If you’ve ever felt that “new car envy” when looking at the latest dashboard tech, Volvo is about to cure it. In what is being hailed as one of the largest over-the-air (OTA) updates in automotive history, Volvo is remotely upgrading 2.5 million cars worldwide with a brand-new “brain.”
Later this year, every Volvo equipped with the Android Automotive operating system—dating back as far as the 2020 XC40 Recharge—will receive the same cutting-edge interface found in the brand-new EX30, EX90, and EX60.
What’s Changing? Say Hello to Google Gemini
The headline act of this update is the replacement of the standard Google Assistant with Google Gemini, a next-generation, AI-powered conversational system.
Unlike older voice assistants that required specific commands (and often a bit of shouting), Gemini is designed for natural conversation. This isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a massive win for driver safety. Volvo’s goal is to reduce your “cognitive load”—allowing you to handle complex tasks without ever taking your eyes off the road.
With the new Gemini integration, you can:
- Chat Naturally: No more robotic “Navigate to…” commands. Just talk to your car like a passenger.
- Translate on the Fly: Draft a message and ask the car to translate it into another language before sending.
- Consult the Manual: “Hey Google, how do I adjust the lumbar support?” or “What does this dashboard light mean?” Gemini can scan the car’s manual and give you an instant answer.
- Learn Your Destination: Ask for specific details about where you’re headed before you even arrive.
“Software-Defined” Means Your Car Stays Young
Volvo’s Chief Technology Officer, Anders Bell, recently confirmed that the update is in its final stages of testing and validation. He noted that while Tesla is famous for fleet-wide updates, the scale and global reach of this Volvo rollout make it one of the most significant the industry has ever seen.
“We’re going to give them a necessary, very nice upgrade of the owner’s interaction experience. It’s a pretty easy update to replace the current Google Assistant with Gemini.”
~Anders Bell, Volvo CTO
For those of us in the motor trading world, this is a game-changer for resale value. Traditionally, a five-year-old car feels dated the moment a new model is released. Now, a 2020 Volvo will effectively have the same functionality and “soul” as a 2026 model.
Is Your Volvo Eligible?
If your Volvo was built in 2020 or later and features the Android-based infotainment system, you’re on the list. While there may be slight differences in speed due to older processing chips, the core experience—the look, the feel, and the AI—will be consistent across the fleet.
The take-away? The “connected car” isn’t just a buzzword anymore; it’s a promise that your vehicle will actually get better with age.
Thinking of joining the Volvo family? Now is the perfect time to look at our range of 2020-2025 models, knowing they’re about to get a massive tech boost.
