sports mode operation

[Tannaton]

In normal driving (i.e. not in geartronic mode) you will not experience any significant engine braking as although the torque converter may be locked, the default behaviour of the gearbox is to keep the engine RPM as low as practical so when breaking (i.e. car moving under own momentum) it will select the highest gear it can whilst keeping the engine RPM in range (i.e. above tickover), but this will then provide little to no engine braking.

[apersson850]

Yes, but shifting to S mode does indeed provide a lower gear (most of the time) and more aggressive converter lockup on my car. I use it frequently when towing a trailer, for example, as there's more momentum within the vehicle combination then, rather than just having the car alone.

My gearbox has had a couple of software updates, to fix some other issues. Perhaps that also included some other strategies for S mode? I don't know that, just guessing.

[Tatsfield]

Originally Posted by Tannaton

In normal driving (i.e. not in geartronic mode) you will not experience any significant engine braking as although the torque converter may be locked, the default behaviour of the gearbox is to keep the engine RPM as low as practical so when breaking (i.e. car moving under own momentum) it will select the highest gear it can whilst keeping the engine RPM in range (i.e. above tickover), but this will then provide little to no engine braking.

Just to eliminate any possible misunderstanding. My comments about the auto box not immediately down shifting applies to moving the selector into the S position. All your comments are absolutely true about driving the car without selecting the S mode position for the selector but sadly they are also true of the way my auto box works when the S position is selected. S mode only holds down gears when accelerating on my car and doesn't force any down shifts at all. The box seems to act pretty much the same way in S mode as it does in standard as far at down shifting for engine braking is concerned. I've experienced how it should behave with ZF sports auto boxes and the AW box on my car is a disappointment.

I will take it to the main dealer and tell them what aperson850 says in the hope that a software update has been missed and that it can be introduced now.

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by Tatsfield

Just to eliminate any possible misunderstanding. My comments about the auto box not immediately down shifting applies to moving the selector into the S position. All your comments are absolutely true about driving the car without selecting the S mode position for the selector but sadly they are also true of the way my auto box works when the S position is selected. S mode only holds down gears when accelerating on my car and doesn't force any down shifts at all. The box seems to act pretty much the same way in S mode as it does in standard as far at down shifting for engine braking is concerned. I've experienced how it should behave with ZF sports auto boxes and the AW box on my car is a disappointment.

I will take it to the main dealer and tell them what aperson850 says in the hope that a software update has been missed and that it can be introduced now.

Noted - and to be clear I was referring largely to normal driving mode...

[apersson850]

Tatsfield, what happens if you drive in D mode, at some intermediate speed, then shift to S and make sure you keep the accelerator at the same level? Don't press neither more not less.

I can add that although my dear lady drives the 2016 D4 most of the time, I've been driving it the last few days. I tested the S mode on that one too today. It behaves the same as it does with the D5.

If I drive at, say, 90 km/h and select S, the car shifts down to fifth gear. Due to the different accelerator mapping, I have to let go a bit on the pedal to prevent the car from increasing the speed. If I ease of enough to just maintain 90 km/h, then after a little while, it will go back to sixth gear.

Just come over to Sweden and I'll make sure you can try our cars too, so you can tell if there's any difference!

[Tatsfield]

That's a great offer! When the pandemic is finally over it may well happen as I have business contacts in Sweden that need a visit. Meanwhile I need to see if the transmission software is correctly installed and up to date. However first I have an issue with one of my 4C shock absorbers and when that's done I will take up the auto box problem.

[apersson850]

I recorded a video of how our XC70 2016 D4 reacts when shifted in and out of sports mode. If I get an e-mail address, I can provide an upload of it.

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by apersson850

I recorded a video of how our XC70 2016 D4 reacts when shifted in and out of sports mode. If I get an e-mail address, I can provide an upload of it.

Is that a AWD car with the 6 speed box or a 2WD with the 8 speed?

[apersson850]

AWD with 6-speed box.