- The brand is rolling out its Volvo Car UX experience update to eligible vehicles now several years old.
- Free update includes infotainment refreshes, improved system flexibility, and a Gemini AI assistant.
Volvo’s latest over-the-air software update is available now, and it’s not only for its newest models.
Starting this week, Volvo will roll out its new experience, Volvo Car UX, to around 2.5 million cars worldwide. Volvo vehicles built as early as 2020 will be eligible for the upgrade, according to the automaker. Examples include the XC60, XC90, C40, XC40, S60, and V90, among others. Eligible vehicles must be equipped with Android Automotive OS and Google built-in to receive the update.
This update will be free for eligible vehicles that have regularly received the latest software updates. If you have an eligible vehicle that hasn’t been updated regularly, you might need to visit a Volvo dealer to get the latest version. This process could involve a fee.
Anders Bell, Volvo’s chief engineering and technology officer, describes this update as “one of the largest over-the-air updates in automotive history, leveraging years of investment in Volvo Cars’ tech stack.”
Volvo says the update is meant to “make customers’ lives easier behind the wheel,” so let’s take a closer look at what it entails.
Infotainment Refresh
Frequently used applications, such as phone, maps, and media, are now readily available on the infotainment system’s home screen. Instead of having to exit one application to get to another, you can now seamlessly switch between them without interruptions.
Contextual Bar
The contextual bar located in the center display shows the driver’s most commonly used applications and provides updates based on the driver’s situation. For example, when driving at low speed, an icon for the vehicle’s exterior cameras will appear to help drivers squeeze into tight parking spaces.
Flexible Drive Modes for Plug-in Hybrids
Drivers of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models now receive even more flexibility in switching between drive modes. Drivers can now switch from hybrid mode to electric-only power with one tap on the touchscreen.
Google Gemini AI Assistant
Arguably one of the biggest aspects of this update is the integration of Google’s Gemini as an AI Assistant. You can have conversations with the assistant to optimize certain vehicle controls, which helps enhance hands-free driving. This feature will become available later this spring.
