Important safety notes
ATTENTION ASSIST is only an aid to thedriver. It
might no talways recognize fatigue or increasing
inattentiveness in time or fail to recognize them
at all. The system is no t asubstitut efor awell-
reste dand attentive driver.
The functionalit yof ATTENTION ASSIST is
restricted and warning smay be delaye dor no t
occur at all:
Rif th elengt hof th ejourney is less than approx -
imately 30 minute s
Rif theroad condition is poor ,e.g. if th esurfac e
is uneven or if there are pothole s
Rif there isastron gside win d
Rif you have adopted asport ydriving style wit h
high cornerin gspeeds or high rates of accel-
eration
Rif you are predominantly driving at aspee d
belo w37 mph (60 km/ h)or above 124 mph
(200 km/h)
Rif you are driving with the DISTRONIC PLUS
Steering Assist activated
Rif the time has been set incorrectly
Rin active driving situations, such as when you
change lanes or change your speed
The attention level evaluation is deleted and
restarts when the journey is continued, if:
Ryou switch off the engine
Ryou take off your seat belt and open the driv-
er's door, e.g. for a change of drivers or to
take a break
Displaying the attention level
You can have current status information dis-
played in the assistance menu (Ypage 271) of
the on-board computer.
XSelect the Assistance display for ATTENTION
ASSIST using the on-board computer
(
Ypage 271).
The following information is displayed:
Rlength of the journey since the last break.
Rthe attention level determined by ATTENTION
ASSIST, displayed in a bar display in five levels
from high to low.
Rif ATTENTION ASSIST is unable to calculate
the attention level and cannot output a warn-
ing, the System Suspended
message
appears. The bar display then changes the
display, e.g. if you are driving at a speed below
37 mph (60 km/h) or above 124 mph
(200 km/h).
Activating ATTENTION ASSIST
XActivate ATTENTION ASSIST using the on-
board computer (Ypage 272).
The system determines the attention level of
the driver depending on the setting selected:
Standard selected: the sensitivity with which
the system determines the attention level is set
to normal.
Sensitive selected: the sensitivity is set higher.
The attention level detected by Attention Assist
is adapted accordingly and the driver is warned
earlier.
When ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated, the
À symbol and OFF appear in the multifunc-
tion display in the assistance display when the
engine is running.
When ATTENTION ASSIST has been deactivated,
it is automatically reactivated after the engine
has been stopped. The sensitivity selected cor-
responds to the last selection activated (stand-
ard/sensitive).
Warning in the multifunction display
If fatigue or increasing lapses in concentration
are detected, a warning appears in the multi-
function display: Attention
Assist:TakeaBreak!
In addition to the message shown in the multi-
function display, you will then hear a warning
tone.
XIf necessary, take a break.
XConfirm the message by pressing the a
button on the steering wheel.
Driving systems225
Driving and parking
Z
ELevel control
FCompass with angle scale
Activating the driving dynamics display
XSwitch on COMAND. You can find further
information in the separate COMAND operat-
ing instructions.
XPress button:.
The driving dynamics display appears in the
COMAND display.
PLUG-IN HYBRID operation
Points to remember
General notes
Hybrid technology combines a fuel efficient
internal combustion engine with a powerful
electric motor. In HYBRIDmode, the hybrid
drive system automatically selects the most effi-
cient operating mode for every driving situation. Drive the vehicle in the usual manner.
To save fuel in HYBRIDmode, the hybrid drive
system switches off the combustion engine as
often as possible during the journey when power
output requirements are low. When power out-
put requirements are low, the electric motor
powers the vehicle. The engine is switched on,
even while the vehicle is in motion, when a
higher power output is required. The engine is
usually switched off when the vehicle is station-
ary. Consequently, there is usually no engine
idling as with combustion engine vehicles.
For pulling away and accelerating, the electric
motor supports the internal combustion engine
using the power stored in the high-voltage bat-
tery. In addition, the power is used for electric
driving, operation of the electric refrigerant
compressor and to supply the 12 V on-board electrical system. In this way the hybrid drive
system helps to reduce your vehicle's fuel con-
sumption.
Observe the driving tips on plug-in hybrid oper-
ation (
Ypage 252).
Recuperative Brake System
If you release the accelerator pedal when the
vehicle is in motion, overrun recuperation is ini-
tiated. The electric motor is operated as a gen-
erator when in overrun mode and when you
brake. Hybrid technology converts the kinetic
energy of the vehicle into electricity and stores
it in the high-voltage battery.
Observe the important safety notes for the
Recuperative Brake System (
Ypage 44).
Important safety notes
If the engine is switched off by the ECO start/
stop function, you open the driver's door and
unfasten your seat belt:
Ra message appears in the multifunction dis-
play and
Ra warning tone sounds
Further information (
Ypage 299).
All of the vehicle's systems remain active, if:
Rthe vehicle is stationary
Rthe combustion engine is switched off and
Rthe READY indicator in the instrument cluster
lights up
If you remove your foot from the brake pedal
while in transmission position D or R, the vehicle
may pull away automatically.
Observe the notes on the READY display of the
ECO start/stop function (
Ypage 253).
