Automakers have been peddling the value of over-the-air (OTA) updates for years now, citing how the capability will allow technology in older cars to stay current, but aside from in things like Rivians and Teslas, that claim hasn’t really materialized in meaningful ways — until now, at least. Volvo announced on Tuesday that it will roll out a new, more intuitive user interface called Volvo Car UX to about 2.5 million Volvos around the world this week via an OTA update. It’s a free update, and it is compatible with Volvos from the 2020 model year and newer that are equipped with Android operating systems, which is basically of them. The updated system will reduce the number of touchscreen taps required to access commonly used features, as well as introduce a new home screen layout with the map, media, and phone taking center stage.
Volvo says this is one of the most comprehensive infotainment updates by any car maker to date, and that it creates a contemporary and consistent design philosophy across all Volvo models. Volvo’s chief engineering and technology officer Anders Bell says, “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.”
Some owners can even purchase and install Volvo’s Pilot Assist adaptive cruise system
Volvo’s software and user interface has been the subject of some serious controversy in the car reviewing world, as some of the software in the Swedish manufacturer’s newest models rubbed reviewers the wrong way. The new Volvo Car UX aims to address complaints, including quicker access to drive mode changes, and a “contextual bar” that changes to constantly display the most recently used apps, and brings up the camera button at low speeds to help drivers maneuver tight situations.
Along with the free UX software update, owners of cars from 2021 to 2025 that have Google Built-In will get the ability to purchase and download Volvo’s Pilot Assist system, which pairs adaptive cruise control with steering assist, for a one-time charge of $595. Modern Volvos come standard with the hardware for this feature, since the cameras and sensors are also used for Volvo’s standard suite of active-safety systems, so adding the Pilot Assist software can be done over the air, too. This is especially good news for used car buyers, who will be able to add this desirable option even if the car they’re buying wasn’t originally optioned the capability.
It’s good to see a major carmaker put their money where their mouth is and reward the long-term customer with free software updates and affordable access to additional features. While we haven’t had a chance to interact with the new Volvo Car UX, the few photos included in the press release look promising.
