2023 Volvo EM90 116 kWh

Vehicle Overview

Volvo introduced its first modern MPV in late 2023 for the 2024 model year and tried to convince customers that minivans were worthy thanks to their vast interiors and increased level of comfort.

As part of the Geely Chinese industrial giant, Volvo had access to new platforms and technologies that allowed the Swedish automaker to dodge the bullet of bankruptcy and become another dormant automaker. In 2022, the Chinese brand Zeekr introduced the 009 minivan as a luxurious people carrier. Zeekr, as part of the same Geely company, shared its MPV underpinnings with Volvo, who adapted the vehicle to suit its brand image. But even if it was a badge-engineered product, the EM90 was different in many aspects, raising the bar in terms of luxury and image.

Volvo’s first people carrier vehicle was the PV445 Duett during the ‘50s, followed by the P210 Duett in the ‘60s. After that, the Swedish automaker focused on sedans and station wagons more than on anything else, so the EM90s was the first minivan made by Volvo in more than half a century. Its front fascia features a panel crossed by small illuminated elements and the automaker’s backlit badge. On its upper sides, the automaker installed its signature design element, Thor hammer, for the daytime running lights, and underneath them, it placed the main LED headlights.

The big front fascia continued downward with an apron that sported a trapezoidal-shaped air intake that cooled the electronic components behind it and a pair of side scoops. From its profile, the EM90 boasted a silhouette with a short front end followed by a steep panoramic windshield. The double A-pillars reduced the blind spots for the driver and allowed the automaker to install front-hinged front doors. Volvo installed sliding doors for the rear passengers, while at the back, the car featured a vertical tailgate adorned by a small roof spoiler that incorporated the third braking light.

Inside, the EM90 was a true luxury home with tall-mounted seats for the front passengers and a wide center console that separated them where Volvo installed the drive selector and a storage compartment. The Swedish automaker created a minimalist design in the cabin, so the dashboard was uncluttered by buttons and switches. It moved most of the controls on the 14.5” infotainment screen that sat on top of the dashboard’s center. Fronting the driver was the main instrument panel shown on a display. For the second-row seated passengers, the car manufacturer created two comfortable reclining and sliding armchairs with an incorporated folding table into their armrests. Access to the third row of seats was rather difficult since the second row had to be slid forward.

Under its skin, at the launch, the EM90 featured a 200 kW (268 hp) electric motor that drove the rear wheels. It was fed by a 116 kWh battery pack that ensured a range of up to 738 km (459 miles) under CLTC (Chinese standards).