Volvo EM90 Review: Redefining Electric Luxury in the Minivan Realm
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In the ever-evolving landscape of electric vehicles (EVs), where SUVs and sedans dominate the headlines, Volvo has taken a bold and unexpected leap into uncharted territory with the EM90—a fully electric luxury minivan designed to redefine what a family hauler can be. Unveiled in late 2023 and launched in China in March 2024, the EM90 is not just a vehicle; it’s a statement of intent from the Swedish automaker, blending its storied legacy of safety and Scandinavian design with cutting-edge electric performance and opulent comfort. At a starting price of approximately $112,000 USD or £85,000 GBP, the EM90 is a premium proposition, but does it deliver enough to justify its lofty price tag and carve a niche in the competitive luxury EV market?
A New Chapter for Volvo
Volvo has long been synonymous with safety, practicality, and understated elegance, with iconic wagons like the 1953 Duett and modern SUVs like the XC90 cementing its reputation. However, the EM90 marks a significant departure—a minivan, a segment Volvo has never ventured into before. Built on the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform shared with its Geely sibling, the Zeekr 009, the EM90 is a product of strategic synergy under the Geely umbrella. While it shares its bones with the Zeekr 009, Volvo has infused the EM90 with its distinct design language, safety ethos, and a cabin that feels more like a Scandinavian living room than a mere vehicle interior. This is not a lazy rebadge, as some early critics suggested, but a carefully curated reinterpretation tailored for the luxury-conscious Chinese market, with potential expansion to other regions still under consideration.
Volvo EM90
At first glance, the EM90’s exterior is unmistakably Volvo. The signature “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights, now with a pixelated, rectangular design, frame an illuminated grille that proudly displays the Volvo logo. The sleek, aerodynamic lines and vertical taillights connected by a full-width light bar give it a commanding yet refined presence. Measuring 5,206 mm long, 2,024 mm wide, and 1,859 mm tall with a 3,205 mm wheelbase, the EM90 is slightly larger than traditional minivans like the Chrysler Pacifica or Toyota Sienna, offering a stately road stance that screams premium. Available in three metallic paint colors and riding on 19- or 20-inch aero wheels wrapped in Volvo’s “silent tires,” the EM90 balances elegance with efficiency.
A Cabin That Redefines Luxury
Step inside the Volvo EM90, and you’re transported into a realm of tranquility and sophistication that few vehicles—let alone minivans—can match. Volvo’s claim of creating a “living room on the move” is no marketing hyperbole. The six-seat (2+2+2) configuration prioritizes comfort, particularly for second-row passengers, who are treated to plush “Sofaro” captain’s chairs that rival business-class airline seats. These seats, equipped with heating, ventilation, massage functions, and headrest-integrated speakers, slide and recline electrically, complete with fold-out tray tables for work or leisure. The third row, often an afterthought in minivans, is surprisingly spacious, offering ample legroom and easy access, making it a viable option for adults on long journeys.Volvo EM90 2024, 2025 – images: Volvo
The interior design is quintessentially Volvo, with a minimalist aesthetic that marries form and function. Birch wood panels with intricate backlit patterns adorn the dashboard and door trims, while an Orrefors crystal gear selector adds a touch of opulence. A 15.4-inch central touchscreen serves as the nerve center for infotainment, navigation, and vehicle settings, complemented by a 10.2-inch driver display. The system supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ensuring seamless smartphone integration, and Volvo’s voice assistant is remarkably intuitive, allowing passengers to transform the cabin into a theater, meeting room, or even a “bedroom” mode with a single command that adjusts lighting, seats, and climate control.
The pièce de résistance is the 15.6-inch (or 17-inch, depending on the source) OLED screen that folds down from the ceiling for rear passengers. This screen supports streaming apps, phone mirroring, and even video conferencing, catering to the needs of busy executives or tech-savvy families. A 21-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system delivers a three-dimensional audio experience, meticulously tuned to the cabin’s acoustics. Whether you’re listening to classical music or a podcast, the sound quality is immersive, rivaling high-end home audio systems.
Volvo’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the use of eco-friendly materials, such as recycled plastics and responsibly sourced textiles. The panoramic glass roof, with a retractable curtain, bathes the cabin in natural light, enhancing the airy, open feel. Ambient lighting inspired by Swedish forests and the Northern Lights adds a whimsical touch, creating a mood that’s both calming and luxurious. Noise cancellation technology, dual-chamber air suspension, and specially designed tires ensure a whisper-quiet ride, making the EM90 a sanctuary from the outside world.
