Volvo is rolling out its new Volvo Car UX across 8 models for the 2026 model year, after debuting it in the EX30, EX90 and next XC90. The interface puts maps, media and phone tools on the home screen so motorists find them quickly.
The driver display behind the wheel shows a larger navigation view, and the main menu adapts to recent habits, trimming eye time. Chief product chief Erik Severinson said the layout stays identical whatever the powertrain.
Owners of cars built from 2020 will see an over-the-air update that reaches about 2.5 million vehicles later this year.
How Does The Snapdragon Chip Change Infotainment?
The next generation Snapdragon Cockpit Platform from Qualcomm arrives in the same line up and the new XC90.
Anders Bell, Volvo Cars’ chief engineering and technology officer, commented, “This boost creates a lag-free infotainment system that displays the right information at the right time – essentially helping us to decrease driver distraction and help you be a safer driver.
“By improving our in-car connectivity, Qualcomm Technologies helps us to deliver even more value to our customers. We both share a vision of the software-defined car and how it enables premium in-car experiences that are personalised, more entertaining and continuously upgradable.”
Graphics render up to 10 times faster, ending lag that once slowed menus. A quicker screen cuts distraction because alerts appear without delay.
The chip works with Google Android Auto, so app makers gain extra power without new code.
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What Can Gemini Do With Volvo?
Volvo and Google will bring Google Gemini, the next conversational AI, to cars that carry Google built-in. Gemini replaces Google Assistant later this year.
Drivers can speak naturally to craft messages, translate them before sending, or quiz the handbook without touching a button. Volvo says plain speech eases mental strain and helps drivers hold attention on the road.
Google sees Volvo as a reference hardware platform for Android development, meaning new Android tools will first run on a Volvo test bed, said Patrick Brady, vice-president of Android for Cars.
How Will Plug & Charge Change Power Stops?
Plug & Charge lands on the EX30, EX40 and EC40 this year in Europe. The car identifies itself to a compatible public charger once the cable clicks in, starts the session, and settles the bill.
“With Plug & Charge you just drive up to a compatible charging station, hop out, plug in and go about your day.
“When you’re back, it’s the same carefree approach – everything is already sorted by the system,” says Erik Severinson, Volvo Cars’ chief product and strategy officer.
Drivers can find compatible points through Google Maps on the main screen or the Volvo Cars app, cutting wallet fumbling at the kerb.
What Is The Multi-Adaptive Safety Belt?
Volvo is rethinking the 3 point belt it introduced in 1959 with a system that tunes belt force to the occupant and the crash.
Sensors inside and outside the car take readings on speed, direction, height, weight and seating posture in milliseconds.
The belt holds eleven load levels, compared with 3 in common belts. A smaller passenger in a frontal impact receives lighter force to guard ribs, while a taller rider gets a firmer hold to protect the head.
Engineers trained the logic on data from 80,000 riders and real accidents, helping the belt decide where extra support matters.
