(Motorsport-Total.com/Motor1) – Anyone driving a Volvo built in recent years can look forward to a digital facelift in the coming weeks. The Swedes are starting the rollout of their most extensive software update to date. Around 2.5 million vehicles in 85 countries will receive the “Volvo Car UX” update.
Read more Too much vibration at Aston Martin: The drastic measure in Melbourne
The goal of the exercise: operation should become easier. A point of criticism regarding modern touch systems is often the nesting of menus. Volvo now wants to tidy up here and is bringing the user interface of the new EX90 to the existing fleet via an update.
The basis remains the Android Automotive operating system with integrated Google services. However, the interface is being completely revamped. The most important change concerns the home screen. Maps, media control, and phone are now visible at the same time. The constant switching back and forth between Google Maps and Spotify is therefore eliminated. Those who are navigating can still see the song title or operate the phone.
Clever solutions
The context bar is also new: it is located at the bottom of the screen and adapts to the situation. It shows the most recently used apps. A clever detail: if the car is driving slowly, the icon for the external cameras automatically appears here to make parking easier.
Photo gallery: Volvo simplifies operation: “Largest over-the-air update of all time”
For drivers of plug-in hybrids (PHEV), everyday life will become easier. The “Pure” driving mode (purely electric) can now be selected directly via the home screen, instead of being hidden in submenus as before.
“The update delivers significant improvements in the areas most frequently used by drivers,” promises Anders Bell, Chief Engineering & Technology Officer at Volvo Cars.
Read more FIA intervenes in Melbourne: What changes in qualifying now
Update costs nothing
The good news: the update is free of charge. It affects all Volvo models from model year 2020 onwards that are already equipped with the Android-based infotainment system (Google built-in). This applies to C40, XC40, EX40, EC40, S60, V60, V60 Cross Country, XC60, S90, V90, V90 Cross Country, and XC90 of the corresponding model years. For example, a three-year-old XC40 should feel like a brand-new EX90 in terms of operation after the update.
But the update is not just pure cosmetics. Volvo is also making the fleet fit for new business models and technologies. On the one hand, the way is being paved for “Functions on Demand.” The software creates the technical prerequisite for unlocking functions such as the “Pilot Assist” lane guidance assistant later for a fee – a trend we are currently observing across the entire industry, even if it meets with a lot of criticism.
On the other hand, Volvo is preparing the integration of Google Gemini. The artificial intelligence is expected to move into vehicles during the spring and enable a significantly better, dialogue-oriented voice assistant.
The update is being rolled out gradually over-the-air (OTA) starting now. Customers will receive a notification on the display as soon as the package is ready for installation.
Read more 24h Nürburgring 2026: Is Verstappen’s NLS start with AMG already confirmed?
More news from Volvo
Volvo EX60 (2026): The interior of the XC60 successor in detail
Volvo: The 2026 novelties at a glance
