With the introduction of the second-generation XC90, Volvo proved that it could play ball with the big boys. Mind you, the Sensus infotainment system had a drawback until recently: smartphone mirroring was limited to Apple CarPlay. Now, at long last, Android Auto is available in 90 Series models.
The announcement comes courtesy of Volvo’s British division. Be it the S90 sedan, V90 wagon, V90 Cross Country jacked-up wagon or XC90 crossover SUV, Android Auto can be had as long as the customer opts for something called Smartphone Integration Package. Curiously, I had failed to find such an optional package on the Swedish manufacturer’s UK and U.S. websites.
So to speak, Volvo 90 Series customers will have to pony up £300 for Android Auto, which is a huge no-no when you think about it. I’m sorry, Volvo, but a Chevrolet Spark LS Manual ships with Android Auto from the get-go. These being said, customers need to have Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or a newer OS.
For the £300 Volvo wants for the Smartphone Integration package in the United Kingdom, the automaker also adds a second USB socket. For the sorry souls who have already bought a 90 Series, vehicles built after April 2016 specified with Apple CarPlay benefit from a complimentary upgrade, which is nice considering how expensive a well-equipped mid-size Volvo can get.
Like every other automotive infotainment system with Android Auto, the Volvo Sensus allows Android users to access apps that include Maps, Play Music, voice control, and so forth. Sending and receiving texts via Android Auto is also possible, albeit texting shouldn’t be done while driving.
“It’s more important than ever for our customers to stay connected while on the move,” said Jon Wakefield of Volvo UK. “Our Apple CarPlay integration was already the best in the business, and the introduction of Android Auto brings our class-leading smartphone integration to a whole new audience.”
So to speak, Volvo 90 Series customers will have to pony up £300 for Android Auto, which is a huge no-no when you think about it. I’m sorry, Volvo, but a Chevrolet Spark LS Manual ships with Android Auto from the get-go. These being said, customers need to have Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or a newer OS.
For the £300 Volvo wants for the Smartphone Integration package in the United Kingdom, the automaker also adds a second USB socket. For the sorry souls who have already bought a 90 Series, vehicles built after April 2016 specified with Apple CarPlay benefit from a complimentary upgrade, which is nice considering how expensive a well-equipped mid-size Volvo can get.
Like every other automotive infotainment system with Android Auto, the Volvo Sensus allows Android users to access apps that include Maps, Play Music, voice control, and so forth. Sending and receiving texts via Android Auto is also possible, albeit texting shouldn’t be done while driving.
“It’s more important than ever for our customers to stay connected while on the move,” said Jon Wakefield of Volvo UK. “Our Apple CarPlay integration was already the best in the business, and the introduction of Android Auto brings our class-leading smartphone integration to a whole new audience.”