In a world bustling with demands and responsibilities, finding a sanctuary for oneself seems like an elusive dream. Addressing this need, Volvo proudly introduces the EM90, a fully electric premium MPV that transforms into a complete living space on wheels. This innovative vehicle hasn't been build just for transport. Volvo is trying to create a haven for connection, contemplation and relaxation – a place where ‘one can truly live'. Ambitious. Will it be a hit?
The EM90 encapsulates the essence of Volvo's commitment to excellence, featuring iconic Scandinavian design, a safety heritage spanning 96 years, ultimate comfort, and cutting-edge technology. The boxiness is there in a big way, but in a much smoother/more sophisticated way that the 70's could ever have imagined.
Jim Rowan, the CEO of Volvo Cars, remarked, “It’s an age-old cliché, but there really is no place like home. A place to connect with your loved ones, to truly be yourself. It’s this feeling of home that inspired our new EM90, a car with room for life.”
The EM90 sets a new standard of style in the MPV segment, presenting an exterior that marries confidence with elegance. The iconic Thor’s Hammer headlights at the front create a grand appearance, establishing a proud and assertive face for the Volvo car. However, what truly distinguishes the EM90 is the illuminating front, including a debut appearance of an illuminated logo inspired by skyscrapers and cutting-edge immersive art. Crafted with precision, it radiates a high-tech aesthetic.
At the rear, a lit-up wordmark and stylish rear light design contribute to the EM90's stand-out presence in modern premium design. The Volvo vertical tail lamps, inspired by modern city skylines, extend both upward and downward, with a metal strip representing the core horizon line. The EM90 is available in four exterior colours, each drawing inspiration from the interplay between nature and light.
As a fully electric car, the EM90 boasts a competitive range of up to 738 kilometres under the CLTC testing cycle. Fuelled by a 116 kWh battery, the charging time from 10 to 80 per cent is expected to be under 30 minutes. The EM90's e-motor with a 200kW power output accelerates from 0 to 60mph in just under 8.3 seconds. Not a slouch by any means, but certainly not as fast as some beefy Volvo's we've tested.
In a nod to the future, the EM90 supports bi-directional charging, enabling the use of its battery as a power bank for charging other electric cars and appliances. We should expect to see Polestar-style innovations rolled out across the various Geely brands.
Equipped with 19- or 20-inch aero wheels, the engineering artistry meets aero efficiency to optimize driving range.
Safety remains a top priority, with the EM90 incorporating Volvo's safe space technology, drawing on the brand's 96 years of safety DNA and real-world accident research. Advanced driver assistance systems, powered by high-definition cameras, surround view cameras, millimetre-wave radar, and ultrasonic radars, further enhance safety features.
Additional comfort is provided by top-notch sound isolation and road noise cancellation technology. Dual chamber air suspension and silent tires contribute to a smooth ride experience, allowing passengers to fully enjoy the 21 Bowers & Wilkins speakers embedded in their private concert hall on wheels.
According to Volvo, the EM90 is not just a vehicle; it's a technological marvel. Well, they would say that, wouldn’t they? It comes with a lot of compute power Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Cockpit Platform and uses 5G connectivity where available.
A voice assistant, visualised in a refreshed Volvo avatar, simplifies interactions with the car through the 15.4-inch infotainment screen. An additional high-definition 15.6-inch roof-mounted screen folds down for entertainment or business video meetings. Supporting mobile screen projection and a variety of third-party apps, this screen is part of a multi-functional set enabling in-cabin scenarios such as turning the interior into a theatre, a meeting room, or even a bedroom for the rear seats.
Continuing Volvo's commitment to continuous improvement, the EM90 receives over-the-air software updates. A digital key and remote functions through the Volvo Cars app offer easy access and control.
Jim Rowan expressed, “The Volvo EM90 is a supremely comfortable electric car with a smart cabin, fast charging, a competitive driving range, Volvo's unique design language and a high level of premium in every detail. But far more important is what it does for you. It gives you room to connect. Room to create. Room to relax. Room for you and for those around you.”
One look at the sumptuous seating inside the EM90 and you have to imagine that Rowan and the other Volvo execs have been spending rather too much time flying Qatar First Class recently.
When you remember that there are Skodas that cost almost £60,000, the interior on the EM90 is definitely a key attractor. We're not saying that £60,000 is cheap for a Volvo, but the design is quite stunning.
The Volvo EM90 is currently available for pre-orders in China, where it will first be launched.
It’s worth noting that these early figures related to range etc are not based on WLTP, but rather the CLTC standard used in China. We’d expect the WLTP numbers to be around 15% lower. Charging times will, naturally, vary with temperature, battery conditions etc. The noise cancellation technology will be added with an over-the-air software update and the V2G functionality won’t be the same in every market.
In its last full trading year, Volvo nudged close to £25 billion in revenue from selling over 615,000 cars – so in a world where car make CEOs seem to complain constantly about a lack of demand, the Swedish/Chinese ensemble has done well. Expect a 100% electric line-up in the UK by 2030.