Vehicles with an electric motor generate much
less driving noise than vehicles with internal
combustion engines. As a result, your vehicle
may not be heard by other road users in certain
situations. This is the case, for example, when
you are parking and your vehicle is not seen by
other road users.
This requires you to adopt a particularly antici-
patory driving style, as it is necessary to allow
for the possibility that other road users may
behave erratically.
Depending on the vehicle's equipment and
country-specific regulations, the vehicle can be
equipped with Acoustic Vehicle Indication.
242PLUG-IN HYBRID operation
Driving and parking
XSwitch on the ignition.
XDepress the brake pedal.
XObserve the notes on starting the engine
(Ypage 147).
XStart the vehicle (Ypage 147).
The vehicle is operational when READY indi-
cator :lights up.
Pulling away
XDepress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
XShift the transmission to position Dor R.
XIf the Apply Brake to Shift from 'P'display message appears in the multifunction
display, depress the brake pedal more firmly
and select the desired transmission position.
XRelease the brake pedal.
XCarefully depress the accelerator pedal.
For further information on pulling away
(
Ypage 148).
Driving
DYNAMIC SELECT controller
Drive programs
Use the DYNAMIC SELECT controller to change
the drive program. Depending on the drive pro-
gram selected the following vehicle character-
istics will change:
Rthe drive (engine and transmission manage-
ment)
Rthe suspension
Rthe steering
Rthe energy management
Each time you start the engine with the ignition SmartKey or the Start/Stop button, the Com-
fort drive program is activated. For further infor-
mation about starting the engine, see
(
Ypage 147).
XTurn DYNAMIC SELECT controller :as many
times as necessary until the desired drive
program is selected.
The status icon of the selected drive program
is shown in the multifunction display.
In addition, the current drive program settings are displayed briefly in the multimedia system
display.
Available drive programs:
IndividualRIndividual settings
SportRSporty driving style with
increased boost mode
RElectric-only operation is
not possible
ComfortRComfortable, economical
driving style
RElectric-only operation is
possible
SlipperyROptimal driving charac-
teristics on slippery or
snow-covered roads
RElectric-only operation is
possible
Additional information for drive programs
(Ypage 158).
Using the steering wheel paddle shifters, you
can temporarily change gears yourself. For fur-
ther information on the manual drive program
(
Ypage 251).
Manual gear shifting
Using the steering wheel paddle shifters, you
can temporarily change gears yourself. The
transmission must be in position D. During man-
ual gearshifting, the combustion engine is
always switched on.
PLUG-IN HYBRID operation251
Driving and parking
Z
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
Highway driving
When driving on a highway, switching off the
combustion engine has a particularly positive
effect on fuel consumption and emissions.
If the driver removes his/her foot from the
accelerator pedal in theComfortdrive program
and a speed of 80 mph (130 km/h) is not excee-
ded, the combustion engine is automatically
switched off.
Further information on the automatic engine
switch-off (
Ypage 253).
ECO start/stop function
General notes
The ECO start/stop function switches the com-
bustion engine off automatically when the vehi-
cle stops moving and at speeds below 80 mph
(130 km/h) (
Ypage 253).
All vehicle systems remain active, e.g. the auto-
matic climate control.
The ECO start/stop function is neither available
in the Sport drive program nor during manual
shifting.
Automatic engine switch-off
The engine is switched off automatically, includ-
ing when:
Rthe driver removes his/her foot from the
accelerator in the Comfortdrive program and
a speed of 80 mph (130 km/h) is not excee-
ded (
Ypage 253)
Rthe engine has reached its operating temper-
ature
Rthe driver’s seat belt is fastened and the
driver’s door is closed
Rthe driver only slightly depresses the accel-
erator pedal in order to, for example, maintain
the current speed for a limited distance
Rthe hood is closed and engaged properly
Rthe high-voltage battery is charged suffi-
ciently
Rno malfunctions are present in the hybrid
drive system
The internal combustion engine will not be
switched off automatically, if:
Rthe self-diagnosis function of the engine man-
agement is active
Rthere is a malfunction in the hybrid drive sys-
tem
Rthe climate control of the vehicle requires it
Rthe high-voltage battery is being charged
(Ypage 248)
Automatic engine start
The automatically switched-off internal combus-
tion engine starts automatically in certain situa-
tions, if:
Rthe power demand from the driver via the
accelerator pedal is greater than the electric
motor alone can provide
Rthe driver switches to the Sportdrive pro-
gram or to manual gearshifting
Rthe condition of charge of the high-voltage
battery has reached the lower limit
Rthe driver has selected the CHARGE operating
mode
Overrun mode
In overrun mode, the combustion engine is
switched off and is disconnected from the drive
train. The electric motor:
Rgenerates low thrust, which corresponds to
the overrun mode of an active combustion
engine
Rfunctions as a generator and produces the
necessary energy for the auxiliary consumers and charges the high-voltage battery
Overrun mode is available in the Comfortdrive
program at speeds below 80 mph (130 km/h).
Route-based operating strategy
For the route-based operating strategy, the sys-
tem factors in information about the expected
route when route guidance is active.
