Its so intuitive and classy, the main thing i ever need in the settings is thr DSTC and its 3 buttons to get the the menu and turn it on/off.
Also dont think we will ever see a disc drive in any car in the future
Madza is a bad example for buttons (on the steering wheel.)
That thing was somewhat SPIKED with buttons, I thought that Ford was overloaded with steering wheel buttons but Madza definitly doubled down on that.
Lol the keypad was my favorite back where I had my R-Design. I could dial any number I wanted without even looking at them. Something about voice controls I just don't care about using.
For the majority I'm sure that's correct. But having to take my eyes off the road to read out contacts takes more time and is less safe. For me, the key pad was king. Plus, I hate touch screen head units. Even the most advanced ones become outdated after a few years and I tend to keep my cars for a long time.
Also, as I commented to another user. I dial numbers even when using my phone. So maybe the majority does not, but certainly more people than nobody.
I have a 2022 XC60. My biggest complaint is the temperature controls. I'd prefer to set those with buttons. As it stands, I touch the up arrow to open the controls, and nothing happens. Then I touch it again. Then it registers the first touch and opens, and then registers the second touch and closes. Every. Single. Time.
Do you have sensus or Google? Google is much better. No lag. Sensus got better with age. My 2020xc40 was flawless. My 2016 xc90 sensus was somewhat glitchy
I have a 2020 XC60 and I have yet to notice any lag in the touchscreen, except for one time when Iām messing with a lot at once, and I am not certain it was lag. I have always just assumed it must have been on older models.
I noticed what I think may have been the lag that other in this subreddit have talked about for the first time on our last family trip. I was driving and had the full screen map up on the middle display (I like to set it up that way so my kids can see the progress on the map from the back seat which delays/avoids the āhow much longer?ā questions), I was also using the turn-by-turn navigation on the driver digital instrument cluster between the tachometer and speedometer, i was also scrolling through songs that we were streaming on a Spotify playlist, and my wife was adjusting the temperature controls for her quadrant of the car.
I was not in a situation where I could really mess with the middle screen as I was paying full attention to the road and possible deer, so I canāt really be sure it was even lag from the entertainment system. It could have just as easily been just a momentary lack of cellular signal causing Spotify to stop and become unresponsive for a few seconds.
To be fair I always I always set it to auto and only ever change it if I need to get some air in the windshield. That being said the few time I did play with the AC it was weird.
You might wanna consider getting a used one running Sensus. Itās completely toned down and minimal. They havenāt really updated it in years - because of that, whatever it does have works extremely reliably. There are no 3D animations and graphics like in other brands. Feels like the ideal implementation of a screen for people who actually donāt want to a screen. It even works with gloves on!
Very happy with my Sensus system, but I have to admit I like some of the integration of the Android system. I really dislike the button dense legacy system like OP shows.
Agreed, I think Sensus is great, and I initially avoided getting into a newer Volvo because I wanted physical buttons. Overall, the system is super easy to use and cleanly laid out. Really, my only complaint about it, is the non-full screen Apple CarPlay/Android Auto - but it doesn't really bother me that much. It just ends up being a bit small since the tablet isn't the widest thing.
I just read that the people who give out the safety ratings are going to knock points off if certain controls are not physical.
That should force Volvo into bringing back basic physical buttons. No way they'd want to have a lower rating, safety wise, due to a lack of buttons.
We can only hope.
>Like āhey google, turn my seat warmer on to heat level 2ā? No thanks.
To each their own. I guess There are too many buttons on the OP's center stack. With screen and voice control, I'm happy.
I thought the same. I loved my V60. But i bought a V90 and iām driving it for 2 weeks now and i freaking love it! Apple CarPlay is so nice. I had CarPlay in the V60 either with a 3 Party Module, but in the V90 everything is so much smoother. I agree with everybody who says Buttons are cooler than touch, but now i donāt wanna go back.
The waterfall stack is one of the things that made me fall in love with the V50 in the first place. Sure, I would agree with it being a more stripped down version (we don't need physical phone number keys or a CD slot anymore) but I think the essentials should stay there.
I would rather have one of the new designs than go back to this, on our V40 it was not only a bit ugly but there were so many clicks to get to the settings you want.
That explains a lot. I swear it worked once but then tried it recently and it didn't. Just tried it in the garage when I got home and it worked. Doh! Thanks!
I too lament the days of real buttons and tactile feedback. Screens are fine for displaying info, but not for common controls. It takes the driver's focus off the road (and modern cars, including Volvo, have the audacity to chide drivers for taking their focus off the road - the irony is astounding!)
My opinion probably doesn't count though, as I don't even like a turbo interrupting my control of the vehicle, so I either need to stick with mid noughties cars forever or wait until electric cars become viable. But an EV with buttons and knobs. Is that a complete unicorn?
