Volvo EM90 unveiled - a luxurious long-range electric MPV

13 November 2023

Volvo now officially expanded its electric vehicle portfolio with the introduction of the EM90, its first electric minivan. Diverging from its recent focus on SUVs, Volvo's EM90 ventures into a segment, where electric-propelled options have been severely limited.

Borrowing heavily on design elements from its sibling, the Zeekr 009, the EM90 presents a less audacious yet equally impressive appearance. The front fascia features a subtler illuminated grille and new headlights reminiscent of those on the EX90 electric SUV. The minivan's profile can’t hide its Zeekr origins, while the rear has been updated with new taillights extending onto the pillars, aligning with Volvo's design language.

The EM90 is a large vehicle by any standards, measuring 205 inches in length, 79.7 inches in width, and 73.2 inches in height, with a substantial wheelbase of 126.2 inches. This sizable footprint is complemented by either 19-inch or 20-inch aero-optimized wheels, enhancing both aesthetics and efficiency.

Inside, the EM90 offers a six-seat layout across three rows. The highlight is the middle row, where passengers can enjoy ventilated seats that slide fore and aft, resembling a pair of comfy lounge chairs. A 15.6-inch screen, descending from the headliner, provides entertainment and connectivity, albeit smaller than some competitors' offerings. The EM90's interior versatility is further highlighted by Volvo's claim that the rear seats can transform into a "theater, meeting room, or a bedroom" with simple controls or voice commands.

The EM90 is powered by a rear-mounted electric motor delivering 268 hp (200 kW). This setup allows for a 0 to 62 mph acceleration in 8.3 seconds. The relation to the Zeekr 009 suggests potential future variants with more potent dual-motor all-wheel drive setups.

Equipped with a massive CATL-sourced 116 kWh battery, the EM90 can charge from 10% to 80% in under 30 minutes. Its maximum range is estimated at 459 miles under the CLTC cycle, which tends to be more generous than Western testing cycles. The minivan also supports bidirectional charging, allowing it to power other vehicles or even appliances.

The EM90 will initially roll out in the Chinese market, priced at RMB 818,000 (approximately $114,000). This positioning pits it against luxury minivans like the Lexus LM, highlighting Volvo's confidence in the EM90 as a premium offering in the EV segment.

The comparison gets almost painful when we realize that the AWD 536 hp Zeekr 009 with the 140 kWh Qilin battery starts at RMB 588,000 - that’s just over $80,000. The Zeekr doesn’t skimp on equipment either and features very similar levels of luxury.

So - the Volvo EM90. Has the company got the price and the market right? There is very little doubt that it will eventually reach our shores, and when it does it will have no competition. But at $114,000 for the entry-level model, has Volvo priced itself out of the market? Or does it have enough brand clout to demand such a premium for a dressed-up Zeekr?

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