Volvo S80 Quiz
Driver assistance

Active chassis - Four C*. Adjustable steering effort*. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - General. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - Operation

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
~5min read

The Four C active chassis in the Volvo S80 (2nd generation, 2013–2016) allows the damping to be individually adjusted to different driving situations. This section explains the Comfort, Sport and Advanced modes and their areas of use. In addition, the electronic stability control (ESC) is described with its functions and symbols. Notes on selecting Sport mode and on correct use of the power steering round off the information.

Active chassis - Four C*

The Four C active chassis (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept) controls the characteristics of the shock absorbers so that the driving characteristics of the vehicle can be adjusted. There are three settings: Comfort, Sport and Advanced.

Comfort

With this setting, the vehicle feels more comfortable on rough and uneven road surfaces. The
damping is soft and the body movements are compliant and pleasant.

Sport

With this setting, the vehicle has a more sporty character. This setting is recommended for a more active driving style. The steering responds faster than in the Comfort setting. The damping is set firmer and the body follows the road surface to reduce body roll when cornering.

Advanced

This setting is only recommended on truly level and flat road surfaces.

The shock absorbers are optimized for maximum traction, and body roll when cornering is further reduced.

Operation

Bedientasten.
Control buttons.

Use the control buttons on the center console to select the desired chassis settings. The settings that were in use when the engine was switched off are reactivated at the next start. Exception: if Advanced is selected, the system restarts in Sport.

Adjustable steering effort*

The speed-sensitive power steering ensures that the steering wheel resistance increases as the vehicle speed rises, giving the driver improved road feel.

Higher steering resistance is felt on motorways. When parking and at low speeds, the steering wheel moves easily and with little
effort.

For improved road holding or steering responsiveness, the driver can select one of three steering effort levels in the MY CAR menu system, MY CAR.

  • Go to Steering effort level and select Low, Medium or High.

This setting is not available while the vehicle is moving.

CAUTION

In certain situations, the power steering may overheat and must then be cooled temporarily. During this time, the power steering assistance is reduced, and turning the steering wheel may feel somewhat slower.

When power steering assistance is temporarily reduced, a message is shown in the instrument cluster.

Related information

- MY CAR

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - General

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) helps the driver prevent the vehicle from skidding and improves drivability.

When braking, ESC intervention may be felt as a pulsating noise. When accelerating, the vehicle may accelerate more slowly than expected.

WARNING

Electronic Stability Control is a supplementary assistance function - it cannot resolve every situation in all road conditions.

The driver is always responsible for operating the vehicle safely and for complying with applicable laws and traffic regulations.

The ESC system has the following functions:

  • Traction control
  • Traction control function
  • Traction control

Traction control

To stabilize the vehicle, the function individually controls the drive and braking force of the wheels.

Traction control function

The function prevents the driven wheels from spinning when accelerating.

Traction control

The function is active at low speeds and transfers drive force from a spinning drive wheel to the non-spinning drive wheel.

Related information

  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - Operation
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - Symbols and messages

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - Operation

Selecting the level - Sport mode

The ESC system is always active and cannot be switched off.

However, the driver can select Sport mode, which allows a more active driving experience.

Select Sport mode in the MY CAR menu system. For a description of the menu system, see MY CAR.

In Sport mode, the system detects whether accelerator pedal, steering wheel movements and cornering are more active than during normal driving, and then allows controlled rear-end slide up to a certain level before intervening and stabilizing the vehicle.

If the driver ends a controlled slide, for example by releasing the accelerator pedal, the ESC system intervenes and stabilizes the vehicle.

In Sport mode, maximum traction is also achieved when the vehicle is stuck or driving on loose ground, for example in sand or deep snow.

Sport mode is shown in the instrument cluster by this symbol lighting up until the driver deactivates the function again or the engine is switched off. After the next engine start, the ESC system returns to normal mode.

Related information

  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - General
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - Symbols and messages

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - Symbols and messages

Table

Symbol

Message

Meaning
ESC Temporarily OFF The ESC system has been temporarily restricted due to excessive brake disc temperature. The function is automatically reactivated once the brakes have cooled down.
ESC Service required The ESC system is
not operational.
  • Stop in a safe place, switch off the engine, and then restart it.
  • Contact a workshop if the message continues to be displayed. A Volvo authorized dealer is recommended.
"Message" A message appears in the instrument cluster - read it!
Lights continuously for 2 seconds. System check when the engine starts.
Flashes. The ESC system is intervening.
The lamp lights continuously. Sport mode is activated.
CAUTION! In this mode the ESC system is not switched off, but only partially reduced.

Related information

  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - General
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - Operation

The Four C active chassis, adjustable steering effort and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) of the Volvo S80 (2nd gen) provide a safe and dynamic driving experience. Thanks to individual adjustment options, the driving behavior can be optimally matched to the driver's needs.

Whether Comfort, Sport or Advanced, the chassis offers the right setting for every situation. The ESC functions support the driver on difficult road surfaces and increase driving stability.

FAQ

What does Sport mode do for ESC?
It allows a more active driving experience with later intervention by the system, but it always remains active to support vehicle stability.

When does the ESC system switch to Normal mode?
After the engine is switched off, Sport mode is deactivated, and the system starts in Normal mode the next time it is switched on.

Test yourself

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