Largest-ever over-the-air update for Volvo users rolls out

A more intuitive user experience will be delivered to millions of Volvo drivers through the OEM’s largest over-the-air software update ever, with the rollout starting this week. Based on the Android Automotive operating system, and with several Google services included as standard, around 2.5 million Volvo cars across 85 countries will receive the new user experience, called Volvo Car UX.

The Swedish auto maker says this is one of the most comprehensive infotainment updates introduced by any manufacturer to date. It is designed to ensure a consistent design philosophy across all Volvo models.

The update incorporates customer feedback and introduces a more user-friendly layout for the car’s central display. This aims to deliver a faster, easier and more intuitive way to interact with the vehicle, while reducing the number of taps needed to access different functions.

Owners of Volvo cars built as early as 2020 with Google built-in will receive the upgrade free of charge, as part of Volvo’s ongoing initiative to continuously improve its vehicles through software updates.

“This update is one of the largest over-the-air updates in automotive history, leveraging years of investment in Volvo Cars’ tech stack to improve life with their cars for millions of people,” said Anders Bell, chief engineering and technology officer at Volvo Cars. “Our new user experience delivers significant updates and improvement in areas most used by drivers, and directly addresses the needs and desires of our customers.”

The on-screen content represents the biggest change. The most commonly used apps and controls – such as maps, media and phone – are now presented directly on the home screen.

A new contextual bar adapts to the driving situation, displaying relevant information and the most recently used apps. For example, at low speeds, the outside camera appears to help drivers maneuver in tight spaces. For plug-in hybrid drivers, having drive modes accessible from the home screen makes switching from hybrid to electric-only power quick and simple.

Volvo Cars will also begin offering customers with Google built-in – but without the Pilot Assist driver assistance feature – the option to purchase and download Pilot Assist directly to their vehicle.

The update also prepares eligible cars for an enhanced conversational AI experience powered by Google Gemini, which is scheduled to arrive later this spring.