Alleged First Volvo EV MPV Spied in China – Launching Soon?

It is no secret that renowned Swedish automaker Volvo is developing its first-ever electric MPV model. Scheduled to make its market entry later this year, Volvo is already testing out its EV MPV on public roads, as suggested by these spyshots in China.

The new Volvo EV MPV spied in a parking lot somewhere in China. Photo credit: Car News China

As reported by Car News China, Volvo’s first EV MPV model was spotted in a parking lot somewhere in China. As per any new models doing road tests, the MPV is draped in camouflage that covers most of the essential design bits.

Zeekr 009 EV MPV

Looking at the photos, you can clearly see the MPV model’s boxy silhouette and bodystyle, which looks somewhat similar to its already launched Chinese counterpart, the Zeekr 009 EV MPV. This is no surprise as the two models share the same Geely-built SEA EV platform, which has also been used by the new Volvo EX30. 

Geely's Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) EV platform used by the Zeekr 009

For reference, the Zeekr 009 comes with two ternary battery pack options, with the smaller 116-kWh one granting the 009 with 702 KM of claimed range, while the bigger 140-kWh pack juices the MPV as far as 822 KM. Said batteries juice the same dual-motor layout that produces a total system output of 544 HP and 686 NM.

Photo credit: Car News China

Back to the spyshot images, they unveiled the MPV’s slanted A-pillars, alongside the high bonnet line and the typical boxy van bodystyle. With almost all of its exterior covered with camouflage, the only visible parts of the model are its single headlights and taillights unit – with both of them looking rather similar to ones found on the EX90 and EX30. Though we don’t have the exact measurements of this new MPV, the photos suggested that they are about the same size as the Zeekr 009.

Dimension-wise, the Zeekr 009 measures 5,209 MM long and a wheelbase of 3,205 MM. Should the Volvo MPV match the Zeekr 009’s size, the new model will be roughly the size of Hyundai Motor’s MPV duo – the Hyundai Staria and Kia Carnival. This will also make the new Volvo MPV becoming the marque’s biggest model to date, even bigger than two of its current seven-seater offerings – the Volvo EX90 and XC90.

The Zeekr 009's luxury cabin, featuring a 2-2-3 seating layout

Though nothing much can be seen on the model’s cabin design, at least we know it’ll sport the same 2-2-3 seven-seat layout as the Zeekr 009. For references, the Zeekr 009’s second-row seats come standard with retractable Ottoman leg support, as well as massage, heated and ventilated functions. However, we can’t be exactly sure whether the Volvo MPV will harness the same level of luxury as its Chinese counterpart.

All in all, the new Volvo MPV looks pretty much the same as the Zeekr 009, at least in its camo-draped form. Slated for launch in Q4 2023, this new Volvo model not only will be its first-ever EV MPV model, but also the marque’s first proper minivan model. As for its pricing, we can expect them to be slightly heftier than the Zeekr 009’s 499,000 to 588,000 CNY (RM322,000 to RM379,431 approx.) price tag in the local Chinese market.