Volvo's Grand Entrance - Volvo EM90: A Spacious, Luxurious Ride with a Swedish Touch
A colossal Volvo sporting a stony exterior adorned with opulence within.
When it comes to spacious Volvo vehicles, one might automatically think of the classic angled station wagons. However, Volvo is stepping out of the box and entering uncharted territory in China, building their first luxurious van: the Volvo EM90. Though it might not find favor in parking-challenged areas, it's bound to win hearts in China and, potentially, overseas.
Step inside the Volvo EM90 for the first time, and you'll find yourself in a blend of apartment-like comfort and commercial practicality. The interior is a remarkable merge of a plush living room, a high-end furniture store, and an electronics department. The level of comfort is reminiscent of a hotel suite, and the abundance of space makes it feel like a breath of fresh air.
Developed in collaboration with parent company Geely and sister brand Zeekr, the EM90 rides on the Zeekr 009's skateboard platform, boasting an 116 kWh battery. In China's less taxing driving cycle, this battery provides a remarkable range of 738 kilometers and can charge up to 360 kW, offering a rapid 10 to 80 percent charge in just 28 minutes.
Though the headline figures (0-100 km/h in 8.3 seconds and a top speed of 180 km/h) might not impress the rally enthusiasts among us, the true charm of the EM90 lies in its relaxed, luxurious drive. Designed for comfort, the EM90 is meant for cruising through city traffic, allowing passengers to recline, unwind, and enjoy the ride, rather than rushing from point A to B. The air suspension is cloud-soft, and the steering is so gentle that navigating the van through city highways feels like a breeze.
The EM90 is, in essence, a marriage of Chinese engineering and Swedish aesthetics. The drive, construction, and tuning may be Chinese, but the interior is undeniably Swedish – light, simple, and cozy. As soon as you step inside, it feels like stepping into an upscale corner of an Ikea store – the only difference being that you won’t have to assemble it yourself.
Relaxation is at the heart of the EM90. Features like electrically operated sliding doors, climate-controlled, massage seats, and a retractable table transform the driving experience into a comfortable journey, perfect for work or play. And if you want to catch up on your favorite shows or movies, the large screen that descends from the ceiling at the touch of a button has you covered.
While the luxury seating and entertainment options are primarily reserved for the second row, the rear seats are surprisingly roomy. The EM90's generous 3.21-meter wheelbase ensures a comfortable ride for all passengers, and the 2376-liter cargo capacity means you can haul just about anything, from furniture to a few Billy bookcases.
As of now, Volvo has not announced any plans to bring the EM90 to Europe, given its hefty price tag of around 100,000 euros in China (making it the most expensive model in their fleet). However, the growing interest in high-end, spacious electric vans among European consumers suggests that a European launch might not be too far-fetched.
In fact, brands like Lexus and Mercedes have already jumped on the bandwagon, launching luxury van models. If Volvo decides to beat the competition to it, the EM90 could quickly become a staple in the European market. Only time will tell if the Swedes decide to venture westward. Until then, those craving spacious luxury in a van will have to make do with the S-Class and S90 limos or look to other brands.
Enrichment Data:- As of May 2025, Volvo currently has no official plans to introduce the EM90 luxury electric van to the European market, due in part to the vehicle's high price point - approximately 100,000 euros in China.- There is a growing interest among European consumers in high-end, spacious electric vans, as evidenced by the introduction of luxury models from brands like Lexus and Mercedes.- Market observers suggest that Volvo could capitalize on this trend by bringing the EM90 to Europe, potentially preempting competitors and meeting the rising demand for premium, electric people-carriers.- Volvo appears to be focused on restructuring and expanding its EV lineup in response to global market pressures, but the EM90 specifically remains a China-exclusive product for the foreseeable future.
- The Volvo motor vehicle manufacturer is stepping into new terrain with the production of the Volvo EM90, a luxurious van, exclusively available in China.
- The interior of the Volvo EM90 is a fusion of living room, furniture store, and electronics department, offering a level of comfort reminiscent of a hotel suite.
- Collaborating with Geely and Zeekr, Volvo's EM90 is built on the Zeekr 009's skateboard platform, boasting a large 116 kWh battery for efficient driving.
- In China's driving cycle, the EM90 offers a remarkable range of 738 kilometers and can charge up to 360 kW, allowing for a rapid charge in 28 minutes.
- Designed for comfortable city driving, the EM90 is an electric vehicle intended for leisurely travel and relaxation, with features like electric sliding doors and massage seats.
- The Volvo EM90, priced at around 100,000 euros in China, has yet to be announced for the European market due to its high cost.
- Brands like Lexus and Mercedes have already ventured into the luxury van segment, indicating a growing consumer interest in spacious electric vehicles in Europe.
- As Volvo continues to focus on its EV lineup and global market pressures, observers suggest that the company could capitalize on this trend by introducing the EM90 to European consumers, potentially beating competitors to the market.
