Volvo and Google tease next generation connected OS

Volvo’s Concept Recharge. Image: Volvo Car Group

Volvo Car Group was the first car maker to introduce cars with an infotainment system powered by Android Automotive OS (distinct from Android Auto) with Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play built-in. We already know the next generation of Volvos will be exclusively fully electric, and the two companies are looking to build on their strategic partnership to provide a world-leading in-car operating system.

Volvo has released this series of concept renderings overnight, outlining the basic functionality and design of the new OS. The automaker is seemingly staying with the portrait-oriented screen, increasing the size over the Polestar 2 and XC40 Recharge while mounting it closer to the driver.

Volvo promises easy-to-see information and responsive interaction. The Polestar 2 is already excellent in this regard, but Volvo claims the new OS results in “a simple user experience that is consistent, clean, easily scannable and takes a minimalistic and contextual approach.”.

“Our teams have spent a lot of time with Google to further develop and improve our user experience for the next generation of Volvo cars,” said Henrik Green, chief technology officer. “Especially in terms of safety, serenity and simplicity, we have made great strides thanks to a deeper integration of design and technological development. We are convinced that it will allow us to create even better Volvo cars and set a new industry standard.”

Volvo hasn’t ditched the driver’s instrument display just yet, retaining a compact, digital cluster and adding a head-up display. Numerous manufacturers are now offering an augmented reality (AR) version of this projection technology—which aids drivers by highlighting navigational directions and hazards in real-time in the line of sight—and Volvo is expected to follow suit.

The ability to use a smartphone to lock and unlock the vehicle will become standard, as will on-demand, over-the-air vehicle updates a la Tesla. Volvo has been building up its software development team too, as it works to move key vehicle development in-house. While we don’t have any confirmation around specific next-generation models to feature this technology, we now know from Volvo that the fully electric successor to the XC90 full-size SUV will arrive sometime2022.

Volvo reveals 2022 C40 Recharge all-electric coupe SUV

C40 Recharge coupe-SUV is first Volvo designed as electric only

• Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) shared with XC40 Recharge and Polestar 2

• Maximum claimed WLTP range of 420 kilometres (260 miles)

• 150 kW charging; claimed zero to 80 per cent recharge in 40 minutes

• 78 kWh battery with 300 kW (407 PS) of power, 660 Nm (486 ft-lb) of torque, 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) <5 seconds

• 100% animal skin free interior, Android based operating system

• Available for preorder in Europe now, confirmed for late-2022 arrival in Australia

C40 Recharge debuts with coupe style

In the quest for greater sales, manufacturers are practically inventing market segments. Enter Volvo’s C40 Recharge, which is a compact five-seat electric SUV with a coupe roofline.

To be sold online only, the C40 Recharge shares much under the skin with its XC40 P8 Recharge and Polestar 2 siblings. With two electric motors good for 300 kW and 660 Nm, Volvo claims a 0-100 km/h time of just under five seconds.

The 78kWh lithium-ion battery pack features active cooling and is located completely below the floor of the vehicle. Driving range on a full charge is estimated at 420 kilometres on the WLTP testing cycle.

From the front doors forward, there are not many cues to tell the C40 apart from the XC40, save for a slightly more angular headlight design and more aggressive front air ‘vents’. The rear is visually quite striking, with the large glass pane flanked by LED tail lights, and sporty upper and lower rear spoilers.

The roofline is about 70mm lower in the rear than that of the CX40 Recharge, resulting is reduced headroom.

There are seven colours available at launch: Black Stone, Crystal White metallic, Fjord Blue metallic, Fusion Red metallic, Sage Green metallic, Silver Dawn metallic and Thunder Grey metallic:

Interior design is classic Volvo

It appears to be business as usual on the inside of the C40 Recharge, but Volvo pushes its sustainable credentials by removing all animal-skin from the interior. While not classified as totally vegan as some interior components use animal fat in glues and plastics, its a step in the right direction.

Volvo’s Android powered navigation brings Google Maps to the driver’s display

There’s a large panoramic sunroof, backlit metallic trim panels, and the soft touch points and excellent ergonomics the Swedish brand is known for. The C40 Recharge’s infotainment and operating system gets an upgrade too, with the Google-based Android system from Polestar’s 2, complete with a fully digital driver’s instrument panel with Google Maps front and centre.

Customers can download apps for the car from Google’s Play Store, and Google’s excellent assistant is available at the touch of a button.

Specifications and details are scant at the moment, with Volvo devoting just a few minutes to the C40 Recharge at yesterday’s press reveal. It will be produced in the company’s Ghent, Belgium factory, and is available to pre-order online. Volvo Australia has confirmed the C40 Recharge will arrive down under in late-2022.