2018 VOLVO XC90 TWIN ENGINE ground clearance

STARTING AND DRIVING
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* Option/accessory. 445
Drive modes
Drive modes affect the vehicle's driving charac-
teristics in different ways to enhance and sim-
plify the driving experience in certain types of sit-
uations. Drive modes enable easy access to the vehicle's
many functions and settings in different driving
situations. The following systems are adapted to
help optimize driving characteristics in each drive
mode:
• Steering
• Engine/transmission/all-wheel drive
• Brakes
• Pneumatic suspension* and shock absorbers
• Instrument panel
• Climate control settings
Select the drive mode that is best suited to the
current driving conditions. Keep in mind that not
all drive modes are available in all situations.
Available drive modes
WARNING Keep in mind that the vehicle does not emit
any engine noise when using the electric
motor and may therefore be difficult to detect
for children, pedestrians, cyclists or animals.
This is particularly true at low speeds, e.g. in
parking lots.
WARNING
Do not leave the vehicle in an unventilated
area with a drive mode activated and the com-
bustion engine switched off. The engine will
start automatically if the charge level in the
hybrid battery is low and the resulting exhaust
gases can be very harmful to people and ani-
mals.
HYBRID
•
This is the default mode in which the electric
motor and combustion engine work together.
The vehicle starts in Hybrid mode. The control
system uses both the electric motor and the gas-
oline engine - separately or in tandem - and cal-
culates optimal utilization with regard to perform-
ance, fuel consumption and comfort. At high
speeds, ground clearance is automatically low-
ered 4
to reduce air resistance. Driving capacity on
the electric motor alone is determined by factors such as the hybrid battery's charge level, the
need for heat/cooling in the passenger compart-
ment, etc.
If there is sufficient charge in the battery, it is
possible to drive solely on electric power. When
the accelerator pedal is pressed, only the electric
motor will be activated until the battery reaches a
certain charge level. Above this level, the current
in the battery cannot supply the power requested
by the accelerator pedal and the combustion
engine will start.
When the hybrid battery's charge level is low, the
combustion engine will start more frequently to
save the remaining current in the battery. Charge
the hybrid battery from a 120-240 volt outlet
using a charging cable, or activate
Charge in
Function view to reset the option of only using
the electric motor.
This drive mode is designed for low energy con-
sumption with an optimized mix between the
electric motor and gasoline engine, without com-
promising on climate comfort or driving experi-
ence. When faster acceleration is requested by
the driver, the electric driveline will be utilized to
help provide maximum additional power. The
vehicle also monitors the driving conditions and
automatically engages all-wheel drive if neces-
sary. All-wheel drive and extra electric power are
always available regardless of the battery's
charging status. 4
For vehicles with pneumatic suspension.

||STARTING AND DRIVING
446
Information in the instrument panel
When driving in Hybrid mode, a hybrid gauge will
be displayed in the instrument panel. The gauge
will indicate the amount of electrical current
required when the driver depresses the accelera-
tor pedal. The marker between the lightning and
the drop shows how much current is available.
The instrument panel gauge when both the electric
motor and the combustion engine are being used.
The instrument panel also shows how
much current is being restored to the
battery (regenerated) during light brak-
ing.
PURE
•Uses the electric motor only, with the lowest
possible energy consumption and carbon
dioxide emissions. This drive mode maximizes the use of the hybrid
battery. Ground clearance is lowered
4
to reduce
air resistance and certain climate system func-
tions are reduced to provide the longest possible
driving distance using only electricity.
Pure mode is available when the hybrid battery is
sufficiently charged. Even in Pure mode, the com-
bustion engine will start if the charge level in the
battery gets too low. The combustion engine will
also start
• if the vehicle's speed goes above 125 km/h
(78 mph)
• if the driver requests more power than the
electric motor can provide
• if factors such as cold weather affect the
system or components.
This drive mode is optimized for maximum driving
distance with electric propulsion and is primarily
intended for use in city driving. Pure helps pro-
vide the lowest possible consumption even when
the hybrid battery is fully discharged. ECO climate
is activated to control the climate in the passen-
ger compartment, and in slippery road conditions
slightly more wheel spin may be permitted before
all-wheel drive is automatically activated.
ECO Climate
In Pure mode, ECO climate is automatically acti-
vated in the passenger compartment to help
reduce energy consumption.
NOTE When the
Pure drive mode is activated, set-
tings for certain climate system and electricity
consuming functions are reduced. Some of
these settings can be reset manually, but full
functionality will only be restored by leaving
Pure mode or adapting the Individual drive
mode to full climate system functionality. If condensation forms on the windows, tap the
max defroster button, which will function normally.
4
For vehicles with pneumatic suspension.

