Volvo's Leap into Luxury: The Volvo EM90 - an Electric Magnum Opus of Swedish Comfort
Volvo's EM90: Majestic structure encased in stone, boasting a lavish cabin interior.
Step into the realm of voluminous Volvos, and what comes to mind are the angular station wagons of yesteryears. But in today's China, the Swedish innovators are breaking new grounds, crafting their first-ever luxury van - the EM90. Should they choose to roll it out globally, it's bound to attract a loyal fan base, albeit with a word of caution - parking it might prove challenging!
As you immerse yourself in the EM90, it feels like stepping into an upscale Scandinavian apartment rather than a vehicle. Boasting dimensions of 5.21 meters, it's a spacious giant that exudes an aura of opulence and plushness, reminiscent of a high-end furniture store. The Swedish touch shines through in every inch, with a minimalist yet warm design, in keeping with the Scandinavian aesthetic.
The demand for luxurious and roomy vehicles has been on the rise in China's major urban centers like Shanghai and Beijing, where the elite are eschewing their traditional luxury limousines, like an S-Class or an S90, in favor of standing room and XXL legroom. The EM90 is Volvo's reply to this growing trend. They've partnered with their Chinese parent company Geely, leveraging the 009 from sister brand Zeekr as a base, providing it with a cutting-edge skateboard platform, an 116 kWh battery, a range of 738 kilometers (relaxed Chinese cycle), and fast-charging capabilities of up to 360 kW, capable of charging from 10% to 80% in just 28 minutes.
The powertrain delivers 272 PS and an almost instantaneous torque of 343 Nm, ensuring dynamic drives that are smooth and exhilarating. The focus, however, is on comfort, deceleration, and relaxation, qualities that are paramount in a vehicle made for leisurely city journeys. The air suspension ensures a cloud-soft ride, while the gentle steering allows you to glide through busy city cloverleafs with ease.
Elegant Electronics
The interior of the EM90 exudes elegance. Adjustable under soft lighting, the ambience is warm and inviting, with touch strips elegantly integrated into the doors, featuring illuminated symbols or small displays. The captain’s chairs are a testament to luxury, offering reclining positions, massage functions, and climate control, turning driving time into a chance to unwind or work.
The heart of the EM90's entertainment system is a massive panoramic display that lowers from the ceiling, allowing passengers to stream movies, music, or social media. The second-row seats are fitted with Sofaro first-class travel seats, while the third row offers comparatively ordinary seating. Even with full seating, cargo space remains aplenty, with a generous 535-2376 liters of space, roomy enough for a few Billy bookcases. Avoid loading too much into the frunk, however, since it only offers 29 liters of storage space.
Although the luxury seat is provided only for second-row passengers and the rear offers relatively standard seating, the long wheelbase of 3.21 meters ensures an enviably comfortable ride for all. Volvo, it seems, is stealing a march on the Germans with the EM90, hinting at an expansion westward soon. But whether they decide to bring the EM90 to our shores or not, the days of cramped luxury are numbered. After all, the European elite seems to be catching on to this trend, with vehicles like the Mercedes V-Class and Lexus LM already making their way into the continent. So, buckle up and prepare for a new era in luxury travel!
Sources: ntv.de, Benjamin Bessinger, sp-x
Notable Features:- Sleek, aerodynamic design with a Scandinavian aesthetic- Captain’s chairs with massage, heating, and ventilation functions- Panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting- Advanced technology, including adaptive cruise control, 360° cameras, and an autonomous driving system- Impressive range, charging capabilities, and performance- Anticipated availability in both China and Europe- Destined to challenge established luxury MPVs like the Mercedes V-Class and Lexus LM
- The manufacture of motor vehicles, such as the Volvo EM90, showcases the prowess of motor vehicle manufacturers, blending luxury, technology, and sustainable living in one package.
- Despite its size, the Volvo EM90 embodies a minimalist and cozy design reminiscent of a luxury home-and-garden setting, much like an upscale Scandinavian apartment.
- Volvo's partnership with Geely has led to the creation of an electric vehicle powered by a cutting-edge skateboard platform and a 116 kWh battery, capable of fast-charging and offering a range of 738 kilometers.
- In the spacious, electric-vehicle interiors of the EM90, passengers can lounging in massage captain's chairs, stream media on a massive panoramic display, and work or unwind during their city journeys.
- The advanced technology incorporated in the EM90 includes autonomous driving capabilities, adaptive cruise control, and 360° cameras, making it a formidable competitor in the luxury motor vehicle market.
- With sustainable, luxury living becoming increasingly popular, Volvo's EM90 might soon become a staple not just in China and Europe but also in shores across the globe, challenging established players like Mercedes and Lexus in the luxury MPV segment.
