Volvo Promises Home Away From Home With New MPV

Volvo unveils its first people carrier in 54 years in the shape of the battery-electric EM90 multipurpose vehicle initially aimed solely at the Chinese market.

The car, the first MPV from Volvo since production of its Duett ended in 1969, saw a global online debut with a sales pitch that was heavy on hyperbole and demure on detail. So, while Western viewers might see this as the brand kow-towing to its Chinese owner, Geely, it’s worth noting that China has been Volvo’s biggest market for some years and that Asian consumers are known to have a greater appetite for luxury MPVs than most in the West.

The large 6-seater's powertrain doesn’t throw up many surprises. What we know so far is that the EM90 claims a range of up to 458 miles (737 km) under China’s domestic testing cycle. It comes with a 116-kWh battery claiming a charging time from 10% to 80% is expected to be under a half-hour. Thanks to an e-motor powered with 200-kW power output, the large van-like EM90 claims a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint time of 8.3 seconds.

Of course, as with Volvo’s recently launched EX90 flagship SUV, the new vehicle is equipped with hardware enabling bi-directional charging for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) efficiency. This feature allows owners to use the vehicle’s battery as a power bank to charge other electric cars and home appliances.

It also comes with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems enabled by enough computing power and an all-round sensor set with high-definition cameras, surround-view cameras, a millimeter wave radar and ultrasonic radars.

Inside, the automaker promises a true lounge-on-wheels experience with extensive sound isolation and road noise cancellation technology, while dual-chamber air suspension and silent tires should add to the homey feel.

A premium audio system features a total of 21 Bowers & Wilkins speakers dotted around the cabin’s interior. Volvo has adopted Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Cockpit Platforms as the vehicle’s computer software provider as standard and 5G connectivity where available. Its voice assistant is visualized in a refreshed Volvo avatar, inspired by Scandinavian nature, inside the 15.4-in. (39-cm) infotainment screen for the driver.

An additional, high-definition 15.6-in. (40-cm) screen that is mounted in the roof folds down as entertainment for the rear-seat passengers whether they be family members or work colleagues taking 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.

Over-the-air upgrade capability should improve consumer experience as time goes on. There’s also a digital key and remote functions via the Volvo Cars app providing for easy access to, and control of, the car.

In his presentation, Volvo Cars CEO Jim Rowan says: “It’s an age-old cliché, but there really is no place like home. A place to connect with your loved ones, to truly be yourself. It’s this feeling of home that inspired our new EM90, a car with room for life.”