Volvo is expanding the CarPlay experience by introducing Spatial Audio support—powered by Dolby Atmos—to its EX60, EX90, and ES90 vehicles. The immersive upgrade enhances music, podcasts, and other audio through the in-car display, but comes with specific hardware requirements.
Details and Compatibility
The new Spatial Audio feature becomes available when using CarPlay with Apple Music on Volvo’s latest software update. It delivers a multi-directional soundstage, enabling audio to seem to envelop both driver and passengers. Volvo warns that this enhanced experience only activates if the vehicle is outfitted with the Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system, including a setup of 25 high-performance speakers in the EX90. Without this sound system, the Spatial Audio feature won’t live up to its full potential.
The sound system isn’t just for the EX90—it’s also offered as an option for the EX60 and ES90 when ordering the car. All three models will have access to Spatial Audio in CarPlay, but only with that specific audio hardware. Owners of earlier Volvo models or those without the Bowers & Wilkins setup won’t be able to use the feature.
Where This Fits in the Broader Landscape
This update reinforces Volvo’s pledge earlier this year to continue supporting Apple CarPlay, despite many other automakers scaling back its implementation. Part of that commitment includes bringing high-end audio features to the cabin—an area where spatial sound is becoming a competitive differentiator. Volvo first announced that the EX60 would feature CarPlay’s Spatial Audio in January, and now the full scope for EX60, EX90, and ES90 has been fleshed out.
Spatial Audio via CarPlay isn’t unique to Volvos. Aftermarket offerings have already made this type of sound enhancement available, such as a system introduced by audio specialist Pioneer earlier this year. These systems deliver Dolby Atmos playback in vehicles not originally equipped for high-end native audio support via CarPlay.
This rollout arrives at a time when in-car entertainment systems are rapidly catching up with home audio in terms of immersive sound. As consumers expect more than just traditional stereo playback, automakers are doubling down on features like Dolby Atmos and spatial modalities to differentiate and justify premium pricing.
What this means: Volvo is betting that premium audio will remain a luxury point—one that can sway buyers choosing between EV brands or luxury SUVs. Moving forward, the real question will be how attainable these features are across trims and markets. Watch for how Volvo manages pricing, hardware availability, and whether other manufacturers match the immersion—or leave this as a value proposition for high-demand buyers.
