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Hybrid functions and modes
Fig. 111 In the lower center console: EÊMODE button for extended electro-mode drive.
Fig. 112 Hybrid menu in the instrument cluster display: Current electric power level.
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switched off in this mode. Gentle start-ups (getting the vehicle going) and parking are also phases the
electrical motor can often handle alone.
The combustion engine is started if you accelerate faster or if the charge level of the high-voltage
battery gets too low. As soon as allowed by your acceleration and the high-voltage battery charge
level, the vehicle switches back to electrical motor drive.
Use the following indicators to tell when the vehicle is being powered electrically:
x Instrument cluster display.
x Infotainment System screen.
Extended electro-mode drive (EÊMODE)
By pressing the %
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Sailing
If the accelerator is not depressed and the lever is in position D, the combustion engine is switched off,
even at higher speeds. The vehicle then decelerates slower than conventional vehicles. This feature
can be used to help reduce fuel consumption when you keep traffic conditions in mind and can
anticipate the vehicle's power requirements. The instrument cluster powermeter shows zero.
Brake energy regeneration (Recuperation/charge)
When the vehicle brakes, the electrical energy is generated by the electric motor, which works as an
alternator and charges the high-voltage battery. The same thing occurs while the vehicle is coasting to
a stop or driving downhill.
Energy regeneration is shown in the instrument cluster display or on the Infotainment System screen.
The combustion engine may be switched off automatically in this situation. The instrument cluster
powermeter registers below zero.
Automatic starting - combustion engine
The combustion engine is started automatically in a number of situations.
x Engine temperature is too low.
x Catalytic converter temperature is too low.
x The high-voltage battery requires recharging.
x High-voltage battery is being charged at high rate when decelerating. The high-voltage battery
cannot absorb any more energy and for this reason the electric motor cannot brake the vehicle. The
combustion engine comes on to help slow the vehicle down (engine brake).
x Engine hood is open.
x Leaving the vehicle when the electric motor is still “live”. The status of the electric motor is not
always obvious, particularly when the combustion engine is not running. The combustion engine will
therefore start if the driver's safety belt is unlatched or the driver's door is opened when the
transmission is in Park (P) or Neutral (N) .
Energy flow display
Fig. 113 Energy flow display. A: Instrument cluster. B: Infotainment System.
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Explanation of the symbols that appear in the energy flow display when the vehicle is not moving
⇒ fig. 113:
(1) Symbol for combustion engine in the instrument cluster display
(2) Symbol for vehicle drive in the instrument cluster display
(3) Symbol for high-voltage battery in the instrument cluster display
(4) Symbol for combustion engine on the Infotainment System screen.
(5) Symbol for vehicle drive on the Infotainment System screen.
(6) Symbol for high-voltage battery on the Infotainment System screen.
Color codes
Color Infotainment System screen
Orange Energy flow from combustion engine (combustion engine drive).
Blue Energy flow from the high-voltage battery (electrical motor drive).
Energy flow to the high-voltage battery (battery charge).
Green Power regeneration through deceleration or braking (recuperation).
High-voltage battery
Fig. 114 Location of the high-voltage battery: Under the luggage compartment floor.
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