It is also worth mentioning that this first-ever Volvo MPV is technically just a Zeekr 009 in a Swedish suit.
In perhaps what is the strongest example yet of how far the Chinese have come in the auto-making business, Volvo has recently just revealed a rebadged version of the Zeekr 009 as its own EM90 minivan.
Yes, instead of just Proton rebadging Geelys, it is now Volvo’s turn to do the same too. Though in the Swedish automaker’s case, the revisions done to the Zeekr 009 in order to become its first-ever MPV has been more extensive than just calling it a day after slapping on a slightly different front grille.
Up front for instance in this new EM90 is more conservative face relative to its ostentatious Chinese counterpart, with the Swedish automaker opting for a more subtle (but apparently illuminated) nose that is then flanked by its signature Thor’s Hammer LED headlights. Volvo has also been busy round this MPV’s rump too by incorporating vertical illumination elements to the 009’s staple bullet-shaped rear light bar signature, which comes on top of a more subdued set of alloy wheel options too.
As expected from being simply rebadge job however, powering said wheels of this Volvo MPV is similar to its Zeekr 009 sibling. To be based upon Geely’s SEA platform, the fully-electric EM90 has been confirmed to launch with a single 200 kW electric motor on its rear axle, which is then fed a massive CATL-sourced 116 kWh battery pack.
According to Volvo, this powertrain combination will allow the EM90 to complete the century sprint in 8.3 seconds and offers a range of 738 km according to China’s CLTC driving cycle tests. The Swedish automaker has also confirmed that its massive battery will charge from 10 to 80% in just under half an hour and offer bi-directional charging capabilities, but stopped just short of stating whether its new MPV will be offered with the 009’s more potent dual-motor AWD setup, which packs a staggering 400 kW and a 4.5-second sprint time.
What Volvo is nevertheless more than happy to share is information regarding the EM90’s extremely cushy six-seat cabin, which incidentally packs much the same toys as is currently available in the new Toyota Alphard. Coming in a 2+2+2 configuration as per its Zeekr sister car, this new Swedish minivan nets captain-style seats in its middle row, which not only boast electric adjustment, recline, heating, and ventilation, but also come equipped with folding trays and individual haptic control panels too.
The EM90 is also perhaps the first Volvo ever to feature a drop-down (15.6-inch) screen for rear seat occupants to watch movies, or according to the Swedish automaker, hold business meetings while on the move. Other more conventional tech toys within this luxury-focused MPV meanwhile are its 21-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system, a 15.4-inch tablet-style central infotainment system, and of course an all-encompassing suite of sensor and cameras to enable the multitude of ADAS features.
Measuring in at a massive 5,209 mm long, 2,024 mm wide and 1,867 mm tall, it will however not be that easy to spot this humongous Volvo around. That is as the EM90 is currently only confirmed to be destined for the Chinese market, with prices starting over there from a hefty 818,000 yuan (RM 530,000).
Volvo did state though that it is currently looking into the demand of MPVs around the world before launching in other markets. And given that Malaysian roads is currently filled with Alphards and Vellfires, there might just be a possibility therefore for the EM90 to be making its way over here soon.
