CarPlay Head Unit for Volvo S80, V70 and XC70 (2011-2016): how to install Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

The Volvo S80 II, the V70 III and the XC70 II from 2011-2016 are the kind of cars that age well: reliable engines, seats that are still a benchmark, and a body that keeps piling on the miles without complaining. What has not aged as well is the infotainment system. The small dashboard screen, the map-card navigation and a Bluetooth connection designed for phone calls only are light years behind what any modern smartphone does. If you own one of these three Volvos and you want Google Maps, Spotify and voice messaging on the car's screen, the most direct route is to replace the original unit with an Android head unit made specifically for the dashboard opening of these models.

Does the Volvo S80, V70 or XC70 (2011-2016) come with CarPlay?

No. None of the versions of these three models left the factory with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. These Volvos ran the Sensus system of the P3 platform in its various levels: radio with a monochrome display, Sensus with a 5 or 7 inch colour screen and optional RTI navigation, operated with the centre console controller or the steering wheel buttons. It is a solid system, well integrated into the dashboard, but a closed one: you cannot install apps, the navigation relies on maps that have to be updated through the dealer, and the phone only connects for calls and basic audio streaming. In practice, most drivers end up with the phone in a vent mount, which is exactly what a CarPlay head unit removes.

The solution: Android head unit for Volvo S80, V70 and XC70

The best value option is to replace the original infotainment unit with an Android screen built specifically for the opening and the connector of these Volvos, rather than a universal unit trimmed to fit. It includes:

• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with no cable every time you get in
• Smooth HD touchscreen, integrated into the dashboard like the original
• GPS navigation with maps of Spain and Europe, working offline
• Android system with the Play Store: Waze, Spotify, YouTube, online radio and WiFi
• Bluetooth hands-free, two USB ports and built-in DSP to fine-tune the sound
• Reversing camera included, switching on automatically when you select reverse
• Volvo-specific CAN Bus connection, keeping the steering wheel controls, parking sensors and factory camera
• Available with 4 GB RAM + 64 GB and with 8 GB RAM + 128 GB

Volvo S80, V70 and XC70 compatibility: supported versions

This head unit is built for the 2011-2016 period of the P3 platform, with a fascia and a wiring harness designed to fit the dashboard with no gaps and no cutting. The models covered are:

• Volvo S80 II (2011-2016), saloon
• Volvo V70 III (2011-2016), estate
• Volvo XC70 II (2011-2016), raised crossover

Within this period there were trims with and without RTI navigation and with different audio systems (including Premium Sound), so it is worth confirming the exact equipment of your car before ordering. The quickest way is to send a photo of your current radio over WhatsApp: compatibility is confirmed for free within minutes, with no obligation.

What is the installation like?

Fitting is plug & play: there is no need to cut, splice or strip a single one of the car's wires.

1. Remove the trim around the centre console and take out the original Volvo unit (clips and screws, basic plastic tools so you do not mark the dashboard).
2. Connect the specific harness supplied to the car's original connector: it only fits one way, so there is no risk of getting it wrong.
3. Plug in the CAN Bus module, which translates the car's signals so the steering wheel controls, sensors and camera keep working as before.
4. Slot the screen into the opening with its fascia and refit the trim.
5. Switch it on, connect to WiFi for the OTA updates and pair your phone via CarPlay or Android Auto.

With the guide supplied, the whole job usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. If you would rather not do it yourself, any auto electrician or car audio installer can fit it, and since nothing in the original wiring is modified the process is fully reversible: you can put the factory radio back whenever you want.

The dedicated head unit for Volvo S80, V70 and XC70 (2011-2016) starts at in the 4 GB + 64 GB version, with the fascia, harness, CAN Bus module and reversing camera already included. The 8 GB + 128 GB version, faster at multitasking, starts at. Because everything comes ready for this specific model, there are no hidden costs for adapters and no compatibility surprises.

Frequently asked questions

Do I keep the steering wheel controls and the parking sensors?
Yes. The Volvo-specific CAN Bus module keeps the steering wheel controls, the parking sensors and the factory reversing camera working exactly as before.

What about the Premium Sound system in my Volvo?
The head unit has built-in DSP to adjust equalisation and output stages, so the original speaker system can be used to its full potential. If your car has an external amplifier, mention it when you check compatibility so the right configuration can be confirmed.

Do I need mobile data for the navigation?
No. It has built-in GPS and supports offline maps from Google Maps or Waze, so it works just the same in areas with no coverage.

Can I fit it myself without any electrical knowledge?
Yes. It is plug & play with a model-specific connector and a guide included; no wires need cutting. Taking your time, it takes under an hour.

Can I go back to the original radio?
Yes. Since the car's wiring is not modified, you simply unplug the harness and refit the factory unit.

See the CarPlay head unit for Volvo S80, V70 and XC70

You can see all the details and buy the CarPlay head unit for Volvo S80, V70 and XC70 (2011-2016) in the PantallasPremium store.