Imagine driving your Volvo XC40 with a center display that adapts to your mood and environment, switching between minimalist and dynamic themes. This isn't futuristic speculation but an actual feature offered by the Swedish automaker - customizable display themes for the infotainment system.
The XC40's center display allows drivers to personalize the screen appearance based on personal preferences and ambient lighting conditions, enhancing the overall driving experience. This customization focuses on two primary aspects: theme selection and brightness mode adjustment.
The XC40 comes preloaded with multiple display themes, including "Minimalistic" and "Chrome Rings."
- Minimalistic Theme: Emphasizes clean information presentation by eliminating unnecessary visual elements, allowing drivers to focus on essential driving data. This theme suits users who prefer simplicity and efficiency, particularly helpful in reducing visual distractions during complex driving situations.
- Chrome Rings Theme: Incorporates more design-focused visual elements, such as chrome-accented information display areas, enhancing the screen's sophisticated appearance and technological feel. This option appeals to drivers seeking personalization and contemporary styling, adding vibrancy to the cockpit.
Drivers can select their preferred theme through these steps:
- Pull down from the top of the center display to access settings
- Select "My Car"
- Choose "Displays"
- Select "Display Themes"
- Pick the desired theme from available options
Beyond theme selection, the XC40 offers two brightness modes: "Normal" and "Bright."
- Normal Mode: Features dark backgrounds with light text, serving as the default setting for all themes. This configuration provides optimal readability in most lighting conditions, particularly reducing eye strain in low-light environments.
- Bright Mode: Utilizes light backgrounds with dark text, offering higher contrast for improved visibility in direct sunlight. Drivers can manually activate this mode when needed for clearer screen legibility.
Unlike automatic brightness systems, the XC40's mode selection remains unaffected by ambient light sensors, giving drivers complete control based on personal preference and visual comfort. This design philosophy accommodates diverse user needs with exceptional flexibility.
It's important to note that display theme configurations only affect visual presentation without altering any vehicle functionality or performance. Drivers can freely adjust the screen appearance to create a personalized driving environment. These simple customizations allow XC40 owners to tailor their vehicle's interface to individual preferences, potentially enhancing driving enjoyment.

