Volvo adds Android Auto and connected safety systems to 90 series

Volvo has announced several updates to its S90, V90 and XC90 models, delivering new connectivity options for UK customers.

Android Auto has been added to the infotainment system, which already includes Apple CarPlay. There is also an over-the-air update system for the satnav to ensure the latest maps are always available.

"Volvo Cars is the only car maker with a split-screen interface that allows you to use both your smartphone functionality and your in-car features without changing views. This is primarily a safety-related feature, designed to make our interface the easiest to use on the market.

“In the same way, our Over-The-Air update capability means that you will always have the latest map updates to hand," said Dr Peter Mertens, senior vice president of research & development at Volvo Car Group.

Two new connected safety systems will make their debut in the 90 series: Slippery Road Alert and Hazard Light Alert, which use the cloud to share safety-critical data between cars.

"Today's Volvos contain many safety sensors. We believe that sharing safety-related information – whether around conditions or hazards on the road ahead – is a thoughtful and useful way to use the information the car is already gathering," added Mertens.”

The new systems will only be available in Sweden and Norway initially, but the technology hints at what could become mainstream in the coming years.

Volvo Cars' Scalable Product Architecture, upon which the 90 series and coming 60 series models will be built, means that new safety systems can be added across the range of cars built on the platform with little or no delay.

There will also be a D3 four-cylinder diesel engine, coupled to a new six-speed manual transmission, which will reduce CO2 emissions down to 114 g/km. However, there are no plans to offer the D3 in UK versions of the 90 series cars.

A new exterior colour, Maple Brown, has been introduced to the S90 and V90 as part of this 90 series model update. The updated models will go into production in mid-November.