Electric Luxury Cruising: Volvo EM90 - A Spacious Living Room on Wheels
Volvo's EM90: A Sculpted Titan Sporting a Comfortable Cabin Interior
When it comes to roomy Volvos, the boxy station wagons of the past spring to mind. However, Volvo is steping up its game by venturing into China and creating its first-ever van, the EM90. If they decide to introduce it here, it's bound to attract fans, even though parking might remain a challenge.
Step inside the EM90, and you'll feel like you've walked into an upscale apartment, not a vehicle. With plush seating more comfortable than your living room chair, an ambiance comparable to a high-end furniture store, and a plethora of electronics to rival Media Markt, the Volvo EM90 offers a cozy and luxurious experience.
This angled giant stands tall at 5.21 meters, responding to the trend towards luxurious travel in China's marquee cities. Instead of classic luxury limousines like an S-Class or an S90, China's elite is embracing standing height and extra-wide legroom.
Packing a Punch – Performance and Range
Volvo didn't design the EM90 on its own; it teamed up with its Chinese sister brand Zeekr and built upon the 009 as a base. The 116 kWh battery offers an impressive 738 kilometers range on the Chinese cycle and can recharge at rapid speeds of up to 360 kW, ensuring a quick 10 to 80 percent charging time of just 28 minutes.
While the 272 PS output may seem modest for a 2.8-ton vehicle, the EM90 delivers plenty of torque to ensure smooth and dynamic driving. With a 0-100 acceleration in 8.3 seconds and a top speed of 180 km/h, it's more than capable of maneuvering through city traffic, even with the cloud-soft air suspension and gentle steering.
Relaxation Ride: Comfort Over Haste
The EM90's focus is on comfort and relaxation, rather than speed. Deceleration and smooth sailing are the priorities in busy Shanghai traffic. The seats can be adjusted to a reclining position for ultimate luxury, and the infotainment system is designed to keep you entertained during your journey.
The Swedish design is evident in the EM90's light and restrained color palette, understated design, and noble sobriety. The relatively ordinary bench in the back still offers more legroom than most second-row seats in other Volvo models. And with a wheelbase of 3.21 meters, cargo space isn't compromised: 535 liters of trunk space is available, with up to 2376 liters of room once everything is folded or packed compactly.
A Swedish Oasis in a Digital World
The electronics take care of everything in the EM90, from the electrically opening sliding door to climate-controlled and massaging seats. While the rear equipment is primarily controlled via touch strips, the armrest even comes with a pop-out table for working on the go.
Those who prefer relaxation can recline their seats and enjoy the onboard infotainment at eye level, streaming movies, music, or all the apps of the Chinese digital universe.
While there are no current plans to bring the Volvo EM90 to European markets, the luxury lounge option in vehicles seems to be catching on among European elites. As the demand grows, we may see more brands like Lexus and Mercedes introducing similar luxurious transportation options. If Volvo plays its cards right, the EM90 could steal the spotlight from its competitors and make its way west soon. After all, time and space wait for no one, and the era of cramped luxury is coming to an end.
Regarding the "push of a button" thing - the rear equipment is mainly operated via touch strips, which are elegantly integrated into the doors with illuminated symbols or small displays. VW could take a leaf out of their book with their sliders.
Volvo EM90 - Technical Specifications
- Six-seater van with sliding doors
- Length: 5.21 meters, Width: 1.99 meters (Width with 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, CLTC standard range 738 km; Standard consumption: 17.2 liters/100 kilometers, charging power (AC/DC) 22 kW/360 kW
- Price: from approximately 100,000 euros (in China)
- The motor vehicle manufacturer Volvo has created the first-ever van, the EM90, in China, possibly bringing it to markets outside China to attract fans.
- The Volvo EM90, inspired by luxury vehicles, offers an Angular design and a cozy living room-like interior, with plush seating and high-end electronics.
- The spacious Volvo EM90, designed for luxurious travel, has a 116 kWh battery, offering a range of 738 kilometers and rapid recharging at up to 360 kW, catering to the demand for electric vehicles.
- The EM90's focus is on comfort and relaxation, featuring adjustable seats, an onboard infotainment system, and a light, understated design reminiscent of Swedish sophistication.
- As the demand for luxurious transportation options grows, European brands may follow Volvo and introduce similar electric-vehicle models, making the era of cramped luxury vehicles possibly come to an end.
