2016 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS-Class drive mode

Exterior lighting
General notes
For reasons of safety, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you drive with the lights switched on
even during the daytime. Therefore, your vehicle
is equipped with special daytime running lamps.
In some countries, operation of the headlamps
varies due to legal requirements and self-
imposed obligations.
If you wish to drive during the daytime without
lights, switch off the daytime running lamps
function in the on-board computer
(
Ypage 206).
Setting the exterior lighting
Setting options
Exterior lighting can be set using:
Rthe light switch
Rthe combination switch (Ypage 108)
Rthe on-board computer (Ypage 206)
Light switch
Operation
1 WLeft-hand standing lamps
2XRight-hand standing lamps
3TParking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lighting
4ÃAutomatic headlamp mode, controlled
by the light sensor
5 LLow-beam/high-beam headlamps
If you hear a warning tone when you leave the
vehicle, the lights may still be switched on.
XTurn the light switch to Ã. The exterior lighting (except the parking/stand-
ing lamps) switches off automatically if you:
Rremove the SmartKey from the ignition lock
Ropen the driver's door with the SmartKey in
position
0in the ignition lock
Automatic headlamp mode
GWARNING
When the light switch is set to Ã, the low-
beam headlamps may not be switched on
automatically if there is fog, snow or other
causes of poor visibility due to the weather
conditions such as spray. There is a risk of an
accident.
In such situations, turn the light switch to
L.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an aid.
The driver is responsible for the vehicle's light-
ing at all times.
à is the favored light switch setting. The light
setting is automatically selected according to
the brightness of the ambient light (exception:
poor visibility due to weather conditions such as
fog, snow or spray):
RSmartKey in position 1in the ignition lock: the
parking lamps are switched on or off auto-
matically depending on the brightness of the
ambient light.
RWith the engine running: if you have activated
the Daytime Running Lightsfunction via
the on-board computer, the daytime running
lamps or the parking lamps and the low-beam
headlamps are switched on or off automati-
cally depending on the brightness of the ambi- ent light.
XTo switch on automatic headlamp mode:
turn the light switch to Ã.
Canada only:
The daytime running lamps improve the visibility
of your vehicle during the day. The daytime run- ning lamps function is required by law in Can-
ada. It cannot therefore be deactivated.
When the engine is running and the vehicle is
stationary: if you move the selector lever from a
drive position to P, the daytime running lamps/
low-beam headlamps go out after three
minutes.
When the engine is running, the vehicle is sta-
tionary and in bright ambient light: if you turn the
Exterior lighting107
Lights and windshield wipers
Z

ROnly use the "Windshield defrosting" function
briefly until the windshield is clear again.
ROnly use air-recirculation mode briefly, e.g. if
there are unpleasant outside odors or when in
a tunnel. The windows could otherwise fog up,
since no fresh air is drawn into the vehicle in
air-recirculation mode.
RUse the ZONE function to adopt the temper-
ature settings on the driver's side for the
front-passenger side and the rear compart-
ment as well. The indicator lamp above the
á button goes out.
RVehicles with 3-zone automatic climate con-
trol: use the residual heat function if you want
to heat or ventilate the vehicle interior when
the ignition is switched off. The residual heat
function can only be activated or deactivated with the ignition switched off.
RIf you change the settings of the climate con-
trol system, the climate status display
appears for approximately three seconds at
the bottom of the screen in the multimedia
system display. You will see the current set-
tings of the various climate control functions.
ECO start/stop function
During automatic engine switch-off, the climate
control system only operates at a reduced capa- city. If you require the full climate control output,
you can switch off the ECO start/stop function
by pressing the ECO button (
Ypage 131).
Operating the climate control sys-
tems
Activating/deactivating climate con-
trol
General notes
When the climate control is switched off, the air
supply and air circulation are also switched off.
The windows could fog up. Therefore, switch off
climate control only briefly
iActivate climate control primarily using the
à button (Ypage 120).
Activating/deactivating
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock (Ypage 127).
XTo activate: press theÃbutton.
The indicator lamp in the Ãbutton lights
up. Airflow and air distribution are set to auto-
matic mode.
XTo deactivate: press the^button.
The indicator lamp in the ^button lights
up.
Operating the climate control systems119
Climate control

