
speed of the vehicle to the previously
stored speed.
Setting a speed G
WARNING
Keep in mind that it may take a brief moment
until the vehicle has made the necessary
adjustments.
Increase
or decrease the set vehicle speed to
a value that the prevailing road conditions and
legal speed limits permit. Otherwise, sudden
and unexpected acceleration or deceleration
of the vehicle could cause an accident and/
or serious injury to you and others. X
Press the cruise control lever up : for a
higher
speed or down ; for a lower speed.
X To adjust the set speed in 1 mph
increments
(1 km/h increments): briefly
press the cruise control lever up : or
down ; to the pressure point.
Every time the cruise control lever is
pressed up : or down ; the last speed
stored is increased or reduced.
X To adjust the set speed in 5 mph
increments (10 km/h increments):
press the cruise control lever up : or
down ; to beyond the pressure point.
Every time the cruise control lever is
pressed up : or down ; the last speed
stored is increased or reduced.
i Cruise control is not deactivated if you
depress the accelerator pedal. For
example, if you accelerate briefly to overtake, cruise control adjusts the
vehicle's speed to the last speed stored
after you have finished overtaking.
Deactivating cruise control There are several ways to deactivate cruise
control:
X
Briefly press the cruise control lever
forwards :.
or
X Brake.
Cruise control is automatically deactivated if:
R you depress the parking brake.
R you are driving at less than
20 mph
(30 km/h).
R ESP ®
intervenes or you deactivate ESP ®
.
R you shift the transmission to position N
while driving.
If cruise control is deactivated, you will hear
a warning tone. You will see the Cruise
Control Off message in the multifunction
display for approximately five seconds.
i When you switch off the engine, the last
speed stored is cleared. DISTRONIC PLUS
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Hybrid vehicles: be sure to read the "HYBRID"
supplement. Otherwise, you could fail to
recognize dangers. Driving systems
185
Driving and parking Z

to maintain the preset distance to the vehicle
in front.
If you want DISTRONIC PLUS to assist you,
the radar sensor system must be activated
(Y page 241) and operational.
If there is no vehicle in front, DISTRONIC
PLUS operates in the same way as cruise
control in the speed range between 20 mph
(Canada:
30 km/h) and120 mph (Canada:
200 km/h). If a vehicle is driving in front of
you, it operates in the speed range between
0 mph (0 km/h) and 120 mph (Canada:
200 km/h).
Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS while driving on
roads with steep gradients.
As DISTRONIC PLUS transmits radar waves,
it can resemble the radar detectors of the
responsible authorities. You can refer to the
relevant chapter in the Operator's Manual if
questions are asked about this.
i USA only:
This device has been approved by the FCC
as a “Vehicular Radar System”. The radar
sensor is intended for use in an automotive
radar system only. Removal, tampering, or
altering of the device will void any
warranties, and is not permitted by the
FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use in
any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
i Canada only: This device complies with
RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Removal, tampering, or altering of the
device will void any warranties and is not
permitted. Do not tamper with, alter, or use
the device in any non-approved way. Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
Cruise control lever :
To store the current speed or a higher
speed
; To store the current speed or a lower
speed
= To deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS
? To store the current speed or calling up
the last stored speed
A To set the specified minimum distance
Activating DISTRONIC PLUS Important safety notes
G
WARNING
The vehicle can be braked when DISTRONIC
PLUS
is activated. For this reason, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS if the vehicle is to be set in
motion by other means (e.g. in a car wash or
by towing).
Activation conditions
In order to activate DISTRONIC PLUS, the
following conditions must be fulfilled:
R the engine must be started. It may take up
to two minutes after pulling away before
DISTRONIC PLUS is operational.
R the parking brake must be released.
R ESP ®
must be active, but not intervening.
R the transmission must be in position D.
R the hood must be closed.188
Driving systems
Driving and parking

