
ces the braking effect of the electric
motor.
In overrun or braking mode, the motor's
braking effect may therefore be reduced or
may not be present at all.
As a result of the reduced engine braking
effect, you may cause an accident and
injure yourself or others.
Compensate for the reduced engine braking
effect by pressing the brake pedal accord-
ingly, as required.
Using the steering wheel paddle shifters *,
you can increase or decrease the recuper-
ation in overrun phases. Recuperation
takes place when you release the acceler-
ator pedal. The electric motor will then be
used as a generator and energy will be
regained while driving. The regained
energy is stored in the high-voltage bat-
tery. High recuperation decelerates your
vehicle stronger.
In overrun phases, there are three levels of
recuperation:
R no recuperation (level 0, coasting)
R moderate recuperation (level 1)
R high-level recuperation (level 2)
The amount of recuperation in overrun
mode is displayed in the power gauge
(Y page 81).
The set mode for recuperation is shown in
the recuperation display (Y page 84).
When you switch on the ignition, level 1 is
automatically preset. 0043
Left steering wheel paddle shifter
(minus)
0044 Right steering wheel paddle shifter
(plus)
X Decrease recuperation: Pull left steer-
ing wheel paddle shifter 0043.
X Increase recuperation: Pull right steer-
ing wheel paddle shifter 0044.
Use the different levels 0 to 2 for condi-
tions as described below: Level 0 Driving without frequent
breaking. No sharp bends on
the road ahead.
Maximum kinetic energy
remains for the vehicle.
Level 1 Normal driving, standard set-
ting.
Level 2 Sporty driving.
The break pedal has to be
depressed less often, as the
deceleration due to recuper-
ation is higher than in
level 1.
The energy efficiency is sub-
stantially higher than if the
vehicle is decelerated by
depressing the brake pedal.
At levels 1 and 2 the vehicle can be step-
lessly decelerated by depressing the brake
pedal.80
Transmission>> Controls.
* optional

i
Under certain circumstances, in over-
run phases recuperation does not work as
described above. This may be e. g the
case if the high-voltage battery is
already fully charged or has not reached
operating temperature. Driving tips
Driving on uphill grades G
WARNING
The hill-start assist system is not
designed to function as a parking brake and
does not prevent the vehicle from moving
when parked on an incline.
Always engage the parking brake in addi-
tion to shifting to park position P.
! When the hill‑start assist system stops
braking the vehicle, it can roll back-
wards.
If you open the driver’s door, the
hill‑start assist system is deactivated
and a warning signal sounds.
Your vehicle has a hill‑start assist system.
On uphill grades the hill‑start assist sys-
tem maintains the pressure in the brake
system for approximately one second after
you have released the brake pedal. There-
fore, you can start off smoothly without the
vehicle moving immediately after releas-
ing the brake pedal.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Apply sufficient pressure to the accel-
erator pedal to drive off.
On uphill grades with higher inclination,
the hill-start assist system will release
the pressure in the brake system after
approximately two seconds. A warning sig-
nal sounds and the transmission position
indicator shows a flashing N
N in order to
warn you of the vehicle rolling backwards. X
Press the brake pedal.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Apply sufficient pressure to the accel-
erator pedal to drive off.
i The hill‑start assist system is inactive
if you start off with the parking brake
engaged.
Recuperation If the high-voltage battery is fully
charged or too cold, only limited recuper-
ation power will be available.
The vehicle can not be decelerated or lim-
ited in being decelerated by using the
accelerator pedal, if
R
the gearshift selector lever is in posi-
tion Dand the vehicle is rolling back-
wards
R the gearshift selector lever is in posi-
tion Rand the vehicle is rolling for-
wards.
On uphill grades, the vehicle could possi-
bly be not or only restricted being held
from the crawler function. Instrument cluster
Charge level and power gauges
0043
Charge level gauge
0044 Power gauge
The gauges can be turned by approximately
90°. Instrument cluster
81>> Controls. Z

