Volvo rolls out Volvo Car UX to 2.5 million cars; free of charge OTA update, for models from MY2020 onwards

Volvo Cars has announced that it is rolling out its “largest ever” over-the-air software update, covering 2.5 million Volvo passenger vehicles across 85 countries. Named Volvo Car UX, the update brings a new user interface for the infotainment system in Volvo models from 2020 onwards.

This update will be applicable to Volvo models from 2020 with Google built-in, and the OTA software update will be carried out free of charge, says Volvo. Models applicable include the C40, XC40, EX40, EC40, S60, V60, V60 Cross Country, XC60, S90, V90, V90 Cross Country and XC90, the carmaker stated.

“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,” said Volvo Cars chief engineering and technology officer Anders Bell.

Key improvements offered by the update to Volvo Car UX include requiring fewer taps or clicks to reach the most-used features, easier, more prominent navigation, and an updated look, says Volvo. The most commonly used apps such as maps, media and phone are located on the home screen, and users no longer need to leave Google Maps in order to access media playback functions, it said.

The update also brings the contextual bar that changes what is displayed according to the present situation, and shows the most recently used apps. For instance, low speed driving will have the icon for exterior cameras appear in order to show the driver that visual aids are available when manoeuvring in tight spaces.

For PHEV models, the Drive Modes icon on the home screen let drivers access the Pure mode alongside other options, which means that switching from hybrid to purely electric driving is just one screen tap away.

For cars with Google built-in, customers may purchase and download the Pilot Assist feature for cars which do not already have the feature. The Volvo Car UX update also brings preparation for “an optimal conversational AI experience” with Google Gemini, which will be rolled out to compatible cars later this year.

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