
Activating when driving with the electric motor:
XPull the left or right steering wheel paddle
shifter (Ypage 159).
The combustion engine is switched on. Man-
ual gearshifting is activated temporarily. The
selected gear and Mappear in the multifunc-
tion display.
Activating when driving with the combustion
engine:
XPull the left or right steering wheel paddle
shifter (Ypage 159).
Manual gearshifting is activated temporarily.
The selected gear and Mappear in the multi-
function display.
The ECO start/stop function is not available
when manually changing gear.
For further information on the manual drive pro-
gram (
Ypage 159).
Driving tips
General driving tips
Drive carefully and maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front. Avoid frequent and
sudden acceleration as well as abrupt braking.
During partial electric driving, pulling away and
acceleration, the electric motor supports the
internal combustion engine.
During overrun in transmission position Dand
braking, the electric motor will operate as a gen-
erator.
Further information on the ECO start/stop func-
tion (
Ypage 253).
Additional driving tips (
Ypage 181).
Stationary vehicle
If the vehicle is stopped, the combustion engine
is, for the most part, switched off. Automatic
climate control continues to function. The elec-
tromechanically assisted steering gear allows
you to use the power steering without reduced
comfort.
Acceleration
Depending on the operating mode, pulling away
and driving under low load conditions are per-
formed:
Rentirely by electric propulsion
Rin combination with the internal combustion
engine When accelerating rapidly under increased or
full load, increased boost mode is utilized. The
electric motor supports the combustion engine
by providing additional drive torque.
Overrun mode or braking
There are three possible operating modes when
the hybrid vehicle is decelerating:
Renergy recovery takes place even when the
vehicle is decelerating purely in overrun mode
(
Ypage 242). The electric motor operates as
a generator and stores the recovered energy
in the high-voltage battery.
Rwhen the brakes are applied lightly, the vehi-
cle is slowed down further by the electric
motor. This increases the energy recovery
taking place (
Ypage 242). The electric motor
operates as a generator and stores the recov- ered energy in the high-voltage battery.
Rwhen the brakes are applied with greater
force, the service brakes are also used to slow
the vehicle down. The two systems work
together.
Urban driving
In city traffic, energy is recuperated during fre-
quent deceleration phases.
The vehicle can be driven by the electric motor
alone up to a speed of approximately 80 mph
(130 km/h).
The vehicle is driven by the electric motor alone
only when all conditions for the automatic
engine switch-off are fulfilled.
Further information on the automatic engine
switch-off (
Ypage 253).
Driving on inter-urban roads
The following phases are possible when driving
on inter-urban roads:
Rrapid acceleration (boost mode)
Renergy recuperation
Relectric operation mode
The vehicle can be driven by the electric motor
alone up to a speed of approximately 74 mph
(120 km/h).
A great deal of recovered energy may be avail-
able, depending on the route profile. This
reduces consumption and emissions.
252PLUG-IN HYBRID operation
Driving an d parking

XEstablish the electrical connection between
the vehicle and the trailer.
XCheck that the trailer lighting system is work-
ing.
XPush the combination switch upwards/down-wards and check whether the corresponding
turn signal on the trailer flashes.
A trailer that is connected is recognized only
when the electrical connection is established
correctly and when the lighting system is work-
ing properly. The function of other systems also
depends on this, for example:
RESP®
RPARKTRONIC
RActive Parking Assist
RActive Blind Spot Assist
RActive Lane Keeping Assist
iVehicles with the AIRMATIC package: if you
couple up a trailer, the vehicle always remains
at normal level. When coupling up a trailer,
please observe the following:
RIf the normal level has not been set man-
ually, the vehicle is automatically lowered
to normal level. This is the case if a speed of
5 mph (8 km/h) is reached.
RThe Sport drive program is not available.
These restrictions apply to all accessories
powered through a connection to the trailer
power socket of your vehicle, e.g. a bicycle
carrier.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and leng
th).
Most U.S. states and all Canadian provinces
require by law:
RSafety chains between the towing vehicle and
the trailer. The chains should be cross-wound
under the trailer drawbar. They must be fas-
tened to the vehicle's trailer coupling, not to
the bumper or the axle.
Leave enough play in the chains to make tight
cornering possible.
RA separate brake system for certain types of
trailer.
RSafety switch for braked trailers. Check the
specific legal requirements applicable to your
state.
If the trailer becomes detached from the tow-
ing vehicle, the safety switch applies the
trailer brakes.
Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements con-
cerning the towing of a trailer, e.g. speed restric- tions. Make sure that your car/trailer combina-
tion complies with the local regulations:
Rin your place of residence
Rin the location to which you are driving
The police and local authorities can provide reli- able information.
Observe the following when towing a trailer:
RTo gain driving experience and to become
accustomed to the new handling characteris-
tics, you should practice the following in a
traffic-free location:
-cornering
-stopping
-backing up
RBefore driving, check:
-trailer tow hitch
-safety switch for braked trailers
-safety chains
-electrical connections
-lights
-wheels
RAdjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
RIf the trailer has electronically controlled
brakes, pull away carefully. Brake manually
using the brake controller and check whether
the brakes function correctly.
RSecure any objects on the trailer to prevent
the cargo from slipping when the vehicle is in
motion.
RWhen you couple up a trailer, check at regular
intervals that the load is firmly secured. If the
tra
iler is equipped with trailer lights and
brakes, check the trailer to ensure that these
are working.
RBear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when driving
without one. Avoid sudden steering move-
ments.
RThe vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly, has a decreased
gradient climbing capability and a longer
braking distance.
It is more susceptible to side winds and
requires more careful steering.
260Towing a trailer
Driving an d parking

XPress the:or9 button to set Off,
Standardor Adaptive.
When Lane Keeping Assist or Active Lane
Keeping Assist is activated, the multifunction
display shows the lane markings as bright
lines in the assistance graphic.
XPress the abutton to save the setting.
For further information about Lane Keeping
Assist, see (
Ypage 229).
For further information about Active Lane Keep-
ing Assist, see (
Ypage 233).
Service menu
Introduction
Depending on the equipment installed in the
vehicle, you have the following options in the
Serv.
menu:
RCalling up display messages in message
memory (Ypage 280)
RRestarting the tire pressure loss warning sys-
tem (Ypage 394) or checking the tire pres-
sure electronically (Ypage 396)
RCalling up the service due date
(Ypage 360)
RDisplaying the coolant temperature (PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles) (Ypage 273)
Displaying the coolant temperature
The Coolantmenu is only available on PLUG-IN
HYBRID vehicles.
Observe the notes on coolant temperature
(
Ypage 264).
XPress the =or; button on the steering
wheel to select the Sett.menu.
XPress the:or9 button to select the
Serv.submenu.
XConfirm by pressing aon the steering
wheel.
XPress the :or9 button to select the
Coolantsubmenu.
XPress ato confirm your selection.
The coolant temperature is shown in a bar
display.
Settings menu
Introduction
Depending on the equipment installed in the
vehicle, In the Sett.menu you have the follow-
ing options:
RChanging HYBRID settings (PLUG-IN HYBRID
vehicles) (Ypage 273)
RChanging the instrument cluster settings
(Ypage 274)
RChanging the light settings (Ypage 275)
RChanging the vehicle settings (Ypage 275)
RChanging the convenience settings
(Ypage 275)
RRestoring the factory settings (Ypage 276)
HYBRID submenu (PLUG-IN HYBRID
vehicles)
Setting the maximum charge current
Using the MaximumChargeCurrent:function,
you can limit the charge current value at which
the high-voltage battery should be charged.
Before charging the high-voltage battery at a
power socket, check the maximum permissible
charge current for the relevant power socket or
the building.
Only set the maximum permissible charge cur-
rent using the function if:
Rit is not possible to set the charge current on
the charging cable
Rthe precise maximum permitted charge cur-
rent can only be set via the on-board com-
puter
Menus and submenus273
On-board computer and displays
Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
?The hoodis open .
GWARNIN G
The open hoo dmay bloc kyour vie wwhen th evehicl eis in motion .
There is aris kof an accident.
XPull ove rand stop th evehicl esafely as soo nas possible, payin g
attention to roa dand traffic conditions.
XSecur eth evehicl eagainst rollin gaway (Ypage 178).
XCloseth ehood.
CAt least on edoor is open .
A warning tone also sounds.
XClos eall th edoors.
&
Pre-Entry Climat eCtrl. (ViaSmart‐Key )AvailableAgain After EngineStart
PLUG-I NHYBRID vehicles:
Wit hth eengin eswitched off ,you hav eattempte dto switch on th epre -
entr yclimat econtrol mor ethan twice .
XLet theengin erun for te nseconds.
Afte rrunnin gth eengine, th epre-entry climat econtrol is opera-
tional again .
&
Pre-Entry Climat eCtrl. (ViaSmart‐Key )InoperativeHVBatter yLow
PLUG-I NHYBRID vehicles:
The on-boar dvoltag eis to olow. The pre-entry climat econtrol canno t
be switched on .