STARTING AND DRIVING
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447
OFF ROAD
• Maximizes the vehicle's ability to traverse dif-
ficult terrain or poor roads.
In this mode, ground clearance 4
is high, steering
is light, and all-wheel drive and Hill Descent
Control are activated.
This drive mode is only available at low speeds,
up to 40 km/h (25 mph). If this speed is excee-
ded, Off road mode will be cancelled and AWD
mode will be activated instead.
All-wheel drive requires both the combustion and
electric motor to be in continuous operation,
which results in higher fuel consumption.
In Off road mode, a compass will be displayed
between the speedometer and the tachometer in
the instrument panel. The permissible speed
range will be shown in the speedometer.
This drive mode is optimized for maximum control
when driving at low speeds on very poor roads or
difficult terrain. It raises the chassis 4
, reduces
driveline throttle response, and locks the vehicle
in all-wheel drive. The Hill Descent Control func-
tion facilitates controlled driving on steep down-
grades.NOTE This drive mode is not designed to be used
for normal street driving.
NOTE
Due to the increased ground clearance, if the
OFF ROAD mode was selected when the
engine was switched off, the suspension will
lower when the engine is restarted.
CAUTION
Do not use the OFF ROAD drive mode when
towing a trailer without an electrical connec-
tion. This could result in damage to the pneu-
matic suspension system's bellows.
AWD
•
Improves the vehicle's traction and handling
by increasing all-wheel drive.
This drive mode locks the vehicle in all-wheel
drive. An optimal distribution between front and
rear axle torque helps provide the best possible
control, stability and traction, e.g. on slippery
roads or when towing a heavy trailer or another
vehicle. The AWD drive mode is always available
regardless of the hybrid battery's charge status. Both the combustion engine and the electric
motor are engaged to enable all-wheel drive,
which results in higher fuel consumption.
In the other drive modes, the vehicle automati-
cally adapts the need for all-wheel drive accord-
ing to the road surface, and can activate the elec-
tric motor or start the combustion engine as nee-
ded.
POWER
•
Power mode is designed to provide sportier
driving characteristics and a faster accelera-
tion response.
This drive mode maximizes the combined power
from the combustion engine and the electric
motor by providing power to both the front and
rear wheels. Gear shifting will be faster and more
distinct and the transmission will prioritize gears
with a higher traction force. Steering response is
faster, suspension is stiffer and ground clearance
is lower 4
to help reduce body roll when cornering.
Both the combustion engine and the electric
motor are engaged to enable all-wheel drive,
which results in higher fuel consumption.
This drive mode is optimized for maximum per-
formance and throttle response. It changes the
throttle response, gear shifting program and
turbo boost system. Chassis settings and steer-
ing and brake response are also optimized. The
Power drive mode is always available regardless
of the hybrid battery's charge status. 4
For vehicles with pneumatic suspension.

STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory.
450 Leveling control* and suspension
The vehicle's leveling control system adjusts the
suspension and shock absorbers automatically
to help provide good comfort and control while
driving. Leveling can also be controlled manually
to facilitate loading or getting in and out of the
vehicle.
Pneumatic suspension and shock
absorbers
The system is adapted to the selected drive
mode and vehicle speed. The pneumatic suspen-
sion reduces the vehicle's ground clearance at
higher speeds to reduce air resistance and
increase stability. The shock absorbers are nor-
mally set to provide the best possible comfort and are adjusted continuously according to the
road surface and the vehicle's acceleration, brak-
ing and cornering.
The instrument panel indicates
when the suspension level is
being adjusted. The level cannot be adjusted when any of the
side doors or the tailgate is open.
ParkingWhen parking, make sure that there is adequate
space above and below the vehicle since ground
clearance may vary depending on e.g. ambient
temperature, how the vehicle is loaded, if loading
mode is used, which drive mode is selected after
the engine is started, etc.
The level may also be adjusted a period after the
vehicle is parked. This is to compensate for any
height changes that may occur due to tempera-
ture changes in the air springs when the vehicle
cools.
TransportingWhen transporting the vehicle on a ferry, train or
truck, only secure (lash) the vehicle around the
tires, not using any other parts of the chassis.
Changes in the pneumatic suspension may occur
during transport, which could adversely affect the
lashing and result in damage.

