How to Use the XTS Paddle Shifters?
3 Answers
When the vehicle is idling or in motion, select manual mode by shifting the gear lever to "D," "M," or "S." At this point, the onboard computer will display the corresponding gear information, and you can then use the paddle shifters to upshift or downshift. The operation is very simple. Below are three common scenarios for using the paddle shifters: 1. Overtaking: When driving in the city, overtaking is often necessary. With paddle shifters, there's no need to switch to manual mode to downshift. Simply flick the paddle to downshift and accelerate. This is particularly useful for quick acceleration when overtaking, as the extra power allows you to swiftly pass the vehicle ahead. After overtaking, you can quickly upshift using the paddle shifters. 2. Descending Hills: When going down a long slope, using a lower gear in manual mode can help maintain a stable speed without the need for frequent or prolonged braking. This is clearly more comfortable and safer than descending in "D" mode. 3. Off-Roading: When off-roading, it's important to keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times. With paddle shifters, gear changes can be made directly from the steering wheel without needing to reach for the gear lever, making it safer. Additionally, using the manual mode's downshift function on icy or snowy roads can help prevent skidding caused by sudden braking.
I remember thinking it was pretty cool the first time I used the XTS paddle shifters. There's a small paddle on the left side of the steering wheel, marked with a minus sign, and the right paddle has a plus sign. Normally, when driving in automatic D mode, moving the paddles doesn't change anything; but if you switch to manual mode or sport S mode, you can shift gears manually. For example, when overtaking, I pull the left paddle to downshift, the engine revs higher, and acceleration becomes quicker; when climbing a hill, downshifting gives the car more power. Occasionally using them during high-speed driving adds some fun, but don't overdo it—it can be tiring and distracting. Most of the time, automatic mode is simpler, while manual mode suits specific situations. Once you get used to it, it feels much more convenient than traditional gear levers and reduces the time your hands are off the wheel, making driving safer and smoother. In short, start by trying S mode, then experiment with the paddles—you'll love the sense of control.
As a novice driver, the paddle shifters on the XTS gave me a pleasant surprise. Simply put, the paddles are on the steering wheel—left for downshifting and right for upshifting. First, you need to shift into manual mode (e.g., by pushing into S gear), and then the paddles become active after pressing the accelerator. I often practice on less crowded city roads: downshifting with the left paddle for a quick power boost when overtaking, or upshifting to let the engine slow down when going downhill. Be careful not to fiddle with the paddles in heavy traffic, as it’s easy to make mistakes. At first, it felt unfamiliar, but after a few tries, it became second nature. It gives an automatic car a manual-like feel without sacrificing convenience. I recommend beginners find an open area to practice with the paddles and get a feel for the RPM changes. The key is timing the gear shifts right—otherwise, the engine might roar uncomfortably. Once you get the hang of it, driving feels more confident, and this manual mode offers better control than full automatic.
