The first Volvo EM90 MPVs have just rolled off the production line of Geely's Hangzhou Bay plant in China. The model is basically a rebadged Zeekr 009 with Volvo features, available for way more money than its Chinese sibling.
The EM90 was unveiled in China on November 12, 2023, as Volvo's first MPV. It sits on Geely's SEA platform, which underpins the Zeekr 009, but also the Polestar 4, the Lotus Eletre and Emeya, and the new Smart models. Volvo kicked off mass production and shared photos from the factory on its Weibo account.
The Volvo has the exact same dimensions as the Zeekr-badged model, being 205 inches (5,206 millimeters) long, 79.6 inches (2,024 millimeters) wide, and 73.1 inches (1,859 millimeters) tall, sporting a wheelbase of 126 inches (3,205 millimeters).
It comes with six seats in a 2+2+2 layout, with the second row featuring captain-style seats with power reclining, heating, and ventilation, but also folding trays. Volvo claims it is a vehicle for both family trips and business transportation. For the former purpose, the vehicle is equipped with a rear 15.6-inch screen with a video camera, which drops from the roof when the rear occupants need to attend an online meeting.
The display supports mobile screen projection and a variety of third-party apps. There is also a Bowers & Wilkins audio system with 21 speakers on board.
Photo: Volvo | Weibo
The model is available with a single powertrain option. There is a single electric motor, mounted on the rear axle, which generates 268 horsepower (272 metric horsepower) in a rear-wheel drive layout making the MPV accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 kph) in 8.3 seconds. That motor pulls a vehicle that tips the scale at 6,091 pounds (2,763 kilograms). Unlike the Zeekr 009, the Volvo EM90 is not availbale with an all-wheel drive.
A CATL-sourced ternary NMC battery pack, with a capacity of 116 kWh, stores energy for a drive of up to 459 miles (738 kilometers), according to the very generous CLTC (China Light-Duty Testing Cycle). The battery can charge between 10 and 80 percent in 30 minutes.
For starters, the MPV will only be available in China, with pricing starting at 818,000 yuan, which translates to $115,090 at the current exchange rates, with the European premium factor included. Meanwhile, its pure-Chinese counterpart, the Zeekr 009, starts at 500,000 yuan ($70,348). It remains to be seen if the local market will put the Volvo model first, despite the over 300,000 yuan ($42,209) price gap.
Deliveries will start this upcoming March. Volvo is considering other markets, but the decision will likely depend on the success of the multi-purpose vehicle in China. However, the carmaker is most likely reserved about such a move since MPVs have been losing ground in Europe and the United States, where crossovers and SUVs have been all the rage for years.
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