In recent times, Volvo has been synonymous with safe family SUVs, but the introduction of the EM90 marks a departure from that trend as it proudly embraces the minivan segment. Breaking away from its SUV-centric releases, this Swedish automaker’s latest offering is positioned as its inaugural minivan, distinguished by the convenience of sliding doors on both sides. Leveraging the expansive Geely corporate umbrella, the EM90 draws considerable inspiration from the Zeekr 009, albeit with a more understated aesthetic.
The exterior design of the Volvo EM90 is characterized by 19- or 20-inch wheels and a sleek, aero-optimized appearance. Notably, the front fascia has undergone a redesign, featuring a subtle illuminated “grille” and headlights reminiscent of the EX90 electric SUV. The rear, aligning with Volvo’s design language, boasts updated taillights extending onto the pillars.
Internally, the minivan offers accommodation for six individuals across three rows, with particular emphasis on the middle row where a pair of luxurious, lounge-style ventilated seats can be adjusted fore and aft. Adding to the overall interior experience is a 15.6-inch screen cascading from the headliner, though some may find it relatively compact compared to competitors like the BMW 7 Series, which flaunts a larger 31.3-inch display.
The infotainment system is controlled through a generous 15.4-inch touchscreen, minimizing the need for conventional controls. Complementing this centerpiece is a fully digital instrument cluster, a common feature in modern vehicles. Volvo takes pride in the EM90’s versatile rear seats, dubbing them a “theatre, meeting room, or a bedroom,” allowing users to modify window settings, seats, screens, lighting, and air conditioning with a simple switch or voice command. The entertainment experience is further heightened by a 21-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system, transforming the EM90 into a mobile “private concert hall.”
Under the hood, the EM90 packs an electric motor generating 268 hP, enabling a brisk 0 to 100 km/h sprint in a scant 8.3 seconds. While currently available only in a rear-wheel-drive configuration, the Zeekr 009, its sibling, offers a more potent dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup with an impressive 536 hp and a 4.5-second zero to 100 km/h acceleration time. Powering the EM90 is a substantial 116-kWh battery pack, capable of rapid charging from 10 to 80 percent in under 30 minutes. The advertised maximum range of 459 miles, based on the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC), is complemented by bidirectional charging capabilities, allowing the minivan to charge other vehicles or home appliances.
In terms of dimensions, the EM90 asserts its presence with a substantial length of 5206 millimeters, a width of 2024 mm, and a height of 1859 mm. The imposing wheelbase measures 3205 mm, contributing to the minivan’s weight of 2,763 kilograms.
Currently, Volvo has made the EM90 available for pre-order in China, where it competes with other upscale minivans, such as the Lexus LM and the GAC M8. The possibility of entering additional markets is currently under consideration, and we hope it can reach Philippine shores one day.
