5 Key User Experience Changes That Stem from the Redesigned 2025 Volvo XC90
October 11 2024,
The 2025 Volvo XC90 isn’t just another SUV update—it represents a significant evolution in Volvo’s approach to in-car technology and user interaction. Known for its blend of safety, luxury, and cutting-edge features, Volvo is setting a new benchmark with the latest version of its flagship SUV. At the heart of this transformation is a revamped user experience (UX) that makes driving more intuitive, engaging, and enjoyable. Here are five key changes in the 2025 XC90’s user experience that redefine what it means to interact with your car.
- Upgraded Infotainment System: More Intuitive, Less Complex
The centerpiece of the 2025 XC90’s redesign is the all-new infotainment system, which aims to simplify the way drivers interact with their vehicle. Volvo has overhauled the system to focus on what matters most—quick, easy access to the features you use every day. The new setup mirrors the UX philosophy seen in Volvo’s electric EX90 and EX30 models, emphasizing a clean, user-friendly interface.
Commonly used apps such as navigation, music, and phone controls are now prominently displayed on the home screen. This streamlined approach means fewer taps to access essential functions, reducing distractions and making it easier to stay focused on the road. For example, drivers can seamlessly switch between navigation and media without having to toggle between different screens, as controls are neatly integrated into one cohesive display.
- Larger, High-Definition Central Display
Volvo has significantly enhanced the visual experience in the 2025 XC90 with a new 11.2-inch central touchscreen that offers an impressive 21% boost in pixel density. This upgrade delivers sharper graphics, clearer text, and a more responsive touch interface, ensuring that information is easier to read and interact with, even at a quick glance.
The screen’s free-standing design is strategically positioned to minimize driver distraction, allowing for quick access without taking your eyes far from the road. This thoughtful layout not only improves usability but also enhances the cabin’s modern aesthetic, reinforcing the XC90’s position as a leader in luxury SUV design.
- Dynamic Contextual Bar for Seamless Interaction
A standout feature in the new UX is the contextual bar, a dynamic element that adapts to your driving conditions and frequently used functions. This smart addition automatically displays the most relevant controls based on the current driving scenario. For instance, when navigating tight spaces or parking, the bar will show exterior camera options, providing instant access to helpful visuals without needing to dig through menus.
The contextual bar also remembers your most recent activities, such as frequently used apps, making it easier to switch between tasks. This adaptive functionality creates a more personalized and efficient driving experience, allowing drivers to interact with their vehicle in a way that feels natural and intuitive.
- Enhanced Drive Modes for Plug-In Hybrid Drivers
Volvo’s new user experience in the 2025 XC90 includes tailored enhancements for plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models. The updated system features a dedicated “Drive Modes” section on the home screen, enabling drivers to quickly switch between different power settings. One of the most convenient additions is the “Pure” mode, which allows for electric-only driving with just a tap—ideal for quiet, emission-free travel in urban settings or low-speed zones.
This easy access to drive modes underscores Volvo’s commitment to making advanced hybrid technology more user-friendly. The simplified controls help drivers optimize their vehicle’s performance based on their needs, whether it’s maximizing efficiency in electric mode or blending power from both the engine and electric motor.
- Over-the-Air Updates: Continuous Improvement for Millions
Volvo’s approach to vehicle technology isn’t confined to the 2025 XC90 alone—it extends to millions of existing Volvo vehicles worldwide. Starting in 2025, Volvo will roll out one of the largest over-the-air (OTA) software updates in the automotive industry, impacting around 2.5 million cars globally. This update will bring many of the 2025 XC90’s UX improvements to models as old as 2020, including those equipped with Google built-in.
This extensive rollout reflects Volvo’s strategy of keeping its vehicles up-to-date and relevant through ongoing software enhancements. The OTA updates are part of a broader commitment to delivering new features and refinements that improve the driving experience over time, making sure that both new and existing customers benefit from Volvo’s latest technological advancements.
Final Thoughts: A New Standard for User Experience
The 2025 Volvo XC90 is more than just a refresh—it’s a rethinking of how drivers and passengers engage with their vehicle. From a more intuitive infotainment system and a larger, high-definition display to adaptive drive modes and over-the-air updates, the new XC90 sets a new standard for user experience in the luxury SUV segment.
These key changes are not just about adding new technology; they are about making the driving experience smoother, safer, and more enjoyable. Volvo’s focus on human-centered design and continuous improvement ensures that the XC90—and indeed, the entire Volvo lineup—will remain at the cutting edge of automotive innovation for years to come. Whether you’re behind the wheel of a brand-new XC90 or an updated existing model, Volvo’s latest UX enhancements are designed to make every drive better.
