2022 Volvo XC60 Unveiled With New Android-Based Infotainment

The 2022 Volvo XC60 has just been unveiled, carrying with it refreshed looks and a new Android-based infotainment system developed with Google.

Starting with the exterior, the 2022 Volvo XC60 sports a number of changes that are so subtle, a simple blink and you’ll probably miss what these are. The new XC60 sports a revised front bumper, new grille and a revised rear bumper that completely ditches the integrated exhaust outlets. This is probably a sign that Volvo is preparing us for a future of purely electric vehicles.

The main highlight of the 2022 Volvo XC60 though is in the interior. While the design remains largely unchanged, the infotainment system has received a complete overhaul. Gone is the Volvo Sensus infotainment, now replaced by an Android-based system that is completely powered by Google.

The new XC60 isn’t the first Volvo to feature this Android-based infotainment though. The first model to feature this new infotainment is the XC40 Recharge pure electric crossover SUV and also the Polestar 2 from its electric sister brand.

These Google services are bundled through what Volvo calls their Digital Services package, which gives access to Google apps and services such as Google Assistant, Google Maps and a broad selection of native in-car apps via the Google Play store. This package also comes with the Volvo On Call app, which is basically a concierge service that includes 24-hour roadside assistance, hotel bookings, just to name a few.

Unfortunately, the Digital Services package is only free for four years. After that, the owner has the option to extend these services. Otherwise, most of the infotainment’s functionality will be rendered useless. Oddly enough, the four-year subscription service also includes the use of the car’s wireless charging feature, which sounds a bit dystopian to us.

Volvo is also introducing a number of new interior materials, including luxurious leather-free options as well as the availability of the City Weave textile upholstery, offering further possibilities for personalisation.

Of course, being a Volvo, safety is still at its core, and the Swedish luxury automaker is introducing its new Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) sensor platform–a modern, scalable active safety system that consists of an array of radars, cameras and ultrasonic sensors. This platform enables the development and deployment of active safety systems in the XC60, such as the detection of other road users, automatic braking and collision avoidance. It also allows for gentle driver support from standstill up to highway speeds, through the Pilot Assist function.

Volvo has not yet announced what powertrains the new XC60 will get, though we won’t be surprised if all of these will feature varying degrees of electrification.

The new 2022 Volvo XC60 will head into production this May, which means a Philippine launch could happen near the end of 2021 or the start of 2022.