Volvo Details All-New XC90’s In-Car Driving Experience [w/Videos]

Following last week’s first images of the second-generation XC90’s interior, Volvo has released new photos and information detailing the in-car driving experience provided by its upcoming SUV.

As seen in the previous gallery, the center console ditches the traditional array of buttons for a large tablet-like touch screen which Volvo says it is easier to use. Additionally, a head-up display and thumb controls on the steering wheel are said to improve the user experience as they help drivers keep their eyes on the road as much as possible while operating or making adjustments to the system.

The interior space is used “far more efficiently”, according to Volvo, while safety is improved. A lot of this is due to Volvo’s new interface, part of “Sensus”, which integrates the latest touch screen hardware and software to allow drivers to build an instinctive understanding of how the system works, where the controls are located and how to operate them.

The touch screen replaces the traditional selection of buttons and controls in the center stack with one sleek control panel. This panel interacts with an adaptive digital instrument cluster in front of the driver, while vital information is projected on the head-up display on the lower part of the windscreen. The user interface also includes thumb-reach controls on the steering wheel and voice control and can even be used while wearing gloves thanks to the application of infrared technology.

Volvo describes the layout on the portrait screen as a stack of flexible ‘tiles’, each displaying a key functionality. Navigation is on top, followed by media and telephone. A thin notification band is located above the tiles, while the digital climate controls form the ‘foundation’ of the pile.

The XC90 will become the first Volvo to offer Apple CarPlay, which brings selected features and services familiar to iPad, iPhone and iPod users directly into the car via the large center console touch screen display.

Find out more about the all-new XC90’s interior from the official photo and video galleries below.

By Dan Mihalascu

PHOTO GALLERY