Volvo Car UX: Brand’s biggest-ever software update rolls out this week
Volvo will introduce its Volvo Car UX to over 2.5 million owners across 85 countries worldwide this week, making it the largest-ever over-the-air (OTA) update in its history.
Based on the highly-acclaimed Android Automotive system used by sister brand Polestar, as well as Renault and Nissan, the Volvo Car UX will be added free-of-charge to Volvos built as far back as 2020, as long as they run on Google built-in.
The new, easier-to-use layout adds the most used apps and controls to the home screen, meaning that customers who are following navigation directions and want to change what they’re listening to no longer have to leave Google Maps to access their media library or preferred streaming service.
Another new addition is the contextual bar, which changes depending on the driver’s surroundings and displays the most recently used apps. For example, when driving at low speeds, the external camera icon appears to help the driver manoeuvre into tight parking spaces.
Based on extensive customer feedback, the introduction of the Volvo Car UX proposes to do two things: Reduce the number of touchscreen taps and button clicks motorists need to make while driving, and future-proof older models.
To ensure design consistency throughout the range, Volvo Car UX ensures that older models will benefit from the same visual approach as newer cars. As such, a Volvo customer with a 2020 EX40 could benefit from the same visual layout as the recently revealed, all-electric EX60 SUV.
One of the biggest OTA updates in automotive history, Volvo’s chief engineering and technology officer described it as “years of investment in Volvo Cars’ tech stack”.
“Our new user experience delivers significant updates and improvements in areas most used by drivers, and directly addresses the needs and desires of our customers.”
Electric Volvo models set to benefit from the Volvo Cars UX update are the XC40 and EC40, as well as the brand’s extensive range of plug-in hybrid models.
