
STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory.
362
Starting and driving The vehicle is equipped with features that sup- plement its basic functions, such as shifting gears with steering wheel paddles *.
The vehicle is equipped with an automatic trans- mission that also makes it possible to shift gearsmanually. Certain functions can also be used when the engine is not running, depending on the ignitionmode being used.
Related information
• Starting the engine (p. 390)
• Ignition modes (p. 389)
• Automatic transmission (p. 414)
• Opening/closing the fuel filler door (p. 380)
• Parking brake (p. 369)
Brakes The brake system is a hydraulic system consist- ing of two separate brake circuits. If a problemshould occur in one of these circuits, it is stillpossible to stop the vehicle with the other brakecircuit.
Brake systemIf one of the brake circuits is not functioning, more pressure will be needed on the brake pedal(and the pedal will go down farther) for normalbraking effect. If the brake pedal must be depressed farther than normal and requires greater foot pressure,the stopping distance will be longer. Pressure on the brake pedal is enhanced by the power braking function.
WARNING
If the vehicle does not have electrical current and both the electric motor and gasolineengine are switched off, the brakes cannot beused to stop the vehicle.
When the Hill Start Assist function is being used, it will take slightly longer for the brake pedal toreturn to its normal position if the vehicle isparked on an incline or uneven surface. When driving in very hilly areas or if the vehicle is carrying a heavy load, using brake mode B to
augment the brakes or the
Off Road* drive mode can also be used on steep downgrades to increase the engine braking effect at low speeds.
Anti-lock Braking System
ABS
The ABS system helps to improve vehicle control (stopping and steering) during severe brakingconditions by limiting brake lockup. When ABS is operating, there may be some vibration in the brake pedal, which is normal. The system performs a brief self-diagnostic test when the engine has been started and driverreleases the brake pedal. Another automatic testmay be performed when the vehicle first reachesa speed of approximately 6 mph (10 km/h). Thebrake pedal will pulsate several times and asound may be audible from the ABS controlmodule, which is normal.
Function check when the engine is
started
A Plug-in Hybrid is equipped with a "brake bywire" brake system. A function check is per-formed each time the engine is started and thedriver depresses the brake pedal to move the gear selector from P.
In certain cases, a message may appear in the instrument panel saying that pressure on thebrake pedal is too low. Press harder on the pedal.
Light braking charges the hybrid batteryWhen the brakes are applied lightly, the electricmotor's braking function is used, which converts

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STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory.
364
Instrument panel symbols
Symbol Explanation
A
BRed
symbol: Check the brake fluid
level. If the level is low, top up and have the system inspected todetermine the cause of the loss offluid. Yellow symbol: there is a fault in
the brake pedal sensor.
A
B Steady glow for more than 2 seconds: there is a fault in theABS system. The normal brakesystem will still function but with-out ABS brake modulation.
If Brake pedalCharacteristics
changed Service required is
displayed, the Brake-by-Wire sys- tem is not functioning properly.The brake pedal must be pressedfarther down and with more pres-sure for braking effect.
A US models
B Canadian models
WARNING
If both symbols illuminate at the same time and the brake level is below the MIN mark in
the reservoir or if a brake system-related mes-sage is shown in the instrument panel: DO
NOT DRIVE . Have the vehicle towed to a
trained and qualified Volvo service technician and have the brake system inspected. If both symbols illuminate at the same time and the brake level is normal (not below the
MIN mark in the reservoir) or if a brake sys-
tem-related message is shown in the instru- ment panel: drive the vehicle carefully to anauthorized Volvo workshop and have thebrake system inspected by a trained andqualified Volvo service technician.
Related information
• Brake functions (p. 364)
• Brake assist system (p. 365)
• Emergency brake lights (p. 366)
• General information about Twin Engine Plug- in Hybrid vehicles (p. 16)
Brake functions
The vehicle's standard braking features are aug- mented by a number of auxiliary help functions.
In addition to the wheel brakes and the parking brake, the vehicle is equipped with several auto-matic brake assist functions. These systems helpthe driver by e.g., keeping the vehicle stationarywhen the brake pedal is not depressed (at a traf-fic light or intersection), when starting up a hill orwhen driving down a hill. These systems include: • Auto-hold brakes
• Hill Start Assist
• Braking assist after a collision
• Hill Descent Control
*
Related information
•Brakes (p. 362)
• Parking brake (p. 369)
• Hill Descent Control (HDC) (p. 366)
• Auto-hold brake function (p. 365)

