Driving stability control systemsVehicle 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.
Anti-lock Braking System
ABS
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during
braking.
The vehicle contains its steering power even
during full brake applications, thus increasing
active safety.
ABS is operational every time you start the en‐
gine.
Brake assistant When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system
automatically produces the greatest possible
braking force boost. It reduces the braking dis‐
tance to a minimum during emergency stop.
This system utilizes all of the benefits provided
by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal
for the duration of the emergency stop.
Adaptive brake assistant In combination with the Active Cruise Control,
this system ensures that the brakes respond
even more rapidly when braking in critical sit‐
uations.Drive-off assistant
This system supports driving off on inclines.
The parking brake is not required.1.Hold the vehicle in place with the foot
brake.2.Release the foot brake and drive off with‐
out delay.
After the foot brake is released, the vehicle is
held in place for approx. 2 seconds.
Depending on the vehicle load or when a trailer
is used, the vehicle may roll back slightly.
Automatic Differential Brake The system controls the driving force by auto‐
matic braking intervention on individual
wheels. The function corresponds to a differ‐
ential lock: the system detects if a wheel be‐
gins to spin, because of loose road surface,
e.g., and automatically brakes it.
The driving force is diverted to the wheel with
better traction.
As a result, the engine force is transferred
more efficiently to the wheels during accelera‐
tions.
Dynamic Performance
Control DPC
The Dynamic Performance Control increases
both the agility of the vehicle as well as the
lane stability.
The system seamlessly handles the distribu‐
tion of the drive torque between the two rear
wheels.
Depending on the situation, the drive torque is
shifted from the wheel on the inside of the
Seite 134ControlsDriving stability control systems134
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 963 464 - VI/15
curve to the wheel on the outside of the curve
or vice-versa.
To increase the maneuverability, the rear
wheel on the outside of the curve is acceler‐
ated when the driving style is correspondingly
sporty.
The steering responds directly; simultane‐
ously, the understeering tendency of the four-
wheel drive is reduced.
With the oversteering tendency, the system
exerts a stabilizing effect by accelerating the
rear wheel on the inside of the curve.
The system noticeably improves the traction
and simultaneously increases the driving
safety, especially on road surfaces having fluc‐
tuating coefficients of friction.
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control
The concept
DSC prevents traction loss in the power
wheels when driving off and accelerating.
DSC also recognizes unstable vehicle condi‐
tions such as fishtailing or nose-diving. Within the physical limits DSC helps to keep the vehi‐
cle on a steady course by reducing engine
speed and by applying brakes to the individual
wheels.
Information
Adapt your driving style to the situation, for an
appropriate driving style is always the respon‐
sibility of the driver.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed, not
even with DSC.
Therefore, do not reduce the additional safety
margin by driving in a risky manner.
WARNING
When driving with roof load, e.g. with
roof-mounted luggage rack, driving safety may
not be ensured in driving-critical situations dueto the elevated center of gravity. There is risk
of accidents or risk of property damage. Do not
deactivate Dynamic Stability Control DSC
when driving with roof load.◀
Overview
Button in the vehicle
DSC OFF button
Indicator/warning lights The indicator lamp flashes: DSC con‐
trols the drive and braking forces.
The indicator lamp lights up: DSC has
failed.
Deactivating DSC: DSC OFF
When DSC is deactivated, driving stability is
reduced during acceleration and when driving
in curves.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC
again as soon as possible.
Deactivating DSC Press and hold this button but not lon‐
ger than approx. 10 seconds, until the
indicator lamp for DSC OFF lights up in the in‐
strument cluster and displays DSC OFF.
The DSC system is switched off.
The steering and, depending on the equip‐
ment, suspension are tuned for sporty driving.
Seite 135Driving stability control systemsControls135
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 963 464 - VI/15
Activating DSCPress button.
DSC OFF and the DSC OFF indicator
lamp go out.
