Selector lever lockFig. 170
Shift lock button
Read and observe and on page 135 first.
The selector lever is locked in mode P and N to prevent that the forward driv-
ing is selected accidentally, thereby setting the vehicle in motion.
The selector lever is locked only when the vehicle is stationary and at speeds
up to 5 km/h.
The selector lever lock is indicated by the illumination of the warning light.
The selector lever is not locked when quickly moving across the position N
(e.g. from R to D/S ). This, for example, helps to rock out a vehicle that is stuck,
e.g. in a bank of snow. The selector lever lock will engage if the lever is in posi-
tion N for more than approx. 2 seconds without the brake pedal being de-
pressed.
Releasing selector lever from mode P or N (selector lever lock)
›
Press the brake pedal and the lock button at the same time in the direction
of
1
» Fig. 170 .
Just depress the brake pedal, if you would like to change from the mode N to
D/S .
Defective selector lever lock
If the selector lever lock is defective or its power supply is interrupted (e.g. dis-
charged vehicle battery, faulty fuse), the selector lever can no longer be moved
out of position P in the normal manner and the vehicle can no longer be driven.
The selector lever must be unlocked specially » page 237.
Note
If you want to move the selector lever from mode P to mode D/S or vice versa,
move the selector lever quickly. This prevents that you accidentally select
mode R or N.Manual gear shifting (Tiptronic)Fig. 171
Selector lever/multi function steering wheel
Read and observe
and on page 135 first.
Tiptronic mode makes it possible to manually shift gears with the selector lev-
er or multifunction steering wheel. This mode can be selected both while stop-
ping and while driving.
The currently selected gear is indicated in the display » Fig. 169 on page 136 .
The gear shift indicator should be observed when changing gear » page 42.
Switching to manual shifting
›
Push the gear selector from position D/S towards the right, or left in a right-
hand drive vehicle.
When switching to the manual shifting while driving, the current gear is main-
tained.
Shifting up gears
›
Push the selector lever forwards
+
» Fig. 171 .
›
Pull the paddle +
» Fig. 171 briefly towards the steering wheel.
Shifting down gears
›
Push the selector lever backwards
-
» Fig. 171 .
›
Pull the paddle -
» Fig. 171 briefly towards the steering wheel.
Temporarily switching to manual shifting in position D/S
›
Pull one of the -/+ paddles
» Fig. 171 briefly towards the steering wheel .
Manual gear shifting is deactivated if more than 1 minute passes after either of
the -
/+ paddles was pulled. The temporary switch to manual gear shifting can
also be deactivated by pulling the + paddle towards the steering wheel for
more than 1 second.
137Starting-off and Driving
Note■It may be beneficial, for example, when travelling downhill, to use manual
shifting of gears. Shifting to a lower gear reduces the load on the brakes and
hence the wear of the brakes » page 132.■
When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the higher gear
just before the maximum permissible engine speed is reached.
■
If a lower gear is selected, the gearbox does not shift down until there is no
risk of the engine over revving.
Starting-off and driving
Read and observe
and on page 135 first.
Starting off
›
Start the engine.
›
Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal.
›
Press the lock button in the direction of
1
» Fig. 170 on page 137 and hold.
›
Move the selector lever into the desired position » page 136 and then release
the lock button.
›
Release the brake pedal and accelerate.
Stopping (while the car is moving)
›
Depress the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a stop.
›
Keep holding the brake pedal until driving is resumed.
The selector lever position N does not have to be selected when stopping for a
short time, such as at a cross roads.
Kick down
The kick down function allows you to achieve the maximum acceleration of
your vehicle while driving.
When the accelerator pedal is fully depressed, the kick down function is activa-
ted in any forward driving mode.
The gearbox shifts down one or more gears depending on the vehicle speed
and engine speed, and the vehicle accelerates.
The gearbox does not shift up into the highest gear until the engine has
reached its maximum revolutions for this gear range.
Driving in neutral position in mode E (free-wheel)
›
Move the selector lever into the position D/S.
›Select the driving mode Eco or Individual (Drive - Eco)
» page 171, Selection
of the driving mode(Driving Mode Selection) .›
Remove your foot from the accelerator pedal (the speed is higher than 20
km/h).
The vehicle moves without the braking effect of the engine.