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365
Auto-hold brake function
With the Auto-hold brake function, the driver can release the brake pedal and the brakes willremain applied, for example, when the vehiclehas stopped at a traffic light or intersection.
When the vehicle is no longer moving forward, Auto-hold applies the brakes automatically, eitherusing the normal brakes or the parking brake.The brakes will be released when the acceleratorpedal is depressed. If the driver's door is opened or the engine is turned off, the parking brake will be applied auto-matically. Auto-hold is deactivated when the transmission is in neutral or if the driver's door is open and theseat belt is unbuckled.
Auto-hold control
Auto-hold control and indicator light
Turn Auto-hold on or off by pressing the control in the tunnel console. The indicator light illumi-nates when the function is on. When Auto-hold is off, Hill Start Assist (HSA) will be activated to help prevent the vehicle from roll-ing backwards when starting up a hill.
Instrument panel symbol
Symbol Explanation
The symbol in the instrument panel illuminates when this func-tion is using the normal brakes tokeep the vehicle stationary.
A
BThis symbol in the instrument panel illuminates when Auto-holdis using the parking brake to keepthe vehicle stationary
A
US models
B Canadian models
Related information
• Hill Start Assist (p. 368)
• Brake functions (p. 364)
Brake assist system The Brake Assist System (BAS) increases brak- ing force, thereby helping reduce braking dis-tance.
The system monitors the driver's braking habits and increases braking force when necessary.Brake force can be increased up to the point atwhich the ABS system is activated. The functionis deactivated when pressure on the brake pedaldecreases.
Related information
• Brakes (p. 362)

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366
Braking effect after a collisionIn certain types of collisions, the vehicle's brakes are applied to help prevent or mitigate a secon-dary collision.
Maintaining control of the vehicle after a collision may be difficult. To help avoid or mitigate theeffect of a secondary collision, the brakes areapplied automatically to help bring the vehicle toa stop. The brake lights and hazard warning flashers will be activated and the flashers will remain on afterthe vehicle has come to a standstill. The parkingbrake will then be applied automatically. In a situation where stopping the vehicle may not be desirable, the driver can override this systemby pressing the accelerator pedal. This feature can only function if the brake system is intact after the collision.
Related information
• Brake functions (p. 364)
• Airbag system (p. 69)
• Rear Collision Warning (RCW) (p. 324)
Emergency brake lights
The emergency brake lights activate in the event of hard braking/rapid deceleration at most nor-mal driving speeds or if the ABS system is acti-vated. This function causes an additional taillighton each side of the vehicle to illuminate to helpalert vehicles traveling behind.
Once the emergency brake lights have been acti- vated, if the driver releases the brake pedal, thebrake lights will return to their normal function.
Related information
• Brakes (p. 362)
• Hazard warning flashers (p. 150)
• Brake lights (p. 150)
Hill Descent Control (HDC) HDC is a type of low-speed automatic engine brake and makes it possible to increase ordecrease the vehicle's speed on steep downhillgradients using only the accelerator pedal, with-out applying the brakes. HDC is integrated into the
Off Road drive
mode.
HDC is particularly useful when driving down steep hills with rough surfaces, and where theroad may have slippery patches.
WARNING
HDC does not function in all situations, and is a supplementary braking aid. The driver hasfull responsibility for driving in a safe manner.
FunctionHDC allows the vehicle to roll forward or in reverse at very low speed with enhanced enginebraking. However, speed can be adjusted to ahigher level with the accelerator pedal. When theaccelerator pedal is released, the vehicle willreturn to very low speed regardless of the steep-ness of the hill and without applying the brakes.The brake lights illuminate when HDC is func-tioning. The driver can use the brakes to slow or stop the vehicle at any time.

