Volvo's Giant Stride: The Volvo EM90 - A Luxurious Chinese-Swedish Production
Stonily clad behemoth, Volvo EM90, boasts a lavish interior.
Get ready to rethink your concepts of spacious Swedish vehicles, as the angular behemoth, Volvo EM90, is a game-changer. Hailing from China, this is the first van produced by the Swedes, crafted to cater to the booming trend for luxurious travel within China's elite. Despite its size (5.21 meters), it won't be a struggle to find a parking spot, although it might feel more like parking an apartment than a car!
Going inside the EM90 feels like stepping into a cozy living room, the seats so comfy you'd think they were made for your living room, the ambiance more upscale than your local IKEA, and the electronics more than what you'd find at your local electronics store. Pair this with hotel suite-like space, and you've got a mobile lounge that's hard to beat.
The EM90 was not a solo venture; it was a collaborative effort between Volvo and Geely's sister brand Zeekr, using the Zeekr 009 as its base. The 009 provides the vehicle with a skateboard platform and a massive 116kWh battery, offering an impressive 738 kilometers in range and capable of charging from 10 to 80% in just 28 minutes with its 800-volt architecture [2].
The powerful battery drives a rear motor with 272 PS, but don't be fooled by the seemingly modest power – almost explosive torque development typical of electric motors ensures dynamic driving without the need for excessive speed. With a top speed of 180 km/h and 0–100 km/h in 8.3 seconds, these figures are less relevant in Chinese traffic, where relaxation and deceleration take priority [3].
The Volvo EM90 is a blend of Eastern construction and Swedish design. Though its ride, construction, and setup are Chinese, its ambiance is unmistakably Swedish, boasting a minimalistic, elegant design that feels warm and inviting. Push the button, and the electrically operated sliding door opens, guiding you to a seat that's climate-controlled and massaging your back – perfect for instant relaxation. The rear row even offers a luxury seat!
Since the EM90 is more about comfort and relaxation than productivity, its rear equipment is controlled mainly through touch strips integrated elegantly into the doors, with illuminated symbols or small displays. These allow you to control various features, like adjusting the climate, reclining your seat, or playing your favorite movies and shows [3].
Despite its size, and the comfortable rear seat, storage capacity remains a priority. With 535 liters of trunk space available at all times, and up to 2376 liters with everything compacted or folded, the EM90 can easily accommodate a few IKEA bookcases [3]. So, even when fully seated, there are no limitations on packing.
As of now, there are no concrete plans to bring the Volvo EM90 to European markets. Given the high cost in China (around 100,000 euros [4]), it's understandable that Volvo might consider other models or markets with a lower price barrier first [2]. Nevertheless, with the growing demand for luxury vans and the introduction of similar offerings from brands like Lexus and Mercedes, it seems only a matter of time before the EM90 comes west [2]. So, grab your popcorn and get ready for the days of cramped luxury to be numbered!
References [1] "Volvo's first electric van EM90: spacious on the inside but perhaps too expensive for Europe," ntv.de, Benjamin Bessinger, sp-x [2] "Volvo's first electric van EM90: spacious on the inside but perhaps too expensive for Europe," ntv.de, Benjamin Bessinger, sp-x [3] "Volvo EM90: The most expensive model in the fleet," ntv Autoleasing [4] "Volvo EM90: Luxury at its Finest," Carwale India, Article ID: 565766
- The motor vehicle manufacturer, Volvo, has introduced a groundbreaking vehicle, the Volvo EM90, which is a collaboration with Geely's sister brand Zeekr, showcasing the manufacturing of motor vehicles that defy traditional notions of spacious Swedish vehicles.
- Inside the Volvo EM90, one finds a luxurious lounge atmosphere, reminiscent of a cozy living room, with Angular design elements and comfortable seats that are more akin to gadgets found at Mediamarkt.
- The Volvo EM90 is an electric-vehicle that boasts a powerful 116kWh battery, offering a range of 738 kilometers and capable of fast charging from 10 to 80% in just 28 minutes, thanks to its 800-volt architecture.
- Lounging in the Volvo EM90 feels like stepping into a luxurious lifestyle, with electronic controls for the climate, massaging seats, and entertainment systems, making it a perfect blend of technology and comfort.
- Despite its impressive features, the Volvo EM90 is currently not available in European markets due to high production costs, but the growing demand for luxury vans might prompt its introduction to Western markets in the near future.
