Meet Volvo's first-ever minivan. It is the EM90 and the carmaker refers to it as a living room or an office on the move. The model will go on sale in China while other markets are being considered.
Volvo knew this time would come when those who wanted compact cars 20 years ago would have families and need MPVs, a body style that has been gaining traction in a car market that is all about crossovers, SUVs, and pickup trucks.
The brand is chasing profit, sending a model in every niche out there on its way to a completely electric lineup by 2030. Based on the Chinese Zeekr 009, the Volvo EM90 is a fully electric MPV, the first of such kind for the contemporary Volvo.
But some may remember that back in the 1950s, the carmaker rolled out the Duet, which had the looks of a small bus, was spacious and versatile, and previewed the future MPV segment.
Seven decades later, Volvo has come up with the EM90, specifically designed for family trips as well as for executive business transport. The carmaker claims the space, comfortable and high-tech, is appropriate for meetings and business calls.
Photo: Volvo
The third EV unveiled by Volvo this year after the EX90 and EX30, the EM90 comes with a minimalist design, which is clear right from the front fascia. There is an illuminated front enclosed grille, inspired by skyscrapers and immersive art, Volvo says.
The grille is flanked by the Thor's hammer headlights, which instantly confirm that we are, indeed, dealing with a Volvo. For the first time on a Volvo car, there is an illuminated logo at the front.
At the opposite end, there are vertical taillights extending upwards and downwards. They are horizontally split by a metal strip. The EM90 rides on 19- or 20-inch wheels, aerodynamically optimized to maximize range. The rear doors slide backward for easy access and exit.
Six people can sit on board Volvo's MPV in a 2+2+2 layout. The second row features captain-style seats with power reclining, heating and ventilation, but are also equipped with folding trays.
A 15.6-inch screen descends from the roof when the occupants must be present in an online meeting, even with the camera on, or just for entertainment purposes. The screen supports mobile screen projection, but also a wide variety of third-party apps. Volvo equipped the model with a Bowers & Wilkins sound system with a total of 21 speakers.
Photo: Volvo
The driver will get all the driving data on a compact digital instrument cluster. The center console integrates a tablet-style 15.4-inch touchscreen. Considering the Scandinavian influence on board the Volvo EM90, the number of physical buttons has been reduced down to minimum.
The vehicle is 205 inches (5,206 millimeters) long, 79.6 inches (2,024 millimeters) wide, and 73.1 inches (1,859 millimeters) tall. The wheelbase stretches for 126 inches (3,205 millimeters).
The 2024 Volvo EM90 is powered by an electric motor, which is mounted on the rear axle and develops 268 horsepower (272 PS), which makes it accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 kph) in 8.3 seconds. Keep in mind that we are dealing with quite a heavy vehicle, which tips the scales at 6,091 pounds (2,763 kilograms).
The EM90's sibling, the Zeekr 009, also has an all-wheel drive variant, which is powered by a dual-motor powertrain. It remains to be seen if that will also show up in the EM90 range.
A CATL-sourced 116-kWh battery pack stores enough energy for a range of 459 miles (738 kilometers), according to the CLTC (China Light-Duty Vehicle Testing Cycle). It takes 30 minutes for the unit to charge from 10 to 80%. The model is also equipped with the hardware necessary for bi-directional charging. Therefore, the battery can be used to charge other electric cars, for instance, or appliances.
Photo: Volvo
Volvo promises impeccable sound insulation in the company of the road noise cancellation technology, which will be available later on via an over-the-air update. A dual chamber air suspension and silent tires also reduce noise on the move.
The carmaker equipped the new EV with a wide range of safety systems, which is so typically Volvo. The EM90 is packed with cameras and sensors, a millimeter wave radar, and ultrasonic radars.
By 2030, Volvo will only sell cars with zero tailpipe emissions everywhere around the globe. Therefore, the EM90 is one step toward achieving the target.
The Volvo EM90 is first coming to China, where it is already available for pre-order with a starting price of 818,000 yuan, the equivalent of $113,740 at the current exchange rates. Deliveries are set to commence before the end of the year.
And that seems just the right market for the minivan. In China, almost half a million such models were sold during the first half of 2023. There is no plan for Volvo to take the MPV to Western markets.
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