The information on the route is provided by the
multimedia system and includes the following:
Rroad categories
Rspeed limitations
The use of electric energy is automatically opti-
mally distributed from the beginning to the end
of the journey, using information about the
route. The distribution is pre-emptive and takes
into consideration:
Rthe sections of the journey ahead
Rthe energy consumption on the whole route
PLUG-IN HYBRID operation253
Driving and parking
Z
Problems with PLUG-IN HYBRID operation
Internal combustion engine
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and MSolutions
You cannot start the
internal combustion
engine. The multifunc-
tion display shows no
display messages. The
READY indicator in the
multifunction display is
off.For example, self-diagnosis is not yet complete or the hybrid drive
system is malfunctioning.
XSwitch off the ignition and turn it back on.
XTry to start the internal combustion engine again.
If the internal combustion engine still does not start:
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
You wish to pull away,
but the ECO start/stop
function does not start
the internal combustion
engine. The READY indi-
cator in the multifunc-
tion display is off.The ECO start/stop function has failed. The warning and indicator
lamps in the instrument cluster light up.
XShift the transmission to P.
XSwitch off the ignition and turn it back on.
XStart the engine.
The hybrid drive system is faulty.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
Recuperative Brake System
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and MSolutions
Braking resistance is
reduced and brake pedal
travel is longer than
usual.GRisk of accident
The Recuperative Brake System is malfunctioning.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction dis-
play (Ypage 280).
XObserve the information regarding indicator and warning lamps in
the instrument cluster (Ypage 318) .
PLUG-IN HYBRID operation255
Driving and parking
Z
XInsert the ball coupling horizontally into ball
coupling recess;in the direction of the
arrow until the holes in ball coupling =are in
line with the holes in ball coupling recess ?.
XSlide boltAinto the hole in the ball coupling
recess and the ball coupling to the stop.
XSecure the bolt using spring cotter B.
XCheck the ball coupling, bolt and spring cotter
for correct installation.
If the ball coupling cannot be correctly mounted,
remove the ball coupling. Under these circum-
stances, the ball coupling must not be used for
trailer towing.
Have the entire trailer tow hitch checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Coupling up a trailer
!
Do not connect the trailer's brake system (if
featured) to the hydraulic brake system of the
towing vehicle, as the latter is equipped with
an anti-lock brake system. Doing so will result
in a loss of function of the brake systems of
both the vehicle and the trailer.
XShift the transmission to position P.
XApply the vehicle's electric parking brake.
XStart the engine.
XVehicles with AIRMATIC package: select
normal level and the Comfortdrive program.
XSwitch off the engine.
XClose the doors and tailgate.
XCouple up the trailer.
Towing a trailer259
Driving and parking
Z
iSet the time using the multimedia system
(see the Digital Operator's Manual).
Possible displays in the multifunction dis-
play:
RZ Gearshift recommendation, when shifting
manually (Ypage 159)
Rj Active Parking Assist (Ypage 213)
RCRUISECruise control (Ypage 191)
RREADYPLUG-IN HYBRID operation activated
(PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles) (Ypage 250)
RHYBRIDoperating mode, additional operating
mode displays (PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles)
(
Ypage 245)
Rè Electric range (PLUG-IN HYBRID vehi-
cles) (Ypage 245)
RLOW RANGELOW RANGE off-road gear
(Ypage 239)
R_ Adaptive Highbeam Assist
(Ypage 118)
Rè ECO start/stop function (Ypage 149)
RëHOLD function (Ypage 204)
RaDISTRONIC PLUS Steering Assist and
Stop&Go Pilot (Ypage 199)
RDSRDownhill Speed Regulation
(Ypage 236)
Menus and submenus
Menu overview
Press the =or; button on the steering
wheel to call up the menu bar and select a menu.
Operating the on-board computer (
Ypage 264).
Depending on the equipment installed in the
vehicle, you can call up the following menus:
RTripmenu (Ypage 266)
RNavimenu (navigation instructions)
(Ypage 268)
RAudiomenu (Ypage 269)
RTelmenu (telephone) (Ypage 270)
RDriveAssistmenu (assistance)
(Ypage 271)
RServ.menu (Ypage 273)
RSett.menu (settings) (Ypage 273)
RON&OFFROADmenu (Ypage 276)
RAMGmenu (Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
(Ypage 277)
Trip menu
Standard display
XPress and hold the %button on the steer-
ing wheel until the Tripmenu with trip odom-
eter :and odometer ;appears.
Trip computer "From Start" or "From
Reset"
:Distance
;Driving time
=Average speed
?Average fuel consumption
XPress the =or; button on the steering
wheel to select the Tripmenu.
XPress the9or: button to select
From Startor From Reset.
The values in the From
Startsubmenu are cal-
culated from the start of a journey, while the
values in the From Reset
submenu are calcu-
lated from the last time the submenu was reset
(
Ypage 267).
The From Start
trip computer is automatically
reset if:
Rthe ignition has been switched off for more
than four hours.
R999 hours have been exceeded.
R9,999 miles have been exceeded.
The From Reset
trip computer is automatically
reset if the value exceeds 9,999 hours or
99,999 miles.
266Menus and submenus
On-board computer and displays