What I hate with #XC40

Here's some final thoughts about the XC40, with a focus on the part I hate with it.

Your probably guessed it.
It's the Android Automotive operating system.

Here's a glance at the top three most annoying elements with the Android, and remember this is coming from a Sensus man. This isn't compared to the XC40's competitors. This is compared to what Volvo delivered before. Their own Sensus infotainment.

Recorded 17.11.22

[RDrummen]

My Skoda automatically adjusts the display- and dashboard-lighting depending on the outside light-conditions, very nice!

[pietrod]

Nice video 👍 Now two years with mine and I like this car a lot. Was unlucky with t2 engine. First, high oil consumption required dealer intervention to pistons and turbo. Now engine often gets stuck around 3500 rpm in 4th gear or higher, when accelerating, can’t take more torque, and shifts up or enters turtle mode. Hope to get it fixed over the coming holidays.

[karlfillipsveen]

I totally agree that the pilot assist must come back! It would have been nice if they had given all the buttons on the steering wheel one more layer. For instance with pressing both left arrow on left side, and skip forward on right side simultaneity that it would have activated a "shift" function for 5 seconds or so. Then you could have had another layer under the functions that is there by default.. nice if this could be customized by the user what "shift" function each button should have...

[SimonHunter]

Totally agree on the pilot assist moving. There are now 2 buttons on the steering wheel that don't even do anything!

[fidoforme]

Fully agree - driving at dusk my screen was too bright : very distracting to go to a menu to change it 😢

Mechanics of the XC40 are brilliant 😊

[Cruelaid]

Great review and very accurate. Making Adjustments via multiple pages in that screen is a huge distraction and not safe

[edwardpospesil]

Kristen: Thank you for your video analysis. It is very accurate. I once drove an XC60, Volvo dealer loaner and had to pull off the road to change a radio station. I am in my mid-70s and find the display information on the speedometer panel and the center screen, too difficult to read, due to the small numbers. My 2000 V70 XC had a very clear dash display, and I could change settings without my eyes leaving the road. My present 2012 XC70 is alright but hard to read at times. The fog light switches are very small and hard to find by touch. Considering that Volvo is safety conscious, I believe its designers must completely redesign the dash modules a on all of its models. We have 4 Volvos and the older cars have better ergonomics. Thank you.

[MatsLjungberg]

I miss the physical buttons for seat and steering wheel heating. Hate to do it on the touch screen

[manynosenao]

Thanks Kristian, great points worth noting in there. Did Volvo made an update about these issues? or possible that they will be addressing it in the near future? Thanks heaps!

[maartenvandenbosch]

I really love my xc40 T5 AWD. I dislike missing real buttons for camera (i have a narrow exit at my home with nearly no view on people walking or biking. Used to use front cam for these situations. My Volvo hasn't a physical button, though our BMW iX3, Hyundai Ionic 5 and Volkswagen Touareg have a button. Volvo let's take me several steps on screen. Not safe.)
And the showstopper:
I almost ordered a new full electric one. I cancelled. Why? I love to use the pilot Assist funcion. For me a live saver. I use it all the time. Switching between steer assist on the highway and bigger roads and back to ACC in towns, exits etc. I'm not going to buy a car were i have to do this on screen. Not going to happen. Of course, our car from Bayern and the one from Korea did choose to use physical buttons. So i totally agree with the video.
Very annoying and unsafe is that tge function for speed limit us sometimes accidentally set via the steering wheel wile turning it. I will never use the function, now its only annoying me. Last one: i would like my car to remember the last drive mode setting. Now it automatically returns to the comfort settings. I still love my current Volvo! Happiest car I ever had.

[ClaudeMCAUWE]

Thank you for your review.
I just tested an XC40 B3 (mild hybrid).
Wont comment on mechancis, which were excellent, but FULLY agree with your point on lighting.
I alos live in the countryside, with no street lighting, and you definitely NEED the lowest dash lighting you can get.
Was also hugely disappointed to see that now, it is no longer possible to switch off the center screen totally, as was feasible with the former models.
And worse, that the crystal gear lever is lit from the inside - and impossible to switch off ! Feels like a torchlight inside the car…
Was very disappointed by android as well, compared to the old Sensus. One more problem - when connectivity disappears … you lose your guidance (or can’t start planning a trip).
Volvo has become just another “gadget” brand.

All in all, it cost Volvo the sale of this car. A true pity. I hope they realize their mistake soon and fix it.

[magnusgustafsson]

I got my xc 40 2023 recharge twin a few weeks ago. Agree with your points👍

[Kurt]

I agree with you regarding the light control but Volvo could have implemented a light sensor with the option to use it or not.

[Grdane]

"Hey google, set screen brightness to 5%", works for me in my XC40 Recharge 2023 Ultimate

[olovsjobergh]

Hey!
I agree with you totaly.
Both the light adjustment and Pilot assist.
I jused it often in my last xc60 d4 awd 2019. Now with mycket new xc40 P6 2023 I'm so annoyed and irritated over the whole new infotainment system. It's just not Volvo anymore and so much worse than before.

[TheRealSpuff]

Yeah, it's really weird how cut down the Android Automotive apps are compared to their phone versions. I ran into the same thing my first trip out regarding Maps and multiple destinations, except I couldn't even figure it out at the time. It's so easy to do on the phone though! YouTube Music is also missing so much stuff. For example, when searching for an artist, you only can see 3 or so albums. There does not appear to be an option to view all, so if you were wanting to look through what was available, you are out of luck. Yet again, the phone interface has no issues with this. I hope they work to try to enable some of these missing features.

Completely agree on the tailored wool though. It's so comfortable!

[Holabella]

Looved this review. I live in Florida it rains a lot here and the water catching im the back door hinges is a deal breaker for me. Thanks

[MuensterManiac]

I just got my C40 recharge - still have my beloved XC60 T5 for a few weeks ;) - and one of the first things i missed, were the ones you mentioned in your video (I have to add, that I'm missing the Active High Beam, too). I'm pretty disappointed that Volvo has given up on these usefull features.

[vincentmeier]

Valid points! I also do use the interior adjustment ..

[KuyaArbee]

yea I also test drove a new Volvo with the android system and the lack of toggling of full pilot assist and radar cruise control is BAFFLING!