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It's hard to believe that a company synonymous with safety and practicality hasn’t built an MPV until now. Volvo's first stab at the MPV market has been unveiled as the fully electric Volvo EM90, which is destined for the Chinese market for now. Based on parent company Geely’s upmarket MPV, the Zeekr 009, the EM90 is touted as a living room on wheels.
The overall silhouette of the Volvo EM90 is similar to the Geely Zeekr 009 it is based on, but Volvo has given it significant updates to differentiate it from its cousin. The EM90 gets a unique light signature that Volvo says is inspired by skyscrapers and cutting-edge immersive art. The front showcases Volvo's signature Thor hammer LED headlights and an illuminated Volvo logo, while the rear is adorned with vertically oriented LED tail lamps, featuring an illuminated Volvo script. The EM90 offers a choice of four exterior colours and rides on 19- and 20-inch aero wheels.
The interior of the EM90 is likened to a spacious, Scandinavian living room with generous cabin volume for its six occupants. The interior is infused with sophisticated design elements inspired by Scandinavian nature and Asian art, such as the back-lit birch wood panels, an Orrefors crystal gear selector, and light-coloured upholstery.
On the tech front, the dashboard houses a 15.4-inch infotainment screen accessible via the Volvo voice assistant, complemented by a roof-mounted 15.6-inch screen that transforms the rear seats into a versatile space, be it a theatre, meeting room, or bedroom. Enhancing the theatre experience are 21 speakers by Bowers & Wilkins that are supported by 2,460W of power to deliver a 3D sound experience.
The second-row passengers are pampered with lounge seats that get amenities such as a massage function, heating and cooling, as well as built-in tables and cupholders. The seats also feature an ottoman and zero gravity cushions with a thickness exceeding 120mm for both comfort and support. Additionally, passengers can choose between multiple ambient light settings, one of which can recreate the famous Northern Lights.
The Volvo EM90 gets a massive 116kWh battery that can provide a claimed range of up to 738-kilometres under the CLTC test cycle (China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle). The battery also supports fast charging, which allows it to charge from 10 to 80 per cent in under 30 minutes. Additionally, the EM90’s battery pack has all the hardware necessary to enable bi-directional charging. This means that the EM90 can function as a giant power bank to charge other electric cars and appliances.
However, the battery’s primary purpose is to power the e-motor, which produces 268bhp and drives the EM90 via the rear wheels. This enables the Volvo EM90 to accelerate from 0 to 100kmph in 8.3-seconds.
True to Volvo's commitment to safety, the EM90 incorporates a robust safety cage made of high-strength steel, double A-pillars, and strategically placed airbags for maximum passenger protection. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) further enhance safety, utilising sensors, millimetre-wave radar, and high-definition cameras to prevent accidents. Furthermore, Volvo has created a robust structure made up of steel and aluminium to safeguard the battery pack in the event of a collision.
While the Volvo EM90 is currently exclusive to the Chinese market, where luxury MPVs enjoy immense popularity, global availability and pricing details are yet to be disclosed.