The gear is selected again automatically, when you briefly depress the acceler- ator brake pedal or pull the left rocker switch -
towards the steering wheel
» page 137 , Manual gear shifting (Tiptronic) .
This function is not available when towing a trailer or when another accessory
is connected to the trailer socket.
Launch control 1)
The launch control function allows the vehicle in mode S or Tiptronic to reach
its maximum acceleration when starting off.
›
Disable the TCS » page 143, Braking and stabilisation systems .
›
START STOP deactivate » page 132, Manually deactivating/activating the
system .
›
Fully depress and hold the brake pedal with your left foot.
›
Fully depress the accelerator pedal with your right foot.
›
Release the brake pedal.
The vehicle starts off with maximum acceleration.
›
Reactivate the TCS and START STOP when the desired speed has been
reached.
WARNINGRapid acceleration, particularly on slippery roads, can lead to loss of control
of the vehicle – risk of accident!
Running-in and economical driving
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Running-in
139
Tips for economical driving
139
1)
This function is only valid for some engines.
138Driving
Radar sensorFig. 174
Mounting location of the radar
sensor
Read and observe on page 142 first.
The radar sensor (hereinafter referred to only sensor) uses electromagnetic
waves to capture the traffic situation ahead of the vehicle. The radar is located
under a cover » Fig. 174.
The sensor is part of the ACC » page 163 and Front Assist » page 168systems.
The sensor function may be impaired in the event of one of the following sit-
uations arising. ▶ The sensor cover is soiled by mud, snow and the like.
▶ The area in front and around the sensor cover is obscured by labels, auxiliary
lights and similar.
▶ When visibility is poor, (e.g. fog, heavy rain, thick snowfall).
▶ In exceptional cases, the sensor may be covered up in the area under the
cover, e.g. due to snow.
If the sensor cover of the sensor is dirty or covered, a message to that effect
from the ACC » page 168 or Front Assist » page 171 system appears in the
instrument cluster display.
WARNING■ If you suspect that the sensor has been damaged, deactivate the ACC
» page 163 und Front Assist » page 168 system. Have the sensor checked
by a specialist garage.■
The sensor can become misaligned by collisions or by damage to the front
of the vehicle, the wheel arch or the underside of the vehicle. This can lead
to impaired function of the sensor - risk of accident! Have the sensor
checked by a specialist garage.
■
The area in front and around the sensor cover should not be obscured by
labels, auxiliary lights and similar. This can lead to impaired function of the
sensor - risk of accident!
CAUTION
Remove snow with a brush and ice with a solvent-free de-icer from the sensor
cover.
Braking and stabilisation systems
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Stability Control (ESC)
144
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
144
Traction control (TCS)
144
Electronic differential lock (EDL and XDS)
145
Driver Steering Recommendation (DSR)
145
Brake Assist (HBA)
145
Hill Start Assist (HHC)
145
Multi collision brake (MCB)
145
Trailer stabilization system (TSA)
146
Auto Hold function
146
This chapter describes the functions of the brake and stabilization systems.
The error display is in Chapter » page 31, Warning lights .
The brake and stabilization systems are automatically activated each time the
ignition is switched on, unless otherwise indicated.
143Assist systems
WARNINGThe general information relating to the use of assistance systems must be
observed » page 142, in section Introduction .
Stability Control (ESC)
Fig. 175
Press the ESC system
Read and observe on page 144 first.
The ESC improves vehicle stability in dynamic driving situations, such as when
the vehicle starts to skid.
The ESC monitors whether the desired direction of the current vehicle motion
is occurring. In case of any deviation (e.g. over steer), the ESC automatically
brakes individual wheels to maintain the desired direction.
During an intervention of the system, the indicator light
flashes in the in-
strument cluster.
Enable/disable ESC Sport
The activation of the ESC sports allows a sportier driving style. With a slight
over or under steering of the vehicle take no ESC interventions take place and
the TCS is restricted so that the spinning of the wheels of the driven axle can
occur.
The activation or deactivation of the ESC sports can be done in one of two
ways. ▶ By pressing the Symbol key
for the activation and briefly pressing the but-
ton for the deactivation » Fig. 175.
▶ Infotainment » Owner´s Manual Infotainment , chapter CAR - vehicle set-
tings .
