Infotainment overhaul coming to Volvos this year – and it’s free

• New infotainment software for new Volvos
• Available as a free over-the-air update for existing Volvos
• Faster processor for new models

Volvo is stepping up its tech game this year with a fresh overhaul of its infotainment system. Coming later this year, the upgrade promises a faster, smarter, and more user-friendly experience. All 2026 model year Volvos will come fitted with the new software from the factory, but importantly, Volvo has decided to roll out the system to its older cars, too, as a free over-the-air software update.

What is Volvo’s new infotainment software?

Volvo’s new infotainment software is called Volvo Car UX. It’s already found in its latest models, including the EX30, EX90 and the heavily refreshed XC90, but now Volvo has confirmed the system will be rolled out to the rest of the lineup from the 2026 model year. That includes the XC40, EX40, EC40, V60, and V90.

The new infotainment system is still based on Google’s Android Automotive as the underlying software – not to be confused with Android Auto, the smartphone mirroring system – but Volvo has updated the visual layout to make it easier to use.

Compared to the outgoing system, the new interface is designed to be simpler, with your most commonly used apps easily accessible from the home screen. That should mean you don’t have to tap the screen as many times to get to the function you want. The ‘contextual bar’ on the screen adapts to your situation and displays your most recently used apps.

The digital driver’s display behind the steering wheel has been given a light refresh, too. It now gets a bigger and clearer view of your navigation map when you have this app running.

Can I upgrade to the new infotainment software?

Yes! Volvo has said that the new software will be available as an over-the-air (OTA) software update later in 2025 for existing Volvo drivers. Not every car is eligible, however, as you’ll need a Volvo running a version of its Google-based infotainment system already.

Still, Volvo has been using this software for a long time, so the list of compatible cars stretches back to models built as early as 2020. The list includes the C40, XC40, EX40, EC40, S60, V60, V60 Cross Country, XC60, S90, V90, V90 Cross Country and XC90 – so long as your car has Google software built-in.

Volvo’s chief product and strategy officer, Erik Severinson, explained: “this roll-out is in line with our strategy to make our cars better over time with over-the-air software updates and goes hand in hand with our ambition to keep investing in our entire car line-up.”

Are there any other changes?

The Volvo XC90 is getting an extra upgrade of its own. From this year, it will pick up a brand new processor unit used to power its infotainment system. The Snapdragon chip is similar to what’s found in many of today's smartphones and is said to double the speed of the old infotainment system, with graphics that are up to 10 times as fast. It’s already used in the EX30 and EX90, but it won’t be rolled out to any of Volvo’s older models.

What does this mean for car buyers?

Volvo’s infotainment updates aren’t just about keeping its latest models on par with the competition – they’re about future-proofing its older models, too. It’s impressive to see a manufacturer roll out a big infotainment update to cars that are already five years old, and shows that Volvo is making good on its promise to continuously improve its vehicles.

If you own an older Volvo, it’s worth investigating whether you can upgrade to the new software, as it could make it much easier to use. You shouldn’t need to take your car into a dealership – over-the-air software updates are completed remotely via an internet connection, so it should be completed automatically.

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