Performance and Range: Practical Power
Under the hood—or rather, under the floor—the EM90 is powered by a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 200 kW (268 hp) and 686 Nm of torque. While not a performance beast, it accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in a respectable 8.3 seconds, more than adequate for a vehicle of its size and purpose. The rear-wheel-drive setup, combined with a fully adaptive air suspension, delivers a smooth, composed ride that glides over imperfections with ease.
The 116 kWh (110 kWh usable) nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery, sourced from CATL, offers a claimed range of 738 km (459 miles) on China’s CLTC cycle, though real-world estimates based on more stringent EPA standards suggest around 450-500 km (280-310 miles). This puts it in the same league as competitors like the Mercedes EQE and BMW iX, though it trails the Tesla Model X’s 547 km (340 miles). The EM90 supports bidirectional charging, allowing it to power external devices or even other EVs, and can charge from 10% to 80% in under 30 minutes at a 250 kW DC fast charger—a practical feature for long-distance travel.
One-pedal driving, enabled by regenerative braking, adds convenience in urban settings, though the absence of automatic regeneration may disappoint some EV purists. The EM90’s top speed is capped at 190 km/h (118 mph), but this is a vehicle designed for comfort, not speed. Its adaptive suspension, with adjustable height (162-192 mm ground clearance), ensures versatility across various road conditions, from city streets to rural highways.
No Volvo review would be complete without addressing safety, and the EM90 upholds the brand’s gold standard. Built with a robust safety cage of high-strength steel and boron, the EM90 is designed to protect occupants in a wide range of crash scenarios. The battery is encased in a steel and aluminum structure for added stability. An array of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including lidar, five radars, seven cameras, and 12 ultrasonic sensors, powers features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Pilot Assist for semi-autonomous driving. Rear collision warning, traffic sign recognition, and a driver fatigue monitoring system further enhance safety.
Volvo’s 96 years of accident research inform the EM90’s design, ensuring that safety isn’t just a feature but a philosophy. Airbags are distributed throughout the cabin, and the double A-pillars provide both structural integrity and excellent visibility. This is a vehicle that feels like a fortress, yet it’s approachable and unintimidating to drive.electric EM90 premium MPV – Volvo EM90
The EM90 enters a niche but fiercely competitive segment of luxury electric minivans, particularly in China, where it faces off against the Zeekr 009, Denza D9, and Xpeng X9. Its closest rival, the Zeekr 009, offers a dual-motor option with 536 hp and a 4.5-second 0-62 mph sprint, but the EM90 counters with superior refinement and Volvo’s brand cachet. The Mercedes EQV, another premium electric minivan, matches the EM90’s range but lacks the same level of interior opulence. The Lexus LM, a hybrid luxury MPV, has proven successful in markets like the UK, suggesting potential demand for the EM90 if Volvo expands its reach.
Compared to SUVs like the Tesla Model X or BMW iX, the EM90 offers unmatched interior space (1,826 liters of cargo capacity with rear seats folded) and a focus on rear-seat comfort, making it a compelling alternative for families or executives who prioritize practicality over sportiness. However, its $112,000 price tag—significantly higher than the Zeekr 009’s $72,000—raises questions about value, especially in a price-sensitive market.
The Volvo EM90 is a triumph of ambition and execution, blending the practicality of a minivan with the luxury of a private jet. Its serene cabin, cutting-edge technology, and robust safety features make it a standout in the electric vehicle landscape. While its single-motor powertrain and leisurely acceleration won’t excite thrill-seekers, they perfectly suit its mission as a mobile sanctuary for families, executives, or anyone seeking unparalleled comfort on the move.
However, the EM90’s high price and limited market availability (currently China-only) may deter some buyers. Critics have pointed to its close resemblance to the Zeekr 009 as a weakness, but Volvo’s thoughtful design tweaks and premium interior elevate it beyond a mere rebadge. If Volvo can justify the price premium with discounts or expand its availability to markets like Europe or Malaysia, where interest in luxury MPVs is growing, the EM90 could redefine the segment.
For now, the EM90 is a bold statement from Volvo—a vehicle that challenges conventions and proves that minivans can be aspirational. It’s not perfect, but it’s a compelling vision of what electric luxury can be when practicality meets panache. If you’re in the market for a spacious, tech-laden, and supremely comfortable EV, the EM90 is worth every penny—just don’t expect to see it in North America anytime soon.