STARTING AND DRIVING
}}
* Option/accessory. 477Remove the cover - press the marker with
your finger while prying open the opposite
side/corner open with a coin or similar.
>

The cover turns along its center line and
can then be removed. 3. Screw in the towing eyelet until it reaches its
stop. Fasten the eyelet securing by, for exam-
ple, inserting a lug wrench* through it and
using this as a lever.
CAUTION It is important that the towing eye is screwed
in securely as far as possible.
Removing the towing eyelet:
–
After use, unscrew the towing eyelet and
return it to its storage location.
Replace the cover on the bumper.
Related information
• Towing using a towline (p. 476)
• Recovery (p. 477)
• Tool kit (p. 564) Recovery
This section refers to transporting the vehicle
with a tow truck or similar vehicle. Call a professional towing service for assistance.
In certain conditions, the towing eyelet can be
used to pull the vehicle onto a flatbed tow truck.
CAUTION Note that vehicles with Twin Engine must
always be towed raised with all wheels on the
tow truck.
For vehicles equipped with leveling control*:
If the vehicle is equipped with pneumatic suspen-
sion, this feature must be turned off before the
vehicle is lifted onto a tow truck. Turning off the
function in the center display.
1. Tap Settings in the Top view.
2.

Tap My Car Parking Brake and
Suspension .
3. Select Disable Leveling Control.
The vehicle's location and ground clearance
determine if it can be lifted onto a tow truck. If
the incline of the tow truck is too steep or if the
ground clearance under the vehicle is insufficient,
attempting to pull it up may result in damage. In
this case, the vehicle should only be lifted with
the tow truck's lifting equipment.

WHEELS AND TIRES
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* Option/accessory. 569
1.

Clean the contact surfaces between the
wheel and the wheel hub.
2. Lift the wheel into place. Tighten the wheel bolts securely.
Do not grease the wheel bolt threads.
3. Lower the vehicle so that the wheel cannot rotate.
4. Tighten the wheel bolts in a crisscross pat- tern (as shown in illustration). It is important
that the wheel bolts are securely tightened.
Tighten to a torque of 140 Nm (103 ft.lbs.).
Use a torque wrench to check torque. 5. Press the plastic covers onto the wheel bolts.
WARNING The wheel bolts may need to be tightened
again several days after a wheel change.
Temperature fluctuations and vibrations can
cause them to loosen slightly.
NOTE
•
After inflating a tire, always replace the
valve cap to help prevent valve damage
caused by gravel, dirt, etc.
• Use plastic valve caps only. Metal caps
could corrode and become difficult to
remove.
Related information
•
Leveling control settings* (p. 453)
• When changing wheels (p. 564)
• Hoisting the vehicle (p. 605)
• Jack* (p. 565)
• Tool kit (p. 564)
• Removing a wheel (p. 566) Spare wheel
11
The spare wheel is a Temporary spare and can
be used to temporarily replace a punctured tire
on one of the vehicle's regular wheels. The spare tire is only intended for temporary use.
Replace it with a normal wheel as soon as possi-
ble.
The driving characteristics of the vehicle change
and ground clearance reduces when the spare
wheel is used. Do not wash the vehicle in an
automatic car wash while using the Temporary
Spare.
The recommended tire pressure must be main-
tained regardless of at which position the tempo-
rary spare wheel is used on the vehicle.
If the spare wheel is damaged, a new one can be
purchased from a Volvo retailer.
WARNING Current legislation prohibits the use of the
"Temporary Spare" tire other than as a tem-
porary replacement for a punctured tire. It
must be replaced as soon as possible by a
standard tire. Road holding and handling may
be affected with the "Temporary Spare" in
use. Do not drive faster than 80 km/h
(50 mph).
11
Not available on all models.

||WHEELS AND TIRES
* Option/accessory.
570
WARNING •
The vehicle must never be driven with
more than one "Temporary spare" tire
mounted.
• Driving with a spare wheel may alter the
driving characteristics of the vehicle.
Replace the spare wheel with a normal
wheel as soon as possible.
• The spare wheel is smaller than the nor-
mal wheel, which affects the vehicle's
ground clearance. Watch for high curbs
and do not wash the vehicle in an auto-
matic car wash when a spare wheel is
mounted.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommended
tire inflation pressure for the spare wheel.
• On all-wheel drive vehicles, the drive on
the rear axle can be disconnected.
• If the spare wheel is mounted on the
front axle, snow chains must not be used.
• The spare wheel must not be repaired.
CAUTION The vehicle must not be driven with wheels of
different dimensions or with a spare tire other
than the one that came with the vehicle. The
use of different size wheels can seriously
damage your vehicle's transmission.
Related information
•
When changing wheels (p. 564)
• Recommended tire pressure (p. 559) Accessing the spare wheel
Follow these instructions regarding handling the
spare wheel. The spare wheel is stored in a bag and should be
secured with two straps onto the floor of the
trunk/cargo compartment when the vehicle is
being driven
12
. The straps should be strapped
down crosswise over the wheel, attached to the
load anchoring eyelets and pulled taut.
Wheel changing tools are located under the
cargo compartment floor.
Related information
• Spare wheel (p. 569)