Indicator/warning lights
When DSC is deactivated, DSC OFF is dis‐
played in the instrument cluster.
The indicator lamp lights up: DSC is
deactivated.
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control
The concept The DTC system is a version of the DSC where
forward momentum is optimized.
The system ensures maximum headway on
special road conditions or loose road surfaces,
e.g., unplowed snowy roads, but with some‐
what limited driving stability.
Activating the Dynamic Traction Control DTC
provides maximum traction. Driving stability is
limited during acceleration and when driving in
curves.
Therefore drive with appropriate caution.
You may find it useful to briefly activate DTC
under the following special circumstances:▷When driving in slush or on uncleared,
snow-covered roads.▷When freeing vehicle from deep snow or
driving off from loose grounds.▷When driving with snow chains.
Deactivating/activating DTC Dynamic
Traction Control
Activating DTC Press button.
TRACTION is displayed in the instrument clus‐
ter and the indicator lamp for DSC OFF lights
up.
Deactivating DTC Press button again.
TRACTION and the DSC OFF indica‐
tor lamp go out.
Indicator/warning lights
If DTC is activated, TRACTION is displayed in
the instrument cluster.
The indicator lamp lights up: DTC Dy‐
namic Traction Control is activated.
xDrive xDrive is the all-wheel-drive system of your ve‐
hicle. Concerted action by the xDrive and DSC
further optimize traction and driving dynamics.
The xDrive all-wheel-drive system variably dis‐
tributes the drive forces to the front and rear
axles as demanded by the driving situation and
road surface.
Display on the Control Display
Displaying xDrive view1."Vehicle info"2."xDrive status"3. "xDrive view"
The following information is displayed:
▷With a navigation system: compass display
for the driving direction▷Pitch attitude with degree and percentage▷Transverse gradient with degree indication▷Graphic display for the steeringSeite 136ControlsDriving stability control systems136
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 963 464 - VI/15
The system ensures consistent comfort by
keeping spring travel constant in all driving sit‐
uations.
Malfunction
A Check Control message is displayed. The system is disrupted. Vehicle handling may be altered and driving comfort may be noticeably
reduced. Visit the nearest dealer’s service cen‐ ter or another qualified service center or repair
shop.
Driving Dynamics Control
The concept The Driving Dynamics Control can be used to
adjust the driving dynamics of the vehicle. For
this purpose various programs are available for
selection that are activated via the two buttons
of the Driving Dynamics Control and the DSC
OFF-button.
Overview
Button in the vehicleOperating the programsPress buttonProgramDSC OFF
TRACTIONSPORT+
SPORT
COMFORT
ECO PRO
Automatic program change
The system may automatically switch to COM‐
FORT in the following situations:
▷Failure of DSC Dynamic Stability Control.▷The vehicle has a flat tire.▷When activating cruise control in TRAC‐
TION or DSC OFF mode.
DSC OFF
Driving stability is limited during acceleration
and when driving in curves.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC
again as soon as possible.
Deactivating DSC: DSC OFF Press and hold this button but not lon‐
ger than approx. 10 seconds, until the
indicator lamp for DSC OFF lights up in the in‐
strument cluster and displays DSC OFF.
The DSC system is switched off.
Activating DSC Press button.
DSC OFF and the DSC OFF indicator
lamp go out.
Indicator/warning lights
When DSC OFF is activated, DSC OFF is dis‐
played in the instrument cluster.
Seite 139Driving stability control systemsControls139
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 963 464 - VI/15
The indicator lamp lights up: DSC OFF
is activated.
TRACTION Maximum traction on loose road surfaces. DTC
Dynamic Traction Control is switched on. Driv‐
ing stability is limited during acceleration and
when driving in curves.
Activating TRACTION Press button.
TRACTION is displayed in the instru‐
ment cluster and the indicator lamp for DSC
OFF lights up.
Deactivating TRACTION Press button again.
