Page 169 of 255

Storage compartment in the
rear
A storage compartment is located in the center
armrest.
Cupholders
Hints Shatter-proof containers and no hot
drinks
Use light and shatter-proof containers and do
not transport hot drinks. Otherwise, there is the increased danger of injury in an accident.◀
Unsuitable containers
Do not forcefully push unsuitable con‐
tainers into the cupholders. This may result in
damage.◀
Front
Rear
In the center armrest.
Pull the center armrest forward at the strap.
To open: press the button.
To close: push both covers back in, one after
the other.
Pushing back the covers
Push back the covers before folding up
the center armrest; otherwise, the cupholder
could become damaged.◀
Clothes hooks Do not obstruct view
When suspending clothing from the
hooks, ensure that it will not obstruct the driv‐
er's view.◀
No heavy objects
Do not hang heavy objects from the
hooks; otherwise, they may present a danger
to passengers during braking and evasive ma‐
neuvers.◀
The clothes hooks are located in the grab han‐
dles in the rear.
Storage compartments in the
cargo area
Net
Small objects can be stowed in the nets on the
left and right sides.Seite 165Storage compartmentsControls165
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 960 493 - II/15
Page 170 of 255

Multi-function hook
A multi-function hook is located on each side
of the trunk.
The multi-function hooks can be loaded up to
a max. of 8.8 lbs/4 kg.
Lightweight objects only
Only hang lightweight objects, e.g. shop‐
ping bags, from the multifunction hooks. Oth‐
erwise, there is a danger of objects flying about
during braking and evasive maneuvers.
Only transport heavy luggage in the trunk if it
has been appropriately secured.◀
Retaining strap A retaining strap is available on the right side
trim for fastening small objects.
Lashing eyes in the cargo area
To secure the cargo, refer to page 174, there
are four lashing eyes in the cargo area.
Adaptive retaining system
At a glance The adaptive retaining system serves to subdi‐
vide the cargo area. It consists of two brackets
with a telescopic rail and a retaining strap.
Do not fold the rear seat backrests down
Fold the rear seat backrest up and hook
the cargo area partition net into place before
using the adaptive retaining system, otherwise
the transported cargo could be thrown into the
vehicle interior in the event of an accident.◀
1Bracket2Telescopic rail3Retaining strap4Fixing point for retaining strap5Fixing points for bracket
Insert the bracket
Press the bracket into the retaining point until
it clicks into place.
Secure the cargo
The cargo may be secured in the following
ways:
▷Between the rear seat backrest and the
telescopic rail.▷Between the telescopic rail and the retain‐
ing strap.
Securing the cargo between the telescopic rail
and the retaining strap:
1.Place the cargo against the telescopic rail.2.Press button 1 and pass the retaining strap
around the cargo, arrow 2.Seite 166ControlsStorage compartments166
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 960 493 - II/15
Page 171 of 255

3.Hook the retaining strap into the fixing
point.4.Press button 1 to tighten the retaining
strap.
To secure larger loads, the retaining straps can
also be interlocked with one another.
Removing the brackets
Pull the bracket vertically out of the fixing
point.
Stowing the adaptive retaining system If the adaptive retaining system is not needed,
it can be stowed under the rear part of the
cargo floor panel. Use the tension straps to se‐
cure it more firmly.
Floor net
The floor net can also be used to Secure the
load, refer to page 174, and to store small
parts.
Storage compartment under the cargofloor panel
Maximum load
To avoid damage to the vehicle, do not
exceed a maximum permitted load of 44 lbs/
20 kg in the storage compartment under the
cargo floor panel.◀
Fold up the cargo floor panel, arrow.
Partitioning the compartment The compartment can be divided using an at‐
tachable partition.
Storage compartment, narrow
Fold up the cargo floor panel. The storage
compartment can be used e.g., for stowing the
cargo cover or the adaptive retaining system.
Reversible floor panel
The bottom of the cargo floor panel is coated
with a water- and dirt-resistant finish.
Fold the cargo floor panel up, remove and turn
it over.
Seite 167Storage compartmentsControls167
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 960 493 - II/15
Page 172 of 255
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 960 493 - II/15
Page 173 of 255
Driving tips
This chapter provides you with information useful in dealing with specific driving and operating modes.Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 960 493 - II/15
Page 174 of 255

Things to remember when drivingVehicle features and options
This chapter describes all standard, country-
specific and optional features offered with the
series. It also describes features that are not
necessarily available in your car, e. g., due to
the selected options or country versions. This
also applies to safety-related functions and
systems. The respectively applicable country
provisions must be observed when using the
respective features and systems.
Breaking-in period General information
Moving parts need time to adjust to one an‐
other (break-in time).
The following instructions will help accomplish
a long vehicle life and good efficiency.
During break-in, do not use the Launch Con‐
trol, refer to page 76.
Engine, transmission, and axle drive
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Do not exceed the maximum engine and road
speed:▷For gasoline engine 4,500 rpm and
100 mph/160 km/h.▷For diesel engine 3,500 rpm and
93 mph/150 km/h.
Avoid full load or kickdown under all circum‐
stances.
From 1,200 miles/2,000 km The engine and vehicle speed can gradually be
increased.
Tires
Tire traction is not optimal due to manufactur‐
ing circumstances when tires are brand-new;
they achieve their full traction potential after a
break-in time.
Drive conservatively for the first
200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of ap‐
prox. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimal per‐
formance between brake discs and brake
pads. Drive moderately during this break-in pe‐
riod.
Clutch The function of the clutch reaches its optimal
level only after a distance driven of approx.
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period,
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement
The same break-in procedures should be ob‐
served if any of the components above-men‐
tioned have to be renewed in the course of the
vehicle's operating life.
General driving notes
Closing the rear window and tailgate Drive with the rear window and tailgate
closed
Only drive with the tailgate closed; otherwise,
in the event of an accident or braking and eva‐
sive maneuvers, passengers and other traffic
may be injured, and the vehicle may be dam‐ aged. In addition, exhaust fumes may enter the
vehicle interior.◀Seite 170Driving tipsThings to remember when driving170
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 960 493 - II/15
Page 175 of 255

