manner which could jeopardize the user’s
safety or the safety of others. Electronic Stability Program (ESP
®
)
Your vehicle is equipped with the Elec-
tronic Stability Program (ESP ®
). The ESP ®
is operational as soon as the drive system
is switched on and it monitors the vehicle’s traction (force of adhesive friction
between the tires and the road surface) and
handling.
The ESP ®
recognizes when a wheel is spin-
ning or if the vehicle starts to skid. By
applying brakes to the appropriate wheel
and by limiting the power output, the ESP ®
works to stabilize the vehicle. The ESP ®
is
especially useful while driving off and on
wet or slippery road surfaces. The ESP ®
also
stabilizes the vehicle during braking and
steering maneuvers.
The ESP ®
warning lamp ÷in the instru-
ment cluster flashes when the ESP ®
is
engaged.
The ESP ®
warning lamp ÷in the instru-
ment cluster comes on when you switch on
the ignition. It goes out when the drive
system is active.
Depending on the driving situation, the
ESP ®
R reduces the speed
R selectively brakes individual wheels
R equalizes the speed of the driven wheels
R stabilizes the vehicle when braking
R assists you in evasive maneuvers on all
roads G
WARNING
If the ESP ®
warning lamp ÷in the
instrument cluster flashes, proceed as fol-
lows:
R While driving off, apply as little throt-
tle 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.
The ESP ®
cannot prevent accidents result-
ing from excessive speed. G
WARNING
The ESP ®
cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase the traction afforded. The ESP ®
cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The
capabilities of an ESP ®
equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reckless or
dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
! Because the ESP ®
operates automati-
cally, the ignition must be switched off
when the parking brake is being tested
on a brake test dynamometer. Active
braking action through the ESP ®
may oth-
erwise seriously damage the brake sys-
tem which is not covered by the smart
Limited Warranty.
i The ESP ®
will only function properly if
you use wheels of the recommended tire
size (Y page 216). Hydraulic brake assistant
The hydraulic brake assistant operates in
emergency situations. If you apply the
brakes very quickly, the hydraulic brake Driving safety systems
47>> Safety. Z
Seats
Safety notes
G
WARNING
All seat adjustments, as well as fastening of seat belts, must be done before the vehicle
is operated. G
WARNING
When adjusting the seat, make sure no one
becomes trapped.
Do not adjust the driver’s seat while driv-
ing. Adjusting the seat while driving could cause the driver to lose control of the vehi-
cle.
Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat backrest in an excessively reclined posi-
tion as this can be dangerous. You could
slide under the seat belt in a collision. If
you slide under the seat belt, it could apply force at the abdomen or neck, potentially
causing serious or fatal injuries. The seat
backrest and seat belts provide the best
restraint when the wearer is in a position
that is as upright as possible and seat belts are properly positioned on the body.
Your seat must be adjusted so that you can
correctly fasten your seat belt.
Observe the following points:
R Adjust the seat backrest until your arms
are slightly angled when holding the
steering wheel.
R Adjust the seat to a comfortable seating
position that still allows you to reach the
accelerator/brake pedal safely. The
position should be as far back as possi-
ble with the driver still able to operate
the controls properly.
R Never place hands under the seat or near
any moving parts while a seat is being
adjusted.
Failure to do so could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
Observe the notes on the air bag system. G
WARNING
Children 12 years old and under must be
seated and properly secured in an appro-
priately sized infant restraint, toddler
restraint, or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child. For addi-
tional information, see “Children in the
vehicle”.
A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is
significantly increased if the child
restraints are not properly secured in the
vehicle and/or the child is not properly
secured in the child restraint. G
WARNING
Contact an authorized electric drive smart center if the seats have become damaged.
The seat is an integral part of the vehicle’s
safety system in the same way as seat belts
and air bags. Damage to the seats may
reduce their ability to protect the occu-
pants in an accident. Seat adjustment
:
Seat backrest tilt
; Seat fore and aft adjustment
Seat backrest tilt X
Adjusting: Sit down on the front seat.
X Pull adjustment lever :upwards and
adjust the seat backrest until your arms
are slightly angled when holding the
steering wheel. 58
Seats>> Controls.
X
Push latch plate =into seat belt
buckle ?until it clicks.
X If necessary, tighten the lap portion of
the seat belt to a snug fit by pulling
shoulder portion up.
X Unfastening the seat belt: Press release
button A.
X Allow the retractor to completely rewind
the seat belt by guiding latch plate =.
Proper use of seat belts R
Do not twist the seat belt when fastening.
