Volvo S80 Quiz
Driver assistance

Distance alert*

In this manual: Driver assistance
Introduction — 9Safety — 9Instruments and controls — 29Climate control — 12Loading and storage. Storage compartments. Center console. Glove compartment. Center console 12 V socket — 1Loading and storage. Loading. Loading - ski hatch. Roof load. Cargo tie-down eyes — 1Loading and storage. Loading - shopping bag holder*. 12 V socket in luggage compartment* — 1Locks and Alarm System — 14Driver assistance — 33Starting and driving — 29Wheels and tires — 15Care and Service — 24Technical data. Type designations. Weights. Towing weight and nose weight. Engine technical data — 1Technical data. Engine oil - severe operating conditions. Engine oil - quality and capacity. Coolant - quality and capacity. Transmission fluid - quality and capacity — 1Technical Data. Technical data for the air conditioning system. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Tires - approved tire pressure — 1
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The Distance Alert in the Volvo S80 (2nd generation, 2013–2016) helps maintain the correct distance to the vehicle ahead. This section explains when the alert becomes active and how it is signaled by symbols. It also describes how to operate it using the center console or the menu system. Notes on setting the time gap help you adjust precisely to the traffic situation.

Distance Alert warns the driver when the distance to the vehicle ahead becomes too short.

Distance Alert is active at speeds above 30 km/h and only responds to vehicles ahead of your own vehicle travelling in the same direction. No distance information is given for oncoming, slow-moving or stationary vehicles.

Orangefarbenes Warnlicht12.
Orange warning light12.

An orange warning light in the windshield lights up continuously when the distance to the vehicle ahead is shorter than the set time gap.

12 Caution! The illustration is schematic. Details may vary depending on the vehicle model.

CAUTION

Distance Alert is disabled while adaptive cruise control is active.

WARNING

Distance Alert only responds when the distance to the vehicle ahead is shorter than the preset value. It does not affect the speed of your own vehicle.

Operation

Handhabung

Press the button in the center console to switch the function on or off. The lit lamp in the button indicates that the function is switched on.

Certain combinations of optional equipment leave no free space for a button in the center console. In this case, the function is operated via the MY CAR menu system. Select the Distance Alert function there.

Set time gap

Zeitabstand einstellen
Control and symbol for time gap.

  1. Time gap - increase/decrease.
  2. Time gap - On.

Different time gaps to the vehicle ahead can be set. They are shown in the instrument cluster as 1–5 horizontal bars. The more bars, the greater the time gap. One bar corresponds to approx. 1 second to the vehicle ahead, 5 bars to approx. 3 seconds.

The same symbol is also shown when adaptive cruise control is activated.

CAUTION

The higher the speed, the greater the distance in meters for a given time gap.

The set time gap is also used by the adaptive cruise control function.

Only use time gaps that are permitted under local traffic regulations.

Related information

  • Distance alert* - Limitations
  • Distance alert* - Symbols and messages

The distance alert on the Volvo S80 (2nd gen.) helps you keep a safe distance by warning you when the time gap falls below the preset value. An orange warning light appears in the windshield to alert the driver.

The function works from 30 km/h and only for vehicles travelling in the same direction. It complements adaptive cruise control and helps improve safety on the road.

Volvo thus relies on preventive technology that actively supports the driver without taking control away from them.

Test yourself

A quick Volvo S80 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.