XDrive foralonger distance.
The battery is bein gcharged. Whe nth econdition of charg eof th e
high-voltage battery is ove rth especified minimum ,pre-entry cli -
mat econtrol is operational again .
Ð
Power Steering Mal‐function See Opera‐tor's Manual
The powersteering is malfunctioning .
A warning tone also sounds.
GWARNIN G
You will need to use mor eforce to steer .
There is aris kof an accident.
XChec kwhether you are able to apply th eextr aforce required.
If you ar eabl eto steer safely:
XDrive on carefully.
XVisit aqualified specialist workshop immediately.
If you ar eunable to steer safely:
XDo no tdrive on .
XConsult aqualified specialist workshop .
Display messages313
On-board computer and displays
Z

XFold out hook=on the underside of the
cargo compartment floor in the direction of
the arrow.
XAttach hook =to the cargo compartment's
upper seal ?.
XTo close:detach hook =from the cargo
compartment's upper seal ?.
XFasten hook=to the bracket on the under-
side of the cargo compartment floor.
XFold the cargo compartment floor down.
XPress the cargo compartment floor down ;
until it engages.
iTo remove the cargo compartment floor,
undo the press studs below the cargo com-
partment floor. When you re-install the cargo
compartment floor, fasten it with the press
studs.
Locking/unlocking the cargo compart-
ment floor
1Cargo compartment floor unlocked
2Cargo compartment floor locked
The cargo compartment floor can be locked and
unlocked using the mechanical key.
Roof carrier
Important safety notes
GWARNING
When you load the roof, the center of gravity
of the vehicle rises and the driving character-
istics change. If you exceed the maximum roof
load, the driving characteristics, as well as
steering and braking, will be greatly impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
Never exceed the maximum roof load and
adjust your driving style.
!Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only
use roof carriers that have been tested and
approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles. This
helps to prevent damage to the vehicle.
Position the load on the roof carrier in such a
way that the vehicle will not sustain damage
even when it is in motion.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, ensure
that when the roof carrier is installed you can:
Rraise the sliding sunroof fully
Ropen the panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel fully
Ropen the tailgate fully
You will find information on the maximum roof
load in the "Technical data" section
(
Ypage 441).
338Stowage areas
Stowage and features

Problems with the 115 V power socket
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The warning lamp on the
115 V power socket is
not lit.The on-board voltage is too low because the battery is too weak.
XStart the engine.
or
XCharge the battery (Ypage 377).
If the indicator lamp still does not light up:
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
The temperature of the DC/AC converter is temporarily too high.
XRemove the electronic device connector from the 115 V socket.
XLet the DC/AC converter cool down.
If the indicator lamp still does not light up after cooling down the
converter:
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
You have connected an electronic device that has a constant nominal
power of less than 150 watts, but has a very high switch-on current.
This device will not work. If you connect such a device, the 115 V
power socket will not supply it with power.
XConnect a suitable electronic device.
mbrace
General notes
The mbrace system is only available in the USA.
You must have a license agreement to activate
the mbrace service. Make sure that your system
is activated and operational. To log in, press the
ï MB Info call button. If any of the steps
mentioned are not carried out, the system may
not be activated.
If you have questions about the activation, con-
tact one of the following telephone hotlines:
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372) or
1-866-990-9007
Shortly after successfully registering with the
mbrace service, a user ID and password will be
sent to you by mail. You can use this password
to log onto the mbrace area under "Owners
Online" at http://www.mbusa.com. The system is available if:
Rit has been activated and is operational
Rthe corresponding mobile phone network is
available for transmitting data to the Cus-
tomer Center
Ra service subscription is available
Determining the location of the vehicle on a map
is only possible if:
RGPS reception is available.
Rthe vehicle position can be forwarded to the
Customer Assistance Center.
The mbrace system
To adjust the volume during a call, proceed as
follows:
XPress the WorX button on the multi-
function steering wheel.
or
XUse the volume control on the multimedia
system.
Features345
Stowage and features
Z

XStart the engine of the donor vehicle and run it at idling speed.
XConnect negative terminal?of donor battery Bto ground point Aof your vehicle using the
jumper cable, connecting the jumper cable to battery of other vehicle Bfirst.
XStart the engine.
XBefore disconnecting the jumper cables, let the engine run for several minutes.
XFirst, remove the jumper cables from ground point Aand negative terminal ?, then from pos-
itive clamp ;and positive terminal =. Begin each time at the contacts on your own vehicle first.