Adjusting the climatemode settings
The "Se tclimat emode" function is only available
wit h3-zone automatic climat econtrol .
You can select th efollowin gclimat emod eset -
ting sin automatic mode:
FOCUS high airflow, slightly cooler setting
MEDIUM medium airflow, standard setting
DIFFUS Elow airflow, slightly warmer and draft-
free setting
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock (Ypage 127).
XPress the Ãbutton.
XPress the ñbutton repeatedly until the
desired climate mode appears in the display.
Setting the temperature
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Different temperatures can be set for the driv-
er's and front-passenger sides.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock (Ypage 127).
XTo increase or reduce: turn temperature
control :orB counter-clockwise or clock-
wise (
Ypage 115).
Only change the temperature setting in small
increments. Start at 72 ‡ (22 †).
3-zone automatic climate control
You can select different temperature settings
for the driver's and front-passenger sides as well
as for the rear compartment.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock (Ypage 127).
XTo increase or reduce the temperature in
the front compartment: turn temperature
control :orB counter-clockwise or clock-
wise (
Ypage 117).
Only change the temperature setting in small increments. Start at 72 ‡ (22 †).
XTo increase or reduce the temperature in
the rear compartment using the front con-
trol panel: press theábutton.
The indicator lamp in the ábutton goes
out. The temperature setting for the driver's side
is adopted for the rear compartment and the
front-passenger side.
XTurn temperature control
:counter-clock-
wise or clockwise (Ypage 117).
Only change the temperature setting in small increments. Start at 72 ‡ (22 †).
XTo increase or reduce the temperature in
the rear compartment using the rear con-
trol panel: press therors button on
the rear control panel.
Only change the temperature setting in small
increments. Start at 72 ‡ (22 †).
Setting the air distribution
Air distribution settings
P Directs air through the center and side air
vents
O Directs air through the footwell air vents
S Directs air through the center, side and
footwell vents
¯ Directs air through the defroster vents
b Directs the airflow through the defroster,
center and side air vents (Canada only)
a Directs air through the defroster and
footwell vents
_ Directs the airflow through the defroster
vents, the center and side air vents as
well as the footwell air vents (Canada
only)
iRegardless of the air distribution setting,
airflow is always directed through the side air
vents. The side air vents can only be closed
when the controls on the side air vents are
turned downwards.
Setting the air distribution
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock (Ypage 127).
XPress the _button repeatedly until the
desired symbol appears in the display.
Operating the climate control systems121
Climate control

Setting the airflow
XTurn the SmartKey to position2in the ignition
lock (Ypage 127).
XTo increase: press theKbutton.
XTo reduce: press theIbutton.
iYou can use 3-zone automatic climate con-
trol to set the airflow in the rear compartment
separately.
If the battery is not sufficiently charged, blower output may be reduced. As soon as the battery
is sufficiently charged, full blower output will be
available.
Switching the ZONE function on/off
XTo activate: press theábutton.
The indicator lamp in the ábutton lights
up.
Dual-zone automatic climate control: the tem-
perature setting for the driver's side is not
adopted for the front-passenger side.
3-zone automatic climate control: the tem-
perature setting for the driver's side is not
adopted for the front-passenger side and the
rear compartment.
XTo deactivate: press theábutton.
The indicator lamp in the ábutton goes
out.
Dual-zone automatic climate control: the tem-
perature setting for the driver's side is adop-
ted for the front-passenger side.
3-zone automatic climate control: the tem-
perature setting for the driver's side is adop-
ted for the front-passenger side and the rear
compartment.
Defrosting the windshield
You can use this function to defrost the wind-
shield or to clear a fogged up windshield or side
windows on the inside.
Switch off the "Windshield defrosting" function
as soon as the windshield is clear again.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock (Ypage 127).
XTo activate: press the¬button.
The indicator lamp in the ¬button lights
up. The climate control system switches to the
following functions:
Rhigh airflow
Rhigh temperature
Rair distribution to the windshield and front
side windows
Rair-recirculation mode off
If the battery is not sufficiently charged, blower output may be reduced. Once the battery is suf-
ficiently charged again, full blower output will be
available again.
XTo deactivate: press the¬button.
The indicator lamp in the ¬button goes
out. The previously selected settings are
restored. Air-recirculation mode remains
deactivated.
MAX COOL maximum cooling
The MAX COOL function is only available in vehi-
cles for the USA.
MAX COOL is only operational when the engine
is running.
XTo activate: press theÙbutton.
The indicator lamp in the Ùbutton lights
up.
XTo deactivate: press theÙbutton.
The indicator lamp in the Ùbutton goes
out. The previously selected settings are
restored.
When you activate MAX COOL, climate control
switches to the following functions:
Rmaximum cooling
Rmaximum airflow
Rair-recirculation mode on
Defrosting the windows
Windows fogged up on the inside
XActivate the ¿cooling with air dehumidi-
fication function.
XActivate automatic mode Ã.
XAdjust the side air vents so that the warmed
air is directed to the side windows.
XIf the windows continue to fog up, activate the
"windshield defrosting" function ¬.
122Operating the climate control systems
Climate control

