Being able to adjust your drive mode affects your vehicle's driving characteristics to make driving more enjoyable or easier in certain situations. Please see a list of the characteristics that may change with each mode:

Steering

Engine/transmission/All Wheel Drive

Brakes

Suspension control

Instrument panel

Start/Stop

Climate settings

The different drive modes available are:

Pure mode

Pure mode uses solely electric battery power for the most efficient and clean driving.  The battery powers the rear axle's electric motor and reduces certain climate functions.  When the battery power is depleted, the gas engine will kick on and the T8 automatically defaults back to Hybrid mode.  The car's dynamic performance is reduced and the engine, gearbox and climate systems are set to Eco mode.  During hard acceleration the gas engine will start automatically.  Pure mode is active at speeds up to 78 mph and when the battery is depleted, the vehicle will switch over to the most possible hybrid driving, preferring the electric motor whenever possible.

Note: To restart climate system functions at full power, press the AUTO or defrost buttons

Constant AWD mode

AWD mode engages all 4 wheels and both the electric and gas motor to increase traction and road handling.   It is designed for use mainly at lower speeds in slippery driving conditions such as ice and snow. While AWD is constantly available, it is designed for use mainly at lower speeds in slippery driving conditions such as ice and show as this mode reduces fuel economy.

Power mode

In this mode, the gas engine and the electric motor are working in parallel to ensure the strongest performance, sporty characteristics and quick response.  This also means that both the front and rear wheels are continuously driven.  During active driving, the use of lower gears is prioritized for great throttle response.  The steering is more responsive, and the accelerator and brake pedals provide a quicker more immediate response.  While this is not the most efficient drive mode in terms of consumption, it does offer the driver the opportunity to have some fun and really feel that total output of 400 hp!

Individual mode

Stores your personal preferences.  Select one of the other drive modes as a base and adjust the settings to your preferences.

To set your Individual mode:

Tap the tab on top edge of the Sensus screen (you will see Settings or Owner's Manual)

Select Settings

Select My Car

Select Individual Drive Mode to check the box

From here you can select your preferences

To select a drive mode:

Press the DRIVE MODE wheel in the tunnel console.

The menu will open in the center display

Roll the wheel upward or downward to select the appropriate drive mode (You can also select your driving mode by tapping the corresponding button on the center Sensus display)

Press the wheel again to select the mode

Note: The vehicle will start in the default drive mode (Hybrid) upon each start up unless the T8 was turned off in off road mode.