2022 XC90 Volvo Drive Modes
Regenerative braking
(Option/accessory)
The car recovers kinetic energy during braking in order to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
The battery symbol is shown in the driver display when the car is generating power for the battery.
The function is available in all drive modes together with gear position D or M.
Activating brake regeneration
Brake regeneration is activated by gentle pressure on the brake pedal or during engine braking.
Regeneration increases during engine braking when manual gearshift mode M is selected.
Drive modes
(Option/accessory)
Selection of drive mode affects the car’s driving characteristics in order to enhance the driving experience and facilitate driving in special situations.
Using the drive modes it is possible to quickly have access to the car’s numerous functions and settings for different driving needs. The following systems are adapted to maintain driving characteristics that are as good as possible in each drive mode:
- Steering
- Engine/gearbox/all-wheel drive
- Brakes
- Level control and shock absorption
- Driver display
- Start/stop function
- Climate settings
Select the drive mode adapted for the current driving conditions. Remember that not all drive modes are available in all situations.
Selectable drive modes
When the car starts, it is in Comfort mode and the start/stop function is activated. The drive mode can be changed when the car has been started, e.g. to the Individual mode. When the Individual mode is selected, it is possible to make adjustments for specific preferences, e.g. to show the tachometer.
Comfort
The Comfort mode is the car’s normal mode. These settings mean that the car feels comfortable, the steering is light, the shock absorption is soft and body’s movement is smooth.
This drive mode is the certification mode for carbon dioxide emissions.
In Comfort mode, no tachometer is displayed in the driver display.
Eco
- Adapt the car for more energy-efficient and environmentally-conscious driving with the Eco mode.
The drive mode means e.g. that the Start/Stop function is activated, the ground clearance is lower to reduce wind resistance and the output of certain climate settings is reduced.
When driving in Eco mode, the driver display shows an eco-meter that indicates in real time how economical your driving is.
Off Road
- Maximize the car’s traction when driving in difficult terrain and on poor roads.
The drive mode provides high ground clearance, steering is light, all-wheel drive and the function for low speed control with hill descent control (HDC) are activated. Start/Stop function is deactivated.
The drive mode can only be activated at low speeds and the speedometer shows the range for speed limitation. If this speed is exceeded, Off Road mode is suspended and another drive mode is activated.
In the Off-Road mode the driver display has a compass between the speedometer and tachometer.
Note
The driving mode is not designed to be used on public roads.
Note
If the car is switched off in Off-Road mode, and therefore has high ground clearance, the car is lowered next time it is started.
Important
The Off-Road drive mode must not be used while driving with a trailer without trailer connector. Otherwise, there is a risk of damage to the air bellows.
Dynamic
- Dynamic mode means that the car has sportier characteristics and faster response to accelerating.
The gear changes become faster and more distinct, and the gearbox prioritises a gear with greater traction.
Steering response is faster, shock absorption is harder and a low ground clearance means that the body follows the roadway in order to reduce roll during cornering.
Start/Stop function is deactivated.
The Dynamic mode is also available in the Polestar Engineered version.
Individual
- Adapting a drive mode according to individual preferences.
Select a drive mode to start from, and then adjust the settings according to the desired driving characteristics. These settings are saved in the active driver profile and are available each time the car is unlocked with the same key.
An individual drive mode is only available if it is first activated in the centre display.
Settings view for individual drive mode.
- Press Settings in the top view.
- Press and select Individual Drive Mode.
- In Presets, select a drive mode to start from: Eco, Comfort, Dynamic or Polestar Engineered.
Possible adjustments apply to settings for:
- Driver Display
- Steering Force
- Powertrain Characteristics
- Brake Characteristics
- Suspension Control
- ECO Climate
- Start/Stop.
Changing drive mode
(Option/accessory)
Select the drive mode adapted for the current driving conditions.
Change the drive mode via the centre display’s function view.
To change drive mode:
- Swipe from left to right across the screen in order to access the function view from the home view.
- Press Drive Modes
- Select the required drive mode to activate.
Drive mode Eco
Drive mode Eco can help you with more eco-friendly driving, with greater fuel economy.
Use this drive mode to save fuel and the environment.
