Volvo Updates 2.5 Million Connected Cars with a New In-Car Experience
Volvo announced that they’re rolling out their largest ever over-the-air software update to 2.5 million vehicles worldwide with a comprehensive upgrade to the user interface called the “Volvo Car UX” operating system.
This upgrade will come to cars manufactured from 2020 that have Google built-in, with Volvo aiming to improve owners cars over time for targeted models at no additional cost. More on that later.
Anders Bell, chief engineering and technology officer at Volvo Cars states “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. 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.”
Volvo EX30
Volvo claims that it’s new Android based operating system will require the driver to make fewer clicks to reach the most used features via its new efficiently engineered software.
Volvo explains “the new user experience creates a contemporary and consistent design philosophy across all Volvo car models. This means a customer with a three-year-old XC40 benefits from the same approach as an EX90 owner, for example.”
Designed from customer feedback and extensive research, there’s an easier and more prominent navigation with the user interface receiving a fresh new look.
The Alll-New Volvo EX60
Maps, media and phone moves to the home screen meaning drivers no longer need to move away from the navigation map to change music.
For plug-in hybrid drivers, the new UI assists the driver to get the most of their electric drivetrain, improving efficiency and efficacy. Access to drive modes is displayed on the home screen to make it easy to switch to EV power only.
The Volvo models that are receiving the extensive software refresh are C40, XC40, EX40, EC40, S60, V60, V60 Cross Country, XC60, S90, V90, V90 Cross Country and XC90 with Android operating system.
Undoubtedly, when the all-new EX60 launches later this year it will have the Volvo Cars UX software pre-installed. You can read all about the new 503 mile range EX60 here.
This is great news for Volvo customers. Cars improving over-time is currently a novelty reserved for only a few brand names, but it is something that all manufacturers should be working on to help keep the car fresh during its ownership.
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About the Author
Graeme Cobb is a lifelong car enthusiast with a passion for writing about cars, EVs, industry updates and more.
You can find Graeme on 𝕏 at @graeme_cobb or YouTube @REV-EV.