Older Volvo models will now have access to the latest infotainment system

In the ever-evolving world of automotive technology, infotainment systems often lag behind in terms of updates and enhancements. While some cars receive minor updates or the addition of Apple CarPlay, the fundamental functions of most infotainment systems remain unchanged from when the cars were initially built.

Volvo, however, is breaking the mold by offering its latest infotainment system to older models of vehicles. This means that cars built as early as 2020 will be eligible for an upgrade. Specifically, the infotainment system rolling out on the EX30, EX90, and refreshed XC90 models will be made available to a wide range of Volvo vehicles built in 2020 or later.

One notable enhancement of the new system is the inclusion of more shortcut buttons, reducing the need for excessive tapping and navigating between functions. While some newer models may rely heavily on touchscreens, older vehicles with additional information displays and physical controls may benefit from the new system without sacrificing usability.

Volvo plans to distribute these updates over the next year through over-the-air updates. Compatible vehicles include the C40, XC40, EX40, EC40, S60, V60, V60 Cross Country, XC60, S90, V90, V90 Cross Country, and XC90 models with an Android-based operating system built in 2020 or later.

While Volvo has not disclosed whether there will be a fee associated with the update, it is likely to be a complimentary service for owners, akin to a software update for a smartphone. The true test will be how well the new system functions on older hardware. Optimizing the infotainment system for compatibility with older vehicles will be crucial for ensuring a seamless user experience across all models. Volvo’s software team will need to put in the work to ensure that the new system runs smoothly on older vehicles, providing a modern and efficient user interface for all drivers.