The following properties are adapted for Eco mode:
- Gearbox gearshift points.
- Engine management and response from the accelerator pedal.
- The Eco Coast freewheel function is activated and engine braking is deactivated when the accelerator pedal is released at speeds between 65 and 140 km/h (40 and 87 mph).
- Some of the climate control system’s settings work at reduced power or are deactivated.
- The level control function provides a low ground clearance in order to reduce wind resistance.
- The driver display shows information in an ECO gauge which facilitates environmentally-conscious and fuel-efficient driving.
Free-wheel function Eco Coast
The freewheel function Eco Coast means in practice that engine braking ceases, meaning in turn that the car’s kinetic energy is used to freewheel for longer distances. When the driver releases the accelerator pedal the gearbox is automatically disengaged from the engine whose speed is reduced to idling speed with reduced consumption.
The function is best used where it is possible to freewheel a long way e.g. roads with a slight downhill gradient or when there is a predictable speed reduction to freewheel into a zone with a lower speed limit.
Activating the freewheel function
The function is activated when the accelerator pedal is fully released, in combination with the following parameters:
- Drive mode Eco is activated.
- The gear selector is in D position.
- Speed within the range of approx. 65-140 km/h (40-87 mph).
- The road’s downhill gradient is not steeper than approx. 6%.
The driver display shows COASTING when the freewheel function is being used.
Limitations
The freewheel function is not available if
- engine and/or gearbox are not at normal operating temperature
- the gear selector is moved from the D position to manual position
- the speed is outside the range of approx. 65-140 km/h (40-87 mph)
- the road’s downhill gradient is steeper than approx. 6%
Deactivating and switching off the freewheel function
In certain situations it may be desirable to deactivate or switch off the function in order to use engine braking. Examples of such situations may be on steep downhill gradients or before an imminent overtaking manoeuvre – in order to be able to do it in the safest way possible.
Deactivate the freewheel function as follows
- actuate the accelerator or brake pedal
- move the gear selector to manual position
Switch off the freewheel function as follows
- change drive mode
- switch off drive mode Eco in the function view.
Even without the freewheel function, it is possible to freewheel for short distances. This, in turn, reduces consumption. However, for the best fuel economy it is better to have the freewheel function activated and be able to freewheel for longer distances.
Cruise control Eco Cruise
When using the cruise control in the Eco drive mode, the car’s acceleration and deceleration will be lower compared to other drive modes, which enables further fuel savings. This means that the car’s speed can be slightly above or below the set speed.
- On a smooth road, the car’s speed can deviate from the set speed when the cruise control is active and the car free-rolls.
- On a steep uphill slope, the car’s speed drops until a downshift is made, then reduced acceleration starts in order to achieve the set speed.
- On a downhill slope where the car free-rolls, the car’s speed can be slightly above or below the set speed. The function uses normal engine braking to maintain the set speed. The foot brake is also used if necessary.
Eco gauge in the driver display
Eco gauge in the 12-inch driver display.
Eco gauge in the 8-inch driver display.
The ECO gauge indicates how fuel-efficient the driving is:
- With fuel-efficient driving, the gauge shows a low value with the pointer in the green zone.
- With non-fuel-efficient driving, e.g. during heavy braking or heavy acceleration, the gauge shows a high value.
The ECO gauge also has an indicator to show how a reference driver would drive the car under the same driving conditions. This is indicated with the short pointer on the gauge.
ECO climate control
In the Eco drive mode, eco climate control is activated automatically in the passenger compartment in order to reduce energy consumption.
Note
When the Eco drive mode is activated, several parameters in the climate control system’s settings are changed, and several electricity consumer functions are reduced. Certain settings can be reset manually, but full functionality is only regained by switching off Eco drive mode or adapting Individual drive mode with full climate functionality.
In the event of difficulties due to misting, press the button for max. defroster which has normal functionality.
There is a function button drive mode Eco in the centre display’s function view.
The Eco mode is deactivated when the engine is switched off, and it must therefore be activated after each time the engine is started. The driver display shows ECO when the function is activated.
Selecting Eco drive mode in the centre display function view
Press the Driving Mode ECO button to activate or deactivate the function.
An indicator in the button illuminates when the function is activated.