the vehicle. This occurs, for example, when
starting the engine.
To start the vehicle without actively using the
Smartkey:
Rthe Start/Stop button must be inserted in the
ignition lock.
Rthe Smartkey must be in the vehicle.
Rthe vehicle must not be locked with the
Smartkey or KEYLESS-GO (Ypage 76).
Do not keep the KEYLESS-GO key:
Rwith electronic devices, e.g. a mobile phone
or another Smartkey.
Rwith metallic objects, e.g. coins or metal foil.
Rinside metallic objects, e.g. a metal case.
This can affect the functionality of KEYLESS-GO. If you lock the vehicle with the Smartkey's
remote control or with KEYLESS-GO, after a
short time:
Ryou will not be able to switch on the ignition
with the Start/Stop button.
Ryou will not be able to start the engine with the
Start/Stop button until the vehicle is
unlocked again.
The engine can be switched off while the vehicle
is in motion by pressing and holding the Start/
Stop button for three seconds. This function
operates independently of the ECO start/stop
automatic engine switch-off function.
Key positions with KEYLESS-GO
:Start/Stop button
;Ignition lock
As soon as the ignition is switched on, all the
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster light
up. Further information on situations where an
indicator lamp either fails to go out after starting
the engine or lights up while driving
(
Ypage 237). If Start/Stop button
:has not yet been
pressed, this corresponds to the Smartkey
being removed from the ignition.
XTo switch on the power supply: press
Start/Stop button :once.
The power supply is switched on. You can now activate the windshield wipers, for example.
The power supply is switched off again if:
Rthe driver's door is opened and
Ryou press Start/Stop button :twice when in
this position
XTo switch on the ignition: press Start/Stop
button :twice.
The ignition is switched on.
If you press Start/Stop button :once when
in this position, the ignition is switched off
again.
Removing the Start/Stop button
You can remove the Start/Stop button from the
ignition lock and start the vehicle as normal
using the Smartkey.
It is only possible to switch between Start/Stop button mode and Smartkey operation when the
transmission is in position P.
XRemove Start/Stop button :from ignition
lo ck ;.
Y
ou do not have to remove the Start/Stop but-
ton from the ignition lock when you leave the
vehicle. You should, however, always take the
Smartkey with you when leaving the vehicle. As long as the Smartkey is in the vehicle:
Rthe vehicle can be started using the Start/
Stop button
Rthe electrically powered equipment can be
operated
Starting the engine
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they could:
Ropen the doors, thus endangering other
people or road users.
Rget out and disrupt traffic.
Roperate the vehicle's equipment.
128Driving
Dr iving an d parking

GWARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the vehi-
cle, they could set it in motion by, for example:
Rrelease the parking brake.
Rshift the automatic transmission out of the
parking position P.
Rstart the engine.
In addition, they may operate vehicle equip-
ment and become trapped. There is a risk of
an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unsupervised in the vehicle.
If you brake the vehicle with the parking brake,
the brake lamps will not light up.
XTo apply: depress parking brake ;firmly.
When the engine is running, the $(USA
only) or J(Canada only) indicator lamp
lights up in the instrument cluster.
XTo release: depress the brake pedal and keep
it depressed.
XPull release handle :.
When the ignition is switched on or the engine
is running, the $(USA only) or J(Can-
ada only) indicator lamp goes out in the instru-
ment cluster.
Parking the vehicle for a long period
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
four weeks, the battery may be damaged by
exhaustive discharging. If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than six
weeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as a
result of lack of use.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop and seek
advice.
iYou can obtain information about trickle
chargers from a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Driving tips
General notes
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with limitations, or not at all. This could affect, for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect. You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
GWARNING
If you operate mobile communication equip-
ment while driving, you will be distracted from traffic conditions. You could also lose control
of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
Only operate this equipment when the vehicle
is stationary.
Observe the legal requirements for the country
in which you are driving. Some jurisdictions pro-
hibit the driver from using a mobile phone while
driving a vehicle.
If you make a call while driving, always use
hands-free mode. Only operate the telephone
when the traffic situation permits. If you are
unsure, pull over to a safe location and stop
before operating the telephone.
Bear in mind that at a speed of only 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), the vehicle covers a
distance of 44 ft (approximately 14 m)per sec-
ond.
148Driving tips
Driving and parking

