Drive system - drive modes
If a drive mode cannot be activated then the reason is explained with a text message in the combined instrument panel.
Note
Warning
– HYBRID
This option is the car's preset start mode. The control system uses both the electric motor and fuel-driven engine - individually or in parallel - and calculates the optimal use with regard to performance, fuel consumption and comfort.
The capacity to run solely with the electric motor in the HYBRID drive mode depends on the hybrid battery's energy level and, for example, the requirement for heating/cooling in the passenger compartment. At high level the capacity for solely driving with electric operation is same as in PURE mode, i.e. the car is easy to drive as an electric car (high electrical power output available).
At low energy level (hybrid battery is almost empty) the battery's energy level must also be maintained at the same time, leading to the internal combustion engine starting more often.
To restore the function to drive solely on electricity in HYBRID mode:
- Charge the hybrid battery from a 230 VAC socket with the charging cable (see Charging current) or use the SAVE function.
– PURE
This option focuses on electric drive as well as low energy consumption, and helps the driver to maximise driving on the hybrid battery.
Since the mileage in electric operation is connected to the car's total energy consumption, deductions are made for functions that limit mileage, e.g. climate and dynamic performance. To obtain the maximum possible mileage the air conditioning is therefore switched off - however, it can be activated with the AC button if necessary.
Note
Please note
This drive mode can only be selected when the hybrid battery has a sufficiently high energy level.
The internal combustion engine may start automatically in certain cases, despite the PURE drive mode being selected, for example:
- if the speed exceeds 125 km/h
- if the driver requests more motive force than electric drive can provide
- if the hybrid battery's energy level is too low and it must be charged
- in the event if system/component limitations, e.g. low outside temperature, see Energy flow.
Please note
- The internal combustion engine may even start with a high energy level in the hybrid battery, such as to raise/lower the temperature in the passenger compartment.
– POWER
This option sets the car in the best response and performance mode, by means of both the electric motor and fuel-driven engine being activated the whole time. The car has sportier characteristics and faster response to accelerating.
The use of lower gears is prioritised during active driving, leading to a delayed upshift.
Please note
- The internal combustion engine runs continuously.
- The car is driven by both the front and rear wheels.
- This drive mode results involves increased fuel consumption.
– AWD
The mode activates all-wheel drive, which improves the car's grip and traction. The mode is primarily designed for low speed on slippery road surfaces, but all-wheel drive also has a stabilising effect at higher speeds.
Please note
- The internal combustion engine runs continuously.
- This drive mode results involves increased fuel consumption.
– SAVE
This function starts charging the hybrid battery and ensures that its energy level does not fall below a capacity equivalent to approx. 20 km driving with electric operation. The idea is to be able to save this energy for later when electric operation is more suitable, e.g. for urban driving.
If the hybrid battery's energy level is low when pressing the SAVE button then the internal combustion engine will first charge it to a capacity equivalent to approx. 20 km driving with electric operation.
Driving with the electric motor saves more fuel at low speeds than at higher speeds. Therefore, select SAVE primarily when the hybrid battery's energy level is high and a planned journey shall start with a longer distance at higher speeds (e.g. on motorways) and end with a distance at low speeds when electric operation is required.
Pressing the SAVE button when the hybrid battery's energy level is equivalent to more than approx. 20 km driving with electric operation will maintain the hybrid battery's current energy level.
Regardless of selected drive mode, charging of the hybrid battery is activated temporarily in the background - similar to the SAVE function - then an automatic DPF regeneration is performed.
Please note
- This drive mode results involves increased fuel consumption.
- After the internal combustion engine has charged the hybrid battery to the SAVE level, the control system will stop/start the internal combustion engine in the same way as for low energy level in HYBRID mode.
Drive modes in MY CAR
The car's menu system contains brief descriptions about the car's different drive modes.
Start/Stop function
The control system determines when the internal combustion engine can be stopped and be switched off, as well as for how long. This is equivalent to the Start/Stop function in conventional cars with fuel-driven engines.
Trip statistics
The car stores statistics for consumed electricity/fuel related to mileage travelled.
In addition to via the trip computer, the trip statistics can also be accessed via the MY CAR menu system:
- Go to and confirm with OK.