Minivans may not be the kings of family haulers in North American and European markets anymore – clearly overshadowed by the popularity of SUVs, but they’re apparently enjoying a renaissance in many parts of Asia, particularly the luxury models. In China alone, nearly half a million minivans were sold during the first half of 2023 – that’s a pretty big number. Volvo, with the backing of Geely, is tapping into this trend by rolling out its first-ever minivan, or MPV as they’re known in various other parts of the world.
Dubbed the EM90, this all-electric model boasts a range of over 450 miles (720+ kilometers) and is specifically designed for Chinese customers where it will go up against an array of EV as well as conventional ICE offerings such as the Lexus LM. As of now, there are no plans to introduce it in Western markets.
A Zeekr 009 in Swedish attire
Volvo claims the minivan is a nod to the 1953 Duett, a lofty station wagon that stuck around until 1969. But if you park those rose-tinted glasses in the garage for a moment, you’re more likely to spot a doppelgänger in the newly-introduced Zeekr 009 – another star from the Geely Group galaxy than anything else. Echoing the days of GM’s badge-engineering bonanza in the late ‘80s and ‘90s, these two electric minivans are pretty much identical twins, save for the EM90’s distinctive Volvo grille, Thor’s Hammer headlights, and a few fancy trim pieces.
Considering the EM90 is essentially the Zeekr 009 in a Volvo costume, its exterior dimensions are expected to mirror those of its Zeekr counterpart at 5,209 mm (205 inches) long, 2,024 mm (79.7 inches) wide, and 1,867 mm (73.5 inches) tall, with a wheelbase of 3,205 mm (126.2 inches).
More: Zeekr 009 Is An Electric Luxury Minivan With 536 HP And 511 Miles Of Range
The third fully-electric model unveiled by Volvo in the past year, following the EX90 and the smaller EX30 SUVs, is set to launch with a single 268 hp (200 kW) electric motor on the rear axle. This powertrain allows the premium minivan to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.3 seconds.
It’s paired with a CATL-sourced 116 kWh battery that can charge from 10 to 80 percent in just under 30 minutes. Volvo states that the EM90 offers a range of 459 miles (738 km) according to China’s CLTC driving cycle tests, which are generally 10-20% more generous than the WLTP cycle’s figures. As with the upcoming EX90 flagship SUV, the EM90 is equipped with bi-directional charging that allows you to use its battery as a power bank to juice up other electric cars and appliances.
Volvo has not confirmed whether it will offer the EM90 with the 009’s top-tier dual electric motors, which provide all-wheel drive and produce a combined output of 536 hp (400 kW / 544 PS). Boasting a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 4.5 seconds, the Zeekr 009 is considered to be one of the quickest production minivans in the world at present.
A six-seater layout with plenty of tech
Designed to be as much a luxurious family hauler as it is a mobile office on wheels, the EM90 offers three rows of seating in a 2+2+2 layout. The magic truly happens in the middle row with its ultra-comfy captain-style seats, which not only boast electric recline, heating, and ventilation but also come equipped with folding trays. For entertainment or business video meetings, a 15.6-inch screen descends from the roof, supporting both mobile screen projection and various third-party apps.
The retractable screen in the EM90 is one of many multi-functional displays and smart surfaces, setting the stage for a variety of in-cabin scenarios. According to Volvo, with just a flick of a switch or a word to the voice assistant, you can easily transform the interior into “a theatre, a meeting room, or a bedroom for the rear seats. Screens, seats, windows, air conditioner and lighting will all be adjusted accordingly”.
Up front, the cockpit embraces a sleek minimalism, leaving no doubt that both the EM90 and Zeekr 009 were crafted with the unmistakable influence of Scandinavian design. The dashboard is highlighted by a compact digital instrument screen and a much larger, 15.4-inch tablet-style center infotainment system, with very few physical buttons in sight.
The EM90 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems that utilize an all-encompassing sensor set, including high-definition cameras, surround view cameras, millimeter wave radar, and ultrasonic radars.
Pricing and availability
As mentioned earlier, the new EM90 will be available exclusively in the Chinese market, with initial customer deliveries expected to commence shortly. The pricing for Volvo’s first ever minivan will start at a hefty 818,000 yuan, equivalent to approximately $114,000 at current exchange rates.
