2014 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS Owners Manual

Settingaspeed
XPress the cruise control lever upfor a
higherspeed or downforalower speed.
XTo adjust the set speed in1mph
increments(1km/h increments):briefly
press the cruise controllever upor
downto the pressure point.
Everytime the cruise controllever is
pressed upor down,the last speed
stored is increased or reduced.
XTo adjust the set speed in5mph
increments(10 km/h increments):
briefly press the cruise controllever
upor downto the pressure point.
Everytime the cruise controllever is
pressed upor down,the last speed
stored is increased or reduced.
iIf you accelerate to overtake, DISTRONIC
PLUS adjusts the vehicle's speed to the last
speed stored after you have finished
overtaking.
Setting the specified minimum distance
You can set the specified minimum distance
for DISTRONIC PLUS by varying the time span
between one and two seconds. With this
function,you can set the minimum distance
that DISTRONIC PLUS keeps to the vehicle in
front, dependentonvehicle speed. You can
see this distanceinthe multifunction display
(Ypage 184).
iMake sure that you maintainasufficient
distancetothe vehicle in frontand comply
with the minimumdistanceasrequiredby
law. Adjust the distancetothe vehicle in
front if necessary.
You can set the specified minimum distance
for DISTRONIC PLUS by varyingthe timespan
between one and two seconds.With this
function,you can set the minimum distance
that DISTRONIC PLUS keepstothe vehicle in
front,dependent on vehicle speed. You can
see this distanceinthe multifunction display
(Ypage 184).
XTo increase:turncontrolin direction
$.
DISTRONIC PLUS thenmaintainsagreater
distancebetween your vehicle and the
vehicle in front.
XTo decrease:turncontrolin
direction.
DISTRONICPLUSthen maintainsashorter
distance between your vehicle and the
vehicle in front.
DISTRONIC PLUS displays in the
speedometer
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When DISTRONIC PLUS is activated, one or
two segmentsin the set speed range light
up.
If DISTRONIC PLUS detectsavehicle in front,
segmentsbetween speed of the vehicle in
frontand stored speed$light up.
iFor design reasons, the speed displayed
in the speedometer may differ slightly from
the speed set for DISTRONIC PLUS.
DISTRONIC PLUS displays in the
multifunction display
General notes
In the assistancegraphics display menu
(Ypage 227)ofthe on-board computer, you
can select the assistancegraphics display.
Display when DISTRONIC PLUS is
deactivated
Vehicle in front, if detected
Distance indicator, currentdistanceto
the vehicle in front
$Specified minimum distancetothe
vehicle in front; adjustable
!Own vehicle
XSelect theDistanceDisplayfunction
using the on-board computer
(Ypage 227).
Display when DISTRONIC PLUS is
activated
Vehicle in front, if detected
Specified minimum distancetothe
vehicle in front; adjustable
$Own vehicle
!DISTRONIC PLUS active (textonly
appears when the cruise control lever is
actuated)
You will see the stored speed for about five
seconds when you activateDISTRONIC PLUS.
XSelect theDistanceDisplayfunction
using the on-board computer
(Ypage 227).
iYou will see the stored speed for about
five seconds when you activate DISTRONIC
PLUS.
Deactivating DISTRONIC PLUS
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There are several ways to deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS:
XBriefly press the cruise control lever
forwards.
or
XBrake, unless the vehicle is stationary.
When you deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS, you
will see theDISTRONIC PLUS Offmessage
in the multifunction display for approximately
five seconds.
iThe last speed stored remains stored until
you switch off the engine.
iDISTRONIC PLUS is not deactivated if you
depress the accelerator pedal.
DISTRONIC PLUS is automatically
deactivated if:
Ryou engage the parking brake
Ryou are driving slower than 15 mph
(25 km/h) and there is no vehicle in front,
or if the vehicle in frontisnolonger
detected
RESP®intervenes or you deactivate ESP®
Rthe transmission is in theP,RorNposition
Ryou 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
Rthe vehicle has skidded
Ryou activateActive Parking Assist
If DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated, you will
hearawarning tone. You will see the
DISTRONIC PLUS Offmessage in the
multifunction display for approximately five
seconds.
Tips for driving with DISTRONIC PLUS
General notes
Pay particular attention in the following traffic
situations:
RCornering, going into and coming out of a
bend
RVehicles traveling onadifferent line
ROther vehicles changinglanes
RNarrow vehicles
RObstructions and stationary vehicles
RCrossing vehicles
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 onadifferent line
DISTRONIC PLUS may not detectvehicles
traveling onadifferent line. The distance to
the vehicle in frontwill be too short.
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Other vehicles changing lanes
DISTRONIC PLUS has not detected the
vehicle cutting in yet. The distancetothis
vehicle will be too short.
