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How do I prepare my Volvo XC90 for driving in Europe?

I am trying to get my 2017 Volvo XC90 through the German Tüv (MoT). I am spending most of my time in Germany and wish to register my car in the country. However, given my Volvo is a modern vehicle with adaptive led lights I assumed this would be simple but it isn't.

Can you tell me how to solve these problems:

1. Whilst the digital imperial readouts can be switched to metric on the touch screen there is no option to make this the default.

2. The LED front lights can be switched from RHD to LHD on the touchscreen but not permanently (seems to be a holiday mode). I am told even in the mode the pattern is wrong for the continent.

3. Rear fog light is on the right and it needs to be on the left.

Asked on 20 September 2021 by Andrew Shapland

Answered by Dan Powell
1. Volvo say a software package for this change is currently under review by its technical department in Sweden. Until this software package is released, a Volvo retailer would need to make the change manually. However, this would have to be done within the country the car is ultimately going to be based in (Germany).

2. There are indeed different lights for RHD and LHD Volvo XC90s. This means you need new LEDs and software for the switch to be permanent.

3. It should be possible to change this with a wiring change – rather than replacing the actual lights – although again, any modifications would need to be carried out by a Volvo dealer in Germany.
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