New interface “Volvo Car UX”
Volvo rolls out OTA update for 2.5 million vehicles
Volvo is pursuing a strategy of keeping core software functions up to date throughout the vehicle lifecycle via OTA updates.
Volvo Cars
Volvo is preparing its largest over-the-air update to date: around 2.5 million vehicles will receive an updated user interface with faster access to navigation, media and driving modes. The update also prepares vehicles for new AI-based functions.
Volvo Cars will equip around 2.5 million vehicles in 85
countries with the new “Volvo Car UX” interface in the coming weeks. The
updated layout is designed to simplify interaction with the central display and
provide faster access to frequently used functions.
The update will be available for all
models from model year 2020 onwards that are equipped with an infotainment
system based on Android Automotive. According to the Swedish
manufacturer, the update will be delivered free of charge. “The update delivers
significant improvements in the areas most frequently used by drivers. In doing
so, we are directly addressing the needs and expectations of our customers,”
said Volvo’s Chief Engineering and Technology
Officer Anders Bell.
Key facts: Volvo OTA update
• What is being updated?
Volvo is introducing the new “Volvo Car UX” interface, which
restructures the central touchscreen layout and provides direct access to
navigation, media and phone functions.
• Which vehicles receive the update?
Around 2.5 million Volvo vehicles in 85 countries, covering models from model
year 2020 onwards equipped with an Android Automotive
infotainment system.
• What does the update enable in the future?
The software update prepares vehicles for additional OTA-activated functions,
including AI-based voice interaction using Google’s Gemini and potential
features such as Pilot Assist.
Focus on simplified interaction
With the new layout, Volvo places greater emphasis on
intuitive operation. Navigation, media and phone functions will now appear
directly on the home screen, allowing users to access key controls without
navigating through multiple menu layers. The navigation interface itself has
also been redesigned to provide clearer and more visible guidance.
A new contextual bar will display functions depending on the
driving situation. At lower speeds, for example, the camera icon appears
automatically to assist with parking and manoeuvring. Plug-in hybrid models
will also gain simplified access to “Pure Mode”, enabling electric driving at the touch of a button.
Unified UX across model ranges
With this update, Volvo is introducing a unified user
interface across its model portfolio, regardless of whether the vehicle is an
older model such as the XC40 or a newer fully electric vehicle such as the
EX90. The company is pursuing a strategy of keeping core software functions up
to date throughout the vehicle lifecycle via OTA updates.
The update also forms the foundation for future
software-based features that can be activated later. These include the Pilot
Assist lane guidance function, which may be offered as an OTA option in the
future.
In addition, the update prepares vehicles for an AI-powered dialogue system based on Google’s Gemini AI.
The feature is expected to become available for eligible models later this
spring and aims to further expand voice interaction capabilities, the company
said.