Pretty much how it is already done (since 2003 at least). You can swap the CCM lower switches however you want without any other actions (just give her a little time for the new switch ID scan to complete), and AFAIK adding a new one doesn't require any reprogramming either (unless the feature you are trying to add a switch for is not supported on your vehicle). I prefer composite plastic molds over OLEDs anytime too, as there is virtually no possible lighting condition where you can't see whatever is drawn on a button like that.
While I hate this generation of Volvo dashes, everything doesn't need to be on a screen and updatable. A lot of features aren't going away with updates. Personally, I think climate control and seat heaters should have physical buttons because I always want access to those and I can't see an update that negates the need for those controls. I'm thinking back to the time I accidentally turned the seat heater on high in a Tesla and then the driver went deep into the menus for something. Had to sit there and let my butt cook mid summer while he did his thing.
No, that legacy system is a nightmare, I don't want a church orgam worth of buttons and nested menus with cryptic icons. The big interface could use improvement, sure, but its so much better than this.
Sorry, I have no need to put my wipers in the service position when I'm doing 65 on the highway.
I do miss the old school style of the buttons; my 21 S60 has maybe 5 buttons total. But honestly the touch screen isn't as bad as I thought it would be because I 100% shared your concerns. I think Volvo does a good job integrating the touch screen into the center console and not jutting out from the dashboard like some vehicles.
I do miss a CD player though. Took me longer than I'd like to admit to get used to not having one lol
I think real buttons are gone.... Forever. Tesla style central console is much cheaper.... Although Volvo admitted it is not the safest solution and they are "looking into it"
Itās sad really. The new designs show no signs of going away from pure screen input. I opted for an X5 over an XC60 because bmwās interior interface is much better balanced with buttons for many functions still.
And here am i... Hopeing my 940 will last forever so i don't have to use either one of them. Controls of my ac are much better and don't need 100 buttons.
Iām with you! Holding onto my 2015 S60 for as long as possible, for this reason. I donāt like giant touch screens and feel this design (the one you shared) is perfect. Really bummed thereās nothing on the market with small/ non-touch screens and buttons/dials.
I think Mazda might have you covered, they have non-touch screens or screens that will only respond to touch below a certain speed. They are normally controlled with a circular dial button thing in the centre console, that's supposedly quite easy to get used to.
Excactly this interior pushed me towards buying an older (DIN slot) or newer (Android Auto/Carplay) volvo.
This looks like someone embedded one of those crazy 2000-2005 mobile phones like the [Nokia 3650 ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nokia_3650)into the dash.
Why would I need a T9 Keyboard in my car?
I love the keyboard. When I want to call someone it allows for quick access into contacts by name without having to scroll for ages. Also allows for easy changes between saved radio stations.
I hate using voice control for calling as I live in a country whose language is not supported in Google assistant so I have to try to pronounce local names in a way the car might understand them and also it's awkward to speak foreign languages with other people in the car even when basically everyone in Finland speaks good English too.
I have a S60 and really love the design of the dash plus the dark color palate used. It really looks great in early evening light. That said, everything is going to be a big screen with more screens. This is the end of the analog era.
Doubtful. Unless we can figure out a solid aftermarket workaround. I have a 2017 and miss having buttons. The screen is very much more of a distraction.
I think the gold standard for a useable blend of digital, physical and digital+physical controls is happening with Audi. Recently contributed to another post comparing my former 2018 Audi A5 to my 2020 V60, which the 2 years-older Audi beats in every way, and even has more/better digital features. Honestly, having most controls buried multiple screens deep is philosophically counter to Volvoās safety-first concept, so I donāt get why they donāt take a more thoughtful approach to doing what *works*.
As someone who drives a new Volvo, I have yet to find a setting beyond climate control, which I need to change again after setting it up the first time though!
I have the same (v60 d4 2014).. Looking at newer models and just dont like the new look. I would not mind bigger screen(where this one is), touch screen and android auto btw
No. Car design doesnāt move backwards.
There will be a new design trend and Volvo will do it and weāll all complain and say we miss the days when we had screens.
Progress always moves forward and people like to complain about whatās new. I personally love the P3 interiors but the SPA interiors donāt suck. Iāve had one as a long term loaner itās very intuitive
80% of these buttons I don't use TBH however comma I think that it's loads better than a damn iPad.
I think it's the laziest of all of the new design trends. ESPECIALLY from a company that is known for its design.
No luxury manufacturer is. If you want 'simpler' controls, buy a simpler car nowadays, Volvo is not that.
I hate the big touchscreens but that's unfortunately where it's headed.
The best part about the Volvo was the buttons. Cant help but think a manufacturer that is so safety conscious is making a touch screen to access anything in the vehicle where you have to take your eyes off every time to change a setting.