or if the vehicle in front is no longer
detected.
R ESP ®
intervenes or you deactivate ESP ®
.
R the
transmission is in the P, R or N position.
R you switch off the radar sensor system
(Y page 241).
R you pull the cruise control lever towards
you in order to pull away and the front-
passenger door or one of the rear doors is
open.
R the vehicle has skidded.
If DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated, you will
hear a warning tone. You will see the
DISTRONIC PLUS Off message in the
multifunction display for approximately five
seconds.
Tips for driving with DISTRONIC PLUS Important safety notes
G
WARNING
The DISTRONIC PLUS works to maintain the
speed
selected by the driver unless a moving
obstacle proceeding directly ahead of it in the
same travel direction is detected (e.g.
following another vehicle ahead of you at your
set distance).
This means that:
R Your vehicle can pass another vehicle after
you have changed lanes.
R While in a sharp turn or if the preceding
vehicle is in a sharp turn, the DISTRONIC
PLUS could lose sight of the preceding
vehicle. Your vehicle could then accelerate
to the previously selected speed.
The DISTRONIC PLUS regulates only the
distance between your vehicle and those
directly ahead of it. It may not register
stationary objects in the road, e.g.:
R a stopped vehicle in a traffic jam
R a disabled vehicle
R an oncoming vehicle The driver must always be alert, observe all
traffic
and intercede as required by means of
steering or braking the vehicle. G
WARNING
The DISTRONIC PLUS should not be used in
snowy or icy road conditions.
The
following contains descriptions of certain
road and traffic conditions in which you must
be particularly attentive. In such situations,
brake if necessary. DISTRONIC PLUS is then
deactivated.
Cornering, going into and coming out of a
bend The ability of DISTRONIC PLUS to detect
vehicles when cornering is limited. Your
vehicle may brake unexpectedly or late.
Vehicles traveling on a different line
DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect vehicles
traveling on a different line. The distance to
the vehicle in front will be too short. Driving systems
195
Driving and parking Z

multifunction display. Immediately depress
the
brake firmly until the warning message in
the multifunction display goes out. RACE START
Important safety notes G
WARNING
RACE START is only available when SPORT
handling mode is activated. SPORT handling
mode only stabilizes the vehicle to a limited
extent in the event of swerving or wheelspin.
RACE
START should only be used on specially
designated roads. Always adapt your speed
and driving style to the prevailing road and
weather conditions.
i RACE START is only available in AMG
vehicles.
RACE START enables optimal acceleration
from a standing start. The precondition for
this is a suitable high-grip road surface.
Conditions for activation You can activate RACE START if:
R
the doors are closed.
R the
engine is running and it has reached an
operating temperature of approximately
176 ‡ (80 †). This is the case when the
engine oil temperature in the multifunction
display stops flashing.
R SPORT handling mode is activated.
(Y page 70)
R the steering wheel is in the straight-ahead
position.
R the vehicle is stationary and the brake
pedal is depressed (left foot).
R the transmission is in position D. Activating RACE START X
Depress the brake pedal with your left foot
and keep it depressed.
X Turn the drive program selector clockwise
(Y page 165) until the RS lamp lights up.
The RACE START Confirm: Paddle UP
Cancel: Paddle DOWN message appears
in the multifunction display.
i If the activation conditions are no longer
fulfilled, RACE START is canceled. The
RACE START Canceled message appears
in the multifunction display.
X To cancel: pull the left steering wheel
paddle shifter
(Y page 166).
or
X To confirm: pull the right steering wheel
paddle shifter
(Y page 166).
The RACE START Available Depress
gas pedal message appears in the
multifunction display.
i If you do not depress the accelerator
pedal fully within two seconds, RACE
START
is canceled. The RACE START Not
Possible See Operator's Manual
message appears in the multifunction
display.
X Fully depress the accelerator pedal.
The engine speed rises to approximately
3500 rpm.
The RACE START Release brake to
start message appears in the
multifunction display.
i If you do not release the brake pedal
within five seconds, RACE START is
canceled. The RACE START Canceled
message appears in the multifunction
display.
X Take your foot off the brake, but keep the
accelerator pedal depressed.
The vehicle pulls away at maximum
acceleration.
The RACE
START Active message appears
in the multifunction display. 198
Driving systems
Driving and parking

