The differences between Sensus Navigation and Internet maps

Volvo offers a navigation system called Sensus Navigation as well as a map service called Internet maps. Since they resemble each other visually, it is not always easy to immediately see which system your Volvo is equipped with.

 Note

Internet maps are no longer available from and including model year 2020 Late.

Car's navigation system

Volvo offers a navigation system (Sensus Navigation) that uses hard drive-based maps, voice guidance, advanced route calculation based on traffic information, Internet search functionality and the ability to set multiple destinations. The simpler map service, Internet maps, can be downloaded to the car.

Differences in appearance

Since the systems resemble each other visually, it is not always easy to immediately identify which of the systems you have in your Volvo. How to check which system is installed in your car:

Go to the app view in the car's centre display.
The icons for your car's navigation system are shown below
The icon looks like this if the car is equipped with Sensus Navigation:
15w46 - P5 - Support site - Sensus Navigation symbol
The icon looks like this if the car is equipped with Internet maps:
15w46 - P5 - Support site - Internet Maps

Differences in performance

The biggest difference between Internet maps and Sensus Navigation is that Internet maps requires a constant Internet connection during use, while Sensus Navigation uses maps stored on a hard drive. The maps are downloaded or imported from USB and then saved locally in your car. This means that there is no additional data traffic when using Sensus Navigation, which can be very practical, particularly when driving abroad.

You can update your downloaded maps free of charge using the MapCare service. For more information about this service, see, MapCare™.

More functions with Sensus Navigation1

The following functions are found in Sensus Navigation, but not in Internet maps:

  • Voice control of the system.
  • Travel guide, voice guidance of itinerary and route.
  • Expanded itinerary. You can add multiple intermediate destinations to your route.
  • Several route alternatives. For example, you can choose which suggested route is to be given priority (a faster route, a traffic-based route, a more eco-friendly route and similar).
  • Advanced route calculation based on current traffic information.
  • Internet searches. For example, you can search for more information about an intermediate destination via the internet.
  • You get access to the Send to Car service, which makes it possible to send map destinations to your Volvo from other devices. For more information, see Send to Car. You also get access to other navigation-related services, such as Local Search and Weather. The range of services and applications available depends on the market.

Upgrading the navigation system

If your Volvo is not equipped with Sensus Navigation, you can upgrade your navigation system in order to gain access to additional functions and improved performance. To upgrade the navigation system, contact your Volvo dealer. Upon upgrade to Sensus Navigation, Internet maps is replaced completely.

  1. 1 The range of services and applications available depends on the market.

This article is applicable to

  • Car model/model year
  • XC90 from and including model year 2016 up to and including 2021 Early.

  • S90 and V90 from and including model year 2017 up to and including 2021 Early.

  • XC40, XC60 from and including model year 2018 up to and including 2021 Early.

  • XC40 Twin Engine and V60 from and including model year 2019 up to and including 2021 Early.

  • S60 model year 2020 and 2021 Early.

  • For car models from and including model year 2020, see on-line manual for the model concerned. The range of models may vary depending on market.

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