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Carsales Staff4 Jun 2014
NEWS

Volvo XC90 goes button-less

New infotainment system replaces buttons with large touchscreen

Volvo's second generation XC90 seven-seat SUV will be officially unveiled in August, bringing with it new in-car systems designed to simplify operation and improve driver safety.

Based around a large "tablet-like" touchscreen and using a 'Sensus' user interface, Volvo's new system replaces traditional buttons and dials in what it claims is "the most modern in-car control system on the market".

A similar system already exists in the Tesla S electric car but Volvo is the first mainstream car manufacturer to do away almost completely with buttons and dials in the centre stack.

Expected to arrive in Australia in the first-quarter of 2015, the XC90's new dashboard layout combines with a digitised instrument panel and head-up display to deliver an uncluttered, elegant look. It's also safer, claims Volvo, as the touchscreen and other input systems are more intuitive than rival interfaces, meaning that "drivers will be able to keep their eyes on the road as much as possible while operating or making adjustments to the system".

Although there are half a dozen buttons below the extra-large touch-screen, to operate front and rear demisters and turn on the hazard lights for instance, everything from heating and cooling the cabin to choosing music or setting navigation can be achieved via the touchscreen, voice control or a thumb-selector on the steering wheel.

"Using the screen is so logical that it will become part of your muscle memory very quickly," said Dr Peter Mertens, Volvo Car Group's Senior Vice President Research and Development.

Navigation is at the top of the screen, with media and telephone tabs below, while climate controls remain at the bottom of the screen.

"Information, navigation and media are high up and easy to check. The phone controls, application icons and climate controls are located low and are comfortable to reach and touch. All of this logic is based on extensive usability and user experience research and the latest technology," said Mertens.

The Sensus interface also makes use of cloud-based applications allowing occupants to stream music, use internet-based navigation systems and even check for restaurants on the fly. Volvo claims the XC90 is also the world's first car to integrate Park and Pay application, allowing drivers to pay on the fly and just roll into a car park.

"As cars increasingly become more connected to the Internet and are able to offer a far wider range of functions and entertainment services, the way in which the driver interacts with the car's systems is becoming progressively more important," stated  Dr Thomas Müller, head of Electrics/Electronics engineering at Volvo Car Group.

"It is essential that these services are offered in a way that does not reduce safety levels and in a manner that is easy to understand and optimised for the driving task," he added.

The Volvo XC90 also features advanced connectivity to simplify servicing and maintenance.

"The All-New XC90 will not only tell you when it’s time to visit the garage but also suggest an appointment for you at your Volvo dealership. The Connected Service Booking application is the first step in making the dealer workshop fully integrated into the connected eco-system," said Müller.

Volvo's advanced Sensus control system can also be integrated with Apple's just-launched iOS for vehicles, CarPlay, which will duplicate the display of occupants' devices, whether iPad, iPhone or iPod.

The touchscreen system also features a nifty infra-red detection system, so that even gloved hands will operate the system, something Volvo's Scandinavian customers will appreciate.

Volvo is also paying careful attention to the XC90's comfort levels, providing driver and front passenger with electrically-adjustable seats that can even move the side bolsters, head rests and seat cushions to suit all body sizes.

Ventilation and massage options will be available for the seats too, along with integrated child safety seats.

The interior makes use of smooth leather along with timber and glass highlights to provide a premium look and feel, and as the photos reveal the seats are thinner than usual, which frees up more leg space for those behind.

Volvo is yet to show the exterior design or talk about powertrain options for its largest vehicle, which will be announced in due course as part of the car-maker's information drip-feed.

The new Volvo XC90 has been spotted wearing heavy camo that suggests it will be a larger, more curvaceous design.

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Written byCarsales Staff
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