Volvo EM90 Electric MPV Revealed

Volvo has unveiled the EM90 EV, its first MPV. It will first go on sale in China and will subsequently be followed by other markets. The EM90 is currently available only as a six-seater but it could get more seating configurations later on, as its primary rival – the Lexus LM – also comes in seven- and four-seater options, with the latter being the more luxurious offering. 

Volvo EM90 Design

The EM90 has a very boxy stance, with mostly straight lines complemented by curves. As it is an EV, it doesn’t get a grille but it does get some rectangular elements that make it seem like it has one. In the middle of the pseudo grille is the iconic diagonal line cutting the “grille” as well as a large Volvo logo, both being illuminated. The EM90 also gets Volvo’s signature LED lights, also known as Thor’s Hammer, with a pixel-like design seen on the EX90 and EX30 SUVs. 

In profile, the EM90 features a no-nonsense yet stylish interpretation of the design of an MPV. Its sliding rear doors have a slight kink upwards at the end and the blacked-out pillars make it seem like it has a floating roof design. The EM90 rides on 19- or 20-inch aero-optimised wheels. 

It's at the back where the EM90 has the most interesting design. It still has the vertical taillamps but with a new design, which extends vertically above and below the main taillamp cluster. A chrome strip sort of divides the taillamps in the middle. 

Volvo EM90 Interior, Features

The EM90 really shows what it's built for inside and after the first row of seats. The middle row gets lounge seats, replete with fold-out tables, heating, ventilation, massage and power adjustment. The sliding rear doors also house the touch-based controls that can adjust the climate control and other functions.

The middle and third-row passengers also get a 15.6-inch screen that folds down from the roof and Volvo says this can be used for viewing content or attending business meetings as it also gets a camera. The rear passengers get a large, panoramic sunroof, while a single-pane sunroof is what the front row gets. 

Speaking of which, the front row has a very minimalistic design with the only control panel being the 15.4-inch touchscreen in the centre. Other elements for the front row include a digital instrument cluster, some buttons on the steering wheel and a centre console that only has a crystal-like drive selector, buttons for the parking mode and hazard lights, a wireless charging pad and two cupholders. Audio is handled by a 21-speaker system from Bowers & Wilkins with 2,460 W output. 

Volvo EM90 Powertrain

The EM90 gets a 116 kWh battery that Volvo claims is good for a range of up to 738 km under the CLTC (China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle). Volvo also claims that the battery can be charged from 10-80 per cent in under 30 minutes. The EM90 gets a single electric that produces 268 bhp and can do 0-100 kmph in 8.3 seconds (claimed). 

Volvo EM90 India Launch

While there is no official word on the India launch of the EM90, Volvo could benefit by bringing it here as its primary rivals – Toyota Vellfire and Lexus LM – have seen decent success in the country.