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Volvo EX30 interior is minimalism with clever tricks and a sound bar

Volvo's given us another piece of the battery-electric EX30 puzzle. Our first proper glimpse of the interior proves Volvo was not overstating its focus on minimalism in the EX30. We've gone years now accusing infotainment screen of looking like tablets bolted to the dashboard. The centrally placed screen in the EX30 doesn't resemble an iPad on an instrument panel, it looks like a genuine tablet laid on a shelf. We look forward to finding out whether it can be unlatched from the clip-like supports on the sides. The automaker says all information is presented through the 12.3-inch portrait screen, despite the small curved screen mounted to the steering column behind the wheel. Our guess is the small screen is a gear selection indicator, if it's not for tiny info bites like speed and navigation, akin to what's on the Volkswagen ID.4. The large screen offers a "Calm" setting limiting the display to vitals only, letting some welcome dark into the cabin. For the first time in a Volvo, wireless Apple CarPlay is part of the infotainment functionality. The instrument panel has as least one trick of its own, being a sound bar laid across the top, under the windshield — the same kind of sound bar you'd buy for an OLED television. The unit in the pic is from Harman Kardon; we're not sure if that's standard fit or if it's an upgraded unit that goes with the optional Harman Kardon audio that will be available. Volvo says the EX30 will be the first application of a sound bar in a production car, chosen in part because the bar's clustered speakers cut down on wiring and open up space elsewhere. That's right, the sound bar contains the only speakers in the cabin. The space in the doors where speakers normally go has been converted to storage. Speaking of which, the EX30 picks up a few tricks we saw first on the battery-electric Nissan Ariya. The Volvo's glovebox has slid sideways to the center of the IP, accessible to the driver without leaning over. The center console slides fore and aft, providing cupholders in easy reach or more space for notions. The power window controls are on the center console as well, we hope located on a segment that doesn't slide. Volvo one-ups the Ariya by placing protective walls around the console's storage area on the floor, so little items don't roll left and right.

Volvo announces design updates for XC40 Recharge and single-motor C40

Volvo announced a round of updates to the electric members of its portfolio. It gave the XC40 Recharge a subtle mid-cycle update that brings a new-look front end, among other changes, and it unveiled an entry-level version of the C40 Recharge with one electric motor. It takes a well-trained eye to differentiate the updated XC40 Recharge from the model that's currently in showrooms. Look closely and you'll notice that the lower part of the front bumper is more chiseled, the Thor's Hammer accents in the headlights are more, well, hammer-like, and the body-colored insert that replaces the gasoline-burning model's grille loses its frame. These changes bring the battery-powered crossover in line with the C40 Recharge and with the non-Recharge version of the XC40, which received the nip-and-tucked front bumper in November 2021. Volvo also notes that buyers will also have new upholstery choices, exterior colors, and wheel designs to choose from. XC40 Recharge models also gain pixel LED lighting technology. This system relies on individually-controlled LED elements to illuminate the road ahead without blinding other motorists; in a way, it occupies a middle ground between high and low beams. While this technology has been illegal here for many years, the NHTSA finished making the rules for adaptive headlights in February 2022 so they're on their way. Moving on to the C40 Recharge, a front-wheel-drive version with a single electric motor is now available in some markets as a cheaper alternative to the dual-motor all-wheel-drive model. It's fitted with a 69-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, and it offers a maximum driving range of about 270 miles on the relatively optimistic European testing cycle. Volvo notes that charging the pack from 10% to 80% takes about 32 minutes when it draws electricity from a fast charger, but the firm hasn't provided technical specifications (like horsepower). For context, the existing dual-motor C40 Recharge is equipped with a 78-kilowatt-hour battery and its powertrain is rated at 402 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque. Its EPA-estimated driving range checks in at 225 miles, and it tips the scale at approximately 4,740 pounds. Volvo also restructured the trim level hierarchy in a bid to reduce complexity and make it easier for buyers to configure a car. Pricing for the updated 40-Series models hasn't been released yet, and neither car has been announced for the American market yet.

Watch these Super Bowl car commercials [UPDATE]

On Sunday, February 3, the New England Patriots take on the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl 53 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Some will watch because of the storyline of the old-school dynasty facing off against the new-school wunderkinds, but a large chunk of people will solely be watching for the commercials. Lucky for those who slot into the latter category, many of the manufacturers release their super bowl ads ahead of time, or have simply opted to release the commercials only online. Scroll down to see what car companies have already shown their cards. Audi Audi goes the comedic route in its clip for the Big Game. It starts with a grandpa showing his grandson a gorgeous Audi e-tron GT tucked away in a garage before he's shaken awake. Turns out he was just choking on a cashew in his cubicle at his boring job. Dodge Dodge does what it knows: create enough smoke to punch more holes in the ozone layer. Set to "The Devil Went Down to Georgia (the Super Bowl is in Atlanta, get it!?), a Challenger SRT Hellcat widebody, Charger SRT Hellcat, and Durango SRT are seen ripping through a city, leaving a trail of rubber crumbs in their wakes. Genesis Genesis has not yet released a commercial prior to the Super Bowl, but it is the official luxury vehicle of the NFL. Because of this, Genesis is hosting a fan experience for 10 days before the game. It will showcase the brand's cars, offer games, and have photos opportunities and autograph days. Hyundai Jason Bateman alert! Hyundai is one of the few companies to hook a major celebrity for its advertisement, and the casting is perfect. Bateman plays a doorman who takes people to various terrible events in life, including root canals, the middle seat, and shopping for a car. The ad centers around Hyundai's Shopper Assurance, which is Hyundai's new method for car shopping. Jeep An old 1963 Jeep Gladiator finds its strength in the crusher and transforms into a a new 2020 Gladiator, with a firm declaration that the nameplate is officially back. Kia Through Kia's commercial, a young boy wonders out loud what it'd be like if the millions spent on Super Bowl commercials were used to help others.