message
Back
Backappears in the multifunc-
tion display.
X Press the OK button on the control lever
briefly. Transmission position indicator
The transmission position indicator
0043
displays the current gear selector lever
position. Display Function
P
Park position
R
Reverse gear
N
Neutral
D
Drive Display Function
N (flashes)
There is a parking lock
malfunction.
X
Move the gear selector
lever slowly from posi-
tion Pto position Rand
back to position P.
If Nremains flashing in
the multifunction display:
X Move the gear selector
lever to position P. When
leaving the vehicle,
apply the parking brake
to secure the vehicle
from rolling away.
X Contact an authorized
electric drive smart
center. 0 X
Move the gear selector
lever to park position P
or neutral position N.
X Turn the key to starter
switch position 2
(Y page 57) and hold it in
position until READY READY
appears in the multi-
function display
(Y page 87). Recuperation display*
The recuperation display shows you the
current set recuperation level. You can set
the recuperation level by using the steer-
ing wheel paddle shifters* (Y page 79).
The following levels are available:
R no recuperation (level 0)
R moderate recuperation (level 1)
R high recuperation (level 2) 84
Control system>> Controls.
* optional

No recuperation (level 0)
0043
Symbol for no recuperation
When this mode is set, there is no recuper-
ation. When you release the accelerator
pedal, the vehicle rolls on unbraked.
Use this mode in situations when driving
without frequent braking, for example on
highways.
Moderate recuperation (level 1) Moderate recuperation occurs when this
mode is set. When you release the acceler-
ator pedal, the vehicle is slightly braked.
Gained kinetic energy is converted into
electrical energy by the electric motor.
This energy is stored in the high-voltage
battery.
This mode is set as standard when starting
the drive system.
Use this mode in situations of well-bal-
anced relationship between accelerating
and braking, for example on cross-country
rides. High recuperation (level 2) 0043
Symbol for high recuperation
High recuperation occurs when this mode
is set. When you release the accelerator
pedal, the vehicle is deeply braked. Energy
conversion of kinetic energy to electrical
energy is most effective in this mode.
Use this mode in situations in which you
need to brake frequently, for example while
driving stop-and-go in city traffic. Maximum available power
G
WARNING
When the indicator for the maximum avail-
able power is not at its maximal range, the
power output is reduced noticeably. Adapt
your speed and driving accordingly. Oth-
erwise, you could cause an accident. Exer-
cise particular care when passing or accel-
erating. The indicator for the maximum available
power of the drive system contains three
segments
0043. The number of dark segments
indicates power that is currently availa-
ble. Control system
85>> Controls. Z

X
Switching on: Press air recirculation
switch 0085.
The indicator lamp in air recirculation
switch 0085comes on.
X Switching off: Press air recirculation
switch 0085once more.
The indicator lamp in air recirculation
switch 0085goes out. Loading and storing
Cargo compartment cover blind with
parcel net bag G
WARNING
The cargo compartment cover blind is not
intended to secure heavy objects in the
event of an accident. For this reason, heavy
objects must be tied down.
Vehicle occupants could be injured by
objects being thrown around in the vehicle
in the event of
R hard braking
R a change of direction
R an accident G
WARNING
Do not place any objects on the mounted
cargo compartment cover blind.
Vehicle occupants could be injured by
objects being thrown around in the vehicle
in the event of
R hard braking
R a change of direction
R an accident G
WARNING
Only place light loads in the parcel net
bag. Do not transport heavy, sharp-edged or
fragile objects in the parcel net bag. The
parcel net bag cannot sufficiently secure
loads in an accident. Vehicle occupants could be injured by
objects being thrown around in the vehicle
in the event of
R hard braking
R a change of direction
R an accident
Observe the loading guidelines.
The cargo compartment cover blind
R serves to protect objects that are stored
in the vehicle’s cargo compartment from
prying eyes
R prevents smaller objects from penetrat-
ing into the passenger compartment from
the cargo compartment; however, it is not
intended to act as a load restraining
device
The parcel net bag
R is for storing small, lightweight objects
R prevents small objects from sliding
around inside the passenger compart-
ment
! If objects are placed on the cargo com-
partment cover blind when mounted, the
cover may be damaged.
Fitting If you wish to use cargo compartment cover
blind
0043as normal, assemble it in top
mountings 0044. If you do not need the cargo
compartment cover blind, insert in bottom
mountings 0087. 104
Loading and storing>> Controls.

