Drive modes

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. Each drive mode is adapted to provide optimum driving characteristics:

  • Steering
  • Engine/gearbox/all-wheel drive
  • Brakes
  • Level control* and shock absorption
  • Driver display
  • 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

 Warning

Remember that the car does not emit any engine noise when it is only powered by the electric motor and may therefore be difficult to notice by children, pedestrians, cyclists and animals. This applies in particular at low speeds such as in car parks.

 Warning

Do not leave the car in an unventilated area with activated drive mode and the fuel-driven engine switched off - automatic engine start occurs at low energy level in the hybrid battery, and the exhaust gases could then cause serious injury to people and animals.

Hybrid

  • This is the car's normal mode where the electric motor and internal combustion engine work together.

When the car starts, it is in the Hybrid mode. The control system uses both the electric motor and internal combustion engine – individually or in parallel – and adapts use with regard to performance, fuel consumption and comfort. At higher speeds the ground clearance is adjusted automatically to a lower level1 in order to reduce wind resistance. The capacity to run solely with the electric motor depends on the hybrid battery's energy level and, for example, the need for heating or cooling in the passenger compartment.

If high power output is available, it is possible to drive with electrical power alone. When the accelerator pedal is depressed, only the electric motor is activated until a certain position is reached. The internal combustion engine starts when this position is exceeded and the energy level in the battery is insufficient for the engine power that the driver requests with the accelerator pedal.

At low energy level (hybrid battery almost empty) the battery's energy level must be maintained, leading to the internal combustion engine starting more often. Charge the hybrid battery from a 230 VAC socket with the charging cable, or activate Charge in the function view in order to restore the capacity to run on electricity alone.

The drive mode is designed for low energy consumption with a mix of the electric motor and the internal combustion engine, without compromising the climate comfort and driving experience. When higher acceleration is required, maximum additional power from the electric drive line is used.

The car also senses if the driving conditions require all-wheel drive and automatically engages it if necessary. All-wheel drive and electric additional power are always available regardless of the battery's state of charge.

Information in the driver display

When driving in hybrid mode the driver display shows a hybrid gauge. The pointer in the hybrid gauge indicates how much energy the driver requests with the accelerator pedal. The marking between the lightning bolt and the drop shows how much energy is available.

P5P6-1917-Hybrid meter, changed values, engine running
The driver display for propulsion with both the electric motor and internal combustion engine.
P5-XC90H-15w19-Indicator that the hybrid battery is being charged

The driver display also shows when energy is returned to the battery (regenerated) during light braking.

Pure

  • Drive the car with electric motor, with energy consumption as low as possible and with lowest possible carbon dioxide emissions.

The drive mode prioritises driving on the hybrid battery. This means, for example, that the ground clearance is lower1 to reduce wind resistance and the output of certain climate settings is reduced to provide the longest possible mileage range on electric power alone.

The Pure mode is available when the hybrid battery has a sufficiently high State of Charge (SoC) and power output, which may be affected by temperature. When the internal combustion engine starts, the drive mode automatically changes to the Hybrid mode until the driver has the opportunity to select the Pure mode again.

The internal combustion engine starts:
  • if the battery's State of Charge (SoC) is too low
  • if the driver fully depresses the accelerator pedal.
The Pure mode is not available:
  • if the battery's State of Charge (SoC) is too low
  • if the speed exceeds 140 km/h (87 mph) (does not apply when driving downhill, etc.)
  • in the event of system/component limitations e.g. low outside temperature.

 Note

The internal combustion engine may start temporarily in certain driving situations when the Pure drive mode is in use. This is in order to provide the wheels with the desired torque in driving situations that require higher load, e.g. when driving with a trailer or on an uphill gradient.

The drive mode is adapted for maximum range with electric propulsion and especially developed for urban traffic. Pure means lowest combustion even when the hybrid battery is empty. The climate in the passenger compartment is regulated to Eco climate, and in slippery driving conditions, more wheel spin can be permitted before all-wheel drive is activated automatically.

ECO climate control

In the Pure drive mode, eco climate control is activated automatically in the passenger compartment in order to reduce energy consumption.

 Note

When the Pure 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 leaving Pure 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.

Off Road

  • Prioritise the car's traction when driving in difficult terrain and on poor roads.

The drive mode provides high ground clearance1, steering is light, all-wheel drive and the function for low speed control with hill descent control (Hill Descent Control) are activated.

The drive mode is only available at low speeds, up to 40 km/h (25 mph). If this speed is exceeded, Off Road mode is cancelled and the Constant AWD drive mode is activated instead.

To be able to drive all four wheels, the internal combustion engine and electric motor run continually, which results in increased fuel consumption.

In the Off Road mode the driver display has a compass between the speedometer and tachometer. The speedometer shows the range for speed limitation.

The drive mode is adapted for maximum controllability at low speeds in poor road conditions or difficult terrain. It raises the chassis1, reduces the driveline's throttle response and locks the car in all-wheel drive. The Hill Descent Control function facilitates controlled driving on steep descents.

 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.

Constant AWD

  • Improve the car's roadholding and traction with enhanced all-wheel drive.

The drive mode locks the car in all-wheel drive. An adapted distribution between the front and rear axle torque provides good traction, stability and roadholding, for example on slippery roads, when driving with a heavy trailer, or when towing. Constant AWD drive mode is always available regardless of the battery's state of charge.

Both the internal combustion engine and electric motor are engaged in order to drive all four wheels, which results in increased fuel consumption.

In the car's other drive modes, the car automatically adapts the need for all-wheel drive to the road surface, and can engage the electric motor or start the internal combustion engine when necessary.

Power

  • The car has sportier characteristics and faster response to accelerating.

The drive mode adapts the combined power from the internal combustion engine and electric motor by means of the car being driven by both front and rear wheels. 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 lower ground clearance1 means that the body follows the roadway in order to reduce roll during cornering.

Both the internal combustion engine and electric motor are engaged in order to drive all four wheels, which results in increased fuel consumption.

The drive mode is adapted for maximum performance and response on acceleration. It changes the internal combustion engine's accelerator pedal response, gear shift pattern and boost pressure system. Chassis settings, steering and brake response are also as good as possible. Power drive mode is always available regardless of the battery's state of charge.

The Power 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 an individual driver profile.

An individual drive mode is only available if it is first activated in the centre display.

P5-1717-XC60H-Individual drive mode settings view
Settings view2 for individual drive mode.
Press Settings in the top view.
Press My CarIndividual Drive Mode and select Individual Drive Mode.

In Presets, select a drive mode to start from: Pure, Hybrid, Power or Polestar Engineered*.

Possible adjustments apply to settings for:

  • Driver Display
  • Steering Force
  • Powertrain Characteristics
  • Brake Characteristics
  • Suspension Control
  • ECO Climate

Using the electric motor or internal combustion engine

An advanced control system determines the extent to which the car is driven on internal combustion engine, electric motor or both in parallel.

The primary function is to use the engine or motor and the available energy in the hybrid battery as efficiently as possible, with regard to the characteristics of the different drive modes as well as the driver's request for power via the accelerator pedal.

There are also cases where temporary limitations in the system, or functions governed by legal requirements aimed at maintaining a low level of total emissions for the car, may use the internal combustion engine to a greater extent.

  1. * Option/accessory.
  2. 1 Applies with air suspension.
  3. 2 The figure is schematic - parts may vary depending on car model.