XClose cover:of positive terminal ;after removing the jumper cables.
XHave the battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles: if your vehicle has been jump-started, it may not be possible to use the
electric drive for approximately 30 minutes.
Jump-starting is not considered to be a normal operating condition.
iJumper cables and further information regarding jump-starting can be obtained at any qualified
specialist workshop.
Towing and tow-starting
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Functions relevant to safety are restricted or
no longer available if:
Rthe engine is not running.
Rthe brake system or the power steering is
malfunctioning.
Rthere is a malfunction in the voltage supply or the vehicle's electrical system.
If your vehicle is being towed, much more
force may be necessary to steer or brake.
There is a risk of an accident.
In such cases, use a tow bar. Before towing,
make sure that the steering moves freely.
GWARNING
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle
and its weight is greater than the permissible
gross weight of your vehicle, the:
Rthe towing eye could detach itself
Rthe vehicle/trailer combination could roll-
over.
There is a risk of an accident.
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle,
its weight should not be greater than the per- missible gross weight of your vehicle. Details on the permissible gross vehicle weight
of your vehicle can be found on the vehicle iden-
tification plate (
Ypage 432).
!When COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST
PLUS, DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes automatically
in certain situations.
To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate
these systems in the following or similar sit-
uations:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
!Make sure that the electric parking brake is
released. If the electric parking brake is faulty,
visit a qualified specialist workshop.
!Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at the
towing eyes, or the trailer tow hitch, if availa-
ble. You could otherwise damage the vehicle.
!Do not use the trailer tow hitch for recovery
or towing. Do not use the towing eye for
recovery. this could damage the vehicle. If in
doubt, have the vehicle recovere d u
sing a
crane.
!When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. Pull the towed vehicle as straight as
possible and not at an acute angle. Excessive
tractive power could damage the vehicles.
When towing, it is preferable to use a rigid tow-
ing bar as opposed to a tow rope. A rigid towing
bar helps to keep the tractive power low.
!When towing vehicles with KEYLESS-GO,
use the key instead of the Start/Stop button.
Towing and tow-starting381
Breakdown assitance
Z

In order to ensure that the automatic transmis-
sion stays in positionNwhen towing the vehicle,
you must observe the following points:
XMake sure that the vehicle is stationary.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock.
XDepress and hold the brake pedal.
XShift the automatic transmission to position
N.
XLeave the SmartKey in position 2in the igni-
tion lock.
XRelease the brake pedal.
XRelease the electric parking brake.
XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps
(Ypage 116).
In order to signal a change of direction when
towing the vehicle with the hazard warning
lamps switched on, use the combination switch
as usual. In this case, only the indicator lamps
for the direction of travel flash. After resetting
the combination switch, the hazard warning
lamp starts flashing again.
Transporting the vehicle
PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles
Transportation of the vehicle should only be car-
ried out by professional recovery companies.
4MATIC vehicles/vehicles with auto-
matic transmission
!When the vehicle is loaded for transport, the
front and rear axles must be stationary and on
the same transportation vehicle. Positioning
over the connection point of the transport
vehicle is not permitted. The drive train may
otherwise be damaged.
All vehicles
!You may only secure the vehicle by the
wheels, not by parts of the vehicle such as
axle or steering components. Otherwise, the
vehicle could be damaged.
The towing eye can be used to pull the vehicle
onto a trailer or transporter for transporting pur-
poses.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock.
XShift the automatic transmission to position
N.
As soon as the vehicle has been loaded:
XPrevent the vehicle from rolling away by
applying the electric parking brake.
XShift the automatic transmission to posi-
tion P.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 0in the ignition
lock and remove it.
XSecure the vehicle.
Information on 4MATIC vehicles
!
Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with either the front or the rear axle raised, as
doing so will damage the transmission.
Vehicles with 4MATIC may either be towed away with both axles on the ground or be loaded up
and transported.
If the vehicle's transmission, front, or rear axle is
damaged, have the vehicle transported on a
truck or trailer.
In the event of damage to the electrical sys-
tem: if the battery is defective, the automatic
transmission will be locked in position P. To shift
the automatic transmission to position N, you
must provide power to the vehicle's electrical
system in the same way as when jump-starting
(
Ypage 379).
Have the vehicle transported on a transporter or
trailer.
Tow-starting (emergency engine
starting)
!
Vehicles with automatic transmission must
not be tow-started. You could otherwise dam-
age the automatic transmission.
Towing and tow-starting383
Breakdown assitance
Z