Volvo Launches the EM90, its First Minivan

• Luxury MPVs are popular in China, where they are often used to transport VIPs.

• The EM90 shares many of its interior and exterior design features with the upcoming EX90 SUV.

• This model will only be available in China at first.

With the increasing popularity of electric vehicles in China, most automakers are finding ways to appeal more directly to Chinese buyers.

For Volvo, this means launching its first minivan in order to capitalize on the country’s lucrative luxury MPV market.

Based on the Zeekr 009, an equally luxurious minivan produced by Volvo’s parent company Geely since the beginning of the year, the EM90 will only be offered in China at first, with other markets still under consideration.

While the Volvo model features the same window profile and roofline as the Zeekr, its front and rear facias have been significantly modified to reflect the Swedish brand’s new design language, as seen on the upcoming EX30 and EX90.

This means that the EM90 features Thor’s hammer headlamps that look like those used on the EX90, where they retract to uncover LED projectors at night.

Also similar to the upcoming large electric SUV is the grille-less front end, which shows the brand’s traditional iron mark and slash logo set into a smooth piece of plastic. Where the EM90 differs, however, is that this front fascia is inset with dozens of small rectangles that are illuminated, just like the brand’s logo.

At the rear, the Volvo minivan features arrow-shaped taillamps that have vertical and horizontal elements, thus recalling the brand’s usual vertical taillamps while also making the EM90 stand out from the rest of the lineup.

Two sets of alloy wheels, 19 or 20 inches in diameter, will be offered, both featuring a smooth aero design engineered to increase range.

Speaking of range, Volvo claims this model will be able to drive 738 kilometers on a charge, according to the usually permissive Chinese standard, thanks to a large 116 kWh battery which can be charged from 10 to 80% in under 30 minutes. Power will come from a 200 kW electric motor that should give the premium people mover an 8.3 second acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h. Like the EX90, the EM90 will be equipped with all of the necessary hardware to provide bi-directional charging capabilities.

Of course, the interior is the most important aspect of a luxury minivan, especially since the Chinese often use these vehicles to ferry VIPs and dignitaries around.

This explains why the EM90 is one of the most luxurious models ever offered by the company, filled with tech features and creature comforts.

For example, this minivan benefits from noise cancelling technology and a dual chamber air suspension system in order to isolate occupants from the outside world. In addition, middle-row passengers benefit from adjustable bucket seats equipped with built-in ottomans, armrests, and folding tables.

A 15.6-inch screen that folds out from the roof can be used to watch movies or to partake in a video conference while out on the road. Passengers can also link their phones to the system and use the large screen to access their apps instead.

Up front, the driver is greeted by a digital instrument cluster, a 15.4-inch infotainment screen with voice assistant, and a crystal shift knob. Similar in appearance to the one found in the EX90, this dashboard makes use of generous amounts of ambient lighting as a décor element. Sitting at the base of the windshield is one of the 21 speakers for the Bowers and Wilkins sound system, which can be enjoyed by up to six passengers at a time, in a 2/2/2 configuration.

Since this upcoming model is aimed directly at the Chinese market, it is no surprise that is will be built there, alongside other Volvo models destined for Asian countries.

At the moment, the company says it is still considering whether to offer the EM90 in other world markets, a decision that will likely be based on the minivan’s popularity in China and the interest of potential buyers elsewhere.