For the upcoming model year, there will be two main tech upgrades for the Volvo’s XC40, EX40, EC40, S60, V60, V60 Cross Country, V90 and V90 Cross Country models.
Volvo is introducing its new-generation, new-look user experience to our whole lineup, as well as the ultra-fast Snapdragon Cockpit Platform from Qualcomm Technologies. According to the Swedish automaker, this makes the infotainment system much faster and much more responsive.
Additionally, EX30, EX40 and EC40 models in Europe will get the service Plug & Charge, for an even smoother public charging process.
Volvo Car UX: designed to be safe, focused and personal
Volvo aims to make complex things simple, and we use real-world data and customer feedback as the basis for our work. This is the philosophy behind the new-generation user experience, called Volvo Car UX, already seen in the EX30, EX90 and new XC90.
It’s designed to be a safe and enjoyable way to interact with your car’s central infotainment screen, more focused and personalised than its predecessor, with several Google services built-in.
Examples include putting the apps and features you most often use, such as maps, media and phone on the home screen, for quicker access. In a similar logic, the contextual bar changes what you see according to the situation and displays your most recently used apps. The driver display, located just behind the steering wheel, has also been updated with a larger and clearer navigation view.
Starting this year, all models mentioned above will come equipped with the new Volvo Car UX through a simple over-the-air software update. Later in 2025, around 2.5 million customers around the globe will get an upgrade on their Volvo cars built as early as 2020.
“By introducing our new-generation Volvo Car UX across our lineup, we’re working towards the aim that every Volvo model – regardless of platform and powertrain – should offer a similar user experience, providing our customers with more choices,” says Erik Severinson, Volvo Cars’ chief product and strategy officer. “This roll-out is in line with our strategy to make our cars better over time with over-the-air software updates and goes hand in hand with our ambition to keep investing in our entire car lineup.”
Faster, more responsive infotainment system
You might recognise our other upgrade from the EX90 and EX30 models. The next-generation Snapdragon Cockpit Platform makes the existing Google Android Auto-based infotainment system much faster and much more responsive. The infotainment system in these models will be more than twice as fast as the outgoing system, with a graphics generation that is up to 10 times faster.
The Snapdragon Cockpit Platform will also be added to the new XC90 SUV model this year.
Seamless charging process
Finally, Plug & Charge will be added on this years’ EX30, EX40 and EC40 cars in Europe. Plug & Charge is an authentication and billing system that simplifies the charging experience.
Plug & Charge is set up and activated via the car, and you can easily find compatible charging stations using Google Maps in your car’s centre display or the Volvo Cars app. These stations identify your car and its associated payment method as soon as you connect the charging cable to your car. The charging starts automatically, with no need for additional cards or authentication, and payment is processed seamlessly.
