Volvo Adds More Tech to S80, XC70 for 2012
2012 Volvo S80 2012 Volvo XC70 |
In North America, Volvo has dropped the V70 station, but significant technology changes are in store for the closely related S80 sedan and XC70 crossover wagon for 2012. Volvo's innovative City Safety is now standard equipment on both models, while its new Passenger Detection with Full Auto Brake and an all-new infotainment system will be options. Pricing or availability for the 2012 Volvo S80 or 2012 Volvo XC70 has yet to be announced.
One of the biggest shortcomings of the 2011 Volvo models is the navigation system that looks and feels like an afterthought and the lack of a true infotainment system to compete with other luxury cars. This is changing for 2012 as Volvo prepares to launch a new infotainment system, Volvo Sensus. Volvo did not release many details for the Volvo Sensus system, but it should be much better than the pop-up navigation system currently available on S80 and XC70. Instead of the pop-up screen, the 2012 models will feature either a five- or seven-inch display integrated into the instrument panel which is controlled using buttons mounted on the steering wheel or the center stack. The smaller screen will likely be standard, while the larger screen will be used on models with navigation system with the ability to play DVDs as well.
"Volvo Sensus does not distract the driver from driving. The idea is that the technology should be so intuitive that the user can maneuver the menus without having to first read through the instruction manual. We are one of the few manufacturers to offer the driver access to all the system's functions via buttons in the steering wheel," says Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President, Product Strategy & Vehicle Line Management at Volvo Cars.
Volvo's City Safety debuted on the 2010 Volvo XC60 and gives the car the ability avoid or lessen the impact of rear end collisions at speeds of less than 19 miles per hour. This technology is quickly spreading across Volvo's vehicle line-up and should be a standard feature on all Volvo models in the future. A year after City Safety was introduced Volvo took this technology to the next level by debuting its Passenger Detection with Full Auto Brake on the 2011 Volvo S60. In a similar fashion as City Safety, Passenger Detection with Full Auto Brake is able to detect impending collisions with pedestrians and bring the car to a stop if the driver doesn't react fast enough.
Other changes made to the 2012 Volvo S80 and 2012 Volvo XC70 include redesigned headlights and steering wheel as well as upgraded wheel options, new interior and exterior colors and new interior lighting.