Narrow vehicles
DISTRONIC PLUS has not yet detected the
vehicle in frontonthe edge of the road,
because of its narrow width. The distance to
the vehicle in front will be too short.
Obstructions and stationary vehicles
DISTRONIC PLUS does not brake for
obstacles or stationary vehicles. If, for
example, the detected vehicle turnsacorner
and reveals an obstacle or stationary vehicle,
DISTRONIC PLUS will not brake for these.
Crossing vehicles
DISTRONIC PLUS may mistakenly detect
vehicles that are crossing your lane.
Activating DISTRONIC PLUS at traffic lights
with crossing traffic, for example, could cause
your vehicle to pull away unintentionally.
HOLD function
General notes
The HOLD function can assist the driver in the
following situations:
Rwhen pulling away,especiallyonsteep
slopes
Rwhen maneuvering on steep slopes
Rwhen waiting in traffic
The vehicle is kept stationary without the
driver having to depress the brake pedal.
The braking effect is canceled and the HOLD
function deactivated when you depress the
accelerator pedal to pull away.
186Driving systems
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Important safety notes
GWARNING
When leaving thevehicle, it can still rollaway
despitebeingbraked by theHOLD function if:
Rthere isamalfunction in the system or in
the voltage supply.
Rthe HOLD function has been deactivated by
pressing the accelerator pedal or the brake
pedal,e.g. byavehicle occupant.
Rthe electrical system in the engine
compartment,the battery or the fuses have
been tampered with.
Rthe battery is disconnected
There isarisk of an accident.
If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off
the HOLD function and secure the vehicle
against rolling away.
!If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes
automaticallyincertain situations. To
prevent damage to the vehicle, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in
the following or other similarsituations:
Rwhen towingthe vehicle
Rin the car wash
Activation conditions
You can activatethe HOLDfunction if:
Rthe vehicle is stationary
Rthe engine is running or if it has been
automatically switched off by the ECO
start/stop function
Rthe driver's door is closed or your seat belt
is fastened
Rthe parking brakeisreleased
Rthe hood is closed
Rthe transmission is in positionD,RorN
RDISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated
Activating theHOLD function
XMake sure that the activation conditions
are met.
XDepress the brakepedal.
XQuickly depressthe brakepedal further
untilappears in the multifunction
display.
The HOLDfunction is activated. You can
release the brakepedal.
iIf depressing the brakepedal the first
timedoes not activatethe HOLDfunction,
wait briefly and thentry again.
Deactivatingthe HOLD function
The HOLD function is deactivated
automatically if:
Ryou accelerate and the transmission is in
positionDorR.
Ryou shift the transmission to positionP.
Ryou depress the brake pedalagain with a
certain amount of pressure until
disappears from the multifunction display.
Ryou activate DISTRONIC PLUS.
When the HOLD function is activated,the
transmission is shifted automatically to
positionPif:
Rthe driver's door is open and the driver's
seat beltisunfastened.
Rthe engine is switched off, unless it is
automaticallyswitched off by the ECO
start/stop function.
Rthe hood is opened.
Rasystem malfunction occurs.
Rthe power supplyisnot sufficient.
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RACESTART
Important safety notes
iObserve the safety notes for the SPORT
handling mode(Ypage 70).
RACESTART is intended solely for activation
on dedicated race circuits.
RACE START enables optimal acceleration
fromastandingstart.The precondition for
this isasuitable high-grip road surface.
iRACE START is only available in AMG
vehicles.
Conditions for activation
You can activateRACE START if:
Rthe doors are closed.
Rthe engine is runningand 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.
RSPORT handling mode is activated.
(Ypage 70)
Rthe steeringwheel is in the straight-ahead
position
Rthe vehicle is stationary and the brake
pedal is depressed (left foot).
Rthe transmission is in positionD.
Activating RACE START
XDepress the brake pedal with your left foot
and keep it depressed.
XTurn the drive program selector clockwise
(Ypage 159) until theRSlamp lights up.
TheRACE START Confirm: Paddle UP
Cancel: Paddle DOWNmessage appears
in the multifunction display.
iIf the activation conditions are no longer
fulfilled, RACE START is canceled. The
START Canceledmessage appears in the
multifunction display.
XTo cancel: pull the left steeringwheel
paddle shifter (Ypage 160).
or
XTo confirm: pull the right steeringwheel
paddle shifter (Ypage 160).
TheRACE START Available Depress
gas pedalmessage appears in the
multifunction display.
iIf you do not depress the accelerator
pedal fully within two seconds, RACE
START is canceled. TheRACE START Not
Possible See Operator's Manual
message appears in the multifunction
display.
XFully depress the accelerator pedal.
The engine speed rises to approximately
3,500 rpm.
