Volvo Cars has launched its next-generation user experience in the new XC90 flagship SUV, something that’s also available for millions of Volvo cars worldwide.

According to Volvo Cars’ Chief Product and Strategy Officer, Erik Severinson, the company wanted to create a “great experience that helps you go about your daily life with your car in a safe, focused and enjoyable way” and that’s what guided the company when they created the new infotainment system in the all-electric EX90 and EX30 models.

“Now we’re also bringing this philosophy to our celebrated Volvo XC90 SUV,” he said. “But the new user experience won’t be limited to just one model.

“We will also deliver our latest user experience to millions of Volvo drivers around the world with a simple over-the-air software update.

“If you currently drive a Volvo car with Google built-in, you’ll also get an upgraded layout – free of charge.”

During 2025, around 2.5 million customers around the globe will receive an upgrade on their Volvo cars built as early as 2020.

The company plans to gradually roll out this upgrade during the year and believe this is one of the most comprehensive infotainment updates by any car maker to date.

The roll-out is in line with the company’s strategy to make their cars better over time with regular over-the-air software updates.

“Our new-generation user experience will deliver a significant improvement in customer experience and is an important step in our journey to delivery human-centric technology solutions to our customers,” Severinson said.

“We’ll continuously and seamlessly adapt the user experience to match the needs of our customers through new and enhanced features that are delivered through over-the-air updates, to improve your car – and your experience – over time.”

To further enhance the experience inside the new XC90, Volvo installed a larger, 11.2-inch, free-standing central screen, plus they have also increased the pixel density by 21 per cent, resulting in an even crisper display.

“But the content on the screen represents the biggest change,” Severinson said. “We now present the most common apps and controls, such as maps, media and phone on the home screen – the same setup as our latest electric cars.

“That means it takes fewer taps on the screen to get to the features you most often use.

“For example, if you’re following navigation directions and want to change the music, you no longer have to leave Google Maps to access the media feature. It’s there for you already.”

Then there is the contextual bar, which changes what you see according to the situation and displays the most recently used apps. If you’re driving at low speeds, the icon for outside cameras appears so you can get help manoeuvring in tight spaces.

“Our new-generation user experience can be adapted and scaled to fit different screen shapes and sizes,” he said.

“That way, we can bring the latest Volvo Cars infotainment experience to you, no matter if you drive a new XC90, an EX90, or a three-year-old XC40, and make it easier for you to focus on what truly matters: the road ahead.”