Core, so you get the same 503 hp and 710 Nm of torque, along with the same 514 km of preliminary range and 4.6-second 0-100 km/h time.

Ultra Trim: Maximum Protection

The Ultra trim offers the top of the EX60 safety ladder. It includes all the Core and Plus features, plus Volvo's most advanced driver assistance systems. The Ultra is designed for buyers who want every available safety technology working together.

The Ultra trim is available with the P12 AWD Electric powertrain, which delivers 671 hp (500 kW) and 790 Nm of torque. This variant reaches 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds - performance that matters when you need to accelerate out of a dangerous situation. The P12 also includes a 117 kWh battery that provides up to 640 km of preliminary range, the longest of any EX60 variant.

The Ultra's active suspension is standard, not optional, and it includes air suspension technology on the Cross Country variant. This system can raise or lower the vehicle for easier entry and exit, and it adjusts ride height based on speed and road conditions.

Integrated Safety: How the Systems Connect

Volvo's approach to safety in the EX60 is about integration. The HuginCore system - Volvo's new core computing platform - constantly assesses the world around the car through its array of sensors. The system processes data from cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors to build a real-time picture of the vehicle's surroundings.

The multi-adaptive safety belt is a good example of this integration. The system knows your seating position, your weight distribution, and the severity of an impending collision. It can pre-tension the belt before impact and adjust the force applied during a crash to reduce the risk of injury.

The Driver Understanding System monitors your eye movements, steering inputs, and lane position. If it detects signs of drowsiness or distraction, it provides visual and audible alerts. In more advanced trims, the system can also suggest taking a break or activate additional safety features.

Why Safety Matters in an Electric SUV

Electric vehicles have a lower centre of gravity than gas-powered SUVs because the battery pack sits low in the floor. This improves stability in emergency maneuvers and reduces the risk of rollover. The EX60's cell-to-body construction integrates the battery into the vehicle structure, which adds rigidity and helps protect the battery in a collision.

The instant torque from the electric motors also contributes to safety. If you need to accelerate quickly to avoid a hazard, the EX60 responds immediately - no lag, no waiting for the transmission to downshift. The AWD system on the P10 and P12 variants distributes power to all four wheels, which improves traction on slippery roads and helps prevent loss of control.

Choosing Your EX60 Trim

If you're a family looking for a safe, practical electric SUV, the Core trim delivers everything you need. The multi-adaptive safety belt, Driver Understanding System, and comprehensive braking system are all standard, and the 514 km preliminary range is enough for daily driving and weekend trips.

If you want more advanced driver assistance and the option of active suspension, the Plus trim is worth considering. The enhanced parking assistance and surround-view cameras make tight parking lots and narrow driveways easier to navigate.

If you want the longest range, the most power, and every available safety feature, the Ultra trim with the P12 powertrain is the choice. The 640 km preliminary range eliminates concerns about charging frequency, and the 671 hp gives you confidence in any driving situation.

The EX60 Delivers on Volvo's Safety Promise

Volvo built its reputation on safety, and the EX60 continues that tradition. The multi-adaptive safety belt is a genuine advancement - not just a marketing claim. The boron steel safety cage, the integrated battery structure, and the HuginCore computing system all work together to create one of the safest electric SUVs on the market.

The choice between Core, Plus, and Ultra comes down to how much technology you want and how much range you need. But no matter which trim you choose, you're getting a vehicle designed to protect you and your passengers in every situation.

Reserve your EX60 at Volvo Cars Oakville in Oakville to learn more about upcoming arrival dates and explore the safety features in detail.