One thing I’ve learned from testing the best electric cars is that they really do make it feel like the future is here — and I’m not just referring to how they run off electricity exclusively. Oftentimes, they have unique designs that help them stand out on the road, along with forward-thinking tech I’ve tested, like the night vision camera in the Cadillac Vistiq and the home theater experience of the BMW i7 M70.
However, there’s one thing that can sour the experience for me: an outdated software experience. Just like the best phones I’m constantly reviewing, the software makes a world of difference in how a car feels. The sad part is that a majority of car makers are still stuck with software and interfaces that are antiquated, but the Volvo S60 Recharge proves how much of an impact this all makes.
I got to drive the 2025 Volvo S60 Recharge for a week and while it was running older software when I first got it, an over-the-air update changed everything. Now, it’s a perfect example of how much the overall experience benefits.
More modern aresthetic
Similar to phones, car software for years was fundamentally driven by heavy menu systems. The biggest offenders of this, in my experience, are Toyota, Honda, and Mazda, where uncovering specific settings often requires drilling down through submenus. Frankly, they look like they’re stuck in the '90s, and the examples above show why.
The beauty of the 2025 Volvo S60 Recharge’s software is that it has been upgraded to the same modern interface found in the newer EX30. As a result, it ditches the dated menu-driven system of the previous software — like the one I found in the 2025 Volvo EX40 — for one that relies heavily on a graphical user interface.
For example, I love how Google Maps is central to the Volvo Car UX, as it takes up the majority of the vertical display’s real estate. At the same time, the icons are large, colorful, and explicit. The beauty of this modern interface is how it’s laid out, with common functions accessible right from the home screen as opposed to drilling down through menus.
Lack of CarPlay and Android Auto isn’t a dealbreaker
I know how some people feel about a lack of CarPlay or Android Auto support, but when the native software is this good, it’s no longer a dealbreaker. While the Volvo S60 Recharge’s software receives a much-needed update, it continues to offer Apple and Google’s smartphone integration as an alternative.
However, I found myself less reliant on them because of the Google-powered infotainment system, which offers all the same helpful features found in Google Maps. Not only does it actively check for faster routes, but I also love that it notifies me about accidents, road closures, and speed traps.
In my experience, using the native Google system is just as reliable for getting around. In contrast, the native mapping software that other carmakers preload often lacks these intelligent features, which are crucial for making a drive safer and more efficient. The updated software also impacts the driver’s display because it now incorporates Google Maps into the mix, so I can quickly glance my route on the driver’s display instead of the main touchscreen.
Older vehicles can still reap the benefits
Just like our phones, it’s incredible what new software can do — especially for older devices. The best software experiences I’ve encountered are in EVs like the Rivian R1S, Polestar 4, and Tesla Model 3, but these are all relatively new models.
The reason I am specifically calling out the S60 Recharge is that Volvo is updating the software in its models with Google built-in dating back to 2020. They are doing this entirely for free, giving owners of older vehicles the same modern experience found in the latest releases. I can’t stress enough why software can’t be overlooked when choosing a car.
Ultimately, the Volvo S60 Recharge proves that we’ve entered an era where a car’s newness isn't just measured by how many miles it’s put in or how chic it looks, but by the version number of its operating system. By prioritizing a clean, graphical interface over the convoluted menus of the past, Volvo shows why software will always matter — and what actually defines the experience behind the wheel.
