Volvo EX60 Faces Early Criticism Over Unconventional Door Handle Design

Volvo Cars is drawing early scrutiny ahead of the EX60’s debut, as new images reveal an unconventional door-handle design that has already sparked safety concerns. The all-electric EX60, one of Volvo’s most important upcoming models, is set to be unveiled next week and will be the first Swedish-built EV from the brand, carrying major implications for both product strategy and domestic manufacturing.

EX60 door handle design raises safety questions

Fresh overhead images of the Volvo EX60 show the absence of traditional exterior door handles. Instead, Volvo appears to be using a new handle design integrated near the lower edge of the side windows. While the company has not yet detailed how the system works, the choice has drawn immediate comparisons to flush and electronic door handles used by other EV makers.

The issue is sensitive. In both Europe and the United States, regulators are examining electronically actuated door handles following a series of high-profile incidents involving Tesla, where lawsuits have alleged difficulties opening doors after crashes. Some automakers have faced mounting criticism, and in China, certain electric door-handle designs have already been banned outright, according to CarUp.

Emergency access is a growing focus for safety agencies. Euro NCAP has introduced new tests this year, specifically assessing how easily vehicle doors can be opened following an accident. How Volvo’s window-integrated solution performs under those criteria could prove crucial, especially given the brand’s long-standing reputation for prioritizing safety.

Swedish-built EV marks a turning point for Volvo

Beyond the door-handle debate, the latest images also reveal a notable interior change. Volvo has reinstated a driver-facing instrument display in the EX60, reversing a controversial move made in the smaller EX30, where speed and key data were shown only on a central screen. The return of a dedicated cluster is likely to be welcomed by safety advocates and traditional Volvo buyers.

Volvo has confirmed the EX60 will deliver a claimed range of up to 810 kilometers and will be built on a new assembly line at its Torslanda factory, making it the company’s first electric vehicle manufactured in Sweden. The model carries added importance as Volvo shifts production of the XC60 for the U.S. market overseas, leaving the EX60 to anchor domestic output and safeguard Swedish automotive jobs.

As anticipation builds ahead of its official reveal, the EX60 is already proving that innovation can be a double-edged sword. Volvo’s challenge will be convincing regulators, emergency responders, and customers alike that its bold design choices enhance rather than compromise the safety values the brand is known for.

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