RACE START is deactivated when the vehicle
reaches a speed of approximately
30 mph
(Canada: 50 km/h). Drive program S+ is
activated. SPORT handling mode remains
activated.
RACE START is deactivated immediately if
you release the accelerator pedal during
RACE START or if any of the activation
conditions are no longer fulfilled. The RACE
START Not Possible See Operator's
Manual message appears in the multifunction
display.
i If RACE START is used repeatedly within
a short period of time, it is only available
again after the vehicle has been driven a
certain distance. AIRMATIC
Vehicle level Important safety notes
Your vehicle regulates its height
automatically.
All-round level control ensures
the best possible suspension and constant
ground clearance, even with a laden vehicle.
When you drive fast, the vehicle is lowered
automatically to improve driving safety and to
reduce fuel consumption.
The following vehicle levels are possible:
R normal
R raised: the vehicle is raised by about
0.80 in (20 mm) when compared with the
normal level
R lowered: the vehicle is lowered by about
0.40 in (10 mm) when compared with the
normal level
The "Normal" and "Raised" vehicle levels can
be set manually.
The "Lowered” vehicle level is set
automatically:
R at speeds above 70 mph (113 km/h)
R if you have selected "Sports tuning"
(Y page 200) Setting the vehicle level G
WARNING
To help avoid personal injury, keep hands and
feet away from wheel housing area, and stay
away from under the vehicle when lowering
the vehicle chassis.
Select the "Normal" setting for normal road
surfaces and "Raised" for driving with snow
chains or on particularly poor road surfaces.
Your selection remains stored even if you
remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
Setting raised level X
Start the engine.
If indicator lamp ; is not lit:
X Press button :.
Indicator lamp ; lights up. The vehicle
height is adjusted to raised level.
The Vehicle Rising message appears in
the display.
The "Raised level" setting is canceled if you:
R drive
at speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h)
R drive for about three minutes at speeds
above 50 mph (80 km/h).
The "Raised level" remains active when you
are not driving within these speed ranges.
Setting the normal level
X Start the engine. Driving systems
199
Driving and parking Z

4MATIC (permanent four-wheel drive)
G
WARNING
If a drive wheel is spinning due to insufficient
traction:
R While driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
4MATIC cannot prevent accidents resulting
from excessive speed.
! Never tow the vehicle with one axle
raised.
This may damage the transfer case.
Damage of this sort is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. All
wheels must remain either on the ground
or be fully raised. Observe the instructions
for towing the vehicle with all wheels in full
contact with the ground.
i In wintry driving conditions, the maximum
effect of 4MATIC can only be achieved if
you use winter tires (M+S tires), with snow
chains if necessary.
4MATIC ensures that all four wheels are
permanently driven. Together with ESP ®
, it
improves the traction of your vehicle
whenever a drive wheel spins due to
insufficient grip. PARKTRONIC
Important safety notes G
WARNING
The PARKTRONIC is a supplemental system.
It is not intended to, nor does it replace, the
need for extreme care. The responsibility
during parking and other critical maneuvers
always remains with the driver. G
WARNING
Make sure no persons or animals are in or
near the area in which you are parking/
maneuvering. Otherwise, they could be
injured.
PARKTRONIC
is an electronic parking aid with
ultrasonic sensors. It indicates visually and
audibly the distance between your vehicle
and an object.
PARKTRONIC is activated automatically when
you:
R switch on the ignition
R shift the transmission to position D, R or N
R release the parking brake
PARKTRONIC is deactivated at speeds above
11 mph (18km/h). It is reactivated at lower
speeds.
PARKTRONIC monitors the area around your
vehicle using six sensors in the front bumper
and four sensors in the rear bumper.
Range of the sensors General notes
!
When
parking, pay particular attention to
objects above or below the sensors, such
as flower pots or trailer drawbars.
PARKTRONIC does not detect such objects
when they are in the immediate vicinity of
the vehicle. You could damage the vehicle
or the objects.
The sensors may not detect snow and other
objects that absorb ultrasonic waves.
Ultrasonic sources such as an automatic
car wash, the compressed-air brakes on a
truck or a pneumatic drill could cause
PARKTRONIC to malfunction.
PARKTRONIC may not function correctly on
uneven terrain. 202
Driving systems
Driving and parking

