Volvo's First CarPlay Vehicle in the U.S. is the 2016 XC90, Available Now

[MacRumors]

After long promising to implement CarPlay support in its vehicles, Volvo recently announced that the new 2016 XC90 is the company's first CarPlay-enabled car in the United States, reports CNET.

The new vehicle is equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen in the center console, with the CarPlay interface featured on the bottom half of the screen. Volvo's Sensus Connect controls remain at the top of the screen, offering access to features like directions, media playing, temperature, and more.

A button on the steering wheel brings up Siri, allowing users to compose messages, place phone calls, and access built-in CarPlay apps.

Like most CarPlay vehicles, Volvo owners will need to connect their iPhones directly to the vehicle using the built-in Lightning connector. Volvo has said it will support wireless CarPlay features in the future, but wireless capabilities are not yet available.

All 2016 XC90 vehicles are eligible for CarPlay support. Those who already purchased a 2016 XC90 can make a service appointment with their dealer to get the update installed.

Though CarPlay was first announced in 2014, it's taken many months for car manufacturers to get on board. Late 2015 and early 2016 will see more than a dozen car makers releasing their first vehicles with CarPlay support, and we've compiled a comprehensive list of all upcoming CarPlay cars.

Article Link: Volvo's First CarPlay Vehicle in the U.S. is the 2016 XC90, Available Now

 

[macfoxpro]

Looks like a sweet integration

 

[sulpfiction]

Looks smooth. I'll take 2!

 

[73b]

This is what all companies who still want their own platform should do.

 

[macfoxpro]

Androids been doing this for years
/s

 

[centauratlas]

Now if it wasn't a Volvo, that would be nice...they used to be reliable, the last two S80s were so unreliable as to practically be un-driveable.

 

[avanpelt]

"Use the center touch screen without being distracted..." Riiiiiiight.

 

[Crzyrio]

WOW! By FAR the best implementation of Carplay.

 

[Xavier]

Wow, this looks great! Vertical is the way to go!

 

[Boatboy24]

Step aside, Pilot and Highlander. XC90 is now the front runner for the next car purchase.

 

[wlossw]

Since my PHONE isn't that smooth, I doubt their in car screen is...

 

[iSRS]

Looks like a $300 option, BTW

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

I remember when I bought my car just over 5 years ago, one of my top requests was for a car that would be an accessory to my iPhone In fact, I think I might have started a thread on here about it. Nearly bought a Ford w/ Sync since that had by far the most smartphone integration at the time. Now I'm not sure if I'll get something with carplay next or a tesla (I don't see tesla using carplay)

 

[rdlink]

Since my PHONE isn't that smooth, I doubt their in car screen is...

You should get your phone fixed. Because my phone AND my Carplay are both that smooth.

 

[Leonard1818]

Step aside, Pilot and Highlander. XC90 is now the front runner for the next car purchase.

The Volvo XC90 starts at a higher MSRP than the top of the line 2016 Pilot (and I'm sure the Highlander). They're not even in the same price range. It's like saying you're cross-shipping the Camry, Accord, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class....

 

[H2SO4]

You should get your phone fixed. Because my phone AND my Carplay are both that smooth.

I wouldn't mind betting they’ve tweaked it. Like most OEMs do with their other ads. Sometimes they show, ’Sequences shortened’. Sometimes they don’t.
Nevertheless, looks nice.

 

[blacktape242]

the new xc90 makes me drool......

 

[Nozuka]

best integration i've seen so far.

 

[macfoxpro]

...and a sharp looking ride to boot.

 

[britboyj]

Release the S90 in the US and we'll talk, Volvo.

 

[Nausicaa]

When is VW supposed to get them? My lease is up this summer and I definitely want to try to get CarPlay in my new lease but I didn't see anything on their site for 2016 models with CarPlay.

 

[mattopotamus]

When is VW supposed to get them? My lease is up this summer and I definitely want to try to get CarPlay in my new lease but I didn't see anything on their site for 2016 models with CarPlay.

There was an article last week, maybe two weeks ago showing all 2016 models sans the "s" will have car play.

If your lease is up in the summer you will be ok.

I have leased VWs in the past. Great car to lease, terrible car to own.

 

[QuarterSwede]

The Volvo integration into the center stack looks fantastic. Car makers are slowly getting better.

CarPlay is one of those things that is so simple it's brilliant. I wasn't impressed until I needed to take a call and text while driving (thank you work). I was easily able to do both without issue since I was already used to Siri on my iPhone.

I'm driving a lot safer now that I keep my eyes on the road a ton more and I'm not reading texts at red lights. It really is useful.

The Pioneer AVH-4100NEX I have takes a bit of getting used to but now that I understand how it works it's actually quite easy to navigate and switch between CarPlay and the NEX UI.

 

[Tonewheel]

"Use the center touch screen without being distracted..." Riiiiiiight.

No kidding. If it's truly "without being distracted", they'll get rid of the on-screen icons and make it 100% voice controlled. It's still "texting", for lack of a better word.

 

[CFreymarc]

I want to see the Muppet version of this video with the Swedish Chef using Volvo Apple Car Play.