Volvo Cars earns top global ranking for Software-Defined Vehicle capabilities

Volvo Cars just became the only legacy automaker to achieve Level 5 software-defined vehicle capability.

Volvo Cars has been recognised as a global leader in software-defined vehicles (SDVs), achieving the highest Level 5 capability rating from S&P Global Mobility. Notably, it is the only legacy automaker worldwide to reach this milestone.

This recognition underscores Volvo’s ability to enhance nearly every aspect of its vehicles throughout their lifecycle using software. Through over-the-air (OTA) updates, the company can introduce new safety features, improve charging performance, extend driving range, and refine the overall user experience—without requiring physical upgrades.

“Years of focused engineering efforts and investments have given Volvo software capabilities that only a select few in the industry have achieved,” said Håkan Samuelsson. “This has enabled us to deliver a step change in customer experiences and development speed.”

Software-defined vehicles represent a major shift in the automotive industry, allowing continuous improvement even after a car is on the road. Following what Volvo describes as the most significant technological transformation in its nearly century-long history, the company can now convert real-world data into actionable insights to enhance future safety and driver assistance systems.

At the core of this transformation is Volvo’s in-house developed system, HuginCore™, which integrates electrical architecture, a central computing platform, zone controllers, and advanced software. This system powers Volvo’s latest SDV models, including the EX90, ES90, and EX60, enabling faster innovation cycles and scalable enhancements across its vehicle lineup.

With this achievement, Volvo Cars reinforces its position at the forefront of the software-driven automotive era, where continuous upgrades and intelligent systems are redefining mobility.