Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, but these two systems are wired. If you have a Google account, then you can sign into the car directly to use the software giant’s built-in apps. These include Google Maps, which is just as quick, easy and reliable to use as the smartphone version, while Google Assistant voice recognition offers a wide range of functionality. You can integrate the car’s system with compatible devices (smart home thermostats, for example), while there’s four years’ worth of unlimited mobile data for you to use. We’ve found the system takes a little while to set up, but is seamless in operation once activated.

Test team views

• Dean says: “I found this pretty simple to set up. You have to go into a sub-menu to turn the lane-keep assist off, but it’s just a case of finding the menu, pressing the button, and it’s deactivated. There’s a layer of complication on the heated seat, because there’s a heated steering wheel, too, which makes things trickier when driving. But generally it’s all good.”
• Shane says: “As you’d expect of a Volvo, everything’s quite logical as far as the layout goes. The sat-nav system is Google Maps – great when it’s working, but I thought it was very slow to load. The lane-keep assist is only one sub-menu and one switch away, while the climate control and heated seats are on buttons at the bottom of the screen, which are quite responsive.”
• Victoria says: “I definitely prefer the vertical screen, especially when it comes to  the maps, because you can see more of where you’re going. I think that it makes for a better user experience. I found using the system was very straightforward, and the graphics and design help make it extremely simple to use. Everything’s well separated, too.’

Display and navigation

• Destination: Volvo’s screen is on the small side, so the keyboard is a bit cramped. Google’s live mapping is at the mercy of the signal available at your location.
• Settings: Simple sub-menus offer quick access to various options, although navigating them can be tricky thanks to the small on-screen buttons.
• Home: Solitary physical button below the screen gets you back to the main menu; sweeping down from the top brings up the app display.

What’s the app like?

In typical Swedish fashion, Volvo’s car companion app is minimal in terms of design – and, sadly, functionality. On the positive side, however, there’s no getting lost in menus and we found it was easy to adjust charging settings, such as the maximum percentage.

But it was a bit of a pain to set up, requiring two keys to be present at the same time. Plus, despite Volvo models using Google software, we couldn’t find a way to send sat-nav directions to the car, and were only able to copy and paste directions to the Maps app on our phone. We rated it fifth overall.

Best car infotainment systems head-to-head test

Did you know you can sell your car with Auto Express? Get the highest bid from our network of over 5,500 dealers and we’ll do the rest. Click here to try Auto Express Sell My Car now…