Must say I too was disappointed by the HK in my ultimate I’ve just returned, ordered the B4 Plus Black edition and turned down the HK upgrade and opted for the 360, couldn’t tell the difference between HK and the non branded system in the showroom car I tested.FMIB wrote: ↑Tue Jan 28, 2025 10:22 am Hmm, never really noticed any significant or long lasting new car smell in mine(or maybe its because I've had so many new cars over the last 5 years, my nose has become accustomed to it)
Perhaps leaving it with the windows open for a few days might help to thoroughly allow the car to air, assuming you have secure parking.
Yes the rear camera sucks, the restricted view as its blocked by the lower edge of the tailgate. The 360 camera is ok though and the expected update this year should allow the rear view and 360 to be shown on the same screen.
Disappointed with the HK at first, but going into Tidal settings and changing the quality to "hi" or CD quality and reducing both the subwoofer and bass levels, I now find I have an excellent sound that suites my ears.
I am 1500 miles into the car, in my option it's significantly more comfortable than the XC90 I had, ride comfort etc.
Its very quiet, gear changes almost unnoticeable, smooth engine and apart from a slightly slow steering response, I am very satisfied with my purchase, which was somewhat of a downgrade from previous vehicles.
Lemon cars exist, you may have one, in which case the advice from eugen61 is valid and since you clearly are not satisfied with your purchase, perhaps its time to look at what options are available, to either reject the car, rectify the issues or take the hit, get back into your preferred vehicle and put it down to experience.
Interior offgassing - the 'new smell'.
I’ve seen various reports on Volvo forums about Harman Kardon speakers requiring a break-in period. Typically, after a few months of use, the sound quality improves noticeably.Drbhob wrote: ↑Thu Jan 30, 2025 10:55 am Must say I too was disappointed by the HK in my ultimate I’ve just returned, ordered the B4 Plus Black edition and turned down the HK upgrade and opted for the 360, couldn’t tell the difference between HK and the non branded system in the showroom car I tested.
2020 T4 FWD Momentum Pro Sensus OS
It's a pretty decent HK system in the XC40, far superior to that fitted to the BMW X1. Possibly doesn't suit you hearing but has a much fuller more detailed sound than the standard system to my ears.
And yes, most HiFi systems will take a good number of hours to break in.
And yes, most HiFi systems will take a good number of hours to break in.
XC40 MY24 B4 Ultimate Dark, Black Leather, Crystal White, 20" Rims
Lincolnshire England.
Lincolnshire England.
JFDIT wrote: ↑Thu Jan 30, 2025 3:29 pm It's a pretty decent HK system in the XC40, far superior to that fitted to the BMW X1. Possibly doesn't suit you hearing but has a much fuller more detailed sound than the standard system to my ears.
And yes, most HiFi systems will take a good number of hours to break in.
I think the standard system sounds pretty good. Better than the system fitted in a lot of cars. I just wish that it had a fader because I like to fade my music slightly to the rear, say a 60/40 rear bias. Never had a system without the fade feature before.
Sept 2024 Volvo XC-40 B4 Plus Dark in Cloud Blue
Whilst somewhat off original thread topic, have to say I find the standard sound system more than adequate for my needs. Max Bygraves dulcid tones fill the car beautifully as my duff duff duff Boogie Wonderland days are long gone.
I can hear some readers saying ‘ who the hell is Max Bygraves, and for those who don’t know Boogie Wonderland, it’s one of the best dance floor fillers ever, during my younger days.
BTW…only joking about Max…honestly.
I can hear some readers saying ‘ who the hell is Max Bygraves, and for those who don’t know Boogie Wonderland, it’s one of the best dance floor fillers ever, during my younger days.
BTW…only joking about Max…honestly.
2024 C40 Single Motor RWD Plus.
Your car might be equipped with the basic sound system, which includes only three front speakers, this could explain the absence of a sound fader setting. However, if you have the 8-speaker system, the lack of a fader adjustment is unusual. Sensus OS has fader settings for the 8-speaker system. The HK system has 13 speakers.
2020 T4 FWD Momentum Pro Sensus OS
the standard system on the Plus has rear speakers but no fader or balance which I found strange. TBH I find the sound from this system to sound quite good. I had an A3 previous with B+O and it does not sound any worse. My only gripe is that it is not loud enough!
XC40 MY25 B4 Pure Dark with rear privacy glass
Onyx Black
Onyx Black
Why would AAOS remove balance and fader settings is beyond my comprehension. These are basic audio controls that have been standard in car infotainment systems for decades, I have them in my XC40 with Sensus OS. Removing them limits user customization and makes no sense, especially for a premium car.
2020 T4 FWD Momentum Pro Sensus OS
It has other controls such as Surround Sound which has a slider to determine the Surround effect. You can still select front rear but not percentage bias. It doesn't have a Graphic Equaliser nor does it have a Cassette or CD option. Times and tech move on.
XC40 MY24 B4 Ultimate Dark, Black Leather, Crystal White, 20" Rims
Lincolnshire England.
Lincolnshire England.
And Volvo are increasingly taking choices away from us as they know better than we do! 

2023 B4 Plus Dark FWD in Silver Dawn. Tinted Rear Windows. Spare Wheel & Tow Bar dealer fitted.
Gone - 2019 T4 R-Design FWD in Bursting Blue. Winter & Convenience Packs, Power Seat, Front Park Assist, Rear Camera, Spare Wheel & Tow Bar.
Gone - 2019 T4 R-Design FWD in Bursting Blue. Winter & Convenience Packs, Power Seat, Front Park Assist, Rear Camera, Spare Wheel & Tow Bar.