Volvo's Grand Debut in China: The Volvo EM90 - A Hotel Suite on Wheels, But Will Europe Get A Room Too?
Gargantuan Volvo EM90 cloaked in stone, boasts lavish cabin interior.
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When one envisions spacious Volvos, the angular station wagons of the past spring to mind. But in China, the Swedes are venturing into uncharted territories, unveiling their debut van - the Volvo EM90. While it remains to be seen whether it will grace our roads, it's certain to win a fair share of enthusiasts, if not when it comes to parking.
Stepping inside the angular colossus, measuring 5.21 meters, is like entering a posh apartment, not a simple car. With luxury typically seen in upscale furniture stores, more gadgets than one could find at Media Markt, and space to rival a hotel suite, the Volvo EM90 offers a comfort unmatched in the Volvo realm.
Collaborating with their Chinese parent company Geely, the Swedes built upon Zeekr's 009 as a base, providing an 116 kWh battery. It effortlessly delivers an impressive 738 kilometers of range in China's relaxed testing cycle. With its 800-volt architecture, it powers up from 10 to 80 percent in mere minutes.
Performance enthusiasts may be left wanting, as the 272 PS from the rear motor seems tame on paper, considering the vehicle's hefty 2.8-ton weight. However, the explosive torque development of electric motors ensures a dynamic driving experience comfy enough to put veterans of plush easy chairs to shame, especially in Shanghai's stop-and-go traffic.
Comfort and relaxation reign supreme in the Volvo EM90, with its air suspension programmed for cloud-like softness and the steering designed to glide the colossus through city highways with ease. The Swedish ambiance permeates every inch, with light colors, minimalist design, and a noble simplicity that retains a cozy warmth.
The electronics take over, as expected. Electrically opening sliding doors welcome passengers to climate-controlled, relaxing seats that knead your back. Pull out a table from the armrest, and you'll find the perfect spot to turn your driving time into working time. However, if you truly want to indulge, you can recline into a lying position, enjoying the premium onboard infotainment at eye level, zero.
Only the second row boasts the luxury seat, while the rear features a relatively ordinary bench. Offering a comfortable ride for all, the EM90's 3.21-meter wheelbase ensures ample space even when seated. Cargo remains unfettered, with 535 liters of trunk space available at all times, expandable to a staggering 2376 liters by making everything compact or folding it. It's a surprise they only offer 29 liters in the frunk.
Though the Volvo EM90 is currently exclusive to China's luxury-loving elite, with a hefty price tag of 100,000 euros, the European market may soon see similar luxury limousines for lounging and standing. Lexus has already brought the LM to our shores, and Mercedes' next V-Class has sparked curiosity with a first-class lounge on wheels in Shanghai. If the Swedes play their cards right, they might beat the Germans to the punch with the EM90, expanding westwards soon. Only time will tell, and the days of cramped luxury are numbered.
Technical specifications:- Seating capacity: Six-seater van with sliding doors- Length: 5.21 meters, Width: 1.99 meters (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 range: 738 km; Normal consumption: 17.2 liters/100 kilometers, charging power (AC/DC) 22 kW/360 kW- Price: from approximately 100,000 euros (in China)
[Source: ntv.de, Benjamin Bessinger, sp-x]
Related Items:- Volvo models- Automakers- Luxury minivans
[1] Retrieved from https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volvo_EM90[2] Retrieved from https://www.autonews.com/automaker-news/volvo-plans-selling-electrified-models-european-market-despite-weak-sales[3] Retrieved from https://electrek.co/2023/07/12/volvo-electric-vehicles-china-us-global-battery-electric-market/
- In contrast to the angular Volvo station wagons of past times, the new Volvo EM90 unveiled in China is a hotel suite on wheels, possibly destined for European roads as well, if its reception in China is any indication.
- The Volvo EM90, a collaboration with Chinese parent company Geely, draws upon Zeekr's 009 as a base, sporting an 116 kWh battery offering an impressive 738 kilometers of range in China's testing cycle.
- The luxury-focused Volvo EM90, costing an estimated 100,000 euros, boasts amenities such as air suspension for a cloud-like ride, electrically opening doors, and climate-controlled reclining seats that could easily rival the comfort of high-end lounging chairs.
- The motor vehicle manufacturer is set to challenge the German automotive industry with its ambitious new offering, as Mercedes has already introduced its luxurious V-Class in Shanghai, and Lexus has found success with the LM in Europe.
- The Volvo EM90 is equipped with advanced technology that aligns with the growing trends in the industry, from the charging architecture to the premium infotainment systems typically found in the latest gadgets.
- Despite the initial high price tag and current exclusivity to China's luxury market, there's potential that the motor vehicle manufacturer may expand its offerings in Europe, much like how the manufacturing of motor vehicles has evolved with technology and changes in the finance industry impacting the transportation sector globally.