Upon deactivation, in the instrument cluster the indicator light comes on and
the display shows the following message.ESC sport: directional stabil. restricted.ESC SPORT
Upon deactivation, in the instrument cluster the control indicator
turns off
and the display shows the following message.
Stabilisation control (ESC) activated.ESC ON
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Read and observe
on page 144 first.
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking. Thus helping the driver to
maintain control of the vehicle.
The intervention of the ABS is noticeable from the pulsating movements of
the brake pedal which is accompanied by noises.
When the ABS system is active, do not brake periodically or reduce the pres-
sure on the brake pedal.
Traction control (TCS)
Read and observe
on page 144 first.
TCS prevents the spinning of the wheels of the driven axle. TCS reduces thedrive power transmitted to the wheels in the case of slipping wheels. Thus, for
example, driving on road surfaces with low grip is made easier.
During a TCS intervention, the indicator light flashes in the instrument clus-
ter.
Activating/deactivating TCS
The activation or deactivation of TCS can be done, depending on equipment, in
one of the following ways. ▶ Infotainment » Owner´s Manual Infotainment , chapter CAR - vehicle set-
tings .
▶ By briefly pressing the symbol key
» Fig. 175 on page 144 .
144Driving
Upon deactivation, in the instrument cluster the indicator light illuminates
and the display shows the following message.Traction control (ASR) deactivated.ASR OFF
Upon activation, in the instrument cluster the indicator turns
and the display
shows the following message.
Traction control (ASR) activated.ASR ON
The TCS should normally always be enabled. The system should be deactivated
only in the following situations, for example. ▶ When driving with snow chains.
▶ When driving in deep snow or on a very loose surface.
▶ When it is necessary to “rock” a car free when it has become stuck.
Electronic differential lock (EDL and XDS)
Read and observe
on page 144 first.
EDL
EDL prevents the turning of the respective wheel of the driven axle. EDL
brakes the spinning wheel, if necessary, and transmits the driving force to the
other driving wheel. Driving becomes easier on road surfaces with different
traction under each wheel of the driven axle.
EDL switches off automatically to avoid excessive heat generation on the
brake of the wheel being braked. Once the brakes have cooled down, there is
an automatic re-activation of EDL.
XDS
XDS is an extension to the electronic differential lock. XDS does not respond to
traction, but to the load relief of the inner front wheel of the driving axle dur-
ing fast cornering.
The automatic brake intervention on the brake of the wheel with reduced load
prevents the wheel from spinning. Thus, the traction is improved and the vehi-
cle can continue to follow the desired track.
Driver Steering Recommendation (DSR)
Read and observe
on page 144 first.
In critical situations, the DSR provides the driver with a steering recommenda-tion in order to stabilise the vehicle. The DSR is activated, for example, on the
right and left vehicle side when braking sharply on different road surfaces.
Brake Assist (HBA)
Read and observe
on page 144 first.
The HBA increases the braking effect and helps to reduce the braking dis-
tance.
The HBA is activated by very quick operation of the brake pedal. In order to
achieve the shortest possible braking distance, the brake pedal must be ap-
plied firmly until the vehicle has come to a standstill.
The HBA function is automatically deactivated when the brake pedal is re-
leased.
Hill Start Assist (HHC)
Read and observe
on page 144 first.
When driving on slopes, HHC allows you to move your foot from the brake ped-al to the accelerator pedal without the vehicle rolling downhill on its own.
The system holds the brake pressure produced by the activation of the brake
pedal for approx. 2 seconds after the brake pedal is released.
The HHC is active from a 5% slope if the driver's door is closed. HHC is only ev-
er active on slopes when in forward or reverse start off.
Multi collision brake (MCB)
Read and observe
on page 144 first.
The MCB helps to decrease speed after a collision through automatic brakinginterventions and to stabilize the vehicle. This reduces the risk of a subse-
quent crash due to uncontrolled vehicle movement.
145Assist systems
Hitch and trailer
Hitch
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Swinging in and out the tow bar
184
Mount accessories
185
The maximum trailer draw bar load is 90 kg/h.
The draw bar load information on the type plate of the towing device is merely
a test value for the towing device. The vehicle-specific information is detailed
in the vehicle documents.