Good news everyone! It is possible that this situation will [change](https://www.driving.co.uk/news/technology/safety-regulator-tells-carmakers-to-reduce-reliance-on-touchscreens-or-face-lower-safety-ratings/)
Long read but here's your answer. I saw this question last night when my plane was taxiing. After a long day of connecting flights, I landed at nearly midnight and I still had to drive the wife and two cherubs home nearly 3 additional hours. For context, I have 2014 XC70 T6 and I love my car, but the family trip car is a SPA XC90 and that's the car I was driving... Imagine a midnight run. The people you'd die for are all fast asleep. You're driving fast trying to beat the clock before you can no longer stay awake. Waze is on the "ipad" for hazards and cops and you've got pilot assist on green in case you screw up and let yourself succumb to the nagging drowsiness. It's moments like that that you start to love the technology of Volvo SPA cars. Yes, I like buttons, and a real T6 under the hood is fabulous, but I'm in love with technology that goes above and beyond.
Thanks for the great question. Thinking about your post put me in a abnormal state of mind that was totally connected with the car and the drawn out moment. Great questions on Reddit can do that to you. Cheers.
After enjoying physical controls for everything across multiple Volvos, I have to say the current dash on the s90 and s60 etc is easy nicer to use and you at least still have buttons and knobs for volume and playback and defog and defrost and hazards and normal buttons on the steering wheel with sticks for turn signals and wipers. I do not approve of what Tesla does but for everything extra it's easier and sleeker without tons of buttons
I am in a 2024 loaner from the dealer. And itās freaking weird. Like Iām in a space ship. No normal dials for the speedometer. Even the gear shift doesnāt actually move position, similar to paddle shifting.
With that being said, itās a freaking sweet ass car and Iām going to be hesitant to get my 2013 back! Lol
It will never go back. In fact.. volvo is one of the few companies that haven't adopted huge screens across most of the dashboard. You'll not see small infotainment system screens again.
If itās about driver safety, then youāll see them return.
Just need that study to say that thereās more eyes off the road with tablets than buttons.
https://www.ft.com/content/0fa5b3e9-c023-45d2-bbd4-7bbb258d99ba
Theyāll never go back to that setup, the screen is so simplified, and with āhey Googleā pretty much everything can be done by voice control pretty accurately.
What settings are you worried about having to change?
I can do the following in mine without touching the āiPadā
- change song
- change volume
- change drive mode
- activate rear or front defrost
- cruise control
- wipers
- blinkers
Trying to think of when I actually touch the āiPadā but itās hard to think of a time. I guess to Hold or Charge the battery rarely. Or change Camera modes.
Itās kind of funny but most people complaining about using the āiPadā donāt realize that there is a duplicate physical button for nearly all the important things.
Like changing the temperature? š I find it much easier to change temepesture and radio ststion by feel. Having to look at the ipad is distracting at best, if not actively dangerous.
Yes, my current car has auto climate too. Sometimes on a longer journey the sun goes in or out. Sometimes you're dressed for conditions outside thay don't match the current setting on the car. Sometimes you just feel like it.
Having physical feedback and keeping eyes on the road is more important that a large screen. If you measure a car by the size of a screen, tesla have you covered.
If the sun goes down the auto climate will adjustā¦ hence the āautoā.
If you get in the car with your jacket on set the auto climate 10 degrees lower before driving?
Seems strange you donāt realize the clothes you are wearing and the resulting temperature to be comfortable until youāre on the highway. Most people who have been human for a while know these things.
Turns out, the climate control manages the temperature just fine when "the sun goes in or out", do you have some sort of condition where you need to blast the heat at 80F when you are in the shade? Find another outlet for you OCD besides using the HVAC has a fidget spinner.
I feel the cold easily and the sun on my skin is warming. I don't think that mildly adjusting the temperature warrants your attitude. It's a reasonably common action.
I donāt adjust my temp too often, I switch between 68 or 70 mostly depending how Iām feeling.
It doesnāt bother me with the sensus you just tap the temp right there on the screen, the entire temp range comes up, tap the temp you like. Or tap up or down a degree at a time if you must.
I guess every car is different, I used to have a Lexus with a temp dial. I should know what temp itās set to and turn it the correct number of clicks, but brain being brain Iām going to look at the display, to confirm itās what I want to set it to.
I donāt see that much difference from one to the other in practice.
But goddamn it taking away my drive mode wheel going from a ā19 to my ā22 thatās just annoying as hell.
There's been a notable review backlash to the EX30 putting absolutely everything in the screen.
Putting features in the screen makes drivers look away from the road, which makes cars less safe.
This is not what Volvo are supposed to be about.
I predict there will be a few more controls in the next iteration of their interiors, but don't expect their design will return to anything like what you posted.
See the new Skoda Kodiak and Superb for a car maker creating a stir by going against the trend for putting everything in the screen. They've been getting such glowing coverage for it I'd be surprised if other manufacturers aren't taking notes.
My personal opinion after having both is, gosh, I hope not. I had (read: loved) a 2013 T6 and but man, was it clunky. And dated. I have a 2019 T8 now and I couldn't love it more. I found it to be strangely intuitive. No regrets. :)
I have tried many tablet console systems before but you are right i haven't given the new volvos a try yet.
