The BMW iX is one of the most well-regarded premium electric SUVs in the market — and for Long Island buyers who are considering a departure from the mainstream EV choices, it is the natural cross-shop for the 2027 Volvo EX60. Both offer genuine luxury interior quality, strong range, and sophisticated technology. The differences are in philosophy, size, charging architecture, and where each automaker’s strengths lie.
Bottom Line: The EX60 and iX compete closely on range and price, with the EX60 holding advantages in charging speed (800V vs. 400V) and safety technology, while the iX has an edge in driving dynamics character and BMW’s established luxury software platform.
- EX60 AWD: 503 hp, 322 miles, 800V fast charging, full active safety suite standard
- BMW iX: strong range, BMW’s iDrive 8 interface, progressive exterior design, 400V architecture
- Both offer premium audio (B&W standard on EX60 Ultra, optional on iX), heated/ventilated seating, and driver assistance systems
Charging Speed: 800V vs. 400V
This is the most technically significant difference between the two vehicles. The EX60 uses 800V charging architecture; the BMW iX uses 400V. At the same high-power DC fast charger, the EX60 can accept charge at a fundamentally faster rate because the higher voltage enables higher power acceptance without exceeding current limits.
For Long Island buyers who travel frequently — to Connecticut, New Jersey, or upstate New York — the EX60’s faster DC fast charging means shorter stops. Both vehicles use the NACS port for DC fast charging, giving equal access to the Supercharger network and other NACS stations.
The EX60 also includes a 19.2 kW onboard AC charger. The iX’s onboard charger capacity is lower in some configurations. For home charging, this means the EX60 can add more range per hour of Level 2 charging.
Safety Technology
Volvo’s safety reputation is not marketing — it is the result of decades of active research and engineering investment. The EX60 includes collision warning for vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians, and large animals as standard. Large animal detection is uniquely important on North Shore Long Island roads where deer encounters are common.
BMW’s driver assistance systems on the iX are excellent — active cruise control, lane keeping, and emergency braking are all present. The Volvo system’s differentiation is primarily in the breadth of detected object types (including large animals) and the interior sensing that monitors driver state.
For buyers who prioritize passive safety, the EX60’s Volvo heritage — boron steel safety cage design principles, multi-adaptive safety belts, WHIPS whiplash protection — represents decades of purpose-built safety investment.
Interior Quality and Design Philosophy
Both the EX60 and iX deliver genuinely premium interiors — this is not a case of one being obviously better than the other. They represent different design philosophies.
The BMW iX interior emphasizes BMW’s refined, driver-focused approach — curved displays, hexagonal design details, and materials that reflect BMW’s sport-luxury brand identity. It is exceptionally well-made and feels distinctly BMW.
The EX60 interior reflects Volvo’s Scandinavian design philosophy — material quality over visual complexity, natural materials (including Wool Blend upholstery), and an interface architecture (15-inch landscape OLED + driver display) that represents a genuinely new approach to automotive displays. It feels calm, refined, and purposeful.
| Factor | EX60 AWD Ultra | BMW iX xDrive50 |
|---|---|---|
| Charging Voltage | ✓ 800V | 400V |
| Large Animal Detection | ✓ Standard | Not available |
| Standard Audio | ✓ B&W (Ultra) | Harman Kardon (B&W optional) |
| Interior Design | Scandinavian/material-led | ✓ BMW sport-luxury |
| Driving Character | Refined/composed | ✓ Driver-focused |
Driving Character
The BMW iX carries BMW’s driver-focused philosophy — precise steering, structured handling, and a vehicle that responds to driver intent with enthusiasm. The EX60 is tuned for composed refinement — the Active Chassis on the Ultra delivers a controlled, comfortable ride that prioritizes occupant comfort on variable road surfaces.
Neither is wrong. For Huntington families primarily focused on comfort, space, and safety on North Shore roads, the EX60’s tuning matches their priorities. For buyers who want a vehicle that rewards enthusiastic driving, the iX’s BMW character is a genuine differentiator.
"The iX and EX60 are both excellent premium electric SUVs, but they appeal to different personalities. The iX buyer wants BMW dynamics in an EV. The EX60 buyer wants a Scandinavian cabin, Volvo safety, and 800V charging. There's almost no wrong answer between the two — it's about which brand experience resonates more."
General Manager, Volvo Cars of Huntington
View EX60 inventory at Volvo Cars of Huntington or view current new vehicle specials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the EX60 charge faster than the BMW iX? At high-power DC fast chargers, the EX60’s 800V architecture enables faster charging than the iX’s 400V system at equivalent charger power levels.
Which has better safety technology, the EX60 or iX? Both have strong driver assistance suites. The EX60 differentiates with large animal detection and interior driver state sensing as standard features. BMW’s system excels at highway driver assistance.
Is the BMW iX bigger than the EX60? The iX is slightly larger overall. The EX60 at 189.1 inches is the more manageable daily-driver footprint for Huntington parking and North Shore roads.
Which has Bowers and Wilkins audio? Both offer Bowers and Wilkins audio — standard on the EX60 Ultra, optional on higher iX configurations.
Can I test drive both at Volvo Cars of Huntington? We carry the full EX60 lineup. For iX test drives, BMW dealers are separate. We are happy to answer EX60 questions and help you compare specifications directly.
Experience the EX60 at Volvo Cars of Huntington, serving Huntington, Northport, Commack, and Melville. Schedule a test drive.
Related reading: EX60 vs Tesla Model Y | 2027 EX60 Complete Buyer’s Guide