Volvo's Street-Side Apartment: Volvo EM90 - An Angular Luxury Van with a Plush Interior
Gargantuan Volvo EM90 boasts luxurious cabin amidst sturdy exterior design
When you envision spacious Volvos, the angular station wagons of years gone by might cross your mind. However, in China, the Swedes are venturing into new territory, building their first van. If they decide to offer it here as well, it would surely attract a devoted following, though parking might prove to be a challenge.
Stepping into the Volvo EM90 for the first time, you'd be hard-pressed to believe you were still in a vehicle, not an apartment. The seats are more comfy than your living room couch, the ambiance resembles a high-end furniture store, the electronics are plentiful, and there's plenty of space – it's like an luxury hotel suite on wheels.
It's no surprise that the angular giant measuring 5.21 meters is the first van from Gothenburg, a reaction to the trend towards spacious and luxurious commuting experiences in China. Instead of old status symbols like an S-Class or an S90, China's elite are opting for standing height and ample legroom.
Loading Capacity and Range
While Volvo may not have single-handedly developed the EM90, they've teamed up with Chinese parent company Geely and utilized the 009 from sister brand Zeekr as a base. The vehicle offers an 116 kWh battery, providing an impressive 738 kilometers of range in the Chinese driving cycle and can impress at the charging station with its 800-volt architecture and charging powers of up to 360 kW.
Although the drive may seem less flashy on paper, its explosive torque development typical of electric motors ensures an exciting driving experience for passengers in a van, who may not necessarily appreciate hurry - especially with reclining seats.
Deceleration and Relaxation, Not Haste
From 0 to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds and a top speed of 180 km/h – these figures aren't appealing to Shanghai's stop-and-go traffic. Deceleration and relaxation are what matter, not excessive speed. The air suspension is designed to be cloud-soft, and the steering is so gentle that maneuvering the giant through the city highway's cloverleafs can be done with a mere finger.
The Swedish ambiance permeates the cabin of the Volvo EM90, with light colors, a minimalist design, and a sense of warmth and comfort. Climbing through the large sliding door, you feel as if you're standing in a high-end corner of a Swedish furniture store, without the assembly required.
Working or Reclining
The electronics take care of everything, from the electrically opening sliding door to the climate-controlled, massage-enabled seats. If you're so inclined, you can pull out a table from the armrest like on an airplane and make the commuting time productive.
However, those who can afford it will likely hum into the reclining position and enjoy the in-car entertainment at eye level. Movies, streaming, or all the apps of the Chinese digital universe run on the screen that descends from the ceiling at the press of a button.
The luxury seat is only available in the second row, while the rear passengers sit on a relatively ordinary bench. However, with a wheelbase of 3.21 meters, it's still more comfortable than in most other Volvos' second rows. There's no shortage of storage space – 535 liters of trunk space is always available, and if everything is made small or folded, 2376 liters can be stored, making it easy to load a few Billy bookcases.
Although the Swedes haven't yet announced plans to bring the Volvo EM90 to Europe, it seems that the European elite is starting to warm up to luxury limousines for lounging and standing. Volvo may very well steal the Germans' thunder with the EM90 and make their way westward soon. Time will tell if the days of cramped luxury are numbered.
Regarding the "button press" thing - the rear equipment is mainly operated via touch strips, which are elegantly integrated into the doors with illuminated symbols or small displays.
Source: ntv.de, Benjamin Bessinger, sp-x
Note: The Volvo EM90 luxury van was introduced on November 12, 2023, and is currently only available in China. Limited sales have been observed through April 2025, but there is no specific information available on when it will be released in Europe.
The Volvo EM90, a luxurious van, is manufactured by motor vehicle manufacturer Volvo, showcasing a lifestyle that combines technology and comfort. This electric vehicle, equipped with an impressive 116 kWh battery, leverages technology to offer a 738 kilometers range and 360 kW charging power, setting new standards in electric mobility. Despite its impressive specifications, the Volvo EM90 prioritizes deceleration and relaxation over rapid acceleration, catering to a clientele that values comfort during their commute.
