Volvo’s Sensus Connect Infotainment System

Volvo has debuted many impressive technologies on the new XC90, including everything from a new scalable platform to a unique range of four-cylinder plug-in hybrid drivetrains. Still, perhaps the most exciting innovation is Volvo’s Sensus Connect infotainment system, which offers a level of performance that some consider on par with the latest tablets and smartphones.

Many automakers are offering vehicles with either Apple’s CarPlay or Google’s Android Auto as infotainment systems, but Volvo’s bold choice to go out on its own has the potential to provide consumers with an alternative that better meets their needs. The company’s engineers began their initial research on Sensus as far back as 2008.

What makes Volvo’s infotainment system different than those of its competitors?

One of the key differences is Sensus’ main interface. The system’s vertically-oriented screen is divided into four tabs: navigation, audio, current active system app, and phone controls. Climate controls are accessible at all times at the bottom of the screen. Basic controls, such as the ability to pause or skip tracks, are available on the small tabs. Clicking on one of these tabs provides access to more extensive options, while the other three tabs are compressed but are still available. Swiping left to right offers access to additional system options, such as car settings.

This set up provides a convenience that is not available in competing infotainment systems, as critical functions are never more than a single command away when using Sensus. Additionally, the extra real estate that is created by the ability to swipe left and right from the main screen means that menus don’t have to be layered as they are in other feature-rich systems. If users do get lost, there is an iPad-style home button available at the bottom of the screen.

This stands in strong contrast to other systems where the screen is dominated by the app that is currently active, as on an iPhone or an iPad. While this works well on a phone or tablet, it can be less effective in a car as it means the driver cannot look down and see both the navigation map and what song is playing, or a host of other pieces of information that they may be seeking.

Certainly, none of these conveniences mean anything if the hardware isn’t up to the task. However, Sensus’ chief engineer has stated the system has more processing power than any iPad, and some early reviewers have said Sensus does indeed respond with an immediacy that is noticeably lacking in offerings from other luxury brands.

Another great feature of the system is its touchscreen, which was produced by Alpine and uses infrared lasers as opposed to capacitive touch sensors. The result is that it can be used by a person who is wearing gloves, or even with a pencil or other object. In fact, the screen does not actually have to be touched, as the lasers are capable of detecting objects a few millimeters away.

While Volvo’s Sensus Connect infotainment system appears to have an innovative interface and exceptional hardware, an extended review is necessary to see how well it holds up to complex usage over time in comparison to Apple and Google’s more seasoned counterparts.