Swedish Colossus: Volvo's Electrified Luxury Lounge on Wheels
Gargantuan Volvo EM90 - Exuding Massiveness on the Outside, Offering Luxury on the Inside
Those who remember Volvo's angular station wagons of yesteryear are in for a surprise. The Swedes are now designing swanky spaces in China, building their first van - the Volvo EM90. And if it finds its way to us, it's sure to have its fans, although parking might be a challenge.
Step inside the EM90, and you'll feel like you're entering an upscale apartment, not a car. Comfortable seats, a high-end vibe, and so much space - it's like you've been transported to a plush furniture store.
The EM90 is the result of collaboration between Volvo and their Chinese parent company, Geely. They've used the Zeekr 009's skateboard platform, which features an 116 kWh battery. In the Chinese cycle, it offers an impressive 738 km of range, and when connected to a 360 kW charging station, it charges from 10 to 80% in just 28 minutes!
The performance might not be breathtaking, with 272 PS from the rear motor and 343 Nm of torque, but it's more than enough for a relaxing, dynamic driving experience. After all, the EM90's focus is comfort, not haste.
The steering is extremely gentle, allowing you to maneuver the colossus with ease through city streets. The air suspension provides a cloud-soft ride, and the electronics take care of everything from climate control to massaging your back.
The EM90's interior design is pure Swedish, with light colors, a restrained design, and a warm, cozy feel. It's like stepping into the luxury corner of a Swedish furniture store without the need for self-assembly.
Passengers can work or lounge, thanks to a foldable table and a large screen that hums down from the ceiling. The Entertainment system comes with all the apps of the Chinese digital universe, ready for your streaming needs.
The rear seats are a luxurious captain chairs, but the bench in the rear is a bit less fancy. With a wheelbase of 3.21 meters, it's still more comfortable than in most other Volvos' second rows.
Despite the plush seats, the EM90 offers plenty of room for luggage, with 535 liters of trunk space available, and by making everything compact or folding it, you can store 2376 liters, enough for a few Billy bookcases.
At the moment, there are no plans to bring the Volvo EM 90 to Europe, especially since it already costs a hefty 100,000 euros in China - making it the most expensive model in the fleet. But the European elite seems to be warming up to luxury limousines, offering a chance for rest and relaxation during their drive.
In the future, we might see more vehicles like the EM90. Lexus has already brought the LM to our shores, and Mercedes has sparked curiosity about the next V-Class with a first-class lounge on wheels in Shanghai. If the Swedes are smart, they'll beat the Germans to it and roll westwards soon. Time will tell, and the days of cramped luxury are numbered.
Volvo EM90 - technical specifications
- Six-seater van with sliding doors
- Length: 5.21 meters, Width: 1.99 meters (width with exterior mirrors: 2.31 meters), Height: 1.86 meters, Wheelbase: 3.21 meters, Trunk volume: 535-2376 + 29 (frunk) liters
- Electric motor, 200 kW/272 PS, maximum torque: 343 Nm, rear-wheel drive, automatic transmission
- 0-100 km/h: 8.3 s, Vmax: 180 km/h
- Battery capacity 116 kWh, norm range 738 km (CLTC); norm consumption: 17.2 liters/100 kilometers, charging power (AC/DC) 22 kW/360 kW
- Price: from around 100,000 euros (in China)
Source: ntv.de, Benjamin Bessinger, sp-x
- Volvo models
- Automakers
- Luxury van
- The manufacturing of Volvo's first van, the Volvo EM90, is part of the wider motor vehicle industry, collaborating with their Chinese parent company, Geely.
- The finance aspect of such a project indicates that the Volvo EM90, an electric-vehicle, will likely not come cheap, as it already costs 100,000 euros in China, making it the most expensive model in their fleet.
- With advanced technology like the Zeekr 009's skateboard platform and an impressive 738 km range, the EM90 showcases Volvo's commitment to the automotive industry's future, particularly in the realm of transportation and electric-vehicles.
- As the automotive world moves towards luxury, comfort, and technology, the Volvo EM90, with its focus on relaxation and plush interior, reflects the changing lifestyles of consumers, making a bold statement in the motor vehicle manufacturer market.