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STARTING AND DRIVING
384
•Never expose the battery to open flame or electric spark.
• Do not smoke near the battery.
• Failure to follow the instructions for jumpstarting can lead to injury.
Related information
•
Ignition modes (p. 389)
• Starting the engine (p. 390)
• Turning the engine off (p. 393)
• Start battery (p. 506)
• Opening and closing the hood (p. 533)
• Charging the hybrid battery (p. 403)
Driving with a trailer
When towing a trailer, always observe the legal requirements of the state/province.
• All Volvo models are equipped with energy- absorbing shock-mounted bumpers. Trailerhitch installation should not interfere with theproper operation of this bumper system.
Trailer towing does not normally present any par-ticular problems, but take into consideration:
• Increase tire pressure to recommended fullpressure.
• When your vehicle is new, avoid towing heavytrailers during the first 620 miles (1,000 km).
• Maximum speed when towing a trailer:50 mph (80 km/h).
• Engine and transmission are subject toincreased loads. Therefore, engine coolanttemperature should be closely watched whendriving in hot climates or hilly terrain. Use alower gear and turn off the air conditioner ifthe temperature gauge needle enters the redrange.
• If the automatic transmission begins to over-heat, a message will be displayed in the textwindow.
• Avoid overload and other abusive operation.
• Hauling a trailer affects handling, durability,and economy. •
It is necessary to balance trailer brakes withthe towing vehicle brakes to provide a safestop (check and observe state/local regula-tions).
• Do not connect the trailer's brake systemdirectly to the vehicle's brake system.
• More frequent vehicle maintenance isrequired.
• Remove the ball holder when the hitch is notbeing used.

STARTING AND DRIVING
409
Factors that determine the electric motor's driving range
Factors outside of the driver's control
The following are examples of factors that the driver cannot control:
• The current traffic situation
• Driving short distances
• Topography
• Ambient temperature and headwinds
• Road conditions/road surface
The following table shows the approximate rela-
tionship between ambient temperature and driv-ing range using the electric motor with reducedclimate system (ECO) functionality. Up to a cer-tain limit, warmer temperatures increase the elec-tric motor's driving range.
Ambient tempera- ture ECO cli-mate sys-tem set-tingsNormal cli-mate sys-tem set-tings
86 °F(30 °C) 95% 80%
68 °F (20 °C) 100% 90%
50 °F (10 °C 90% 80%
32 °F (0 °C) 80% 60%
14 °F (-10 °C) 70% 40%
Factors in the driver's control
The driver should be aware of the following fac- tors in order to utilize the vehicle's electric motormost efficiently:
• Charge the hybrid battery regularly
• Preconditioning
• The
Pure drive mode
• Climate system settings
• Speed and acceleration
• The
Hold function
• Tires and inflation pressure
The following table shows the approximate rela-
tionship between constant speed and driving range where driving at a lower constant speedhelps increase the electric motor's driving range.
Constant speed
62 mph (100 km/h) 50%50 mph(80 km/h) 70%
37 mph (60 km/h) 90%
31 mph(50 km/h) 100%
NOTE
• The figures in the preceding tables per- tain to a new vehicle.
• None of the figures are absolute and areaffected by e.g., driving style, weather,traffic conditions, etc.
Driving with the electric motorUse the Pure drive mode for the most energy-
efficient driving to help maximize driving range using the electric motor only. Use the button in the center display to activate the
Hold function at highway speeds when trav-
eling farther than is possible using the hybrid bat- tery's capacity.
Related information
• Driving economically (p. 372)
• Drive modes (p. 411)

