Changing gear
The automatic transmission shifts to the indi-
vidual gears automatically when it is in trans-
mission position D.Gearshifting is deter-
mined by:
R a shift range restriction, if selected
R the selected drive program( Ypage 157)
R the position of the accelerator pedal
R the road speed Driving tips
Accelerator pedal position Your style of driving influences how the auto-
matic transmission shifts gear:
R little throttle: early upshifts
R more throttle: late upshifts
AMG vehicles When shifting down, the double-clutch func-
tion is active regardless of the currently selec-
ted drive program. The double-clutch function
reduces load change reactions and is condu-
cive to a sporty driving style. The sound gen-
erated by the double-clutc hfunction depends
on the drive program selected.
Kickdown Use kickdown for maximum acceleration.
X
Depress the accelerato rpedal beyond the
pressure point.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.
X Ease off the accelerator pedal once the
desired speed is reached.
The automatic transmission shifts back up.
Towing atrailer X
Drive in the middle of the engine speed
range on uphill gradients.
X Shift down to shift range 3or
2(Y page 159) depending on the uphill or downhill gradient, eve
nifcruise control,
DISTRONIC PLUS or SPEEDTRONIC is acti-
vated. Program selector button
General notes Example
:program selector button
X Press progra mselecto rbutton :repeat-
edly until the lette rfor the desired gearshift
program appears in the multifunction dis-
play.
The program selector button allows you to
choose between different driving character-
istics. E
Economy Comfortable, economical
driving
S
Sport Sporty driving style
M
Manual Manual gearshifting
i
For further information on the automatic
drive program, see (Y page 158).
i The automatic transmission switches to
automatic drive program Eeach time the
engine is started. Automatic transmission
157Driving and parking Z