Volvo's EM90: A colossal structure wrapped in stone, offering a luxurious cabin experience inside.
Think Volvo, think spacious, luxurious vehicles. But, what if I told you that the Swedish automaker is venturing into a new realm - vans! Yes, you heard it right. The Volvo EM90, their first-ever van, is making waves in the competitive Chinese market, and it's about to be a game-changer.
Step inside the Volvo EM90, and prepare to be swept away in a tide of class and opulence. A symphony of comfort greets your senses, pushing you to question if you're still in a car or have somehow found yourself in an upscale furniture store! Impressive, don't you think? The EM90 is a 5.21-meter behemoth, catering to the Chinese market's growing taste for luxurious space travel.
Power and Performance
The elegant giant on wheels isn't solely a Scandinavian creation. Volvo has teamed up with its Chinese parent company, Geely's sister company, Zeekr, and used the Zeekr 009 as its base. The resulting union offers an 116 kWh battery that, under the Chinese cycle, promises an astonishing 738 kilometers of range! Its 800-volt architecture empowers it to charge from 10 to 80 percent in an impressive 28 minutes at fast-charging stations.
Its power output might seem relatively modest with 272 PS and 343 Nm of torque, but don't let that fool you. The explosive torque typical of electric motors ensures a dynamic driving experience that'll melt even the most firmly-set bones of van passengers. The EM90 dashes from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds and tops out at 180 km/h, although Shanghai's distinctive stop-and-go traffic is unlikely to encourage such speeds.
Relaxation and Refinement
Fast and furious isn't the EM90's vibe. Deceleration and relaxation are the keywords, reflected in the cloud-soft air suspension and the gentle steering that allows you to effortlessly maneuver the giant through the city's intricate highway cloverleafs.
The Swedish sensibility shines through the refined ambiance, characterized by light colors, a modest design, and a soothing austerity that manages to feel both warm and cozy. The moment you slide open the electric door, you're transported to the cozy corner of a Swedish furniture store - except that there's no need for assembly here!
Space for Work or Play
The EM90 is all about redefining space. The sliding door welcomes you into an expansive interior that offers the flexibility to work or relax. A table can be drawn out from the armrest, making the commuting time productive work hours. However, for those who fancy a bit of R&R, the reclining seats and the on-board infotainment system provide the perfect oasis for entertainment.
Seating is a luxe affair, with spacious, climate-controlled seats massaging your back. Comfort, you ask? The plush rear seats even boast a lying position, should you wish to take a nap during long journeys.
Packing Space and Capacity
The EM90 offers 535 liters of trunk space, but folding down seats and stowing items away makes room for a staggering 2376 liters! Compare that to a few Billy bookcases, and you can understand why the EM90 only affords 29 liters in the frunk.
Setting Sights West
The Volvo EM90, a Chinese-born marvel, isn't slated for our shores yet, although its hefty 100,000 euros price tag in China positions it as the priciest model in the fleet. However, luxury travel on the move seems to be catching on among the European elite, and Mercedes and Lexus are already cashing in on the trend.
If the Swedes play their cards right, the EM90 could mark a strategic leap forward, allowing them to seize the limelight from the Germans and expand their horizons westward. Time will tell if the era of cramped luxuries is indeed numbered!
Technical Specifications
- Design: Six-seater van with sliding doors
- Dimensions: Length: 5.21 meters, Width: 1.99 meters (including exterior mirrors: 2.31 meters), Height: 1.86 meters, Wheelbase: 3.21 meters, Trunk volume: 535-2376 + 29 (frunk) liters
- Powertrain: Rear-wheel drive, 200 kW (272 PS) electric motor, 343 Nm of torque
- Acceleration: 0-100 km/h: 8.3 seconds, Top speed: 180 km/h
- Battery: 116 kWh, Range: 450 km (approximately), Charging power (AC/DC): 22 kW/360 kW
- Price: Approximately 100,000 euros (in China)
- The Volvo EM90, a luxurious electric van, is not only challenging the competitive Chinese market but also hinting at a strategic shift for the Swedish automaker, venturing into the motor vehicle manufacturing industry.
- The collaboration between Volvo and their Chinese parent company Zeekr in the manufacturing of the EM90 has resulted in impressive technological advancements, such as an 800-volt architecture that enables rapid charging from 10 to 80 percent in just 28 minutes.
- The EM90's focus on transportation and lifestyle is evident in its spacious interior, designed for both work and relaxation, complete with a reclining seat option and an on-board infotainment system.
- With its emphasis on luxury space travel, the Volvo EM90 could potentially attract the attention of the European elite, positioning Volvo to compete with German and Japanese manufacturers in the Asian market, and potentially expand operations in the West.