R Adjust the seat belt so that the shoulder
portion is located as close as possible to
the middle of the shoulder (it should not
touch the neck). Never pass the shoulder
portion of the seat belt under your arm.
R Position the lap belt as low as possible
on your hips (over hip joint) and not
across the abdomen.
R Place the seat backrest in a position that
is as upright as possible.
R Never use a seat belt for more than one
person at a time.
R Do not fasten a seat belt around a person
and another object at the same time. When using a seat belt to secure infant or tod-
dler restraints or children in booster
seats, always follow the child seat man-
ufacturer’s instructions.
R Check your seat belt during travel to
make sure it is properly positioned.
R Make sure the seat belt is always fitted
snugly. Take special care to maintain a
snug fit when wearing loose clothing. G
WARNING
Do not pass seat belts over sharp edges.
They could tear.
Do not allow the seat belt to get caught in
the door or in the seat adjustment mecha-
nism. This could damage the seat belt.
Never attempt to make modifications to
seat belts. This could impair the effec-
tiveness of the seat belts. Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.
Damaged seat belts or seat belts that were
highly stressed in an accident must be
replaced. Contact an authorized electric
drive smart center. Correct driver seat adjustment
G
WARNING
Observe ”Safety notes“ (Y page 58). X
Adjust the driver’s seat properly
(Y page 58).
Make sure that you
R are positioned as far away from the
driver’s front air bag as possible
R can reach steering wheel :with your
arms slightly bent at the elbows
R can fasten seat belt ;properly
R you have adjusted seat backrest =to a
position that is as upright as possible Seat belts
63>> Controls. Z
Reactivating (USA only):
X Switch off the ignition.
X Remove the key from the starter switch.
X Switch on the high-beam flasher and
press button #on the key simultane-
ously.
An acoustic signal sounds.
The daytime running lamp mode is reac-
tivated. Combination switch (high beam, high
beam flasher and turn signals)
X Make sure the key is in starter switch
position 1.
High‑beam headlamps and high-beam
flasher X
Make sure the low‑beam headlamps are
switched on (Y page 64).
X Switching on: Push the combination
switch to position 1.
The high‑beam headlamps come on.
The high‑beam headlamp indicator lamp
K in the instrument cluster comes on.
X Switching off: Pull the combination
switch in direction of arrow ;to its
original position.
The high‑beam headlamps go out.
The high‑beam headlamp indicator lamp
K in the instrument cluster goes out.
X High-beam flasher: Pull the combination
switch briefly in direction of arrow ;.Turn signals
:
Turn signals, right
; Turn signals, left
X Switching on: Push the combination
switch in direction of arrow :or;.
The corresponding turn signals flash.
The corresponding turn signal indicator lamp # or! in the instrument
cluster flashes.
The combination switch resets automat-
ically after major steering wheel move-
ment.
i To signal minor directional changes
such as changing lanes, push the combi-
nation switch only to the point of resist-
ance and release. The corresponding turn signals will flash three times. Coming home function
The interior lamps come on and then go out
again after 12 seconds every time when you lock or unlock the vehicle.
When leaving the vehicle X
Remove the key from the starter switch.
X Exit the vehicle.
X Press button *on the key.
The vehicle is locked.
The interior lamps come on and then go
out again after 12 seconds. 66
Lighting>> Controls.
When returning to the vehicle
X
Press button #on the key either once or
twice.
The vehicle is either selectively or
globally unlocked.
The interior lamps come on and then go
out again after 12 seconds. Ambient lighting*
The ambient lighting illuminates the
vehicle interior with 6 LEDs when the low- beam headlamps are switched on. The LEDs
can be dimmed.
The LEDS are located
R in the overhead control panel
R in the door pockets, driver’s and
passenger side
R in the storage trays to the left and right
of the steering wheel
In addition to the ambient lighting, the
footwells on the driver’s and passenger
side are also illuminated by separate
lamps.
i When you open a door, the interior
lighting comes on and the brightness of
lamps in the footwells increases. X
Make sure the key is in starter switch
position 1.
X Switch on the parking lamps.
X To brighten or dim ambient lighting:
Press button :on the instrument cluster repeatedly until the desired setting is
reached.
The current setting is stored.
i When adjusting the ambient lighting,
the illumination level for instrument
cluster is also changed (Y page 82). Front fog lamps
G
WARNING
Vehicles with rain-light sensor*:
In low ambient lighting or foggy condi-
tions, only switch from position Ãto
L with the vehicle at a standstill in a
safe location. Switching from ÃtoL
will briefly switch off the headlamps.
