The Swedish car maker has introduced its latest-gen infotainment system to the XC90 SUV and announced that this user experience will also now be rolled out to millions of older models via a software update.
Models with Google built-in, manufactured as early as 2020, will receive the free of charge over-the-air software update, starting gradually next year. Volvo says around 2.5 million customers will receive this upgrade, which it states will be the most comprehensive infotainment update by any car maker.
“Our new-generation user experience will deliver a significant improvement in customer experience and is an important step in our journey to delivery human-centric technology solutions to our customers,” said Erik Severinson, chief product and strategy officer at Volvo Cars.
For the new XC90, there’s a larger 11.2in central screen with a pixel density increase of 21% for a crisper display. The update presents the common apps and controls, such as maps, media and phones, on the home screen – like Volvo’s latest electric cars. This results in a user-friendly experience with lesser interaction to move between the apps. Another update is the contextual bar, which now adapts and displays recently used apps.
For Volvo models with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, the drive modes on the home screen will be easily accessible with the update. Volvo states that the new UI can be scaled to fit different screen shapes and sizes. What this means is that the update will be supported by different Volvo models, whether this be a new XC90 or an XC40 from 2021.