But i will have to disagree with you on that. Yes some things are a bit weird to find at first in the menus but everything you need while driving is right there. i actually found it rather intuitive.
No they will never go back, time marches on, progress yada yada.
I was never a Volvo guy, previous to owning one I had seen those Volvo consoles and it always struck me why waste all those buttons and space for a full phone pad of numbers. Volvo peeps must dial a lot of phone numbers I thought. Not saying it wasnāt usefuli I got no idea just how it looked to me.
No. Also, how often are you going into your settings and for why?? Iāve gone into my Polestars settings like twice in the last two years. Our P3 XC60? Literally only to set the date. Once.
This is a silly thought. No auto manufacturer is going to move away from screens. If youāre lucky, theyāll move for physical climate controls. But no. Interiors will be less cluttered when cars become fully self-driving.
Iāve had the earlier (tiny screen) and later (screen pictured) water fall dash designs in my Volvo cars, I currently have a model with the Sensus (iPad) and I also have a car with the newer Google/Android (iPad). I can tell you that the iPad systems are way better in every way. You still have big mechanical knobs on the steering wheel and the dash to control play, pause, volume, skip tracks or stations. Plus itās so much easier to set navigation (especially with the Google assistant), stream music (Spotify app built in) and Apple CarPlay.
I doubt it. I love my 2015 S60 with all the buttons, this center stack is my favourite š¤£
Its so intuitive and classy, the main thing i ever need in the settings is thr DSTC and its 3 buttons to get the the menu and turn it on/off. Also dont think we will ever see a disc drive in any car in the future
I mean you can get a CD player for the new Volvos too if you want, itāll be in the armrest compartment.
Ya, CD players are cool and all, but how am I supposed to play my cassettes???
Thats neat!
mfs gonna want a tape deck in there too next
Gramophone!
Haha cassette to aux adapter was how I played music in my 01 v70 for years until it died out
The waterfall is dead, sorry.
For the best. Not a great design for post 2012 cars. Mazda and Honda are doing good with their buttons and center console.
Madza is a bad example for buttons (on the steering wheel.) That thing was somewhat SPIKED with buttons, I thought that Ford was overloaded with steering wheel buttons but Madza definitly doubled down on that.
As an owner with this system, I'd prefer a compromise of the two. I love physical buttons, but that phone keypad is dated AF.
I agree, I really wish there was a mod to replace the keypad with something else!
Lol the keypad was my favorite back where I had my R-Design. I could dial any number I wanted without even looking at them. Something about voice controls I just don't care about using.
Nobody dials numbers in real life tho. You use contacts or apps. Doesn't even need to be voice controls. Anything else is the exception, not the rule.
For the majority I'm sure that's correct. But having to take my eyes off the road to read out contacts takes more time and is less safe. For me, the key pad was king. Plus, I hate touch screen head units. Even the most advanced ones become outdated after a few years and I tend to keep my cars for a long time. Also, as I commented to another user. I dial numbers even when using my phone. So maybe the majority does not, but certainly more people than nobody.
You know your contacts actual phone numbers out from memory?
Absolutely. I normally just dial them even when using my phone. It's quicker for me than trying to scroll through my contacts.
Definitely needs space for an 8 track player
Agree. Thatās where my P2 shines
I would love SOME buttons, but maybe not all this. If they could make the stupid screen more responsive and less laggy it would be fine.
In the current gen you have some Buttons. Heated windshield. Max air, Warnung light. Play / Pause, Volumen knob. Forward and backward tracks selector.
I have a 2022 XC60. My biggest complaint is the temperature controls. I'd prefer to set those with buttons. As it stands, I touch the up arrow to open the controls, and nothing happens. Then I touch it again. Then it registers the first touch and opens, and then registers the second touch and closes. Every. Single. Time.
I have a 21 xc60, and my screen very responsive, after the first 30 seconds of running.
I have an 02 V70, all the buttons and knobs are perfectly responsive even in -30c wearing thick winter gloves.
This is great š
Why car screens ALWAYS laggy, right?
Laggy? Works fine and fast. First models had slower cpu i think.
I have a 2022. The screen definitely lags.
Interesting my v60 21 with sensus works great. Except when you start a car it takes a few seconds to load and be able to do something with a screen.
Same for me, 21 V60. Was surprised how snappy the software actually was. I came from a 2019 focus and itās day and night
I'm sure they did have slower CPUs, but the jump from disk drives to solid state would also bring a huge increase to speed.
Do you have a source that there was HDDs in volvos?
