New Volvo EM90 revealed – a super-luxury electric MPV

  • Six seats arranged over three rows
  • Range of up to 458 miles
  • No word yet on UK availability

Following the release of the EX30 and EX90 SUVs, Volvo has been quick to introduce a third model to its electric lineup. This is the Volvo EM90, a six-seater people-carrier that trades SUV styling for van-like spaciousness. Designed to target the premium MPV market that has taken off in Asia in recent years, the EM90 is packed with Volvo’s latest comfort and safety features and hopes to steal buyers away from similar vehicles, such as the new Lexus LM.

Volvo EM90 exterior design

It may be surprising to learn that this is Volvo’s first attempt at an MPV, despite a 96-year history full of family vehicles. However, the EM90 pulls together various styling cues from its current lineup to ensure that this is unmistakably a Volvo.

Starting up front, Volvo’s asymmetrical ‘iron mark’ badge is present, now illuminated to give the fascia a modern touch. The badge is flanked by two ‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlights, a staple across Volvo and Polestar models, but now with the pixelated LED elements that were introduced on the EX30 and EX90.

The resemblance to its siblings continues around the back, with LED tail lights extending up the D-pillars and the traditional Volvo script proudly displayed below the rear window. The side profile is certainly van-like, however, Volvo has injected some visual interest with a choice of 19 or 20-inch aero wheels and a belt line broken up by a small fin on the rear doors.

Volvo EM90 interior

Those doors slide open to reveal the EM90’s key selling point – its luxurious cabin. You’re greeted by four armchair-esque lounge seats, with chunky armrests and airline-style fold-out tray tables. A 15.6-inch screen flips down from the roof to provide on-the-road entertainment and there are touch-sensitive controls dotted throughout to adjust the screens, windows, lighting, seats and air conditioning.

The rear-most seats can even be converted into a sleeping area for those in need of a quick power nap between meetings. A combination of dual-chamber air suspension, road noise cancellation and silent tyres will make sure you’re not rudely awakened by any pesky potholes.

If you find yourself doing the chauffeuring, you need not worry about missing out on the luxurious experience. The driver gets a 15.4-inch display for all the important driving information as well as Volvo’s latest suite of advanced driver assistance features. An air purification system strips the cabin air of particulates, and the 2,460W Bowers & Wilkins sound system includes speakers built into the driver and front passenger’s headrests.

Volvo EM90 powertrain

The Volvo EM90 is built on parent company Geely’s ‘Sustainable Experience Architecture’ platform, the same used by the Smart #1[1], Zeekr 001 and the Polestar 4 and 5, amongst others. A 116kWh battery provides power to the single electric motor, good for 272bhp and a range of up to 458 miles, although this figure is based on the Chinese CLTC test cycle rather than Europe’s WLTP.

Volvo says to expect a charging time of under thirty minutes for a 10 to 80% charge, putting the EM90 on par with other upmarket electric vehicles such as the Porsche Taycan[2] and Tesla Model S[3]. As the Volvo is a much larger vehicle, weighing 2,763kg and sharing similar dimensions to a long-wheelbase Range Rover[4], acceleration is fairly unimpressive, with 0-62mph achieved in 8.3 seconds. Not that this will be a major concern for EM90 drivers – any faster and you could risk waking your sleeping passengers.

The best luxury carsThe best luxury carsTop 10 best luxury cars 2023[5]

Volvo EM90 price and availability

Volvo has stated the EM90 will arrive in China first, where it's available to preorder for ¥818,000, or £91,580. There is no word on UK availability yet or prices outside of China. If it does make its way to British roads, we expect it to be priced in line with its main competitor, the Lexus LM, which lists for £89,995.

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If you’re looking for an MPV you can buy today, read our top 10 list of the best eight-seater cars in 2023[6]…

References

  1. ^ Smart #1 (www.carbuyer.co.uk)
  2. ^ Porsche Taycan (www.carbuyer.co.uk)
  3. ^ Tesla Model S (www.carbuyer.co.uk)
  4. ^ Range Rover (www.carbuyer.co.uk)
  5. ^ Top 10 best luxury cars 2023 (www.carbuyer.co.uk)
  6. ^ top 10 list of the best eight-seater cars in 2023 (www.carbuyer.co.uk)

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