The Danish concept of ‘hygge’ means something like coziness or well-being. This term is perfectly applicable to the new Volvo EM90, which pampers its occupants to the max. Unfortunately, Volvo’s first MPV is only available in China. Therefore, we drive it through Shanghai instead of Stockholm.
Cozy in Shanghai, also on the road for sure?
It is not yet seven in the morning and the traffic towards Shanghai is hopelessly jammed again. That is not so strange, because every morning simply too many cars try to make their way to the metropolis on the Huangpu River with 25 million inhabitants. But fortunately, we can stretch out, doze a bit after our long flight, and relax.
You see a lot of these luxury MPVs in Asian countries, right?
Yes, and actually, we are quite happy that instead of the obligatory top-class sedan with a driver, we are sitting in one of those luxury vans, or MPVs if you like, which are increasingly taking customers away from the S-class and its competitors, especially in Asia. We are not in a Toyota Alphard or its chic brother Lexus LM, which dominate this class worldwide. And also not in one of the many Chinese models that want to conquer this segment with the usual Chinese enthusiasm; it is not for nothing that many in the West are now talking about models such as the Nio EL8 or Xpeng X9. No, we are sitting in the back of an EM90, with which Volvo is the first European manufacturer to jump on this trend. Where you can argue about whether Volvo is really a European manufacturer, but that aside. In contrast to, for example, the Mercedes V-class, this is not a van that has been dressed up chic.
How big is the Volvo EM90?
This is definitely a standard family car like the Renault Scenic and Volkswagen Touran that has grown a bit out of proportion. No, this 5.21-meter-long monster is really a luxury limousine, only with even more space. It is not for nothing that the prices in China start at 818,000 RMB, converted to approximately €100,000. The price level is therefore at the same level as that of a Mercedes-Benz EQS. Above all, it is a car that is both typically Volvo and at the same time a Volvo as we have never seen it before. After all, the EM90 is the first MPV from the Swedish manufacturer – and to finally be able to drive it, we had to fly to China, since Volvo still withholds this special driving experience from Europeans.
How Volvo is an MPV still?
The EM90 is somehow typically Volvo because, with a view to maximum space utilization, it is as angular as no other model since the cherished angular Estates of yesteryear. Even the shape of the key is more reminiscent of a Lego block than those modern rounded things of today. But it is also unique because Volvo, despite all the station wagons and SUVs, has never had a spacious MPV in its range.
Is such an MPV something?
The manufacturer’s first attempt can undoubtedly be called successful. That is not least due to the family ties at the Geely concern, which allow Volvo to cooperate with Zeekr. That subsidiary provides a high-tech basis with the 009, which has been given a Swedish touch in Gothenburg. The interior therefore exudes that unique atmosphere that somehow only models of Scandinavian origin can offer: cool, functional, and understated, but at the same time warm, cozy, and comfortable.
We already said it, in Scandinavia they use the word ‘hygge’ to describe this unique feeling, in this case garnished with a good dose of high-tech. In addition to beautiful, natural-looking surfaces and large glass surfaces in the sides and in the roof, we also see digital control panels in the door consoles, which Volkswagen could take as an example to send the irritating sliders to the eternal hunting grounds once and for all.
How luxurious is the Volvo EM90?
If desired, a monitor folds out from the ceiling that is large enough for a cinema experience, but not as overwhelming as in the BMW 7-series. A Bowers & Wilkins audio system takes care of the sound, and of course, the infotainment system masters all forms of digital connectivity in which the Chinese are one step ahead of us. You experience all this from two electric armchairs with climate control and massage function, which workaholics with a folding table in the armrest can transform into an executive chair, but which at the touch of a button also serves as a lounge chair with a comfortable leg rest; you have never been able to relax so much in a Volvo. This first-class comfort, even with a wheelbase of 3.21 meters, is unfortunately only available on the second row of seats.
Is it more spacious than a Volvo EX90?
Even on the third row of seats, you sit considerably better than in the new EX90. You don’t have to twist your body as much when getting in and out as in that SUV. Even with all the seats in use, 535 liters of luggage space is already available in the back, which becomes a maximum of 2,376 liters if you fold down the seats and slide the front seats all the way forward. Only the frunk, with its content of 29 liters, seems a bit small for such a large car. But it still has 29 liters more to offer than, for example, the frunkless ID Buzz. The EM90, along with models such as the Hyundai Ioniq 9 or the Kia EV9, would compete with that Volkswagen if Volvo might bring it to our continent at some point.
Is it the same inside as the EX90?
Then we take a seat behind the wheel. Where we have just gotten to know Volvo from a completely new side from the rear compartment, everything now looks familiar again and that is how it feels. The EM90 shares its dashboard with the other electric 90 models that we also know in Europe. Only the screen on the center console is much larger and now placed horizontally instead of vertically. Although Google is apparently still running in the background, the maps are Chinese and correspondingly accurate: not only does it count down the distance to the intersection, the system also knows exactly to the second when the traffic lights will turn green.
And how does it drive?
Driving also feels familiar. It does not matter to the 272 hp electric motor in the back whether it has to move a streamlined sedan, a beautiful SUV, or this behemoth with the drag coefficient of an apartment building. A torque of 343 Nm is generous when it is served without warning, and the sprint from 0 to 100, which takes 8.3 seconds, feels as if you are riding on clouds thanks to the adaptive air suspension. It feels much faster than it actually is. An 800-volt battery that guarantees an impressive 116 kWh provides the energy for this.
How far does the electric MPV go?
According to the not too strict Chinese test cycle, the Volvo can travel more than 700 kilometers and probably even further in the traffic of Shanghai, which moves at a low speed. After all, you cannot possibly reach the 120 km/h that China uses as a speed limit. Not to mention the top speed of 180 km/h.
Do you have to want to go fast then?
Charging is quite fast, it offers a charging capacity of up to 360 kW. But while driving, this Volvo is in no hurry at all. Whether you are behind the wheel or in the back on the lounge-like seats, the EM90 is like a tranquilizer on wheels. Nothing tempts you to get your heart rate up again with an unintentional sprint or enthusiastic cornering. Even maneuvering with this giant leaves you cold as a driver. After all, we have cameras, a large screen, and an advanced parking assistant at the front. Moreover, arriving at your destination quickly has never been as unimportant as today. Because the longer you are on the road, the longer you can enjoy the homely feeling on board.
That is why the view on the map, on which the road network of Shanghai is as red as the arteries on a medical photo, makes us happy for a change. The navigation system calculates a travel time of 75 minutes for the fifteen kilometers to the center. By that time we will be well rested, so jet lag has no chance.