Ensure that the lock is securely engaged
Make sure that the lock engages prop‐
erly when folding back, otherwise transported
cargo could enter the car's interior during brak‐
ing or evasive maneuvers and endanger the
vehicle's occupants.◀
To secure cargo, refer to page 161, with nets
or draw straps, the cargo area is fitted with
lashing eyes.Seite 146ControlsInterior equipment146
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Storage compartmentsVehicle features and optionsThis 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.
Hints No loose objects in the car's interior
Do not stow any objects in the car's inte‐
rior without securing them; otherwise, they
may present a danger to occupants e.g., during
braking and evasive maneuvers.◀
Do not place anti-slip mats on the dash‐
board
Do not place anti-slip mats on the dashboard.
The mat materials could damage the dash‐
board.◀
Storage compartments The following storage compartments are avail‐
able in the vehicle interior:▷Glove compartment on the front passenger
side, refer to page 147.▷Glove compartment on the driver's side,
refer to page 148.▷Without Smoker's package: Front storage
compartment, in front of the cupholders,
refer to page 148.▷Storage compartment in the front center
armrest, refer to page 148.▷Compartments in the doors, refer to
page 148.▷Nets on the backrests of the front seats.
Glove compartment
Front passenger side
Note Close the glove compartment again im‐
mediately
Close the glove compartment immediately af‐
ter use while driving; otherwise, injury may oc‐
cur during accidents.◀
Opening
Pull the handle.
The light in the glove compartment switches
on.
ClosingFold cover closed.
Locking
The glove compartment can be locked with an
integrated key to separately secure the trunk
lid, refer to page 41, e.g.
This prevents access to the glove compart‐
ment and to the trunk.
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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
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
Storage compartment A storage compartment is located on the left
side.
Located on the right side is a storage compart‐
ment for the onboard vehicle tool kit, refer to
page 190, and first aid kit, refer to page 199.
Net
Small objects can be stowed in the net on the
left side.
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.
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Lashing eyes in the cargo areaTo secure the cargo, refer to page 161, there
are four lashing eyes in the cargo area.
Floor net
The floor net can also be used to Secure the
load, refer to page 161, and to store small
parts.
Storage compartment under the cargo
floor 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.◀
Raise the cargo floor panel, arrow 1, and latch
at top, if needed, arrow 2.
Partitioning the compartment The compartment can be divided using an at‐
tachable partition.
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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.
Manual transmission:
You can increase the engine's braking effect
by shifting down, going all the way to first gear,
if needed.
M double-clutch transmission:
You can increase the engine's braking effect
by shifting down in sequential mode, refer to
page 71.
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.
Ground clearance Limited ground clearance
Observe the limited ground clearance of
the vehicle, e. g. while entering underground
parking garages or when driving over obsta‐
cles. Otherwise, damages to the vehicle may
result.◀
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LoadingVehicle 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.
Hints Overloading the vehicle
To avoid exceeding the approved ca‐
pacity of the tires, never overload the vehicle.
Overloading can lead to overheating and in‐
creases the rate at which damage develops in‐
side the tires. This could result in a sudden
loss of tire inflation pressure.◀
No fluids in the cargo area
Make sure that fluids do not leak into the
cargo area; otherwise, the vehicle may be dam‐
aged.◀
Heavy and hard objects
Do not stow any heavy and hard objects
in the car's interior without securing them; oth‐
erwise, they may present a danger to occu‐
pants, e.g., during braking and evasive maneu‐
vers.◀
Determining the load limit1.Locate the following statement on your ve‐
hicle’s placard:▷The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed XXX kg
or YYY lbs. Otherwise, damage to thevehicle and unstable driving situations
may result.2.Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kilograms or
YYY pounds.4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load ca‐
pacity.
For example, if the YYY amount equals
1,000 lbs and there will be four 150 lbs
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity
is 400 lbs: 1,000 lbs minus 600 lbs =
400 lbs.5.Determine the combined weight of lug‐
gage and cargo being loaded on the vehi‐
cle. That weight may not safely exceed the
available cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.Seite 160Driving tipsLoading160
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Load
The maximum load is the sum of the weight of
the occupants and the cargo.
The greater the weight of the occupants, the
less cargo that can be transported.
Stowing cargo
▷Cover sharp edges and corners on the
cargo.▷Heavy cargo: stow as far forward as possi‐
ble, directly behind and at the bottom of
the rear passenger seat backrests.▷Very heavy cargo: when the rear seat is not
occupied, secure each of the outer safety
belts in the opposite buckle.▷If necessary, fold down the rear backrests
to stow cargo.▷Do not stack cargo above the top edge of
the backrests.Securing cargo
Lashing eyes in the trunk
To secure the cargo there are four lashing
eyes in the cargo area.
Floor net
The floor net can also be used to secure cargo
and store small parts.
Hook the floor net into the fittings in the trunk
floor.
Securing cargo Securing cargo
Stow and secure the cargo as described;
otherwise it may present a danger to the occu‐
pants, e.g., during braking and evasive maneu‐
vers.◀
▷Smaller and lighter items: secure with re‐
taining straps or draw straps.▷Larger and heavy objects: secure with
cargo straps.
Attach the cargo straps, retaining straps or
draw straps to the lashing eyes in the trunk.
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Roof-mounted luggage rackNoteRoof racks are available as special accessories.
Securing Follow the installation instructions of the roof
rack.
Roof drip rail with flaps
The anchorage points are located in the roof
drip rail above the doors.
Fold the cover outward.
Loading Be sure that adequate clearance is maintained
for tilting and opening the glass sunroof.
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center
of gravity when loaded, they have a major ef‐
fect on vehicle handling and steering re‐
sponse.
Therefore, note the following when loading
and driving:
▷Do not exceed the approved roof/axle
loads and the approved gross vehicle
weight.▷Distribute the roof load uniformly.▷The roof load should not extend past the
loading area.▷Always place the heaviest pieces on the
bottom.▷Secure the roof luggage firmly, e.g., tie
with ratchet straps.▷Do not let objects project into the opening
path of the trunk lid.▷Drive cautiously and avoid sudden acceler‐
ation and braking maneuvers. Take corners
gently.Seite 162Driving tipsLoading162
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