2016 MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS engine

a generator and stores the recovered energy
in the high-voltage battery R
when the brakes are applied lightly, the vehi-
cle is slowed down further by the electric
motor. This increases the energy recovery
taking place ( Y
page 240). The electric motor
operates as a generator and stores the recov-
ered energy in the high-voltage battery R
when 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 Energy is recuperated during frequent deceler-
ation and stopping in city traffic.
The vehicle can be driven by the electric motor
alone up to a speed of approximately 81 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 ( Y
page 252).
Driving on inter-urban roads The following phases are possible when driving
on inter-urban roads: R
rapid acceleration (boost mode) R
constant energy consumption R
energy recuperation R
electric operation mode
A great deal of recovered energy may be avail-
able, depending on the route profile. This
reduces consumption and emissions.
Highway driving
During highway driving, fuel consumption and
emissions are favorably influenced in partic ular
by reduced power losses.
The internal combustion engine will be switched
off automatically, if: R
the driver removes his or her foot from the
accelerator pedal in drive program E and a
speed of 81 mph (130 km/h) is not exceeded R
the driver removes his or her foot from the
accelerator pedal in drive program E+ and a
speed of 112 mph (180 km/h) is not excee-
ded
Further information on the automatic engine
switch-off ( Y
page 252). ECO start/stop function General notes The ECO start/stop function switches the inter-
nal combustion engine off automatically when
the vehicle stops moving and at high speeds
( Y
page 253).
All vehicle systems remain active, e.g. the auto-
matic climate control.
The ECO start/stop function is only available in
drive programs E and E+ . Electric-only operation
is only possible in drive programs E and E+ .
Additional information for drive programs E and
E+ ( Y
page 250).
Automatic engine switch-off The engine is switched off automatically, includ-
ing when: R
the driver removes his or her foot from the
accelerator pedal in drive program E and a
speed of 81 mph (13 0 km/ h) is not exceeded
( Y
page 253) R
the driver removes his or her foot from the
accelerator pedal in drive program E+ and a
speed of 112 mph (180 km/h) is not excee-
ded ( Y
page 253) R
the engine has reached its operating temper-
ature R
the driver’s seat belt is fastened and the
driver’s door is closed R
the driver only slightly depresses the accel-
erator pedal in order to, for example, maintain
the current speed for a limited distance R
the hood is closed and engaged properly R
the high-voltage battery is charged suffi-
ciently R
no malfunctions are present in the hybrid
drive system
The internal combustion engine will not be
switched off automatically, if: R
the self-diagnosis function of the engine con-
trol unit is still active R
there is a malfunction in the hybrid drive sys-
t em R
the climate control of the vehicle requires it R
the high-voltage battery is being charged
( Y
page 246) R
automatic emissions tests are running252
PLUG ‑ IN HYBRID operation
Driving and parking

Aut oma tic engine startThe automatically switched-off internal combus -
tio n engin e start s automatically in certai n situa-
tions , if:R
th e power demand from th e driver via th e
accelerato r pedal is greate r than th e electric
motor alon e can provideR
th e driver switches to driv e program S or MR
th e condition of charge of th e high-voltage
battery has reached th e lower limitR
th e settings of th e automatic climat e control
require it, e.g. at external temperatures abov e
30 †
Over ru n mod eIn overrun mode, th e combustio n engin e is
switched off and is disconnected from th e driv e
train. The electric motor: R
generates low thrust , whic h correspond s to
th e overrun mod e of an active combustio n
engin eR
function s as a generator and produce s th e
necessary energ y for th e auxiliary consumer s
and charge s th e high-voltage battery
Ove rrun mod e is possible in th e followin g spee d
range: R
in driv e program E below 81 mph (13 0 km/h)R
in driv e program E+ below 11 2 mph
(18 0 km/h)
In driv e program E+ , after th e accelerato r pedal
has been released th e coasting characteristic s
of th e vehicl e are adapted to th e traffic condi-
tions . Further information about th e haptic
accelerato r p edal ( Y
page 251).
Route-based operating strategy Fo r th e route-based operating strategy, th e sys-
te m factors in information about th e expecte d
rout e when rout e guidance is active.
The information on th e rout e is provide d by th e
multimedia system and includes th e following:R
road categories R
spee d limitation sR
dat a on downhill gradients The use of electric energ y is automatically opti-
mally distributed from th e beginnin g to th e en d
of th e journey, usin g information about th e
route. The distribution is pre-emptive and takes
int o consideration : R
th e sections of th e journey aheadR
th e energ y consumption on th e whole rout e
The condition of charge of th e high-voltage bat -
tery is thus systematically controlled. In addi-
tion, th e control function takes int o accoun t
that: R
th e fuel saving s throug h th e use of electrical
energ y can vary, depending on th e rout e (e.g.
urban , interurban or highway) R
th e use of electrical energ y is held available in
particular for electric operation (e.g. urban
routes)
The vehicl e thus automatically select s th e opti-
mum driving mod e for th e respectiv e sectio n of
th e route.
The route-based operating strategy is available
under th e followin g conditions: R
driv e program E+ is selected R
HYBRID driving mod e is selectedR
active rout e g uidance is activated R
suitable map dat a is available
When th e route-based operating strategy is
bein g used, th e area in fron t of th e vehicl e is
shown as green in th e multifunction display.
Parking X
Apply th e electric parking brake.
The red $ indicator lamp in th e instrumen t
cluste r light s up. X
Use th e DIRECT SELECT leve r to shif t th e
automatic transmission to P .X
Switch th e ignition off .
The READY indicator in th e instrumen t cluste r
goes out .
Further information on parking and switching off
th e internal combustio n engin e ( Y
page 190).PLUG ‑ IN HYBRID operation 253
Driving and parking Z

