Volvo is expanding its Connected Safety system with a new over-the-air software update that allows vehicles to instantly warn other drivers about four advanced road hazards ahead.

The upcoming software update adds four specific smart alerts to help out in bad weather, dark nights or on winding roads

The rollout will hit models in Europe, the US, and Canada over the coming months. Alongside life-saving road safety updates, the carmaker is upgrading its newest premium vehicles with Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio for an immersive in-cabin musical experience.

Volvo first launched its real-time Connected Safety features in 2016. The system connects vehicles through the cloud, allowing one car to spot a danger and instantly pass that message along to other nearby Volvo drivers. This gives people extra time to slow down before they can even see the problem.

The upcoming software update adds four specific smart alerts to help out in bad weather, dark nights or on winding roads. These include a Large Animal Alert that can warn other drivers if a large animal is detected on or near the road ahead.

The update also brings a Vulnerable Road User Alert that can warn other drivers if pedestrians and cyclists are detected ahead on or near highways.

Meanwhile, the Roadwork Alert can warn other drivers when roadwork is detected ahead, while the Accident Ahead Alert can warn other drivers of accidents further ahead, using real-time data from connected Volvo cars or traffic management centres.

Available in the Volvo EX90, ES90 and EX60, these features expand the system’s ability to provide clear, early warnings – especially in low-visibility conditions such as winding roads or poor weather. These complement existing features such as the Slippery Road Alert and Hazard Light Alert.

“Built on decades of our real-world safety insight, these innovations represent another step towards our vision of zero collisions,” said Åsa Haglund, head of Volvo Cars Safety Centre. “Every time a Volvo car shares safety intelligence, it helps other drivers prepare earlier to avoid accidents and feel safer.”

Safety is not the only thing getting a boost. Volvo is also pushing out an upgrade for music lovers who drive the flagship EX90 electric SUV and the ES90 saloon.

The update brings Spatial Audio support in Apple CarPlay with Dolby Atmos technology. Combined with the Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system – which packs 25 speakers around the cabin – this feature wraps music, live shows and podcasts around the passengers. It creates a multi-dimensional sound field that makes audio feel deeper and more alive.

Volvo Cars was recently named by S&P Global Mobility as the only legacy carmaker to reach Level 5 capability in software-defined cars. The latest software update exemplifies how these vehicles continue to add safety features and become better over time.

The new connected safety features will roll out for the EX60, EX90 and ES90 over the coming months.