TRACTION and the DSC OFF indica‐
tor lamp go out.
Indicator/warning lights
If TRACTION is activated, TRACTION is dis‐
played in the instrument cluster.
The indicator lamp lights up: TRAC‐
TION is activated.
SPORT+ Sporty driving with optimized suspension and
adapted engine control with limited driving sta‐
bilization.
Dynamic Traction Control is switched on.
The driver handles several of the stabilization
tasks.
Activating SPORT+ Press button repeatedly until SPORT+
appears in the instrument cluster and
the DSC OFF indicator lamp lights up.Automatic program change
When switching on the manual speed limiter or
activating cruise control, the program automat‐
ically switches to SPORT mode.
Indicator/warning lights
SPORT+ is displayed in the instrument cluster.
The DSC OFF indicator lamp lights up:
Dynamic Traction Control is activated.
SPORT Consistently sporty tuning of the suspension
and engine control for greater driving agility
with maximum driving stabilization.
The program can be configured to individual
specifications.
The configuration is stored for the profile cur‐
rently used.
Activating SPORT Press button repeatedly until SPORT
is displayed in the instrument cluster.
COMFORT
For a balanced tuning with maximum driving
stabilization.
Activating COMFORT Press button repeatedly until COM‐
FORT is displayed in the instrument
cluster.
In certain situations, the system automatically
changes to the NORMAL program, automatic
program change, refer to page 139.
ECO PRO ECO PRO, refer to page 196, provides consis‐
tent tuning to minimize fuel consumption for
maximum range with maximum driving stabili‐
zation.Seite 140ControlsDriving stability control systems140
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 963 464 - VI/15
If interrupting the system while stationary,
press on the brake pedal at the same time.
The system is automatically interrupted in the
following situations:▷When the brakes are applied.▷When selector lever position D is disen‐
gaged.▷When DTC Dynamic Traction Control is
activated or DSC is deactivated.▷When DSC is actively controlling stability.▷When SPORT+ is activated with Driving
Dynamics Control.▷If the safety belt and the driver's door are
opened while the vehicle is standing still.▷If the system has not detected objects for
an extended period, e.g., on a road with
very little traffic without curb or shoulder
markings.▷If the detection range of the radar is dis‐
rupted, e.g., by dirt or heavy fog.▷After a longer stationary period when the
vehicle has been braked to a stop by the
system.
Maintaining, storing, and changing the
speed
Information WARNING
The desired speed can be incorrectly ad‐
justed or called up by mistake. There is risk of
an accident. Adjust the desired speed to the
traffic conditions. Watch traffic closely and ac‐
tively interfere in the respective situations.◀
WARNING
Risk of accident due to too high speed
differences to other vehicles, e.g. in the follow‐
ing situations:
▷When fast approaching a slowly moving
vehicle.▷Suddenly swerving vehicle onto the own
lane.▷When fast approaching standing vehicles.
There is risk of injuries or danger to life. Watch
traffic closely and actively interfere in the re‐
spective situations.◀
Maintaining/storing the speed Press button.
Or:
Press the rocker switch while the system is in‐
terrupted.
When the system is switched on, the current
speed is maintained and stored as the desired
speed.
This is displayed in the speedometer and
briefly in the instrument cluster, refer to
page 145.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control will be
switched on if needed.
Changing the speed
Press the rocker switch up or down repeatedly
until the desired speed is set.
If active, the displayed speed is stored and the
vehicle reaches the stored speed when the
road is clear.
▷Each time the rocker switch is pressed to
the point of resistance, the desired speed
increases or decreases by approx.
1 mph/1 km/h.Seite 144ControlsDriving comfort144
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 963 464 - VI/15
InformationWARNING
The use of the system can lead to an in‐
creased risk of accidents in the following situa‐
tions:▷On winding roads.▷In heavy traffic.▷On slippery roads, in fog, snow or rain, or
on a loose road surface.
