Volvo Brings New UX to 2.5 Million Older Cars With its “Largest OTA Software Update Ever”

Volvo Cars has released what it is calling “one of the largest over-the-air updates in automotive history”, bringing the more modern Volvo Car UX to a dozen existing models. The company estimates that 2.5 million individual cars across 85 countries will be eligible to receive the update, which includes a redesigned infotainment UI, easier interaction with fewer taps to get to essential functions, and new features for hybrid cars.

Volvo software update: Eligibility and rollout

The update will roll out free of charge around the world, beginning this week. Users will be able to download and install it themselves, though cars that haven’t been updated in a long time or do not have an active data connection might have to be taken to a service centre to have it set up.

The eligible models are the Volvo C40, XC40, EX40, EC40, S60, V60, V60 Cross Country, XC60, S90, V90, V90 Cross Country and XC90, as long as they are running Google’s Android operating system (or equivalent in countries where restrictions apply).

The same models will also receive another update later this year that adds conversational AI powered by Google Gemini. Cars without Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver assistance feature will show owners an option to buy it at the time the update is installed.

Volvo Car UX features

Volvo says the main improvement in its new Volvo Car UX is an overhauled layout for the central display, which allows quicker and more intuitive access for drivers. Fewer taps will be required to get to important controls, reducing potential distraction. The company says the Volvo Car UX has been designed with real-world research and also considering customer feedback.

A new, more modern look brings Volvo’s older models in line with current ones. Frequently used controls and apps such as navigation and calling are now prominently shown on the home screen. There are also shortcuts to recently used apps. Users don’t have to exit an app to use media controls anymore. There’s also a new contextual bar that changes based on what the car and driver are doing. At low speeds, an icon lets drivers pull up the outside cameras for help manoeuvring.

Plug-in hybrid models also give drivers easier access to Drive Modes on the home screen, so it takes only one tap to switch from hybrid to pure electric mode.