Volvo XC90 rethinks cabin functions

Volvo has redesigned how you'll operate the XC90's features.

They haven't actually gone as far as reinventing the wheel, but Volvo has reinvented everything near the steering wheel, resulting in an upmarket arsenal of the latest technology with an eye on easy and safe use.

As part of the series of information leading to the official unveiling of the XC90 SUV, Volvo has revealed a new in-car system for controlling information, navigation and entertainment features.

The core of the rethink is a large tablet display that sweeps away most of the dash buttons, leaving a cleaner and more functional design -- which Volvo says will also be safer for the driver to operate.

"Information, navigation and media are high up and easy to check," Volvo senior vice-president of resarch and development Dr Peter Mertens says. "The phone controls, application icons and climate controls are located low and are comfortable to reach and touch. All of this logic is based on extensive usability and user experience research and the latest technology."

The screen layout uses tiles that expand on touch to unfold all the relevant information and controls for that feature, but leave the other tiles accessible in the background - meaning you don't have to page back to the main menu to switch operations.

Infrared technology allows you to operate the screen even while wearing gloves -- something even Apple hasn't managed to master for its phone and tablet screens. However the screen will use Apple CarPlay -- making Volvo the first carmaker to bring it to market -- which will interact seamlessly with Apple devices, essentially solving the no-gloves problem for the tech giant.

The XC90 will also offer a world-first integration of the Park and Pay application, allowing the vehicle to find vacant car spaces and pay for them automatically. Other latest-tech features include a cloud-based satnav system and internet radio. And joining in the safety effort to keep hands on the steering wheel and eyes on the road is a heads-up display that puts information directly in the driver's field of vision.

We'll get more information and reveals of engines,transmissions and exterior over the next couple of months, leading up to the official unveiling at Paris motor show in October and its arrival in Australian showrooms early next year.