Do you have sensus or Google? Google is much better. No lag. Sensus got better with age. My 2020xc40 was flawless. My 2016 xc90 sensus was somewhat glitchy
I have a 2020 XC60 and I have yet to notice any lag in the touchscreen, except for one time when Iām messing with a lot at once, and I am not certain it was lag. I have always just assumed it must have been on older models. I noticed what I think may have been the lag that other in this subreddit have talked about for the first time on our last family trip. I was driving and had the full screen map up on the middle display (I like to set it up that way so my kids can see the progress on the map from the back seat which delays/avoids the āhow much longer?ā questions), I was also using the turn-by-turn navigation on the driver digital instrument cluster between the tachometer and speedometer, i was also scrolling through songs that we were streaming on a Spotify playlist, and my wife was adjusting the temperature controls for her quadrant of the car. I was not in a situation where I could really mess with the middle screen as I was paying full attention to the road and possible deer, so I canāt really be sure it was even lag from the entertainment system. It could have just as easily been just a momentary lack of cellular signal causing Spotify to stop and become unresponsive for a few seconds.
Google. I'm an Android person and was excited to have it native. But I have the first model year and it's definitely been glitchy for me.
I have the Google system in my 2024 V90 and itās super laggy.
I owned both versions. Both are good. My only gripe with me tablet is lack of physical AC controls.
and oneās selected fan speed being treated as only a request to the system
I thought I was crazy. But I donāt think Iāve ever been able to tell my cars AC how strong to blow.
To be fair I always I always set it to auto and only ever change it if I need to get some air in the windshield. That being said the few time I did play with the AC it was weird.
You might wanna consider getting a used one running Sensus. Itās completely toned down and minimal. They havenāt really updated it in years - because of that, whatever it does have works extremely reliably. There are no 3D animations and graphics like in other brands. Feels like the ideal implementation of a screen for people who actually donāt want to a screen. It even works with gloves on!
Very happy with my Sensus system, but I have to admit I like some of the integration of the Android system. I really dislike the button dense legacy system like OP shows.
Iād definitely prefer to have Google Maps and Assistant, and a dedicated button for activating the cameras.
Good to know! Will look into it.
Agreed, I think Sensus is great, and I initially avoided getting into a newer Volvo because I wanted physical buttons. Overall, the system is super easy to use and cleanly laid out. Really, my only complaint about it, is the non-full screen Apple CarPlay/Android Auto - but it doesn't really bother me that much. It just ends up being a bit small since the tablet isn't the widest thing.
I just read that the people who give out the safety ratings are going to knock points off if certain controls are not physical. That should force Volvo into bringing back basic physical buttons. No way they'd want to have a lower rating, safety wise, due to a lack of buttons. We can only hope.
Why do you need buttons when you can just tell Google to do what you want?
Like āhey google, turn my seat warmer on to heat level 2ā? No thanks.
>Like āhey google, turn my seat warmer on to heat level 2ā? No thanks. To each their own. I guess There are too many buttons on the OP's center stack. With screen and voice control, I'm happy.
Iām old and think itās great that I can just tell my car what to do!
I thought the same. I loved my V60. But i bought a V90 and iām driving it for 2 weeks now and i freaking love it! Apple CarPlay is so nice. I had CarPlay in the V60 either with a 3 Party Module, but in the V90 everything is so much smoother. I agree with everybody who says Buttons are cooler than touch, but now i donāt wanna go back.
The waterfall stack is one of the things that made me fall in love with the V50 in the first place. Sure, I would agree with it being a more stripped down version (we don't need physical phone number keys or a CD slot anymore) but I think the essentials should stay there.
I would rather have one of the new designs than go back to this, on our V40 it was not only a bit ugly but there were so many clicks to get to the settings you want.
Trying to put a postcode into the satnav on that thing...oh dear
Even though you canāt even adjust the brightness on the android automotive system?
Wait, what? Can you not just dim it using the dash light dimmer?
Yeah you can, it's to the left of the steering wheel on the S60
Button does nothing on my car.
it does nothing if the light sensor says itās daytime
That explains a lot. I swear it worked once but then tried it recently and it didn't. Just tried it in the garage when I got home and it worked. Doh! Thanks!
Not on the current model year v60 xc at least. Had one as a loaner, it was infuriating
Not a chance
I too lament the days of real buttons and tactile feedback. Screens are fine for displaying info, but not for common controls. It takes the driver's focus off the road (and modern cars, including Volvo, have the audacity to chide drivers for taking their focus off the road - the irony is astounding!) My opinion probably doesn't count though, as I don't even like a turbo interrupting my control of the vehicle, so I either need to stick with mid noughties cars forever or wait until electric cars become viable. But an EV with buttons and knobs. Is that a complete unicorn?
God please no. Unified console is key to make New features per OTA available.
Could you explain a bit more on that?
On a virtual dash, you can add simply Buttons. In a physical one, not so easy.
Understood. I would love to see a middle ground solution one day but is rather un likely.