Launch function
(Option/accessory)
Launch can be used when maximum acceleration is required from stationary. The function is available in the following drive modes: Dynamic, Comfort and Individual.
Activate Launch
Make sure the car is stationary and the wheels are pointing straight forward.
- Move to gear position D.
- Depress the brake pedal fully.
- Then fully depress the accelerator pedal.
- Release the brake pedal within 2 seconds.
Note
If the Launch function does not work, wait a few minutes and let the drivetrain cool down to working temperature before retrying.
Important
The drivetrain is subject to wear and tear when using Launch and therefore the function is only available a limited number of times.
Low-speed control
(Option/accessory)
The low-speed control function (LSC) facilitates and improves traction for driving off-road and on slippery surfaces, such as with a caravan on grass or a boat trailer on a launch ramp.
The function is included in drive mode Off-Road.
The function is adapted for off-road driving and driving with a trailer at low speed, up to approx. 40 km/h (25 mph).
Low-speed control prioritizes low gears and traction. If the car is all-wheel drive, the motive force is distributed evenly in order to provide as good traction as possible on all wheels and to reduce the risk of wheel spin. The accelerator pedal is less responsive in order to facilitate traction and speed control at low speed.
The function is activated together with hill descent control, (HDC) which means that speed down steep hills can be controlled with the accelerator pedal, reducing the need to use the brake pedal. The system facilitates a low and even speed while driving on steep downhill gradients.
Note
When LSC with HDC is activated, the feel of the accelerator pedal and engine response are changed.
Note
The driving mode is not designed to be used on public roads.
Note
The function is deactivated when driving at higher speeds and must be reactivated at a lower speed if required.
Activating and deactivating low-speed control
(Option/accessory)
There is a function button for low-speed control with Hill Descent Control in the center display’s function view.
Select low-speed driving in the center display function view
Press the Hill Descent Control button to activate or deactivate the function.
An indicator in the button illuminates when the function is activated.
This function is disabled automatically when the engine is switched off.
Note
The function is deactivated when driving at higher speeds and must be reactivated at a lower speed, if required.
Level control and shock absorption
(Option/accessory)
Level control regulates the car’s suspension and shock absorption characteristics automatically to ensure optimum comfort and functionality while driving. It is also possible to adjust the level manually in order to facilitate loading or entry and exit.
Level control and shock absorption
The system is adapted according to the selected drive mode and according to the speed of the car. Using level control, the car’s ground clearance is adjusted to a lower level at higher speeds, which reduces wind resistance and increases stability. Shock absorption is normally set for optimum comfort and is regulated continuously depending on the road surface, the car’s acceleration, braking and cornering.
The driver display indicates when level control is in progress.
When a side door or the tailgate is open, the following applies:
- If a side door is open, the level can only be regulated upwards.
- If the tailgate is open, the level can only be regulated downwards.
During parking
During parking, make sure you allow adequate space above and below the car since the car’s ground clearance may vary e.g. depending on the outside temperature, how the car is loaded, the use of loading mode or the drive mode that is selected after starting.
The level may also be adjusted sometime after the car has been parked. This is to compensate for any changes in height that may occur due to temperature changes in the air springs when the car cools down.
During transport
During the transport of the car on a ferry, train or truck, the car must be lashed around the tyres and not around other parts of the chassis. Changes in the level control may occur during transport, which could have a negative effect on the lashing.
Symbols and messages
If a fault arises with the level control, a message is shown in the driver display.
| Symbol | Message | Specification |
|---|---|---|
 |
Suspension
Deactivated by user |
The active self-levelling has been switched off manually by the user. |
|
|
Suspension
Temporarily reduced performance |
The performance of the active self-levelling has been temporarily reduced due to extensive system use. |
 |
Suspension
Service required |
A fault has occurred. Visit a workshop as soon as possible. |
 |
Suspension failure
Stop safely |
A critical fault has occurred. The car’s driving performance is significantly reduced, stop safely. Have the car towed to a workshop if the message is shown when the car is stationary. |
|
|
Suspension
Slow down Car too high |
A fault has occurred. The car’s driving performance is reduced, slow down until the symbol disappears. Contact a workshop if the message is shown when the car is stationary. |
|
|
Suspension
Auto adjusting car level |
Level control of the car’s rear axle to target height in progress.