If driving with the tailgate open cannot be
avoided:▷Close all windows and the glass sunroof.▷Greatly increase the air flow from the vents.▷Drive moderately.
Hot exhaust system
Hot exhaust system
High temperatures are generated in the
exhaust system.
Do not remove the heat shields installed and
never apply undercoating to them. Make sure
that flammable materials, e. g. hay, leaves,
grass, etc. do not come in contact with the hot
exhaust system while driving, while in idle po‐
sition mode, or when parked. Such contact
could lead to a fire, resulting in an increased
risk of serious personal injury as well as prop‐
erty damage.
Do not touch hot exhaust pipes; otherwise,
there is a danger of getting burned.◀
Diesel particulate filter The diesel particulate filter collects soot parti‐
cles and burns them periodically at high tem‐
peratures.
During several minutes of cleaning the follow‐
ing may occur:
▷Temporarily, the engine may run less
smoothly.▷Noises and a slight amount of smoke com‐
ing from the exhaust until shortly after the
engine is shut down.▷A somewhat higher engine speed is neces‐
sary to reach usual performance.
Mobile communication devices in the
vehicle
Mobile communication devices in the ve‐
hicle
It is not recommended to use mobile phones,
such as mobile phones, in the vehicle interior
without a direct connection to an external aer‐
ial. Otherwise, the vehicle's electronics and
mobile communication devices can interfere
with each other. In addition, there is no assur‐
ance that the radiation generated during trans‐
mission will be conducted away from the vehi‐
cle interior.◀
Hydroplaning Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads, re‐
duce your speed to prevent hydroplaning.◀
On wet or slushy roads, a wedge of water can
form between the tires and road surface.
This phenomenon is referred to as hydroplan‐
ing. It is characterized by a partial or complete
loss of contact between the tires and the road
surface, ultimately undermining your ability to
steer and brake the vehicle.
Driving through water Observe water level and speed
Do not exceed the maximum water level
and maximum speed; otherwise, the vehicle's
engine, the electrical systems and the trans‐
mission may be damaged.◀
Drive though calm water only and only if it is
not deeper than 9.8 inches/25 cm and at this
height, no faster than walking speed, up to 3 mph/5 km/h.
Braking safely
Your vehicle is equipped with ABS as a stand‐
ard feature.
Applying the brakes fully is the most effective
way of braking in situations needed.
Steering is still responsive. You can still avoid
any obstacles with a minimum of steering ef‐
fort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal and sounds from
the hydraulic circuits indicate that ABS is in its
active mode.Seite 171Things to remember when drivingDriving tips171
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 960 493 - II/15
Page 176 of 255

In certain braking situations, the perforated
brake discs can cause functional problems.
However, this has no effect on the perform‐
ance and operational reliability of the brake.
Objects within the range of movement
of the pedals
No objects in the area around the pedals
Keep floor mats, carpets, and any other
objects out of the pedal area; otherwise, the
function of the pedals could be impeded while
driving and create the risk of an accident.
Do not place additional floor mats over existing
mats or other objects.
Only use floor mats that have been approved
for the vehicle and can be properly attached to
floor.
Ensure that the floor mats are securely fas‐
tened again after they were removed for clean‐
ing, e.g.◀
Driving in wet conditions When roads are wet, salted, or in heavy rain,
press brake pedal ever so gently every few
miles.
Ensure that this action does not endanger other traffic.
The heat generated in this process helps dry
the brake discs and pads.
In this way braking efficiency will be available
when you need it.
Hills Avoid stressing the brakes
Avoid placing excessive stress on the
brake system. Light but consistent brake pres‐
sure can lead to high temperatures, brakes
wearing out and possibly even brake failure.◀Do not drive in neutral
Do not drive in neutral or with the engine
stopped, as doing so disables engine braking.
In addition, steering and brake assist are un‐
available with the engine stopped.◀
Drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear that requires least braking efforts. Other‐
wise the brakes may overheat and reduce
brake efficiency.
You can increase the engine's braking effect
by shifting down, going all the way to first gear,
if needed.
Brake disc corrosion
Brake disc corrosion and contamination of the
brake pads are favored by:▷Low mileage.▷Extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all.▷Infrequent use of the brakes.
Corrosion will built up when the maximum
pressure applied to the brake pads during
braking is not reached - thus discs don't get
cleaned.
Corrosion buildup on the brake discs will cause
a pulsating effect on the brakes in their re‐
sponse - generally that cannot be corrected.
Condensation under the parked
vehicle
When using the automatic climate control,
condensation water develops collecting under‐
neath the vehicle.
These traces of water under the vehicle are
normal.
Seite 172Driving tipsThings to remember when driving172
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 960 493 - II/15