The Giant Swede - Volvo EM90: A Spacious Luxury Van, All the Way from China
Gargantuan Volvo EM90 boasts premium interior design: colossal exterior structure meets plush cabin comforts.
When you imagine roomy Volvos, the boxy station wagons of yesteryear pop into mind. But in China, the Swedes are branching out and crafting their first van. If they decide to bring it West, it'd surely find its admirers - even if parking might prove challenging.
Climb aboard the angular Volvo EM90, and you'd swear you've stepped into a plush living room. The ambiance rivals that of an upscale furniture store, and there's more electronic gadgetry than you'd find at an electronics store. With space to spare, it feels more like a hotel suite than a vehicle.
The demand for spacious luxury in China is surging, and the Swedes are responding. Elite residents are trading in their ostentatious luxury limos, like S-Classes or S90s, for standing headroom and extra legroom.
Power and Range
Volvo hasn't gone it alone in building the EM90. In partnership with their Chinese sister brand Zeekr, they've used the Zeekr 009 as a base. The platform provides an impressive 116 kWh battery, powered up by an 800-volt architecture. under the relaxed Chinese driving cycle, it offers an impressive range of 738 kilometers, and can recharge from 10 to 80% in just 28 minutes at a charging station.
However, it's not all flashy performance with the EM90. The rear motor churns out 272 PS, which may seem modest considering the vehicle's 2.8-ton weight. But electric motor torque ensures a dynamic driving experience that's more than enough - even for the passengers sprawled across the reclined seats.
Deceleration and Relaxation
Speed isn't what matters to a van driver in Shanghai - comfort is key. The air suspension is pleasantly cushy, and the steering is mild enough to guide the giant through the city's cloverleafs with just your pinky finger.
The EM90's construction and tuning are Chinese, but the cabin's atmosphere is pure Sweden, with its light colors, reserved design, and austerity that still feels cozy. The moment you slide open the giant door, you'd feel like you've entered the upscale corner of a Swedish furniture store, minus the assembly.
Work or Rest
The sliding door glides open electrically, leading you to a climate-controlled seat that massages your back. Press a button, and you can pull out a table from the armrest – perfect for working on the go. But it's the reclining seats with built-in screens for movies and streaming that make this van stand out.
The luxe seats are only available in the second row, while the rear bench, although comfortable, offers a more ordinary seating experience. Yet, with a 3.21-meter wheelbase, it's still more comfortable than the second row in most other Volvos. Even when fully seated, there are no compromises on cargo space - the 535 liters of trunk space is always available, with the ability to fold and compact for a whopping 2376 liters.
The Swedes haven't announced any plans to bring the Volvo EM 90 to Western shores, especially since it already costs around 100,000 euros in China, making it the most expensive model in their lineup. But the days of cramped luxury may be numbered, as even the European elite seems to be warming up to the idea of lying down in luxury limousines, like the expansive Lexus LM and the yet-to-be-revealed Mercedes V-Class lounge on wheels.
Technical Specifications
- Six-seater van with sliding doors, layout: (2+2+2)
- 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; Norm consumption: 17.2 liters/100 kilometers, charging power (AC/DC) 22 kW/360 kW
- Price: from around 100,000 euros (in China)
- The Volvo EM90, a spacious luxury van, is manufactured by a motor vehicle manufacturer in partnership with Zeekr, showcasing the latest in technology and electric-vehicles.
- With its comfortable reclined seats, built-in screens for movies, and spacious cabin, the Volvo EM90 offers a lounging experience that's unlikely to be found in other vehicles.
- The Volvo EM90's motor offers 272 PS and a range of 738 kilometers, making it a viable option for those who want a comfortable ride without compromising on power and efficiency.
- Despite being a favorite among the elite in China, the Volvo EM90 is yet to be announced for Western markets, owing to its high price tag of around 100,000 euros.
- The demand for electric-vehicles with a focus on comfort and spaciousness is growing, signaling that the luxury lifestyle of lounging in vehicles may soon become the norm in Western markets.