WARNING■ Do not use the towing equipment if it is damaged or incomplete.■Do not modify or adapt the towing device in any way.
Note
■ The towing vehicle by means of the towing device » page 233.■If the towing device is removed completely, it must be replaced with the
original reinforcement of the rear bumper which is part of the mount for the
towing eye.
Swinging in and out the tow bar
Fig. 220
Tow bar: swing in and out
Read and observe on page 184 first.
The tow bar is located in the rear bumper of the vehicle.
In addition to the handle
A
» Fig. 220 there is a warning light that indicates
whether the tow bar is locked - lit green, or is not locked - flashes red.
Swing out the tow bar
›
Open the tailgate.
›
Pull the handle
A
to position
1
» Fig. 220 » .
The tow bar pivots out in the direction of arrow
2
and the indicator beside
the handle flashes red.
›
The handle
A
may retract slowly » .
›
Press the tow bar in the direction of the arrow
2
, until it audibly clicks into
place.
The indicator next to the handle lights green.
Swivel tow bar
The trailer must be uncoupled from the tow bar.
An adapter may not be plugged into the 13-pin socket.
›
Open the tailgate.
›
Pull the handle
A
to position
1
» Fig. 220 .
The tow bar is unlocked and the indicator beside the handle flashes red.
›
The handle
A
may retract slowly » .
›
Swing in the tow bar into the bumper in the direction of arrow
3
until it
clicks into place.
The indicator next to the handle lights green.
Check latching
Before every journey when the tow bar is swung out check whether the warn- ing light is indicating green.
If the tow bar is incorrectly locked the warning light flashes red, after the igni-
tion is switched on an acoustic signal is sounded and the following message
appears in the instrument cluster.
Check towing bracket!TOWING BRACKET PLEASE CHECK
184Driving
Permissible trailer load - Superb EstateEngineGearboxPermissible trailer load, braked (kg)Permissible trailer load, unbraked (kg)Gradients of up to 12 %Gradients of up to 8 %a)1.4 l/92 kW TSIMG16001800690
1.4 l/110 kW TSI ACT
MG16001900700MG 4x418002000750DSG160019007201.4 l/110 kW TSIMG16001900700DSG160019007101.8 l/132 kW TSIMG18002000740DSG180020007502.0 l/162 kW TSIDSG200020007502.0 l/206 kW TSIDSG 4x422002200750
1.6 l/88 kW TDI CR
MG15001800740MG (GreenLine)15001800750DSG15001800750
2.0 l/110 kW TDI CR
MG20002000750MG 4x422002200750DSG200020007502.0 l/130 kW TDI CRDSG20002000750
2.0 l/140 kW TDI CR
MG20002000750DSG20002100750DSG 4x422002200750a)
Only valid for some countries.
WARNINGNever exceed the maximum permissible axle and draw bar load or the per-
missible weight of the trailer - risk of accident!
Towing a trailer
Driving speed
For reasons of safety do not drive more than 100 km / h when the towing vehi-
cle is a passenger car of category M1.
For reasons of safety do not drive more than 80 km / h when the towing vehi-
cle is a lorry of category N1.
Immediately reduce your speed as soon as even the slightest swaying of the
trailer is detected. Never attempt to stop the trailer from “swaying” by acceler-
ating.
Brakes
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake, apply
the brakes gently at first, then brake firmly. This will avoid brake jolts resulting
from the trailer wheels locking. 188Driving
On downhill sections shift down a gear in good time to also use the engine as
a brake.WARNINGAlways drive particularly carefully with the trailer.
CAUTION
If you tow a trailer frequently, you should also have your vehicle inspected be-
tween service intervals.
Anti-theft alarm system
If the vehicle is locked, the alarm is activated when the electrical connection to
the trailer is interrupted.
Always switch off the anti-theft alarm system before a trailer is coupled or un-
coupled » page 57 .
Conditions for including a trailer in the anti-theft alarm system. The vehicle is factory-fitted with an anti-theft alarm system and towing
device.
The trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle via the trailer
socket.
The electrical system of the vehicle and trailer is functional.
The vehicle is locked and the anti-theft alarm system is activated.
CAUTION
For technical reasons, trailers with rear LED lights cannot be connected to the
anti-theft alarm system.189Hitch and trailer