Not so long ago we bemoaned the loss of the useful and practical multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), as manufacturer after manufacturer dropped these utilitarian cars from their catalogues. Now, it seems, there’s a move to bring them back as we saw recently with the new MPV from Lexus (read about it here).
Now it’s Volvo’s turn. The premium Swedish brand have announced to the world that they too are resurrecting an MPV only this time it is fully electric. Right now orders are only being taken for the Chinese market but expect this new model to appear in Europe and the UK in 2024. This announcement is in line with the Swedish company’s intent to make all their cars electric by 2030, so it would appear this is one to watch. Here’s what we know so far:
On The Outside
At the front, the instantly recognisable and iconic ‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlights provide a striking appearance – the new face of a Volvo car. What really stands out, however, is how the headlights of the EM90 greet the owner with an illuminating front, including an illuminated logo that appears for the very first time on a Volvo car. The front end really does exude high-tech, crafted precision in an ultra-modern look.
At the rear, a lit-up word-mark and stylish rear light design make the EM90 stand out in the world of modern premium automotive design. The Volvo vertical tail lamps have also evolved, again inspired by the skyline of modern cities (Where will car design go next?), the tail lamp signatures extend both upward and downward, with the metal strip representing the core horizon line.
The EM90 will be available in four exterior colours at launch and comes with nineteen or twenty inch aero wheels, in which engineering meets aero efficiency to further help optimise the driving range.
The Charge
As a fully electric car, the EM90 provides a range of up to 458 miles (738 kilometres) on the official figures. On the face of it, this is pretty impressive. We all know that in the real world that number is unlikely to be achieved but anything near it means that re-charging en route becomes less of an issue for most users.
The car comes with a 116kWh battery and the charging time from 10 to 80 per cent is expected to be under 30 minutes. This would of course be at a high-speed charger. The MPV is powered by an e-motor with a 200kW power output meaning the EM90 can accelerate from 0 to 62mph (100 km/h) in 8.3 seconds; not bad for a substantial vehicle.
Like the company’s EX90 flagship SUV, the EM90 is equipped with all the hardware necessary to enable bi-directional charging. This feature allows the owner to use the battery of the EM90 as a power bank to charge other electric cars and appliances.
On The Inside
The brand state that they intend to bring a new standard of style to the MPV segment. Inside, the EM90 is designed to be like your living room on the move; a common enough design idea among car makers these days. It provides, they say, passengers with ultimate comfort enabling them to make the most of their in-car time thanks to typically Scandinavian design details that offer a truly premium experience.
Additional comfort comes courtesy of top-notch sound isolation and road noise cancellation technology, while dual chamber air suspension and silent tyres further smooth the ride experience for everyone travelling in the EM90.
All these features work together to minimise road noise, meaning the passengers can fully enjoy the optimum sound quality from a total of 21 Bowers & Wilkins speakers as if embedded in their own private concert hall on wheels.
Of course, once comfortably settled in, the incumbents can also use other cutting-edge technology designed to make motoring life easier and more enjoyable. Bursting with computing power as well as 5G connectivity (where available), the EM90 delivers an outstanding digital experience.
The voice assistant makes it easier to connect with the car in an interactive and fun way via the 15.4 inch infotainment screen for the driver. An additional, high-definition 15.6 inch screen that is mounted in the roof, folds down whenever the family or other passengers want some entertainment or take a business video meeting even with a camera when needed. The screen also supports mobile screen projection and a wide variety of third-party apps.
The roof-mounted screen is part of a multi-functional set of screens and smart surfaces that enable a variety of in-cabin scenarios. With the flick of a switch or a command to the voice assistant, you can easily turn the interior of the EM90 into a theatre, a meeting room, or a bedroom for the rear seats. Why have a house at all? Screens, seats, windows, air conditioner and lighting can all be adjusted accordingly.
As with all new Volvo cars, the EM90 will get over-the-air software updates. A digital key and remote functions via the Volvo Cars app provide for easy access and control of the car.
On The Road
According to Volvo, the EM90 will offer the next level of motoring experience on top of everything buyers expect from a Volvo car, with iconic Scandinavian design, 96 years of safety heritage, ultimate comfort and cutting-edge technology. The broad suite of advanced driver assistance systems inside the EM90 is enabled by advanced computing power and an all-round sensor set with high-definition cameras, surround view cameras, a millimetre wave radar and ultrasonic radars.
For those needing a family-sized car that does it all, then this one looks like a good proposition; provided that an electric drive meets other requirements. If not, consider other vehicles in the Volvo range, like hybrids or fossil fuel models. The same attention to design and quality applies whichever car is chosen. Will a Volvo suit your lifestyle? Find out about current model availability through MHH International’s comprehensive and trusted, VAT-free, export service from the UK to Kenya, New Zealand, Ireland, the Caribbean and elsewhere around the world.
