Volvo Cars is set to introduce another industry-first with the debut of its fully electric EX60 SUV — featuring a revolutionary multi-adaptive safety belt system that has already earned a place on TIME magazine’s list of the Best Inventions of 2025. The innovation marks Volvo’s second consecutive appearance on the list, which honours 300 groundbreaking technologies shaping the world today.
True to Volvo’s reputation as a safety pioneer, the new seatbelt goes far beyond the traditional restraint system. It is designed to adapt in real time to both the individual passenger and the surrounding environment, using data from the car’s extensive network of sensors. Instead of applying a one-size-fits-all approach, the system adjusts its tension and resistance according to factors such as the occupant’s body type, seating position, and even the severity of a potential impact.
For instance, a larger passenger involved in a severe collision would experience higher belt tension to mitigate head injuries, while a smaller occupant in a lighter crash would receive gentler restraint to avoid rib or chest injuries. This precision-driven technology ensures that every person in the car receives protection that’s tailored to their physical characteristics and the specific crash scenario, creating a new benchmark in occupant safety.
The multi-adaptive belt is also designed to evolve over time. By analysing anonymised real-world data and implementing continuous over-the-air updates, Volvo engineers can enhance its performance long after the car leaves the factory. This approach allows the EX60’s safety systems to grow smarter and more responsive, reflecting Volvo’s broader strategy of using connected technology to improve safety dynamically rather than statically.
Volvo’s appearance on TIME’s Best Inventions list for the second year running further cements its standing in the industry. Last year, the publication recognised the carmaker’s Driver Understanding System — a cutting-edge feature that monitors driver attentiveness, detecting signs of fatigue or distraction and stepping in when necessary to prevent accidents. Together, these innovations highlight Volvo’s shift towards proactive, intelligent safety systems that can adapt to human behaviour and unpredictable real-world conditions.
The multi-adaptive safety belt will make its first appearance in the new Volvo EX60, which is set for a global reveal on 21 January 2026 in Stockholm. The all-electric SUV represents the next phase in Volvo’s commitment to blending advanced technology with its long-standing safety heritage.
