Volvo Xc40: Blind Spot Monitoring Feature Explained

The Volvo XC40 has been criticised for its large blind spots and poor rear visibility. However, the 2023 model comes with the Volvo Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) as standard. This technology warns the driver of vehicles in their blind spot and can also prevent the driver from crossing into another lane if a vehicle is detected. BLIS can be activated or deactivated using a button in the centre display's function view.

The Volvo XC40's Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)

The Volvo XC40 is equipped with the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), an advanced safety feature that not only warns you of vehicles in your blind spot but also takes subtle directional actions to prevent you from colliding with them. BLIS is designed to detect vehicles diagonally behind and to the side of the car, providing assistance in heavy traffic on multi-lane roads. It is a supplementary driver support system that enhances safety by illuminating an indicator lamp on the door mirror when a vehicle is detected. This system is especially useful when changing lanes or during lane merges, as it alerts you to the presence of vehicles that may be hidden from your direct line of sight.

The BLIS function can be manually activated or deactivated using a button in the centre display's function view. When activated, the button is illuminated, and when deactivated, the button is extinguished. BLIS becomes active when the vehicle is travelling above 12 km/h (7 mph) and does not react to vehicles passing at speeds more than 15 km/h (9 mph) faster than the driver's vehicle. It is important to note that while BLIS provides valuable assistance, it cannot handle all situations and should be used in conjunction with the driver's attention and judgement.

The effectiveness of BLIS in the Volvo XC40 has been a topic of discussion among drivers, with some praising its usefulness and others expressing concerns about blind spots. Some drivers have reported close calls or accidents due to blind spots, particularly when backing out of parking spots or changing lanes. However, others have found the system reliable and appreciated the added safety it provides.

In recent times, there have been reports of newly delivered Volvo XC40s missing the BLIS feature due to semiconductor shortages. This has resulted in discounts offered by dealers, but some customers have expressed disappointment and negotiated for further reductions or considered alternative options. Overall, the BLIS system in the Volvo XC40 is designed to enhance safety and provide drivers with valuable assistance in detecting and avoiding potential collisions with vehicles in their blind spots.

BLIS as a driver aid

The Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) is a driver aid designed to give a warning of vehicles in the car's blind spot and quickly approaching vehicles in the left and right lanes closest to the car. BLIS is intended to help the driver detect vehicles diagonally behind and to the side of the car so as to provide assistance in heavy traffic on roads with several lanes in the same direction. BLIS can alert you via a light in the left or right door mirror when a vehicle enters your blind spot or approaches rapidly in a lane on either side of your car. This can ease tension in busy traffic with alerts and active support, guiding you back on track.

BLIS is active when the driver's vehicle is travelling at a speed above 12 km/h (7 mph). If passing vehicles drive more than 15 km/h (9 mph) faster than the driver's vehicle, BLIS will not react. The lamp illuminates on the side of the car where the system has detected the vehicle. If the car is overtaken on both sides at the same time, both lamps illuminate.

BLIS is now a more comprehensive system comprised of Steer Assist, Cross Traffic Alert, and Rear Collision Warning. Steer Assist can activate and steer your Volvo back into the original lane if the driver attempts to change lanes when the car detects a risk for collision. Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) is designed to detect other vehicles, and in certain instances, pedestrians or objects such as bicycles, crossing behind your Volvo while you are backing up. Rear Collision Warning (RCW) can help avoid rear-end collisions and is activated every time the Volvo is started but only activates when a vehicle is rapidly approaching your vehicle from behind.

The function is supplementary driver support intended to facilitate driving and make it safer – it cannot handle all situations in all traffic, weather and road conditions. The driver is advised to read all sections in the Owner's Manual to learn about factors such as its limitations and what the driver should be aware of before using the system. Driver support functions are not a substitute for the driver's attention and judgement. The driver is always responsible for ensuring the car is driven in a safe manner and at an appropriate speed.

BLIS's limitations

The Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) is a driver aid intended to warn the driver of vehicles in the car's blind spot and vehicles quickly approaching in the left and right lanes closest to the car. BLIS is not a substitute for the driver's attention and judgement, and it is advised that drivers refer to the Owner's Manual to understand its limitations.

Some limitations of BLIS include:

• BLIS is only active when the driver's vehicle is travelling at a speed above 12 km/h (7 mph).
• If passing vehicles are driving more than 15 km/h (9 mph) faster than the driver's vehicle, BLIS will not react.
• BLIS is not responsible for detecting if a car has deviated from its original lane.
• BLIS does not detect pedestrians, cyclists, or pets.
• BLIS is not 100% reliable and can give false alarms.

Rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking

The Volvo XC40 is equipped with a Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) system, which is designed to help the driver detect traffic crossing behind the car when reversing. This feature supplements the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and can be activated or deactivated using a button in the centre display's function view.

The CTA system provides an acoustic signal and visual alerts to warn the driver of potential obstacles. An acoustic signal is heard in the left or right speaker, depending on the direction from which the object is approaching. Additionally, an illuminated icon is displayed in the driver's Park Assist System graphic and on the Park Assist camera top view.

If the driver does not respond to the warnings and a collision becomes imminent, the auto-brake sub-function engages to stop the car. Following an auto-brake event, the driver display shows an explanatory text message. It is important to note that the auto-brake function is designed to assist the driver and cannot handle all situations or road conditions. The driver is always responsible for ensuring the car is driven safely and in accordance with traffic rules and regulations.

The sensitivity of the auto-brake function in the CTA system has been a topic of discussion among XC40 owners. Some users have reported instances where the auto-brake intervened even when the vehicle was well out of range and travelling at low speeds. This has resulted in sudden braking events that can be jarring for both the driver and passengers. However, others have shared positive experiences, crediting the system with preventing potential collisions.

It is recommended that XC40 owners refer to the Owner's Manual to understand the limitations and functionality of the CTA system before using it. While the system provides valuable assistance, it should not be solely relied upon, and the driver's attention and judgement remain essential.

Customer experiences with the XC40's blind spots

There are mixed reviews from customers regarding blind spots in the Volvo XC40. Some customers have expressed concerns about the vehicle's blind spots, particularly when backing out of parking spots or changing lanes on the motorway. One customer stated that they have nearly been involved in serious accidents due to the blind spots, and they consider the blind spots to be dangerous, especially for a brand that prides itself on safety. Another customer from Lithuania shared a similar experience, stating that they missed having blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert sensors, which they had in their previous car.

On the other hand, some customers feel that the blind spots are not a significant issue. One customer mentioned that they have found the wing mirrors to provide excellent coverage, reducing the blind spots significantly. Another customer suggested that adjusting the side mirrors correctly can help eliminate blind spots. Additionally, some customers have mentioned that while they initially missed having blind-spot monitoring, they eventually got used to driving without it and felt safe relying on the mirrors and quick shoulder checks.

It is worth noting that some customers have mentioned that the blind spots are more prominent in certain models or configurations of the XC40. For example, one customer stated that their MY2020 T4 RDesign AWD model had fixed and immobile rear headrests, which impacted rear visibility. In contrast, another customer mentioned that they were able to improve their rear visibility by folding down the backseat headrests when not carrying passengers.

Overall, while some customers have expressed concerns about the blind spots in the Volvo XC40, others feel that the issue is not significant and can be mitigated by proper mirror adjustment and driving habits.

Frequently asked questions