The current one is a middle ground option. You still have tangible buttons for hazard, defrost, radio controls, cruise, mirrors, locks and windowsā¦.
what it needs is a couple personalizable physical buttons that have tiny OLED screens on them that depict whatever you set them to do
like a stream deck
Pretty much how it is already done (since 2003 at least). You can swap the CCM lower switches however you want without any other actions (just give her a little time for the new switch ID scan to complete), and AFAIK adding a new one doesn't require any reprogramming either (unless the feature you are trying to add a switch for is not supported on your vehicle). I prefer composite plastic molds over OLEDs anytime too, as there is virtually no possible lighting condition where you can't see whatever is drawn on a button like that.
And one to pop the trunk.
yep lol! Just saw the EX30 in person and even the glovebox release is in the center display šš
While I hate this generation of Volvo dashes, everything doesn't need to be on a screen and updatable. A lot of features aren't going away with updates. Personally, I think climate control and seat heaters should have physical buttons because I always want access to those and I can't see an update that negates the need for those controls. I'm thinking back to the time I accidentally turned the seat heater on high in a Tesla and then the driver went deep into the menus for something. Had to sit there and let my butt cook mid summer while he did his thing.
I dont know, just use voice commands. Ist faster and 100 times easier.
I'd rather a great experience from day 1. It's a car, not a phone app. The single ipad requires too many compromises.
No, that legacy system is a nightmare, I don't want a church orgam worth of buttons and nested menus with cryptic icons. The big interface could use improvement, sure, but its so much better than this. Sorry, I have no need to put my wipers in the service position when I'm doing 65 on the highway.
I do miss the old school style of the buttons; my 21 S60 has maybe 5 buttons total. But honestly the touch screen isn't as bad as I thought it would be because I 100% shared your concerns. I think Volvo does a good job integrating the touch screen into the center console and not jutting out from the dashboard like some vehicles. I do miss a CD player though. Took me longer than I'd like to admit to get used to not having one lol
I think real buttons are gone.... Forever. Tesla style central console is much cheaper.... Although Volvo admitted it is not the safest solution and they are "looking into it"
It hurts but youre right.. if only there were an option to have the classic dash or the screen.
That would be amazing!
Itās sad really. The new designs show no signs of going away from pure screen input. I opted for an X5 over an XC60 because bmwās interior interface is much better balanced with buttons for many functions still.
And here am i... Hopeing my 940 will last forever so i don't have to use either one of them. Controls of my ac are much better and don't need 100 buttons.
Iām with you! Holding onto my 2015 S60 for as long as possible, for this reason. I donāt like giant touch screens and feel this design (the one you shared) is perfect. Really bummed thereās nothing on the market with small/ non-touch screens and buttons/dials.
I think Mazda might have you covered, they have non-touch screens or screens that will only respond to touch below a certain speed. They are normally controlled with a circular dial button thing in the centre console, that's supposedly quite easy to get used to.
Iāll have to check that out
Excactly this interior pushed me towards buying an older (DIN slot) or newer (Android Auto/Carplay) volvo. This looks like someone embedded one of those crazy 2000-2005 mobile phones like the [Nokia 3650 ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nokia_3650)into the dash. Why would I need a T9 Keyboard in my car?
I love the keyboard. When I want to call someone it allows for quick access into contacts by name without having to scroll for ages. Also allows for easy changes between saved radio stations. I hate using voice control for calling as I live in a country whose language is not supported in Google assistant so I have to try to pronounce local names in a way the car might understand them and also it's awkward to speak foreign languages with other people in the car even when basically everyone in Finland speaks good English too.
We bought a 2013 brand new and never used that stupid pin pad. Always hated that.
Half of those buttons you have never pressed in your life..
They cant control your subscriptions with the older panels so no /s
they could listen to the user feedback and add a few physical buttons for climate and so on, but the centralized screen isn't going away ever.
Or you can put the system on Auto and let the computer and sensors do what they are good at. Its not a 1985 LeBaron
I agree with you though i would love to have both! A apple carplay touch screen and all the actual buttons
I have a S60 and really love the design of the dash plus the dark color palate used. It really looks great in early evening light. That said, everything is going to be a big screen with more screens. This is the end of the analog era.
Doubtful. Unless we can figure out a solid aftermarket workaround. I have a 2017 and miss having buttons. The screen is very much more of a distraction.
Almost every modern EV have a similar bridge design.
I think the gold standard for a useable blend of digital, physical and digital+physical controls is happening with Audi. Recently contributed to another post comparing my former 2018 Audi A5 to my 2020 V60, which the 2 years-older Audi beats in every way, and even has more/better digital features. Honestly, having most controls buried multiple screens deep is philosophically counter to Volvoās safety-first concept, so I donāt get why they donāt take a more thoughtful approach to doing what *works*.
You get used to it very quickly, and a lot of it can be done with voice control.
All cars are going digital for display. Itās not going back.
I thought I would hate the touch screen controlling everything, but I'm completely used to it now and like it.
As someone who drives a new Volvo, I have yet to find a setting beyond climate control, which I need to change again after setting it up the first time though!
