Volvo rolls out its largest OTA software update yet

Volvo Cars has announced that it is launching what is described as its "largest over-the-air software update ever".

This update will bring the current Volvo Car UX to the host of Volvo cars already on the road. Volvo states that the update will be offered to cars built as early as 2020 complete with Google built-in and will be offered free-of-charge. This initiative is said to be in line with Volvo Cars' strategy to make its cars better over time with regular software updates.

The new user experience will introduce the latest layout of the firm's Android Automotive infotainment system. Volvo adds that it will also reduce the number of clicks needed for users to reach the most-used features.

The update will additionally bring the most common apps and controls onto the home screen so for example, users no longer have to leave Google Maps if they wish to access the media feature and change the music.

The update will also add the current infotainment system's 'contextual bar', which adapts according to the driving situation so, to give yet another example, the icon to display the feed from the outside cameras shows when drivers are moving at low speeds - facilitating manoeuvres in tight spaces.

Owners of plug-in hybrid Volvos will also get easier access to their vehicle's 'Pure' all-electric mode via the 'Drive Mode' selection on the home screen with this update.

Volvo states that it will also start to roll out its Pilot Assist driver assistance feature for current Volvo owners to purchase and download. This update will further prepare cars for an optimal conversational AI experience with Google Gemini, which is set to come to the same eligible cars come early 2026.

Volvo estimates that close to 2.5 million vehicles across 85 different countries will receive this new user experience.