Level control to target height in progress. |
Settings for level control
(Option/accessory)
Switch off the level control when the car is to be jacked up in order to prevent problems with automatic level control.
Regulate the level to facilitate loading, or on entry and exit.
Adjusting loading mode
Use the buttons in the cargo area to regulate the height of the car’s rear section and facilitate loading and unloading or when connecting or disconnecting a trailer.
Use the buttons in the cargo area to regulate the rear section’s height and facilitate loading and unloading.
Settings in the center display
Entry assistance
The car can be lowered to facilitate entry and exit.
Activating entry assistance via the centre display:
- Press Settings in the top view.
- Press .
- Select Easy Entry and Exit Suspension Control.
When the car is parked and switched off, the car is lowered (level control stops if a door is opened and there may be a certain delay before level control resumes after the door has been closed). When the car is started and begins to move, the car will rise to the height setting for the drive mode selected.
Disable Leveling Control
In certain cases the function must be deactivated e.g. before the car is raised with a jack. The difference in level created when lifting with a jack would otherwise mean the automatic control starting to adjust the height, creating an undesired effect.
Deactivating the function via the centre display:
- Press Settings in the top view.
- Press .
- Select Disable Leveling Control.
Hill descent control
(Option/accessory)
Hill descent control (HDC(Hill Descent Control)) is a low-speed function with enhanced engine braking. The function makes it possible to increase or reduce the car’s speed on steep downhill gradients using only the accelerator pedal, without using the foot brake.
The function is included in drive mode Off-Road.
Hill descent control is adapted for off-road driving at low speeds and facilitates driving on steep downhill gradients with difficult surfaces. The driver does not need to use the brake pedal, but can instead focus on steering.
Warning
HDC does not work in all situations but is designed merely as a supplementary aid.
The driver always bears ultimate responsibility for ensuring that the vehicle is driven safely.
Function
Hill descent control allows the car to roll at inching speed both forward and backward, assisted by the brake system. The speed can be increased by using the accelerator pedal. When the accelerator pedal is then released the car slows back down to crawling speed, regardless of the gradient of the hill and without the need for the foot brake to be used. The brake lights are switched on when the function is operating.
The driver can brake and reduce crawling speed, or stop the car at any time by using the foot brake.
The function is activated together with low-speed control (LSC) which facilitates driving and improves traction for driving off-road and on slippery surfaces. The systems are designed for use at low speed, up to approx. 40 km/h (25 mph).
Points to remember when driving with HDC
- If the function is disabled while driving on a steep downhill gradient, the braking effect will gradually decrease.
- HDC can be used in gear position D, R, and with 1st or 2nd gear with manual gear changing.
- It is not possible to change to 3rd gear or higher with manual gear changing.
Note
When LSC with HDC is activated, the feel of the accelerator pedal and engine response are changed.
Note
The driving mode is not designed to be used on public roads.
Note
The function is deactivated when driving at higher speeds and must be reactivated at a lower speed, if required.
Activating and deactivating hill descent control
There is a function button for hill descent control with Hill Descent Control in the center display’s function view.
Selecting hill descent control in the center display function view
Hill descent control only works at low speeds.
Press the Hill Descent Control button to activate or deactivate the function.
An indicator in the button illuminates when the function is activated.
This function is disabled automatically when the engine is switched off.
Note
The function is deactivated when driving at higher speeds and must be reactivated at a lower speed, if required.
All-wheel drive
(Option/accessory)
All-wheel drive (AWD(All-wheel drive)) means that the car is driving all four wheels at the same time, which improves traction.
To achieve the best possible traction, the motive force is distributed automatically to the wheels with the best grip. The system continuously calculates the need for torque to the rear wheels, and can immediately redistribute up to half of the motor’s torque to the rear wheels.
All-wheel drive also has a stabilizing effect at higher speeds. Under normal driving conditions, the majority of power is transmitted to the front wheels. When stationary, the all-wheel drive is always engaged in preparation for maximum traction during acceleration.
All-wheel drive characteristics vary depending on the selected drive mode.