PLUG ‑ IN HYBRID operation
Points to remember
General notes Hybrid technology combines a fuel efficient
internal combustion engine with a powerful
electric motor. In HYBRID mode, 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 HYBRID mode, 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 combustion engine is
automatically activated when power output
requirements are high. The engine is usually
switched off when the vehicle is stationary. Con-
sequently, 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 partially
electric driving, operation of the electric coolant
compressor and to support 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
operation ( Y
page 251).
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 ( Y
page 44). Important safety notes If the engine is switched off by the ECO start/
stop function and you open the driver's door: R
a message appears in the multifunction dis-
play and R
a warning tone sounds
Further information ( Y
page 297).
All of the vehicle's systems remain active, if: R
the vehicle is stationary R
the combustion engine is switched off and R
the 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 ( Y
page 252).
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.
Depending on the vehicle's equipment and
country-specific regulations, the vehicle can be
equipped with Acoustic Vehicle Indication.
Acoustic Vehicle Indication generates a certain
sound at a speed between 0 and 19 mph
(30 km/h). This helps other road users, partic-
ularly pedestrians and cyclists, to hear your
vehicle better. The sound can also be heard
inside the vehicle.
The volume depends on the engine speed. The
faster you accelerate, the louder the sound is. At
a speed of over 19 mph (30 km/h) the sound is
switched off. Above this speed, the natural
sounds from the vehicle are sufficient that it can
be heard in good time by other road users.240
PLUG ‑ IN HYBRID operation
Driving and parking
E-SAVE R
Electric mode or driving
with the internal combus-
tion engine is possible R
Automatic selection of
drive mode with electric
mode as often as possi-
ble R
The current condition of
charge of the high-volt-
age battery is maintained
so the electrical energy
can be used at a later
time.
CHARGE R
Electric drive is not pos-
sible R
The high-voltage battery
is charging while driving
with the combustion
engine
In automatic drive program S ( Y
page 250) and
in manual drive program M ( Y
page 250), only
HYBRID operating mode is available.
If you switch from automatic drive program S to
automatic drive program E or E+ , HYBRID oper-
ating mode continues to be selected.
If manual drive program M is deactivated, the
automatic transmission shifts: R
into the automatic drive program that was last
selected R
into the driving mode that was last selected
Each time the engine is started, HYBRID mode
is automatically selected.
Power meter The power meter supports you in electric mode
and displays the output obtained.
If you select the E-MODE operating mode, the
instrument cluster will display the power meter
instead of the tachometer.
i The tachometer appears again if: R
you select HYBRID , E-SAVE or CHARGER
the current state of charge of the high-volt-
age battery is too low to drive the vehicle in
the E-MODE electrical operating mode The power meter is divided into the following
areas: R
Limit C (OFF):
If the needle reaches limit C , the electric
motor and the combustion engine are
switched off. R
Area D to