Volvo has stuck a price-tag on its upcoming high-performance luxury people mover, the EM90.
While Volvo is a luxury brand, the ¥818,000 price, which converts to A$174,250 makes the all-electric people mover by far the most expensive model in its international line-up, reaching well beyond expectations.
According to Chinese media, the people mover will be intentionally targeting high net-worth individuals and will be part of the brand's push to be the first electric-only luxury brand in Hong Kong where luxury people movers sell well.
The price places it to compete with ultra-high-end VIP transport rivals like the Lexus LM, which will start from $160,888 for the base 350h Sports Luxury hybrid model when it arrives in Australia before the end of 2023, reaching to $220,888 for the all-wheel drive Ultra Luxury variant which will arrive in 2024.
For reference the most expensive Volvo currently sold in Australia is the $128,990 XC90 T8 Ultimate PHEV.
At least the EM90’s SEA 1 platform will be capable of supporting right-hand drive.
Initially available in a single nameless variant in China, the EM90 is Volvo's first people mover, featuring "scandinavian living room" interior design. It has a 116kWh battery good for a 738km driving range according to the Chinese testing cycle, with a 200kW/343Nm electric motor on the rear axle capable of propelling it from 0-100km/h in 8.3 seconds.
It also features dual-chamber air suspension and a high-end six-seat arrangement in Nappa leather as standard with fully reclining multi-function middle row seats.
It is the first time a Volvo vehicle has been based on a Geely vehicle as opposed to the other way around.
As with most China-focused models, there is a strong array of tech, including a large 15.4-inch multimedia multimedia touchscreen, and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, there's also a 15.6-inch rear screen providing entertainment for those riding in the second and third rows. It also features online connectivity with over the air updates, online nav and app control features.
The EM90 is equipped with vehicle-to-load systems, outputting at a high rate of up to 6.6kW allowing it to power not only household appliances, but to charge other electric vehicles if need be.
As with most China-focused models, there is a strong array of tech, including a large 15.4-inch multimedia multimedia touchscreen.
Its 10-80 per cent charge time is said to come in at less than 30 minutes, although a maximum charge speed was not specified. Such rapid charging time implies an 800-volt architecture for its CATL-sourced nickel manganese cobalt battery. It has a claimed energy consumption in the Chinese market of just 17.2kWh/100km which would make it quite efficient for such a large vehicle.
As previously reported, the EM90 is a big shift for the Volvo brand, as it is the first time a Volvo vehicle has been based on a Geely vehicle as opposed to the other way around, having sourced its tech, platform, and even bodystyle from the Zeekr 009 people mover. Zeekr is Geelys fully electric performance sub-divsion, and even offers the 009 with a larger 140kWh battery and a 400kW/686Nm all-wheel drive powertrain - leaving room for an even more expensive EM90 variant in the future.
According to Chinese media, the people mover will be intentionally targeting high net-worth individuals.
Both the 009 and the EM90 sit on the SEA 1 platform which also underpins the Polestar 5 GT and Lotus Eletre SUV. An international version is set to be unveiled in the future, with this particular model being "intended for mainland China only." A Volvo spokesperson confirmed to CarsGuide earlier in 2023 that launches in other markets "are yet to be decided."
At least the EM90's SEA 1 platform will be capable of supporting right-hand drive, as the Polestar 5 has been confirmed for both the Australian and UK markets.
The price places it to compete with ultra-high-end VIP transport rivals like the Lexus LM.
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