This year has seen more than its fair share of “game-changer” claims in the ever-changing world of EVs.
We’ve had BYD unveil its groundbreaking megawatt Flash Charging outside of China, numerous electric superminis go on sale at bargain prices and Ford finally commit to an affordable electric pickup platform.
But for me, two vehicles really stand out, as they have both seemingly started from scratch in order to convince EV skeptics with engaging drives, class-leading range and the most seamless EV ownership experience around.
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The first of those cars is the latest BMW iX3, also dubbed the Neue Klasse (new class) by the German marque, which arrives riding on a completely new platform, boasts the latest, highly efficient battery packs and what it calls ‘The Heart of Joy’ — an integrated processor that controls all of the propulsion, steering, braking and traction systems for a formidable drive.
In certain models, the new iX3 can manage up to 500 miles on a single charge and can add a staggering 231 miles of range after just 10 minutes of plugging in.
Similarly, Volvo’s “game-changing” EX60, the electric version of its best-selling SUV (the XC60), also rides on a brand-new platform (SPA3) and features new, more efficient battery packs that can also break the 500-mile barrier on a single charge.
The approach to interiors and technology is very different between the two cars, but they have a lot more in common than you’d think: bags of interior space, huge trunks, extremely pleasant rides and, perhaps more importantly, staggering electric range.
Road trip heroes
Let me start with the BMW iX3, because the way it eats up the mileage is nothing short of spectacular. The model I took on a 400-mile round trip was the iX3 50 xDrive, which costs a hefty £61,000 (around $83,000 / AU$116,00) with all the fancy options ticked.
But fully charged, the next-generation iDrive infotainment system (more on that later) informed me that the vehicle would happily tackle 480 miles before it required topping up.
Flicking the vehicle from its standard driving modes to a “Max Range” profile, which limited air conditioning and other ancillaries, saw that figure rapidly leap to 550 miles.
Without wanting to bore you with the specifics of my weekend away with the family, let’s just say the iX3 made it to Cornwall from the UK’s south coast, cruised around the narrow lanes for a few days and drove back without needing to plug in.
Being slightly nervous about these things, I did plug it into a 22kW charger for a couple of hours while we picnicked just to make sure we had enough range to get home. But I really didn’t have to. Old habits die hard.
That sort of effortless range is a breath of fresh air
That sort of effortless range is a breath of fresh air, and all from a vehicle that rides, handles and feels every bit the premium BMW you’d expect.
The doors are reassuringly thick and heavy, the interior lavishly appointed and the performance from the electric powertrain is punchy.
The 0-62 mph sprint is taken care of in just 4.9 seconds, but better still, this is a large SUV that you can thread through corners when the mood takes you. BMW’s ‘Heart Of Joy’ might feel like an ethereal concept, but you can feel it at work when pushing hard.
If this is how well the German marque can make a large, heavy, family SUV handle, I am very much looking forward to the first electric M models to arrive.
Predictably, Volvo’s EX60 is slightly less focused on the sportier traits and instead opts for maximum comfort for those onboard.
The cabin is bright and airy, while the seats throughout are supportive and ridiculously comfortable. Honestly, some of the best I’ve ever sat in.
The EX60 is available in three levels, starting with the entry-level single-motor P6, while the P10 that I drove features all-wheel drive and a larger 95 kWh battery that’s good for 410 miles of range.
Later this year, Volvo will introduce the 117 kWh P12 AWD model, which can manage 503 miles on a single charge.
Prices range from around £57,000 (around $78,000 / AU$108,000) to £70,000 ($95,000 / AU$133,000), putting it in the direct firing line of the BMW iX3, as well as Mercedes’ latest GLC Electric.
Technologically advanced
We can’t talk about the BMW iX3 without mentioning the Panoramic iDrive infotainment system, which sees a display fill the entire lower portion of the windshield.
The screen contains a handful of configurable widgets that allow both the driver and passenger to quickly glance at things like the weather, altitude, Bluetooth connections and more.
Admittedly, I didn’t think I got the most out of this until I switched the system into navigation mode, where the entire Panoramic display was filled with BMW’s new and very stylish mapping.
It allows you to then leave the central touchscreen free for adjusting vehicle settings or taking charge of entertainment duties. There’s also a head-up display for even more detailed navigational prompts.
I had a good play with BMW’s AI voice assistants at CES 2026 earlier this year and am pleased to report it all works really well out on the road.
In fact, the haptic buttons on the steering wheel are annoying and a bit fiddly, so I found myself adjusting lots of settings using the “Hey BMW” command.
Volvo’s approach to technology is slightly more restrained, with a large, landscape-oriented touchscreen taking care of most things. Yup, even some of the cabin controls.
This will likely frustrate a few people, but I found Volvo’s operating system to be really easy to navigate, with a contextual bar flagging up the most important settings and keeping them within easy reach of the driver’s seat most of the time.
The haptic buttons on the steering wheel are annoying and a bit fiddly, so I found myself adjusting lots of settings using the “Hey BMW” command.
What’s more, it is the first vehicle to be sold with Google‘s Gemini AI assistant baked-in. Even Volvo says it is still a bit of a work in process, but I asked it numerous questions during my drive and it answered them with ease.
Volvo says it will soon be able to link into other apps, such a Google Drive and Gmail, to help boost productivity on those long and tedious commutes into the office.
Other ‘firsts’ include the fact that this is the first Volvo to come as standard with electrically adjustable seats across the range, and it features the world’s first adaptive seat belt.
Using sensors within the cabin and seats, all of the seat belts will automatically adjust the tension they apply in the event of an accident based on the size and weight of the occupant to avoid any unnecessary injuries in low-speed collisions.
The end of range anxiety
Both Volvo and BMW’s latest generations of electric vehicles impressed me for several reasons: the comfort, performance, premium finish and technology on offer were all beyond brilliant.
However, the enticing combination of large battery packs and fantastic efficiency meant that I could tackle two separate road trips without worrying about planning charging stops or locating outlets in rural areas.
For context, our family Kia EV6 is only a few years old now but struggles to manage 260 miles on a single charge, meaning we often have to factor in breaks or diversions. That’s simply not the case with the EX60 and iX3.
This is the first Volvo to come as standard with electrically adjustable seats across the range, and it features the world’s first adaptive seat belt
Having driven them both extensively, I’m convinced they make the perfect family getaway vehicles. Supremely comfortable, fast when they want to be, packed with connected technologies and blissfully quiet, they make the rattly diesel VW that sits on my driveway look positively prehistoric.
Proof, if it were needed, that starting from scratch, building a dedicated platform and ironing out the EV kinks is the best way to silence the skeptics. And proof that EVs don’t necessarily have to involve compromise — even when the destination is hundreds of miles away.
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