XC90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid Drive modes

Available drive modes

There are five available drive modes: Hybrid, Pure, Power1, Constant AWD* and Off-road.

Each drive mode is adapted to help optimize driving characteristics in terms of:

steering
engine/transmission/all-wheel drive
brakes
leveling control* and suspension
instrument panel
climate control settings.

Warning

Do not leave the vehicle in an unventilated area with a drive mode activated and the combustion engine switched off. The engine will start automatically if the charge level in the hybrid battery is low and the resulting exhaust gases can be very harmful to people and animals.

Indication in the instrument panel

The selected drive mode is indicated in the instrument panel.

Hybrid

The vehicle starts in Hybrid mode. Both the electric motor and the gasoline engine are used – separately or in tandem – and utilization is adapted with regard to performance, fuel consumption and comfort. Driving capacity on the electric motor alone is determined by factors such as the hybrid battery's charge level, the need for heat or cooling in the passenger compartment, etc. The gasoline engine will start when the vehicle's power output exceeds the hybrid battery's capacity. In Hybrid mode, the capacity is adapted to, e.g., the hybrid battery's charge level and the vehicle's speed.

Volvo recommends using Hybrid mode for daily driving.

To keep in mind when using Hybrid mode

at high speeds, ground clearance is automatically adjusted to a lower level2
all-wheel drive is automatically engaged as needed
at low charge levels, the hybrid battery starts the gasoline engine more frequently. Charge the vehicle or activate Charge under Battery usage in the center display to drive on the electric motor alone.
at high charge levels, the vehicle can run on electricity alone. The gasoline engine will start when the current in the battery cannot supply the power requested by the accelerator pedal.
lightly depressing the brake pedal regenerates energy back to the hybrid battery.

Pure

In Pure mode, use of the vehicle's electric motor is prioritized. This drive mode is available when the hybrid battery is sufficiently charged. If the charge level of the battery is too low, the vehicle's characteristics are adapted to lower energy consumption as much as possible.

Volvo recommends using Pure mode for daily driving.

To keep in mind when using Pure mode

ground clearance is lower2 to reduce air resistance
some climate settings are adjusted
on slippery roads, slightly more wheel spin may be permitted before all-wheel drive is activated

Pure mode is available as long as the hybrid battery has a high enough charge level and power, which can be affected by temperature. When the gasoline engine starts, the vehicle automatically switches to Hybrid mode until it is possible for the driver to select Pure mode again.

The gasoline engine starts:

when the vehicle is started, and should be running for a few minutes for optimal exhaust gas treatment.
if the battery's charge level is too low
if the driver presses the accelerator pedal all the way down.

Pure mode is not available:

if the battery's charge level is too low
if the vehicle's speed exceeds 140 km/h (87 mph) (does not apply on downhill gradients, etc.)
if factors such as cold weather affect the system or components.

Note

The combustion engine may start temporarily in certain situations when Pure drive mode is used. This is to provide the wheels with the desired torque in driving situations that require higher loads, such as when towing a trailer or driving up a hill.

Note

Because there is no sound from the engine when only the electric motor is running, the vehicle is equipped with artificial exterior background noise at low speeds and when reversing. This warning sound is intended to help warn children, pedestrians, cyclists, animals, etc. outside the vehicle of the vehicle's approach.

Power

Power mode adjusts the combined output of the electric motor and the gasoline engine to enhance performance and response during acceleration as much as possible. Gear shifting will be faster and more distinct and the transmission will prioritize gears with a higher traction force. Steering response is faster and suspension is stiffer.

Volvo recommends Power mode when sportier driving characteristics and faster acceleration response are desired.

To keep in mind when using Power mode

a lower ground clearance2 helps reduce body roll when cornering
fuel consumption may increase.

Constant AWD*

Constant AWD mode improves the vehicle's traction with increased all-wheel drive. An adapted distribution between front and rear axle torque provides effective control, stability and traction.

Volvo recommends using Constant AWD mode on slippery roads or when towing a heavy trailer or another vehicle.

Off-road

In Off-road mode, ground clearance is high2, steering is light, and all-wheel drive and the low-speed function with assistance for driving downhill (Hill Descent Control) are activated.

Volvo recommends using Off-road mode when increased traction is desired and when driving in difficult terrain or on poor roads.

To keep in mind when using Off-road mode

This drive mode is only available at low speeds, up to 40 km/h (25 mph). If this speed is exceeded, Off-road mode will be cancelled and Constant AWD mode will be activated instead.
fuel consumption may increase.

Note

Off-road drive mode is not designed to be used for normal street driving.

Note

Due to the increased ground clearance, if the Off-road mode was selected when the engine was switched off, the suspension will lower when the engine is restarted.

Important

Do not use the Off-road drive mode when towing a trailer without an electrical connection. This could result in damage to the pneumatic suspension system's bellows.

Polestar*3

Polestar mode adjusts the combined output of the electric motor and the gasoline engine to enhance performance and response during acceleration as much as possible. Gear shifting will be faster and more distinct and the transmission will prioritize gears with a higher traction force. Steering response is faster and suspension is stiffer.

Volvo recommends Polestar mode when sportier driving characteristics and faster acceleration response are desired.

To keep in mind when using Polestar mode

a lower ground clearance2 helps reduce body roll when cornering
fuel consumption may increase.