Serving as Volvo’s first-ever fully-electric premium MPV, the EM90 is a Chinese Zeekr 009 in drag. Here are the details ahead of its launch in November.
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Debuting on the 12th of November, Volvo is about to venture into the unknown world of MPVs with their EM90. Originating as a rumour at the beginning of the year is now becoming a reality for Volvo. Never experimenting with MPVs before, the Swedish automaker plans on debuting its inaugural minivan described as a “Scandinavian living room on the move.”
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This is where Zeekr comes in with their 009. Also falling within the Geely group’s several brands, the Chinese-built minivan will be the basis of the EM90 which we can vaguely see in the provided teaser image. From this view, a quick comparison shows that the structure seems to be largely unchanged.
More teasers are scheduled to be released leading up to the unveiling, but for now, all we get to see is the panoramic sunroof for rear passengers, complemented by a smaller glass section for the driver and front passenger. As a minivan, the sliding doors on both sides of the vehicle take centre stage, indicating ample accessibility. Volvo’s maiden MPV appears to boast enough space to accommodate three rows of seating.
Assuming that the EM90 is essentially a reimagined 009 with distinctive taillights and illuminated Volvo branding at the rear, it’s expected to be generously proportioned. Zeekr’s boxy van measures 5 209 mm in length, 2 024 mm in width, and 1 867 mm) in height, supported by a substantial wheelbase of 3 205 mm. It can be configured with either a 2+2+2 or 2+2 seating arrangement and carries a substantial weight of 2 830 kg although this may significantly reduce the range on its electrified powertrain.
Speaking of which, it will be built on the SEA platform, which is shared by the Lotus Eletre and Polestar 5. With the Zeekr 009, a pair of electric motors generates a combined output of 398 kW. This power propels the minivan to 100 km/h in just four and a half seconds. Its colossal 140-kWh battery promises a range of 822 km according to the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC).
The debut date coincides with the opening of the order books in China, the home base of its parent company, Geely which is where the model is expected to be dominantly sold. If it does eventually make it to South Africa, it will be the only electrified model in the premium segment, with its only rival being the Mercedes V-Class people carrier.
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