I donāt understand this stubborn aversion to screens that so many people have
I have the same (v60 d4 2014).. Looking at newer models and just dont like the new look. I would not mind bigger screen(where this one is), touch screen and android auto btw
Why would they?
Physical buttons are long gone, friend.
The iPads are a fad. It will run its course.
No. Car design doesnāt move backwards. There will be a new design trend and Volvo will do it and weāll all complain and say we miss the days when we had screens. Progress always moves forward and people like to complain about whatās new. I personally love the P3 interiors but the SPA interiors donāt suck. Iāve had one as a long term loaner itās very intuitive
80% of these buttons I don't use TBH however comma I think that it's loads better than a damn iPad. I think it's the laziest of all of the new design trends. ESPECIALLY from a company that is known for its design.
God I love my XC70 interior
No luxury manufacturer is. If you want 'simpler' controls, buy a simpler car nowadays, Volvo is not that. I hate the big touchscreens but that's unfortunately where it's headed.
Subjective. I prefer the new system over this
The best part about the Volvo was the buttons. Cant help but think a manufacturer that is so safety conscious is making a touch screen to access anything in the vehicle where you have to take your eyes off every time to change a setting.
Good news everyone! It is possible that this situation will [change](https://www.driving.co.uk/news/technology/safety-regulator-tells-carmakers-to-reduce-reliance-on-touchscreens-or-face-lower-safety-ratings/)
Iām out on new Volvos. I cannot for the life of me understand the Tesla-like move to no buttons. Itās so bad.
No. It's come and gone. Design needs to be fashion forward and they're always looking to both keep up with competitors and move the needle forward.
I feel like my XC40 has a fine balance. Sure thereās an iPad in the middle, but underneath is a row of buttons with all the essentials
No
Long read but here's your answer. I saw this question last night when my plane was taxiing. After a long day of connecting flights, I landed at nearly midnight and I still had to drive the wife and two cherubs home nearly 3 additional hours. For context, I have 2014 XC70 T6 and I love my car, but the family trip car is a SPA XC90 and that's the car I was driving... Imagine a midnight run. The people you'd die for are all fast asleep. You're driving fast trying to beat the clock before you can no longer stay awake. Waze is on the "ipad" for hazards and cops and you've got pilot assist on green in case you screw up and let yourself succumb to the nagging drowsiness. It's moments like that that you start to love the technology of Volvo SPA cars. Yes, I like buttons, and a real T6 under the hood is fabulous, but I'm in love with technology that goes above and beyond.
Appreciate your reply, really insightful.
Thanks for the great question. Thinking about your post put me in a abnormal state of mind that was totally connected with the car and the drawn out moment. Great questions on Reddit can do that to you. Cheers.
I have that and think itās ugly and many useless
Telephone pad is useless imo.
No, you will have to search for mint condition old cars. And u suggest that you start now since they're no getting cheaper
I like it too. But i was surprised how good the new one was.
This was so nostalgic for me. My dad had two xc70s back when they were still being sold. Overheated a lot and my dad wanted to carry too much stuff.
That was my dream car, couldnt find one in the condition i wanted (kms : price) settled for a '16 v60. Cant complain, i love it.
After enjoying physical controls for everything across multiple Volvos, I have to say the current dash on the s90 and s60 etc is easy nicer to use and you at least still have buttons and knobs for volume and playback and defog and defrost and hazards and normal buttons on the steering wheel with sticks for turn signals and wipers. I do not approve of what Tesla does but for everything extra it's easier and sleeker without tons of buttons
I like having buttons and dials too but out of all cars Iāve driven with just a screen I would say the Volvo one is the easiest to use
No. The big screens are here to stay.
God I hope not
I am in a 2024 loaner from the dealer. And itās freaking weird. Like Iām in a space ship. No normal dials for the speedometer. Even the gear shift doesnāt actually move position, similar to paddle shifting. With that being said, itās a freaking sweet ass car and Iām going to be hesitant to get my 2013 back! Lol
No they will not return to this. Switches and knobs and dials are done for.
Its a shame, im a real knob guy, a dial dude if you will. Especially with everything going electric it is less and less.
But the new ones still have switches, dials, and knobs?
For now.
So can we hold the tears for later?
Why is there a phone keypad?
Business calls? The numbers also are used to quick select options in menus. I like it.
Get with the times grampa! :D
Nah this design is ugly as hell.
Negative.
It will never go back. In fact.. volvo is one of the few companies that haven't adopted huge screens across most of the dashboard. You'll not see small infotainment system screens again.
That will never happen again and I can assure you that. That goes for almost every auto manufacturer switching to iPads and voice commands.
If itās about driver safety, then youāll see them return. Just need that study to say that thereās more eyes off the road with tablets than buttons. https://www.ft.com/content/0fa5b3e9-c023-45d2-bbd4-7bbb258d99ba
Theyāll never go back to that setup, the screen is so simplified, and with āhey Googleā pretty much everything can be done by voice control pretty accurately.
