V90 2021 android auto/car play
 

Hi I have just bought a new V90 B4 and was unaware that it did not come with android auto or CarPlay and if I want it I’ll have to pay more for it to be installed, does anyone know if you can get it install elsewhere cheaper than Volvo ? The car does have the second USB C port under the armrest. Bit annoyed that Volvo doesn’t install this for free like most other car manufacturers.

I don't think anyone installs it for free, after all they have to pay Apple/Google for the software (they don't give it away)

Some manufacturers may include it as standard, but build the cost into the price of the car.

BMW charge £265 for it (they also used to have an £85 per year subscription fee to use it)

Citroen include it IF you buy a touchscreen option (so essentially it isn't standard it is part of an upgrade pack)

Tesla don't even offer it!

Fiat charge £850 for it as part of a pack, you can't get it standalone.

So, all in all it seems quite a few manufacturers DO charge you for it, Volvo aren't the only ones.

I'm on the lookout for carplay myself, I'm guessing as it is a software update you would need the right version and it would have to "talk" to the hardware which no doubt Volvo have worked hard to maintain exclusivity.

As far as I can work out, adding CarPlay costs £300 at your dealer for a software install.

But this only gets you a wired system (cable the phone to the USB port). To get 'wireless' CarPlay you have to buy a third party 'Wireless Charger' ?

Wireless carplay is a relatively new concept though the hardware/software in the Volvo might need to be redesigned to adapt for it.

I had apple CarPlay installed as part of my used car purchase. I've now added a Car Wireless Volvo S90 V90 Mobile Phone Charger and a CPLAY2air wireless adaptor. Both work perfectly with my iPhone XR. They may both be suitable for android auto but you'd need to check.

The apple car play was just a SW upgrade, no additional USB sockets which might not be the case for Android.