TheRACE START Release brake to
startmessage appears in the
multifunction display.
iIf you do not release the brake pedal
within five seconds, RACE START is
canceled. TheRACE START Canceled
message appears in the multifunction
display.
XTake your foot off the brake, but keep the
accelerator pedal depressed.
The vehicle pulls away at maximum
acceleration.
TheRACESTARTActivemessage appears
in the multifunction display.
RACE START is deactivated when the vehicle
reachesaspeed of approximately 30 mph
(Canada: 50 km/h).Drive programS+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. TheRACE
START Not Possible See Operator's
Manualmessage appears in the multifunction
display.
iIf RACE START is used repeatedly within
ashort period of time, it is only available
188Driving systems
Driving and parking

again after thevehicle has been driven a
certain distance.
AIRMATIC
Vehicle level
Important safety notes
GWARNING
When thevehicle is beinglowered, people
could become trapped if their limbs are
between thevehicle body and thewheelsor
underneaththevehicle.There isarisk of
injury.
Make sure no one is underneath the vehicle
or in the immediate vicinity of the wheel
arches when the vehicle is being lowered.
GWARNING
Vehicles with level control:
The vehicle is slightly lowered if:
Ryou have selected comfort suspension
tuning and
Ryou lock the vehicle within approximately
60 seconds of switching off the engine
You and people in the vicinity of the wheel
arch or the underbody may thus become
trapped. There isarisk of injury.
Make sure that nobody is in the vicinity of the
wheel arch or the underbody when you lock
the vehicle.
!The vehicle is lowered by about 15 mm if:
Ryou have selected "Comfort tuning"
Ryou switch off the engine and then
Ryou lock the vehicle within approximately
60 seconds
When parking, position your vehicle so that
it does not make contact with the curb as
the vehicle is lowered. Your vehicle could
otherwise be damaged.
If you lock the vehicle within 60 seconds of
switching the engine off, it lowers slightly to
the selected Comfort suspension mode.
Your vehicle regulates its height
automatically.All-round level control ensures
the best possible suspension and constant
groundclearance, even withaladen vehicle.
When you drive fast,the vehicle is lowered
automatically to improve drivingsafetyand to
reducefuel consumption.
The followingvehicle levels are possible:
Rnormal
Rraised: the vehicle is raised by about
0.80 in (20 mm) when compared with the
normal level
Rlowered: the vehicle is raised by about
0.40 in (10 mm) when compared with the
normal level
iThese changes in level are so slight that
you are hardly aware of them.
The "Normal" and "Raised" vehicle levels can
be set manually.
The "Lowered” vehicle level is set
automatically:
Rat speeds above 70 mph (113km/h)
Rif you have selected "Sports tuning"
(Ypage 190)
Setting thevehicle level
Selectthe "Normal" settingfor normal road
surfaces and "Raised" for drivingwith snow
chainsoronparticularly poor road surfaces.
Your selection remainsstored even if you
remove the SmartKey fromthe ignition lock.
Setting raised level
XStart the engine.
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Z

If indicator lampis not lit:
XPress thebutton.
Indicator lamplights up. The vehicle
heightisadjusted to raised level.
TheVehicle Risingmessage appears in
the display.
The "Raised level" setting is canceled if you:
Rdrive ataspeed over approximately
75 mph (120 km/h)
Rdrive for approximately three minutes at a
speed over 50 mph (80 km/h)
The "Raised level" remains active when you
are not driving within these speed ranges.
Setting the normal level
XStart the engine.
If indicator lampis lit:
XPress thebutton.
Indicator lampgoes out. The vehicle is
adjusted to normal level.
Suspension tuning
General notes
The electronically controlled damping system
works continuously. This improves driving
safety and ride comfort.
The damping is tuned individually to each
wheel and depends on:
Ryour driving style, e.g. sporty
Rthe road surface condition, e.g. bumps
Ryour individualselection, i.e. sports or
comfort
Your selection remains stored even if you
remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
Sports tuning
The firmer suspension tuning in Sport mode
ensures even better contact with the road.
Select this mode when employingasporty
driving style, e.g. on winding country roads.
XPress button.
Indicator lamplights up. Sports
suspension tuning is selected.
TheAIRMATIC SPORTmessage appears in
the multifunction display.
Comfort tuning
In comfort mode, the driving characteristics
of your vehicle are more comfortable.
Therefore, select this mode if you favor a
more comfortable driving style. Select
comfort mode also when driving fast on
straight roads, e.g. on straight stretches of
freeway.
XPress button.
Indicator lamp$lights up. Comfort tuning
is selected.
TheAIRMATIC COMFORTmessage appears
in the multifunction display.
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system
Important safety notes
GWARNING
When the vehicle is being lowered, people
could become trapped if their limbs are
between the vehicle body and the wheels or
190Driving systems
Driving and parking