We just ordered a XC40 Inscription T5 with advance package and park assist. I know it comes with VOC for one year and I think that 12 month subscriptions are $200. I will probably not re-subscribe but I do want to know more. Does this include the ATT connection fee? Another question is Map updates cost? I read somewhere that map updates are free and can use USB flash drives from a regular computer. Hard to believe, however I think they are using Google maps anyway. Connecting our Android phones and using center display would be okay. I have GM cars that came with OnStar but I never re-subscribed on those either.
It has been 15 years since we bought a new Volvo. we have a lot to learn.
Congrats on your XC40! It's probably easier if I address each of your concerns as a list, so see below:
1) Model Year 2018 and newer cars come with 4 years of Volvo On Call standard. After that, renewals are $200/year as of this posting.
2) All connected vehicles come with "standard" internet connectivity which is intended to provide access to internet traffic info and any of the "low speed" apps such as the Weather App.
3) If you want to use Wifi Hotspot, Pandora, TuneIn, Spotify (officially) then you will need a data plan.
4) New cars come with a 3 Month / 3GB (whatever is first) data plan to try out those advanced services. If you wish to purchase a plan, it's directly with AT&T and not Volvo.
5) Maps are free. You can get them over the air, for free, via the bundled internet connection. However, if you let more than 2 updates lapse (not clicking the upgrade) then you will need the USB to update. You can always use the USB update however.
6) Your car will support Android Auto and Apple Carplay. Those systems are 100% separate from the included navigation system.
7) Open Ended Question: Why didn't you re-subscribe to On-Star? Why wouldn't you re-subscribe to Volvo On Call?