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STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory.
414
INDIVIDUAL
This setting allows you to adapt a drive mode to your personal preferences. Select one of the other drive modes as a basis and change the settings to provide the drivingcharacteristics that you prefer. These settingscan be saved in a driver profile. INDIVIDUAL is only available if it has been acti- vated in the center display. 1.
Tap
Settings in the center display's Top
view.
2. Tap
My CarIndividual Drive Mode and
tap Individual Drive Mode.
3. Under
Presets, select: Pure, Hybrid orPower.
The following settings can be modified: •
Driver Display
•Steering force
•Powertrain Characteristics
•Brake Characteristics
•Pneumatic suspension and shock absorbers
•ECO Climate
Use of the gasoline engineAn advanced control system determines the dis- tance that the vehicle can be driven using the gasoline engine, electric motor or both at thesame time. Its primary function is to use the motor/engine and the current available in the hybrid battery asefficiently as possible based on the characteris-tics of the various drive modes and the poweroutput requested by the driver by pressing theaccelerator pedal. In certain cases, temporary limitations in the sys- tem or mandatory functions to help maintain alow overall emissions level may result in greateruse of the gasoline engine.
Related information
•
Adjustable steering force
* (p. 258)
• Loading (p. 216)
• Driver profiles (p. 179)
• General information about Twin Engine Plug-in Hybrid vehicles (p. 16)
• All Wheel Drive (AWD) (p. 419)
• Hill Descent Control (HDC) (p. 366)
• Brakes (p. 362)
• Hybrid-related information in the instrumentpanel (p. 133)
• Maintaining/increasing the hybrid battery'scharge while driving (p. 410)
Automatic transmission
The automatic transmission has 8 forward gears and an electric motor that powers the rear wheels. Steering wheel paddles * make it possi-
ble to shift manually. The gear indicator in the instrument panel shows the gear currently beingused or gear shift mode.
CAUTION
The transmission

STARTING AND DRIVING
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* Option/accessory.419
All Wheel Drive (AWD) 4
Your Volvo can be equipped with All Wheel Drive, which means that power is distributedautomatically between the front and rear wheels.
The electric motor that powers the rear wheels enables electronic all wheel drive functionality. Under normal driving conditions, most of the engine's power is directed to the front wheels.However, if there is any tendency for the frontwheels to spin, an electronically controlled cou-pling distributes power to the wheels that havethe best traction. AWD reacts differently, depending on the drive mode selected.
Related information
• Drive modes (p. 411)
• Low Speed Control (LSC) (p. 367)
Leveling control
* and suspension
The leveling control system adjusts the suspen- sion and shock absorbers automatically to helpprovide good comfort and control while driving.Leveling can also be controlled manually tomake loading or getting in and out of the vehicleeasier.
Pneumatic suspension and shock absorbers
This system is linked to the selected drive mode and is adapted to the vehicle's speed. The pneu-matic suspension reduces the vehicle's groundclearance at higher speeds to reduce wind resis-tance and increase stability. The shock absorbersare normally set to provide the best possiblecomfort and are adjusted continuously accordingto the road surface, acceleration, braking andcornering.
The instrument panel will indicate when the sus- pension level is being adjusted. The level cannot be adjusted if one of the side doors or the hood is open.
Suspension settings
Easy entry
The vehicle can be lowered to entering and exit- ing easier. In the center display's Top view:1. Tap
Settings.
2. Tap
My CarSuspension .
3. Select
Easy Entry and Exit Suspension
Control.
> When the vehicle is parked and the engine is turned off, the level is lowered. Level adjustment will stop if a side door isopened and will resume after a slightdelay when the door has been closed.When the engine is started and the vehi-cle begins to move, the level will be raisedto the height set by the selected drivemode.
If a door has been opened and closed, there maybe a slight delay before the leveling function willresume.
4 Standard equipment on certain models.