Drive modes

Updated 17/11/2023

Adapt the drive mode according to the situation the car is being driven in.

Selectable drive modes

Five drive modes can be selected: Hybrid, Pure, Power1, Constant AWD* and Off-road.

The different drive modes are adapted to provide as good driving characteristics as possible in terms of the following:

steering
engine/gearbox/all-wheel drive
brakes
level control* and shock absorption
driver display
climate settings.

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.

Indication in the driver display

The driver display indicates the drive mode selected.

Hybrid

When the car starts, it is in the Hybrid mode. The electric motor and internal combustion engine are used, individually or in parallel, and their use is adapted with regard to performance, fuel consumption and comfort. 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. The internal combustion engine starts when the car's power output exceeds the hybrid battery's capacity. In Hybrid mode the capacity is adjusted, based on the hybrid battery's charge level, the car's speed, etc.

Volvo recommends that you use the Hybrid mode for day-to-day driving.

Points to remember when driving with the Hybrid mode

at higher speeds, the ground clearance is adjusted automatically to a lower level2
all-wheel drive is engaged automatically when required
the internal combustion engine is started more often at low State of Charge (SoC) in the hybrid battery. Charge the car or activate Charge under Battery usage in the centre display to run on electricity alone.
the car can be run on electricity alone at high State of Charge (SoC). The internal combustion engine starts when the energy level in the battery is insufficient for the engine power that the driver requests with the accelerator pedal.
energy is regenerated back to the hybrid battery during gentle pressure on the brake pedal.

Pure

Use of the car's electric motor is prioritised in the Pure mode. The drive mode is available when the hybrid battery has a sufficiently high charge level. If the battery's charge level is too low, the car's characteristics are controlled in order to provide as low energy consumption as possible.

Volvo recommends that you use the Pure mode for day-to-day driving.

Points to remember when driving with the Pure mode

the ground clearance is lower2 in order to reduce air resistance
the output of some climate settings is adapted
in slippery road conditions, slightly more wheel-spin may be permitted before all-wheel drive is engaged

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:

when starting the car, and should run for a few minutes for optimum emission control.
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.

Note

Since the car does not emit any engine noise when it is only powered by the electric motor, there is an artificial exterior noise in the background at low speed and when reversing. The purpose of this warning noise is so that road users outside the car, such as children, pedestrians, cyclists and animals, should more easily notice the car and avoid the risk of being run over.

Power

The Power drive mode adapts the combined power output from the electric motor and internal combustion engine in order to provide as high as possible performance and response to acceleration. The gear changes become faster and more distinct, and the gearbox prioritises a gear with greater traction. Steering response is faster and shock absorption harder.

Volvo recommends that you use the Power mode when you want sportier characteristics and faster response to acceleration.

Points to remember when driving with the Power mode

lower ground clearance2 means that the body follows the roadway in order to reduce roll during cornering
fuel consumption may increase.

Constant AWD*

The Constant AWD drive mode improves the car's traction with enhanced all-wheel drive. An adapted distribution between the front and rear axle torque provides good traction, stability and roadholding.

Volvo recommends that you use Constant AWD for slippery road conditions, when driving with a heavy trailer, or when towing.

Off-road

The Off-road drive mode provides high ground clearance2, steering is light, and all-wheel drive and the function for low speed control with hill descent control (Hill Descent Control) are activated.

Volvo recommends that you use the Off-road mode when you want increased traction and for driving in difficult terrain and on poor roads.

Points to remember when driving with the Off-road mode

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.
fuel consumption may increase.

Note

The Off-road drive 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.

Polestar*3

The Polestar drive mode adapts the combined power output from the electric motor and internal combustion engine in order to provide as high as possible performance and response to acceleration. The gear changes become faster and more distinct, and the gearbox prioritises a gear with greater traction. Steering response is faster and shock absorption harder.

Volvo recommends that you use the Polestar mode when you want sportier characteristics and faster response to acceleration.

Points to remember when driving with the Polestar mode

lower ground clearance2 means that the body follows the roadway in order to reduce roll during cornering
fuel consumption may increase.