The evaluation of your driving style is carried out
using the following three categories:
RAcceleration(evaluation of all acceleration
processes):
-The bar fills up: moderate acceleration,
especially at higher speeds
-The bar empties: sporty acceleration
RConstant(assessment of driving behavior at
all times):
-The bar fills up: constant speed and avoid-
ance of unnecessary acceleration and
deceleration
-The bar empties: fluctuations in speed
RCoasting(assessment of all deceleration
processes):
-The bar fills up: anticipatory driving, keep-
ing your distance and early release of the
accelerator. The vehicle can coast without
use of the brakes.
-The bar empties: frequent braking
iAn economical driving style specially
requires driving at moderate engine speeds.
To achieve a higher value in the categories
Acceleration
and Constant:
Robserve the gearshift recommendations.
Rdrive in drive program E.
iOn long journeys at a constant speed, e.g.
on the highway, only the bar for Constantwill
change.
iThe ECO display summarizes the driving
characteristics from the start of the journey to
its completion. For this reason, the bars
change dynamically at the beginning of the
journey. On longer journeys, there are fewer
changes. For more dynamic changes, carry
out a manual reset.
For further information on the ECO display, see
(
Ypage 199).
Braking
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
Downhill gradients
!On long and steep gradients, you must
reduce the load on the brakes by shifting to a lower gear in good time. This allows you to
take advantage of the engine's braking effect.
This helps you to avoid overheating the
brakes and wearing them out excessively.
When you take advantage of engine braking, a
drive wheel may not turn for some time, e.g.
on a slippery road surface. This could cause
damage to the drive train. This type of damage
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz war-
ranty.
Do not depress the brake pedal continuously
while the vehicle is in motion, e.g. causing the
brakes to rub by constantly applying light pres-
sure to the pedal. This results in excessive and
premature wear to the brake pads.
Change into a lower gear in good time on long
and steep downhill gradients. This is especially
important if the vehicle is laden.
Heavy and light loads
GWARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time.
!Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately, but
drive on for a short while. This allows the airflow
to cool the brakes more quickly.
150Driving tips
Driving and parking

Wet roads
If you have driven for a long time in heavy rain
without braking, there may be a delayed reac-
tion from the brakes when braking for the first
time. This may also occur after the vehicle has
been washed or driven through deep water.
You have to depress the brake pedal more
firmly. Maintain a greater distance from the
vehicle in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the vehicle
washed, brake firmly while paying attention to
the traffic conditions. This will warm up the
brake discs, thereby drying them more quickly
and protecting them against corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads
If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt resi-
due may form on the brake discs and brake
pads. This can result in a significantly longer
braking distance.
RIn order to prevent any salt build-up, apply the
brakes occasionally while paying attention to
the traffic conditions.
RCarefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey.
RMaintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead.
Servicing the brakes
!The brake fluid level may be too low, if:
Rif the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and
Ryou hear a warning tone while the engine is
running
Observe additional warning messages in the
multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked immediately.
Consult a qualified specialist workshop to
arrange this.
!Vehicles with 4MATIC: function or per-
formance tests may only be carried out on a 2-
axle dynamometer. If you wish to operate the
vehicle on such a dynamometer, please con-
sult a qualified specialist workshop in
advance. You could otherwise damage the
drive train or the brake system.
!Vehicles with 4MATIC: as the ESP®sys-
tem operates automatically, the engine and
the ignition must be switched off (SmartKey in
position 0or 1in the ignition lock or Start/
Stop button in position 0or 1) while the park-
ing brake is being tested on a brake dyna-
mometer.
Braking maneuvers triggered automatically
by ESP
®may seriously damage the brake sys-
tem.
!Vehicles with 4MATIC: as the ESP®sys-
tem operates automatically, the engine and
the ignition system must be switched off
(SmartKey in position 0or 1in the ignition
lock or Start/Stop button in position 0or 1)
when:
Rtesting the parking brake on a brake dyna-
mometer.
Ryou intend to have the vehicle towed with
one of the axles raised.
Braking maneuvers triggered automatically
by ESP
®may seriously damage the brake sys-
tem.
All checks and maintenance work on the brake
system must be carried out at a qualified spe-
cialist worksho p.
Ha

ve brake pads installed and brake fluid
replaced at a qualified specialist workshop.
If the brake system has only been subject to
moderate loads, you should test the functional-
ity of your brakes at regular intervals. To do so,
press firmly on the brake pedal when driving at a
high speed. This improves the grip of the brake
pads.
You can find a description of Brake Assist (BAS) on (
Ypage 65) or of BAS PLUS on (Ypage 65).
The braking characteristics of the vehicle can be
seriously impaired if:
Rbrake pads other than those recommended
are installed
Rthe recommended brake fluid is not used
Safe braking can no longer be guaranteed.
AMG high-performance and ceramic
brakes
The high-performance brake system is only
installed on the Mercedes-AMG
CLS 63 S 4MATIC model.
Driving tips151
Driving and parking
Z