X
Open the tailgate.
X Secure cargo compartment cover
blind 0043at the front of the cargo com-
partment with the parcel net bag.
X Insert cargo compartment cover
blind 0043on the right-hand side in top
mounting 0044or in bottom mounting 0087.X
Push handle 0085to the right in the direc-
tion of the arrow.
X Insert cargo compartment cover
blind 0043in top mounting 0044or bottom
mounting 0087in the left-hand side pan-
eling and release handle 0085.
X Cargo compartment cover blind 0043
engages. X
Pull parcel net bag 0083down slightly and
secure with the hook and loop fastener.
X Remove in reverse order. Controls
X
Closing: Take hold of cargo compartment
cover blind 0043in the middle and pull
backwards.
X Guide cargo compartment cover
blind 0043into the rear right and left
mountings 0044.
X Opening: Take hold of cargo compartment
cover blind 0043in the middle, pull back-
wards, and remove from rear mount-
ings 0044.
X Guide cargo compartment cover
blind 0043into position. Coat hooks
The coat hooks are located at the rear roof
rail on the driver’s and passenger side. Coat hook on driver’s side
0043
Coat hook Loading and storing
105>> Controls. Z

this reason, please make sure that the
charging cable is only stowed in the
intended location. X
Opening: Open the tailgates.
X Pull handle 0043on the inside of the tail-
gate backward.
X Lift up the storage compartment cover.
X Closing: Close storage compartment
cover 0043.
X Press on the “PRESS” marking in the mid-
dle of storage compartment cover 0043
until it engages audibly.
X Close the tailgates (Y page 55).Loading instructions
G
WARNING
Transport heavy or hard objects in the
cargo compartment, not in the passenger
compartment.
Always fasten items being carried as
securely as possible using fastening mate-
rials appropriate for the weight and size
of the load.
In an accident, during hard braking or sud-
den maneuvers, loose items may be thrown
around inside the vehicle, causing injury
to vehicle occupants. G
WARNING
To help avoid personal injury during a col-
lision or sudden maneuver, exercise care
when storing objects in the vehicle. Put luggage or cargo in the cargo compartment
if possible. Do not pile luggage or cargo
higher than the seat backrests.
Keep compartment lids closed. This will
help to prevent stored objects from being
thrown about and injuring vehicle occu-
pants during
R braking
R vehicle maneuvers
R an accident G
WARNING
No racks or loads may be secured to the roof
of the vehicle, as
R the panorama roof* may be damaged, thus
injuring persons
R this can have a substantial adverse
effect on the driving dynamics of the
vehicle, thus causing accidents
R the rack and/or the load could detach and
through this cause an accident or other
people could be injured by the load and/
or rack that has fallen off G
WARNING
Do not store any flammable substances
inside the vehicle that could ignite and
start a fire. G
WARNING
The manufacturer has not approved your
vehicle for towing a trailer. A trailer can
permanently impair driving safety.
The gross vehicle weight which is the
weight of the vehicle including tools,
installed accessories, passengers, and
luggage/cargo must never exceed the load
limit and the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) for your vehicle as specified on the
placard located on the driver’s door B‑pil-
lar (Y page 214). In addition, the load must
be distributed in such a way so that the
weight on each axle never exceeds the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the front and
rear axle. The GVWR and GAWR for your vehi- 108
Loading and storing>> Controls.
* optional

cle are indicated on the certification
label which can be found on the driver’s
door B‑pillar.
For more information, see “Loading the
vehicle” (Y page 133).
The handling characteristics of a fully
loaded vehicle depend greatly on the load
distribution. It is therefore recommended
to load the vehicle with the heaviest items
being placed towards the front of the vehi-
cle.
Please pay attention to and comply with the
following instructions when loading the
vehicle and transporting cargo:
R Always place items being carried
against seat backrests, and fasten them
as securely as possible.
R The heaviest portion of the cargo should
always be kept as low as possible against
seat backrests.
R Do not stack loads higher than the top
edge of the head restraints.
R Make sure no luggage/cargo items can get
above or next to the driver’s and/or
passenger seat into the passenger com-
partment.
R Make sure luggage/cargo is properly
secured.
R Always use, if so equipped, cargo net*
when transporting cargo.
Do not carry any unnecessary weight in the
vehicle. This increases vehicle weight,
which results in increased energy con-
sumption. Useful features
Sun visors
The sun visors protect you from sun glare
while driving. Glare through the windshield
X
Swing sun visor 0043down.
Glare through a side window X
Swing sun visor 0043down.
X Disengage sun visor 0043from mount-
ing 0044.
X Pivot sun visor 0043to the side. Sun screen*
The sun screen provides protection from
sun rays and from heat generated by the
panorama roof*.
The sun screen can be adjusted to any
desired position. X
Opening or closing: Move sun screen0043
forward or backward using the handle. Useful features
109>> Controls.
* optional Z