Volvo XC90 TWIN ENGINE Owner's Manual page 459

Drive modes
Selection of drive mode affects the car's driving
characteristics in order to enhance the driving
experience and facilitate driving in special situa-
tions.
Using the drive modes it is possible to quickly
have access to the car's numerous functions and
settings for different driving needs. The following
systems are adapted to obtain the best possible
driving characteristics in each respective drive
mode:
•
Steering
•
Engine/gearbox/all-wheel drive
•
Brakes
•
Air suspension* and shock absorption
•
Driver display
•
Climate settings
Select the drive mode that best suits the current
driving conditions. Remember that not all drive
modes are available in all situations.
Applies with air suspension.
4
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 bat-
tery, 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 calculates optimal use with regard
to performance, fuel consumption and comfort. At
higher speeds the ground clearance is adjusted
4
automatically to a lower level in order to reduce
wind resistance. The capacity to run solely with
STARTING AND DRIVING
the electric motor depends on the hybrid bat-
tery's energy level and, for example, the need for
heating/cooling in the passenger compartment.
If high power output is available, it is possible to
drive with electrical power alone. When the accel-
erator 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 star-
ting more often. Charge the hybrid battery from a
230 VAC socket with the charging cable, or acti-
Charge
vate in the function view in order to
restore the capacity to run on electricity alone.
The drive mode is designed for low energy con-
sumption with an optimised mix of the electric
motor and the internal combustion engine, with-
out 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 automati-
cally engages it if necessary. All-wheel drive and
electric additional power are always available
regardless of the battery's state of charge.
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* Option/accessory.