VOLVO XC90- Radio Upgrade

11 Aug

Written By Michael Benda

Original Setup:

Factory Radio
Premium Sound System
Factory Reverse Camera

New Setup:

Sony XAVAX8500 10 inch HD Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Head Unit
HD Reverse Camera
ETON Pro 16+ Components in Front Doors

Parts Used:

Sony XAVAX8500
FP8096
CHVL4C - Steering Wheel & Amp Bypass Harness
APA60 - Antenna Adaptor
APP9SP6 - Sony Patch Harness
MM126S - Reverse Camera
ETON PRO 16+ 6.5 inch Components

Upgrade Details:

The technology in this older Volvo XC90 was seriously outdated. The reverse camera popped out from a screen on top of the dash, but it was so slow that by the time it opened, you’d already finished your maneuver. The customer wanted the camera relocated to the new screen—and they wanted the biggest screen possible.

To replace the radio, we had to dismantle the factory unit and relocate components so features like the steering wheel buttons would still work. We also bypassed the factory amplifier under the driver’s seat, allowing the new radio’s more powerful built-in amp to take over for improved sound quality.

The front speakers were worn out, so we swapped them for German Eton Pro 6.5-inch components. They fit perfectly into the factory locations, keeping everything looking original.

In the end, the new screen sits flush against the dash, filling the space perfectly. Any smaller, floating-style screen wouldn’t have looked as clean—so we’d highly recommend this unit for the XC90.