Level control* and shock absorption

Updated 08/06/2023

Level control regulates the car's suspension and shock absorption characteristics automatically to ensure the best comfort and functionality while driving. It is also possible to adjust the level manually in order to facilitate loading or entry and exit.

Air suspension and shock absorption

The system is adapted according to the selected drive mode and according to the speed of the car. Using the air suspension, 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 the best possible comfort and is regulated continuously depending on the road surface, the car's acceleration, braking and cornering.

P5-1617-XC90-DIM soul symbol height adjustment

The driver display indicates when level control is in progress.

The level cannot be regulated when the bonnet or any side door is open.

Settings for level control

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 My Car → Suspension .

Select Easy Entry/Exit Control.

When the car is parked with the engine 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.

Deactivation of air suspension and level control

In certain cases, the function must be deactivated, e.g. before the car is raised with a jack*. The difference in level created by raising the car with a jack can otherwise cause problems for the air suspension.

Deactivating the function via the centre display:

Press Settings in the top view.

Press My Car → Suspension .

Select Deactivate Suspension & Leveling Control.

Change the damping level1

Cars with active chassis (Four-C) and without the drive mode function* can adjust the shock absorption level via the centre display:

Press Settings in the top view.

Tap on My Car → Drive Mode → Suspension Control and select the level.

Loading mode

Use the buttons in the cargo area to regulate the height of the car's rear section and facilitate loading/unloading or when connecting/disconnecting a trailer. See the section "Loading".

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 a period after the car is parked. This is to compensate for any height changes that may occur due to temperature changes in the air springs when the car cools down.

During transport

During 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 air suspension may occur during transport, which could affect the lashing negatively.