Volvo Car South Africa has confirmed that the MY22 Volvo XC60 will arrive in local showrooms during the first quarter of 2022, bringing with it a significant technological upgrade for fans of the Swedish luxury brand. The refreshed mid-size SUV introduces Volvo’s new Android-powered infotainment system, complete with built-in Google apps and services, marking a major step forward in connectivity and digital integration for the company’s best-selling model.
According to Greg Maruszewski, Managing Director at Volvo Car South Africa, the system represents a major leap forward in how drivers interact with their vehicles. “This intuitive, next-generation infotainment system offers customers unprecedented personalisation and unparalleled connectivity. The software runs apps such as Google Maps for navigation, Google Play for music and it offers hands-free help with Google Assistant. This is more than just a new tech feature; it boosts safety too. With Google Assistant, drivers can use their voice to get things done while keeping their focus on the road. They can do things like control the temperature, set a destination, play music and podcasts, and send messages, all while keeping their hands on the wheel,” he explains.
The system is also designed to evolve over time thanks to over-the-air updates. These updates can deliver everything from maintenance improvements to entirely new features, ensuring the XC60 remains as current as the smartphones and tablets drivers rely on every day.
Volvo Car Group was the first automaker to partner with Google to integrate an Android-powered infotainment system with Google apps and services built directly into the vehicle. Following years of joint development between the two companies, the fully electric XC40 P8 Recharge became the first Volvo model to feature the technology, paving the way for its wider adoption across the brand’s range.
Although much of the MY22 XC60’s advancement lies beneath the surface, the exterior has also received subtle refinements. A redesigned grille, updated front bumpers and new exterior colour and wheel options bring a fresh look to the popular SUV while maintaining its distinctive Scandinavian design language.
Inside, Volvo has expanded the range of interior finishes to offer greater personalisation. New materials include luxurious leather-free options, as well as the availability of City Weave textile upholstery, reflecting the brand’s continued focus on sustainability and modern design.
Safety remains central to the XC60’s appeal. The updated model now features Volvo Cars’ latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems sensor platform, a modern and scalable safety architecture that combines radars, cameras and ultrasonic sensors. This technology enables advanced active safety functions such as the detection of other road users, automatic braking and collision avoidance.
The platform also supports the brand’s Pilot Assist driver-support system, which provides assistance from standstill through to highway speeds. The feature helps with steering, acceleration and braking on well-marked roads, further reducing driver workload during everyday journeys.
The XC60 has been Volvo’s top-selling vehicle globally since its introduction in 2009, with more than 1.68 million units sold worldwide by 2020. That same year alone saw nearly 200,000 units delivered globally. The SUV has also proven to be the brand’s best-selling model in South Africa, underlining its enduring popularity among local buyers.
Its success has been accompanied by widespread critical acclaim. Among its most notable accolades is the prestigious 2018 World Car of the Year award, alongside numerous international honours recognising the model’s achievements in design, technology and safety over the past decade.
With its arrival in South Africa, the MY22 Volvo XC60 aims to build on that legacy by combining advanced digital technology, refined Scandinavian design and Volvo’s long-standing commitment to safety in one of the luxury SUV segment’s most compelling packages.