Problems with PLUG-IN HYBRID operation
Internal combustion engine Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
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. X
Switch off the ignition and turn it back on. X
Try to start the internal combustion engine again.
If the internal combustion engine still does not start: X
Consult 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. X
Shift the transmission to P .X
Switch off the ignition and turn it back on. X
Start the engine.
The hybrid drive system is faulty. X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Recuperative Brake System Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
Braking resistance is
reduced and brake pedal
travel is longer than
usual.
G Risk of accident
The Recuperative Brake System is malfunctioning. X
Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction dis-
play ( Y
page 277). X
Observe the information regarding indicator and warning lamps in
the instrument cluster ( Y
page 315) .254
PLUG ‑ IN HYBRID operation
Driving and parking

Hybrid drive system Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
The hybrid drive system
has been switched off
automatically. You have been in an accident.
The hybrid drive system remains switched off if: R
the internal combustion engine cannot be restarted after a few
seconds. R
the red u restraint system warning lamp in the instrument clus-
ter is lit. X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
The hybrid drive system
has been switched off
automatically. The multi-
function display also
shows a display mes-
sage. An electrical short circuit has occurred in the hybrid drive system or an
electrical connection has been disconnected. X
Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction dis-
play ( Y
page 277). X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop. PLUG ‑ IN HYBRID operation 255
Driving and parking Z

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all models
and all standard and optional equipment of
your vehicle available at the time of publica-
tion of the Operator's Manual. Country-spe-
cific differences are possible. Please note
that your vehicle may not be equipped with all
features described. This also applies to
safety-related systems and functions.
i Read the information on qualified specialist
workshops ( Y
page 28).
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If you operate information systems and com-
munication equipment integrated in the vehi-
cle 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 the equipment when the traffic
situation permits. If you are not sure that this
is possible, park the vehicle paying attention
to traffic conditions and operate the equip-
ment when the vehicle is stationary.
You must observe the legal requirements for the
country in which you are currently driving when
operating the on-board computer.
PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles only:
G WARNING
If the instrument cluster has failed or mal-
functioned, you may not recognize function
restrictions in systems relevant to safety. The
operating safety of your vehicle may be
impaired. There is a risk of an accident.
Pull over as soon as it is safe to do so and
consult a qualified specialist workshop.
All vehicles, except PLUG-IN HYBRID vehi-
cles:
G WARNING
If the instrument cluster has failed or mal-
functioned, you may not recognize function
restrictions in systems relevant to safety. The operating safety of your vehicle may be
impaired. There is a risk of an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have the vehicle checked
at a qualified specialist workshop immedi-
ately.
If the operating safety of your vehicle is
impaired, pull over as soon as it is safe to do so.
Contact a qualified specialist workshop.
The on-board computer only shows messages or
warnings from certain systems in the multifunc-
tion display. You should therefore make sure
your vehicle is operating safely at all times.
For an overview, see the instrument panel illus-
tration ( Y
page 33).
Displays and operation
Instrument cluster lighting The light sensor in the instrument cluster auto-
matically controls the brightness of the multi-
function display. In daylight, the displays in the
instrument cluster are illuminated. A dimming
function is not possible in daylight.
The lighting in the instrument cluster, in the dis-
plays and the controls in the vehicle interior can
be adjusted using the brightness control knob.
The brightness control is located between the
instrument cluster and the multimedia system
display ( Y
page 35). X
Turn the brightness control knob clockwise or
counter-clockwise.
If you turn the light switch ( Y
page 130) to the
` , X or X position, the brightness
will depend upon the brightness of the ambi-
ent light.
Tachometer
! Do not drive in the overrevving range, as this
could damage the engine.
The red band in the tachometer indicates the
engine's overrevving range.
The fuel supply is interrupted to protect the
engine when the red band is reached.
PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles: if you select the oper-
ating mode E-MODE , the display in the instru-
ment cluster changes from tachometer to power
meter ( Y
page 242).256
Displays and operation
On-board computer and displays