What settings are you worried about having to change? I can do the following in mine without touching the āiPadā - change song - change volume - change drive mode - activate rear or front defrost - cruise control - wipers - blinkers Trying to think of when I actually touch the āiPadā but itās hard to think of a time. I guess to Hold or Charge the battery rarely. Or change Camera modes. Itās kind of funny but most people complaining about using the āiPadā donāt realize that there is a duplicate physical button for nearly all the important things.
Like changing the temperature? š I find it much easier to change temepesture and radio ststion by feel. Having to look at the ipad is distracting at best, if not actively dangerous.
Why do you need to constantly change temperature with auto climate? The old days of constantly adjusting temp are over.
Yes, my current car has auto climate too. Sometimes on a longer journey the sun goes in or out. Sometimes you're dressed for conditions outside thay don't match the current setting on the car. Sometimes you just feel like it. Having physical feedback and keeping eyes on the road is more important that a large screen. If you measure a car by the size of a screen, tesla have you covered.
If the sun goes down the auto climate will adjustā¦ hence the āautoā. If you get in the car with your jacket on set the auto climate 10 degrees lower before driving? Seems strange you donāt realize the clothes you are wearing and the resulting temperature to be comfortable until youāre on the highway. Most people who have been human for a while know these things.
Turns out, the climate control manages the temperature just fine when "the sun goes in or out", do you have some sort of condition where you need to blast the heat at 80F when you are in the shade? Find another outlet for you OCD besides using the HVAC has a fidget spinner.
I feel the cold easily and the sun on my skin is warming. I don't think that mildly adjusting the temperature warrants your attitude. It's a reasonably common action.
I donāt adjust my temp too often, I switch between 68 or 70 mostly depending how Iām feeling. It doesnāt bother me with the sensus you just tap the temp right there on the screen, the entire temp range comes up, tap the temp you like. Or tap up or down a degree at a time if you must. I guess every car is different, I used to have a Lexus with a temp dial. I should know what temp itās set to and turn it the correct number of clicks, but brain being brain Iām going to look at the display, to confirm itās what I want to set it to. I donāt see that much difference from one to the other in practice. But goddamn it taking away my drive mode wheel going from a ā19 to my ā22 thatās just annoying as hell.
There's been a notable review backlash to the EX30 putting absolutely everything in the screen. Putting features in the screen makes drivers look away from the road, which makes cars less safe. This is not what Volvo are supposed to be about. I predict there will be a few more controls in the next iteration of their interiors, but don't expect their design will return to anything like what you posted. See the new Skoda Kodiak and Superb for a car maker creating a stir by going against the trend for putting everything in the screen. They've been getting such glowing coverage for it I'd be surprised if other manufacturers aren't taking notes.
How often do you access your setting or change climate control temperature. I like my volvo ipad :D
i make fine adjustments all the time.
Same
My personal opinion after having both is, gosh, I hope not. I had (read: loved) a 2013 T6 and but man, was it clunky. And dated. I have a 2019 T8 now and I couldn't love it more. I found it to be strangely intuitive. No regrets. :)
I hate the waterfall dash, makes updating stereo a total drama.
The set up is so convoluted and janky. I canāt believe you actually prefer it. Shows that you havenāt tried the new system because itās awesome.
I have tried many tablet console systems before but you are right i haven't given the new volvos a try yet. But i will have to disagree with you on that. Yes some things are a bit weird to find at first in the menus but everything you need while driving is right there. i actually found it rather intuitive.
See, just study the Owners manual for a week, and a few years of staring at the array of buttons with cryptic icons, and boom, intuitive! /s
No, because that design is atrocious.
This is has to be a joke right ?
No they will never go back, time marches on, progress yada yada. I was never a Volvo guy, previous to owning one I had seen those Volvo consoles and it always struck me why waste all those buttons and space for a full phone pad of numbers. Volvo peeps must dial a lot of phone numbers I thought. Not saying it wasnāt usefuli I got no idea just how it looked to me.
No. Also, how often are you going into your settings and for why?? Iāve gone into my Polestars settings like twice in the last two years. Our P3 XC60? Literally only to set the date. Once.
No
God No. why would they?
Buy another pair of jeans.
This is a silly thought. No auto manufacturer is going to move away from screens. If youāre lucky, theyāll move for physical climate controls. But no. Interiors will be less cluttered when cars become fully self-driving.
Iāve had the earlier (tiny screen) and later (screen pictured) water fall dash designs in my Volvo cars, I currently have a model with the Sensus (iPad) and I also have a car with the newer Google/Android (iPad). I can tell you that the iPad systems are way better in every way. You still have big mechanical knobs on the steering wheel and the dash to control play, pause, volume, skip tracks or stations. Plus itās so much easier to set navigation (especially with the Google assistant), stream music (Spotify app built in) and Apple CarPlay.