When a parking space has been detected, an
arrow
towards the right = or the left : also
appears. Parking Guidance only displays
parking spaces on the front-passenger side
as standard. Parking spaces on the driver's
side are displayed as soon as the turn signal
on the driver's side is activated. To park on
the driver's side, you must leave the driver's
side turn signal switched on until you have
engaged reverse gear.
Parking Guidance will only detect parking
spaces:
R that are parallel to the direction of travel
R that are at least 5 ft (1.5 m) wide
R that are at least 4.3 ft (1.3 m) longer than
your vehicle
A parking space is displayed while you are
driving past it, and until you are
approximately 50 ft (15 m) away from it.
Parking Important safety notes
G
WARNING
The Parking Guidance is only an aid and may
not detect all obstacles. The Parking
Guidance does not relieve you of the
responsibility
to pay attention. You are always
responsible for safety and must continue to
pay attention to your immediate surroundings
when parking and maneuvering. Otherwise,
you could endanger yourself and others.
Moving the vehicle into the stop position X
Stop the vehicle when the parking space
symbol
shows the desired parking space in
the instrument cluster.
X Shift the transmission to position R.
The multifunction display shows the
Check Vehicle Surroundings Press
'OK' to Confirm message.
X Press the a
button on the multifunction
steering wheel to confirm.
The multifunction display switches to
Parking Guidance.
Depending on your distance from the
parking space, the Please Drive
Backward message will appear in the
multifunction display.
X If necessary, reverse towards the parking
space. This is indicated by an arrow
pointing backwards.
Continue
backing up until you hear a tone.
Stop – the parking position has been
reached. The arrow is white.
The Please Steer Wheel to the
Right or Please Steer Wheel to the
Left message appears in the multifunction
display.
Backing up into the parking space X
While the vehicle is stationary, turn the
steering wheel in the specified direction
until
the arrow is white and a warning tone
sounds.
X To reverse into the parking space:
maintain the steering wheel angle and
reverse carefully.
X Stop as soon as you hear a warning tone,
The vehicle has reached the position in
which you need to countersteer. Driving systems
207
Driving and parking Z

The Please Steer Wheel to the Left
or Please Steer Wheel to the Right
message appears in the multifunction
display.
X Countersteering: while the vehicle is
stationary, turn the steering wheel in the
specified direction until the arrow is white
and a warning tone sounds.
X To reverse into the parking space:
maintain the steering wheel angle and
reverse carefully.
X Stop as soon as you hear a warning tone,
at
the latest when PARKTRONIC sounds the
continuous warning tone.
The Parking Guidance Finished
message appears in the multifunction
display and a tone sounds. You may be
asked to steer in a different direction and
then change gear. In this case, further
displays in the multifunction display will
direct you to the final position.
X Maneuver if necessary.
X Always observe the warning messages
displayed by PARKTRONIC
(Y page 203).
Canceling Parking Guidance X
Press the PARKTRONIC button on the
center console
(Y page 204).
Parking Guidance is canceled immediately
and PARKTRONIC is deactivated.
Parking Guidance is canceled automatically if
it is no longer possible to guide you into the
parking space, or if a malfunction occurs.
The parking space symbol goes out and a
warning tone sounds. The Parking
Guidance
Canceled message appears in the
multifunction display. Rear view camera
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Make sure that no persons or animals are in
the maneuvering range. Otherwise, they
could be injured.
General notes Example: Sedan
Rear
view camera : is an optical parking aid.
It shows the area behind your vehicle in the
COMAND display.
Rear view camera : is located in the handle
strip of the tailgate.
View through the camera G
WARNING
The rear view camera is only an aid and may
display obstacles
R from a distorted perspective
R inaccurately
R may not display obstacles at all
The rear view camera does not relieve you of
the responsibility to be cautious. Take care
and pay careful attention. The rear view
camera may not show objects which are
R very close to the rear bumper
R under the rear bumper
R above the tailgate handle208
Driving systems
Driving and parking