Doing so while driving in low ambient
lighting conditions may result in an acci- dent.
i Fog lamps will operate with the parking
lamps and/or the low‑beam headlamps on.
Fog lamps should only be used in con-
junction with low‑beam headlamps. Con- sult your State or Province Motor Vehicle
Regulations regarding permissible
lamp operation.
i Vehicle with rain-light sensor*:
Fog lamps cannot be switched on manually
with the exterior lamp switch in posi-
tion Ã. To switch on the fog lamps,
turn the exterior lamp switch to position
L first. Lighting
67>> Controls.
* optional Z
appears in the multifunction display
(Y
page 87).
The pointer of the power gauge moves
from "OFF“ to "0“ (Y page 81).Driving
i The vehicle has a crawler function. The
vehicle moves forward when the brake
pedal is released.
X Depress the brake pedal.
X Move the gear selector lever to drive
position D.
D
D appears in the transmission position
indicator.
X Release the brake pedal.
The vehicle moves forward.
X Depress the accelerator pedal smoothly.
The vehicle accelerates. Reversing the vehicle
! Shift the transmission into reverse
gear Ronly when the vehicle is stopped
in order to avoid damaging the trans-
mission.
You can drive in reverse gear at a speed
of up to 9 mph (15 km/h).
i The vehicle has a crawler function.
Thevehicle moves forward when the
brakepedal is released.
X Depress the brake pedal.
X Move the gear selector lever to reverse
gear R.
R R appears in the transmission position
indicator.
X Release the brake pedal.
The vehicle moves forward.
X Depress the accelerator pedal smoothly.
The vehicle accelerates. Parking
G
WARNING
With the drive system inactive, there is no power assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to
keep in mind that a considerably higher
degree of effort is necessary to brake and
steer the vehicle. Adapt your driving
accordingly. G
WARNING
Vehicle movement can cause serious per-
sonal injury. Therefore, always do the fol-
lowing before exiting and leaving the
vehicle: R Keep right foot on the brake pedal.
R Engage the parking brake.
R Move the gear selector lever to park
position P.
R Slowly release the brake pedal.
R When parked on an incline, always turn
the front wheels towards the curb.
R Turn the key to starter switch position 0
and remove the key from the starter
switch.
R Take the key with you and lock the vehicle
when leaving.
X Properly stop and park the vehicle.
X Depress the brake pedal.
X Engage the parking brake (Y page 77).
When the ignition is switched on, the
brake warning lamp $(USA only) or
J (Canada only) in the instrument
cluster comes on.
X Release the brake pedal.
Parking brake The parking brake serves to secure the
vehicle against rolling away when it is
stationary or parked. Driving and parking
77>> Controls. Z
Make sure the drive system is active when-
ever the vehicle is rolling. Have the brake system repaired at an authorized electric
drive smart center, if there is a fault in the
brake system. If a brake circuit has failed (Y
page 167),
you must depress brake pedal :further
down to achieve the same effect and the
braking distance is increased.
i The brake servo will only function with
the ignition switched on. Switching off the drive system
G
WARNING
Do not turn off the drive system before the
vehicle has come to a complete stop. With
the drive system not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake and steering systems. In this case, it is important to
keep in mind that a considerably higher
degree of effort is necessary to brake and
steer the vehicle.
X Depress the brake pedal.
X Move the gear selector lever to park
position P.
The transmission position indicator
should be on P
P
! Always engage the parking brake in
addition to shifting to park position P.X
Release the brake pedal.
X Turn the key to starter switch position 0.
X Remove the key from the starter switch.
The electronic immobilizer is activa-
ted. Transmission
Shifting procedure
Gearshift pattern for transmission
j
Park position
k
Reverse gear
i
Neutral position
h
Drive position
Select a gear:
X
Switch on the ignition.
X Depress the brake pedal.
X Move the gear selector lever to the
desired position. Steering wheel paddle shifters* (for
recuperation)
G
WARNING
The operating condition of the high-volt-
age battery (e.g. not yet at normal operat-
ing temperature or fully charged) influen- ces the braking effect of the electric
motor. Transmission
79>> Controls.
* optional Z
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. :
Left steering wheel paddle shifter
(minus)
; Right steering wheel paddle shifter
(plus)
X Decrease recuperation: Pull left steer-
ing wheel paddle shifter :.
X Increase recuperation: Pull right steer-
ing wheel paddle shifter ;.
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.
i Under certain circumstances, in over-
run phases recuperation does not work as
described above. This may be e. g the 80
Transmission>> Controls.
* optional