Outside temperature display You should pay special attention to road condi-
tions when temperatures are around freezing
point.
Bear in mind that the outside temperature dis-
play indicates the temperature measured and
does not record the road temperature.
The outside temperature display is in the multi-
function display ( Y
page 258).
There is a short delay before a change in outside
temperature is shown in the multifunction dis-
play.
Coolant temperature display
G WARNING
Opening the hood when the engine is over-
heated or when there is a fire in the engine
compartment could expose you to hot gases
or other service products. There is a risk of
injury.
Let an overheated engine cool down before
opening the hood. If there is a fire in the
engine compartment, keep the hood closed
and contact the fire department.
! A display message is shown if the coolant
temperature is too high.
If the coolant temperature is above 257 ‡
(125 †) do not drive any further. The engine
will otherwise be damaged.
All vehicles except PLUG ‑ IN HYBRID vehicles:
the coolant temperature gauge is in the lower
area of the tachometer ( Y
page 33).
PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles: the multifunction dis-
play shows the coolant temperature in the
Coolant submenu ( Y
page 269).
Under normal operating conditions and with the
specified coolant level, the coolant temperature
may rise to 255 ‡ (124 †). Operating the on-board computer
C
Multifunction display D
Right control panel

G WARNING
If you deactivate ESP ®
, ESP ®
no longer sta-
bilizes the vehicle. There is an increased risk
of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP ®
in the situations descri-
bed in the following.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the follow-
ing situations: R
when using snow chains R
in deep snow R
on sand or gravel
For further information about ESP ®
, see
( Y
page 73). X
Start the engine. X
Press the

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
I (USA
only)
$ ( Canada
only)
Parkin g Brake Inop‐
erativ e The yellow $ warning lamp lights up. The red I (US A only)
or $ (Canada only) indicator lamp flashes for about te n seconds
after th e electric parking brak e has been applie d or released. It then
goe s out or remain s lit .
The electric parking brak e is malfunctioning , e.g. because of over-
voltag e or undervoltage. X
Remove th e caus e for th e overvoltage or undervoltage, e.g. by
charging th e battery or restarting th e engine.X
Engage or release th e electric parking brake.
If it remain s impossible to apply or release th e electric parking brake:X
Switc h off th e ignition and tur n it bac k on .X
Engage or release th e electric parking brake.
If th e electric parking brak e still canno t be released:X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop .
If th e electric parking brak e still canno t be applied:X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .
The yellow $ warning lamp lights up and th e red I (US A only)
or $ (Canada only) indicator lamp flashes .
It is no t possibl e to apply th e electric parking brak e manually.X
Shift th e transmission to position P .X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .
' (USA
only)
M ( Canada
only)
Check Brake Fluid
Level There is no t enough brak e flui d in th e brak e fluid reservoir .
In addition , th e ' (US A only) or M (Canada only) warning lamp
lights up in th e instrumen t cluste r and a warning tone sounds.
G WARNIN G
The braking effec t may be impaired.
There is a ris k of an accident.X
Pull ove r and stop th e vehicl e safely as soo n as possible, payin g
attention to roa d and traffic conditions. Do no t continu e drivin g
under any circumstances. X
Secur e th e vehicl e against rollin g away ( Y
page 189).X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop .X
Do no t add brak e fluid . This does no t correc t th e malfunction .
& Check Brake Pad Wea r The brak e pads/linings hav e reached their wear limit.
US A only: th e red ' brak e system warning lamp also lights up while
th e engin e is running. X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .
S Inoperative On e or mor e main features of th e mbrace system are malfunctioning .X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .Display messages 28 3
On-board computer and displays Z