There is risk of accidents or risk of property
damage. Only use the system if driving at con‐
stant speed is possible.◀
Overview
Buttons on the steering wheel
Press but‐
tonFunctionCruise control on/off, interrupt,
refer to page 149Store/maintain speed, refer to
page 150Resume speed, refer to
page 150Rocker switch:
Maintain, store, change speed,
refer to page 150
Controls
Switching on Press button on the steering wheel.
The marking in the speedometer is set to the
current speed.
The cruise control can be used.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control will be
switched on if needed.
Switch off
WARNING
The system does not relieve from the
personal responsibility to correctly assess the
traffic situation. Based on the limits of the sys‐
tem, it cannot independently react to all traffic situations. There is risk of an accident. Adjustthe driving style to the traffic conditions. Watch
traffic closely and actively interfere in the re‐
spective situations.◀
Press button on the steering wheel.▷If active: press twice.▷If interrupted: press once.
The displays go out. The stored desired speed
is deleted.
Interrupting When active, press the button.
The system is automatically interrupted in the
following situations:
▷When the brakes are applied.▷If selector lever position D is disengaged.▷If DTC Dynamic Traction Control is acti‐
vated or DSC is deactivated.▷When DSC is actively controlling stability.▷If HDC is activated.▷When SPORT+ is activated with Driving
Dynamics Control.
Maintaining, storing, and changing the
speed
Information WARNING
The desired speed can be incorrectly ad‐
justed or called up by mistake. There is risk of
an accident. Adjust the desired speed to the
traffic conditions. Watch traffic closely and ac‐
tively interfere in the respective situations.◀
Seite 149Driving comfortControls149
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 963 464 - VI/15
"EfficientDynamics info"
The following systems are displayed:▷Auto Start/Stop function.▷Energy recovery.▷Climate control output.
Display ECO PRO tips
"ECO PRO tips"
Settings are stored for the profile currently
used.
Coasting
The concept The system helps to conserve fuel.
To do this, under certain conditions the engine
is automatically decoupled from the transmis‐
sion when selector lever position D is set. The
vehicle continues traveling with the engine
idling to reduce fuel consumption. Selector
lever position D remains engaged.
This driving condition is referred to as coast‐
ing.
As soon as you step on the brake or accelera‐
tor pedal, the engine is automatically coupled
again.
Information Coasting is a component of the ECO PRO, re‐
fer to page 196, driving mode.
Coasting is automatically activated when ECO
PRO mode is called via the Driving Dynamics
Control.
The function is available in a certain speed
range.
A proactively driving style helps the driver to
use the function as often as possible and sup‐
ports the fuel-conserving effect of coasting.
Safety mode
The function is not available under one of the
following conditions.
▷DSC OFF or TRACTION activated.▷Driving in the dynamic limit range and on
steep uphill or downhill grades.▷Battery charge status temporarily too low
or vehicle electrical system drawing exces‐
sive current.▷Cruise control activated.
Functional requirements
In ECO PRO mode, this function is available in
a speed range from approximately 30 mph, ap‐
prox. 50 km/h to 100 mph, approx. 160 km/h, if
the following conditions are met:
▷Accelerator pedal and brake pedal are not
operated.▷The selector lever is in selector lever posi‐
tion D.▷Engine and transmission are at operating
temperature.
The driving status Coast can be influenced
with the shift paddles.
Display Display in the instrument cluster The mark in the efficiency dis‐
play below the tachometer is
backlit in blue and is located at
the zero point. The tachometer
approximately indicates idle
speed.
The coasting point indicator is illuminated at
the zero point during coasting.
Display in the instrument display The mark in the efficiency dis‐
play is backlit in blue and is lo‐
cated at the zero point.
The coasting point indicator is il‐
luminated at the zero point dur‐
ing coasting.
Seite 199Saving fuelDriving tips199
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 963 464 - VI/15