New-generation user experience comes to our new XC90 flagship SUV 

Posted 4 September 2024

At Volvo Cars, the goal is to simplify complexity. Volvo aims to create a great experience that helps you go about your daily life with your car in a safe, focused, and enjoyable way.

This philosophy guided the development of the new infotainment system in Volvo's all-electric EX90 and EX30 models.

Now, this approach is being extended to the celebrated Volvo XC90 SUV. However, the new user experience will not be limited to just one model. Volvo will also deliver the latest user experience to millions of drivers around the world with a simple over-the-air software update. If you currently drive a Volvo car with Google built-in*, you will also receive an upgraded layout – free of charge.

During 2025, around 2.5 million customers globally will receive an upgrade on their Volvo cars built as early as 2020**. This upgrade will be gradually rolled out throughout the year, making it one of the most comprehensive infotainment updates by any car maker to date. This roll-out aligns with Volvo’s strategy to continuously improve its cars over time through regular over-the-air software updates.

“The new-generation user experience will deliver a significant improvement in customer experience and is an important step in Volvo’s journey to deliver human-centric technology solutions to customers,” says Erik Severinson, Chief Product and Strategy Officer at Volvo Cars. “Volvo will continuously and seamlessly adapt the user experience to match the needs of its customers through new and enhanced features delivered via over-the-air updates, improving the car – and the experience – over time.”

To further enhance the experience inside the new XC90, Volvo has installed a larger, 11.2-inch, free-standing central screen. The pixel density has also been increased by 21 per cent, resulting in an even crisper display.

But the content on the screen represents the biggest change. The most common apps and controls, such as maps, media, and phone, are now presented on the home screen – the same setup as in Volvo’s latest electric cars. This means fewer taps on the screen to access the features most frequently used. For example, if you are following navigation directions and want to change the music, there is no longer a need to leave Google Maps to access the media feature. It is already there.

Additionally, the contextual bar changes according to the situation, displaying the most recently used apps. If driving at low speeds, the icon for outside cameras appears, providing assistance with manoeuvring in tight spaces.

For plug-in hybrid drivers, Volvo is making it easier to get the most out of the electric powertrain. Via ‘Drive Modes’ on the home screen, ‘Pure’ mode is easily accessible alongside other options. For instance, if arriving in a town centre and wishing to drive on electric power only, it is now just a tap away.

The new-generation user experience is adaptable and scalable to fit different screen shapes and sizes. This allows Volvo to bring the latest infotainment experience to drivers, whether they are behind the wheel of a new XC90, an EX90, or a three-year-old XC40, making it easier to focus on what truly matters: the road ahead.