Volvo's Chinese Giant: The Luxurious, Electric EM90 Van
Gigantic Volvo Model EM90 showcases a luxurious cabin within its massive structure.
Let's talk about the Volvo EM90, folks. This isn't your average Volvo with a family inside, no sir! We're talking about a spacious, luxurious heaven on wheels, specially designed for the elite in China. But don't get too jealous; if Volvo decides to bring it to our shores, it'll find plenty of fans - just maybe not at the parking lot.
Climb aboard the EM90, and you'll be forgiven for thinking you've entered an apartment, rather than a car. With its comfy seats, plush interior, and plenty of electronics, it's like a cross between a furniture store and Media Markt.
This angular giant, stretching 5.21 meters long, is Volvo's first van for the Chinese market. That's right, China is the new home for the Swedes, and they're responding to the trend for luxurious space travel in full swing. No more old S-Class limousines for the Chinese elite; they're now craving stand-up room and XXL legroom.
The Powertrain and Range
The Volvo EM90 didn't buck the trend and venture into the van sphere on its lonesome. This baby shares its skateboard platform with its Chinese parent company Geely and its sister brand Zeekr's 009 model. That collaboration provides an impressive 116kWh battery, promising 738 kilometers of range (according to the less aggressive Chinese cycle). If you need to recharge in a hurry, the EM90's 800-volt architecture allows charging from 10 to 80 percent in just 28 minutes!
Just don't expect from the EM90 the performance of a sports car. With 272 PS from the rear motor, it may sound modest for a 2.8-ton vehicle. But with the torque development typical of electric motors, the almost explosive 343 Nm is more than enough for a smooth and dynamic driving experience.
Relaxation Over Speed
The EM90's focus is on comfort, not speed. In the traffic-congested streets of Shanghai, deceleration and relaxation are the order of the day, not excessive haste. That's why the air suspension has been cloud-softened, and the steering tuned to be as gentle as it gets.
The EM90's Swedish ambiance is a striking contrast to its Chinese construction. Light colors, understated design, and a touch of Scandinavian austerity create a warm and cozy environment - perfect for lounging or working.
From the electrically operated sliding door to the climate-controlled, massaging seats, every task is handled by the electronics. The sliding door hums open, and you practically fall into your seat. If you feel like turning the driving time into working time, you can pull out a table from the armrest, similar to an airplane.
However, those who can afford it will probably prefer to unwind in the reclining position and enjoy the on-board infotainment at eye level zero. The screen drops down from the ceiling at the touch of a button, allowing you to watch movies, stream, or browse all the apps of the Chinese digital universe.
If you're worried about space, don't be. Even with full seating, there's no restrictions when packing: 535 liters of trunk space are always available, and by making everything compact or folding it, you can store 2376 liters and casually load a few Billy bookcases. It's no wonder they only offer a meager 29 liters in the frunk.
To Europe or Not to Europe?
Currently, there's no word from the Swedes regarding whether they plan to bring the Volvo EM 90 to Europe. With a hefty price tag of around 100,000 euros in China, the EM90 would far outrank every other vehicle in Volvo's current offering. But as trends and consumer preferences change, who knows? Maybe the Europeans will soon join the elite lounging in their giant, luxurious vans.
Until then, let's keep an eye on other auto manufacturers trying to capture this market. Lexus has already brought the LM to our shores, and Mercedes is toying with the idea of a first-class lounge on wheels with the next V-Class. If Volvo truly wants to steal the show, they'll bring the EM90 westward soon. Time will tell, and soon the days of cramped luxury may be numbered.
Sources:- ntv.de, Benjamin Bessinger, sp-x
Keywords: Volvo, EM90, luxury van, electric vehicle, China, Swedish ambiance, stand-up room, XXL legroom, air suspension, infotainment.
Additional insights:- Volvo's EM90 van is currently available in China and not in Europe. The van costs around 100,000 euros in China, making it the most expensive model in Volvo's fleet.- The Volvo EM90 is based on a skateboard platform shared with the Zeekr 009 and features a 116kWh battery and an electric motor producing 272 PS and 343 Nm of torque.- The EM90's focus is on comfort rather than speed, with features such as a cloud-soft air suspension and a gentle steering system designed for Chinese roads.- The interior of the EM90 features a Swedish atmosphere with light colors, understated design, and a touch of Scandinavian austerity.- The EM90 has a spacious interior, with plenty of trunk space and a foldable seating system that can accommodate up to 2,376 liters of storage.- With the recent introduction of the EX30 and the upcoming launch of two flagship models, Volvo is actively looking to expand its electric vehicle offering, but there is no indication that the EM90 will be part of these plans anytime soon.
- The Volvo EM90, a motor vehicle manufactured by Volvo, is designed for the elite in China, offering luxury and spaciousness typically associated with motor vehicle manufacturing.
- Volvo's Chinese giant, the EM90, boasts a 116kWh battery, shared with Geely and Zeekr's 009 model, promising a range of 738 kilometers.
- The Volvo EM90 is equipped with an angular design, promising stand-up room and XXL legroom, catering to the Chinese trend for luxurious space travel.
- The Swedish ambiance inside the EM90 contrasts with its Chinese construction, offering a warm and cozy environment for Lounging, emailing, or entertainment, equipped with a large infotainment screen.
- The motor vehicle manufacturer Volvo may bring the Volvo EM90 to Europe, following the trend set by Lexus' LM and Mercedes' V-Class, but as of now, there is no clear indication from the Swedes.
