I’m trying to figure out the practical implications of the drive modes in this plug-in hybrid. The manual says “All-wheel drive reacts differently depending on which drive mode is selected.” So what does that mean?

My understanding is that there is a gas motor and electric motor driving the front, and the electric in the back is called up when needed.

How does AWD call up function when in Hybrid, Full Electric, Polestar modes? Is it different or all the same? Does driving in Brake (regenerative) mode affect the traction.

My question arises from driving in different winter conditions; snow, ice and black ice, especially on high speed highway driving. I’m coming off of driving Benzes for decades, with the solid German road feel. I just drove from Calgary to Victoria in melting snow, black ice and rain, and just didn’t feel quite as confident. But that might not be justified. Understanding how it operates might help.

 

Hello DrSKWR,

You are correct that each drive mode changes how the power is delivered and if it is on 0%, 1%-99%, or 100% of the time. I own a 2018 XC90 T8 and my drive modes are Constant all wheel drive, Pure, Hybrid, Individual, Performance, and off-Road.

Each mode has its own unique driving profile. When driving in snow I keep it in Constant all wheel drive so that all wheels are engaged which means you are using both Gas and electric. Performance is the same but it amps up the electric power and transmission shifts hold longer. The Suspension tights up along with the steering feel.

Hybrid will prioritize the best balance of gas and electric depending on your situation.

Pure is electric only until you press the accelerate hard enough to kick the engine on or you run low on KWs.

Finally individual is a setup that is based on one of the previous drive modes that you can change the steering, suspension, and throttle response to suit your specific dynamics.

Hope this helps.

 

Just to clarify, my understanding (at least on my 2025 S60 T8 PHEV -- is it different on Polestar models?) is that the ICE powers the front wheels and the electric motor powers the rear wheels. I am not aware of any electric power delivered to the front. Regarding drive modes, I do not have as many options as you, but I definitely felt better control this winter when I remembered to switch to Full-time AWD in snow and ice. I tend to keep the shifter in B mode all the time and have gotten accustomed to the feel of one-pedal driving.