2025 Volvo XC90 Brings a Brand-New Vision of User Experience

Volvo is redefining what it means to interact with a vehicle with the launch of the 2025 Volvo XC90. Known for blending luxury, safety, and innovative technology, Volvo has taken the next step in automotive evolution by transforming the user experience inside its flagship SUV. This latest iteration of the XC90 is not just about elegant design or powerful performance—it’s about creating a seamless, intuitive connection between driver, vehicle, and technology. Here’s an in-depth look at the fresh approach Volvo is taking with its new XC90 and how it will impact the driving experience.

A New Era of In-Car Interaction

Volvo’s ambition to simplify the driving experience is at the heart of the 2025 XC90’s design philosophy. By prioritizing a user-centered approach, Volvo aims to make everyday interactions with the vehicle easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable. This new vision focuses on reducing distractions, streamlining access to essential features, and creating an intuitive interface that feels natural to use.

The centerpiece of this transformation is the all-new infotainment system, which introduces a reimagined way to control navigation, media, and communication functions. Inspired by Volvo’s latest all-electric models, the EX90 and EX30, this system is designed to present information and controls in a clear, easily accessible format, minimizing the need for multiple taps or complex menu navigation.

Larger and More Responsive Central Display

The 2025 XC90 boasts a new 11.2-inch central screen, which is not only larger but also offers significantly improved visuals. With a 21% increase in pixel density, the screen delivers a crisp, vivid display that enhances both aesthetics and usability. The screen’s free-standing design places it perfectly within the driver’s line of sight, allowing for quick glances without compromising attention on the road.

The updated screen layout prioritizes frequently used apps and features on the home screen, making it easier than ever to manage navigation, music, and communication. This approach mirrors the layout found in Volvo’s newest electric models, allowing drivers to keep their focus on driving while effortlessly managing their preferred settings and information.

Smart Contextual Features for Enhanced Usability

One of the standout additions in the new XC90 is the contextual bar—a dynamic feature that adjusts what is displayed based on driving conditions. Whether you’re parking, navigating, or cruising, the bar highlights the most relevant functions, such as camera views when maneuvering in tight spaces or recently used apps when you’re on the go. This thoughtful approach minimizes distractions by providing timely and useful options exactly when needed.

Another key enhancement is the improved integration of the XC90’s plug-in hybrid drive modes. Drivers can now switch between different driving modes directly from the home screen, including “Pure” electric mode for zero-emission driving in urban areas. The convenience of this one-tap access reflects Volvo’s broader goal of making advanced vehicle technologies more approachable and easier to use.

A Vision for All Volvo Owners: Over-the-Air Upgrades

While the new infotainment system debuts in the 2025 XC90, Volvo’s vision for an upgraded user experience extends beyond the latest models. Starting in 2025, Volvo will roll out one of the industry’s most comprehensive over-the-air (OTA) software updates, reaching approximately 2.5 million vehicles globally. This massive update, set to include cars as old as 2020 models equipped with Google built-in, will bring many of the XC90’s user interface improvements to existing Volvo owners, free of charge.

This OTA strategy underscores Volvo’s commitment to enhancing the longevity and appeal of its vehicles through continuous digital evolution. By regularly updating the in-car experience, Volvo ensures that its vehicles remain at the forefront of automotive technology, delivering new features and refinements that keep drivers connected and engaged.

Human-Centered Design: A Driving Force Behind the New XC90

Volvo’s emphasis on human-centered design shines through in every aspect of the 2025 XC90’s user interface. By focusing on the needs of drivers and passengers, Volvo has developed an infotainment system that reduces complexity, enhances usability, and delivers a more personalized driving experience. This approach is exemplified by the streamlined home screen layout, where essential apps are always within easy reach, and the ability to seamlessly switch between functions without losing sight of what’s important on the road.

Erik Severinson, Volvo’s Chief Product and Strategy Officer, emphasizes the company’s commitment to customer-driven innovation: “Our goal is to continuously improve the user experience by delivering new and enhanced features that adapt to the evolving needs of our customers. With this new generation of technology, we’re making the driving experience more intuitive and enjoyable over time.”

Scalability Across the Volvo Lineup

Volvo’s new user experience isn’t confined to the XC90 alone; it’s designed to be scalable across different models and screen sizes, ensuring that the benefits of this technology can be shared with a wide range of vehicles. This adaptable design philosophy allows Volvo to bring cutting-edge infotainment capabilities to both new and existing cars, making the latest advancements accessible to a broader audience.

Whether you’re driving the newest XC90, an electric EX90, or a slightly older Volvo model, this innovative system aims to deliver a consistently high-quality interaction, tailored to the specific configuration of your vehicle. By standardizing this user experience across its lineup, Volvo reinforces its commitment to keeping drivers at the forefront of technological progress.

Conclusion: Setting a New Standard in Luxury SUVs

The 2025 Volvo XC90 marks a significant leap forward in the realm of luxury SUVs, not just through its stylish design and performance capabilities, but also through its advanced, driver-focused technology. By introducing a new-generation infotainment system that prioritizes ease of use, dynamic interaction, and continuous improvement, Volvo is setting a new standard for what drivers can expect from their vehicles.

This reimagined user experience goes beyond conventional in-car technology, making every drive more engaging and less complicated. With its commitment to over-the-air updates and a scalable approach to infotainment, Volvo ensures that the XC90—and the entire Volvo lineup—remains at the cutting edge of automotive innovation for years to come. The 2025 XC90 is more than just a vehicle; it’s a glimpse into the future of driving, where technology and human needs seamlessly converge.