New Volvo EM90 sees the Swedish brand take on the luxury MPV class
While Volvo moves out of the saloon and estate markets, it has plans to launch an MPV
- Volvo enters luxury MPV class
- All-electric with predicted 300-plus mile range
- Not yet confirmed for UK market
The Volvo EM90 is an all-new electric MPV that’s just been teased by the Swedish brand, ahead of its global unveiling on 12 November.
It will be Volvo’s first-ever “premium MPV”, which will see it go head-to-head with the Mercedes EQV and Lexus LBX. The news comes just months after Volvo announced that it will no longer be selling saloon or estate models in the UK, as customers continue to favour SUVs.
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At current it doesn’t look like there are any plans to sell the EM90 in the UK either – it’s primarily aimed at the Chinese market, where spacious and often chauffeur-driven models are highly sought after.
Volvo is keeping the EM90’s details a closely guarded secret until November, but given its EM90 naming we can’t help but surmise it will share its technology with the Volvo EX90 SUV that’s already been revealed in full. This means it’s likely to get a 111kW battery, for a range of 300-plus miles. It will also boast fast charging for a 10-80% top up in roughly half an hour.
While speed won’t necessarily be the EM90’s top priority, it could also share the EX90’s twin-motor setup with 402bhp, giving the MPV plentiful power to get its occupants to their destination in record time.
While Volvo’s overhead teaser is purposefully angled to hide the EM90’s nose, a few features do stand out. For a start, the large panoramic rear glass and smaller front sunroof highlight that rear passengers are the priority. This should give a great view of the clouds and sky overhead as tired execs take a power nap.
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Volvo’s latest rear lighting graphic and an illuminated rear ‘Volvo’ badge can be seen, along with the side door handles required for dual sliding side doors. This should make access a breeze, even in tight car parks, and we expect the interior to be suitably luxurious. Volvo describes it as a “Scandinavian living room on the move”, a place where you can “connect with your loved ones, create, relax, work or just think” – a clear hint at a high level of onboard technology.
Read the latest news on the Volvo EX90, or check out our round-up of the best MPVs on sale
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