Operation
Interior and reading lights 1)
› › ›
table on page 2
Read the additional information carefully
››› page 24
Glove compartment and luggage compart-
ment lighting*
When opening and closing the glove com-
partment on the front passenger side and the
rear lid, the respective light will automatically
switch on and off.
Footwell lighting*
The lights in the footwell area below the dash
(driver and front passenger sides) will switch
on when the doors are opened and will de-
crease in intensity while driving. The intensity
of these lights can be adjusted using the ra-
dio menu (see Easy Connect > Light
Settings > Interior lighting
››› page 26).
Ambient light*
The ambient lighting in the door panels may
change colour. The intensity of these lights
can be adjusted using the radio menu (see Easy Connect > Light Settings >
Interior lighting
› ›
› page 26). Note
The reading lights switch off when the vehi-
c l
e is locked using a key or after several mi-
nutes if the key is removed from the ignition.
This prevents the battery from discharging. Visibility
S u
n visors Fig. 137
Sun visor Options for adjusting driver and front pas-
sen
g
er sun visors:
● Lower the sun visor towards the wind-
sc
reen.
● The sun visor can be pulled out of its
mountin
g and turned towards the door
››› Fig. 137 1 .
● Swing the sun visor towards the door, lon-
git udin
ally backwards.
Vanity mirror light
There may be a vanity mirror, with a cover, on
the rear of the sun visor. When the cover is
opened 2 a light comes on.
The l amp g
oes out when the vanity mirror
cover is closed or the sun visor is pushed
back up. WARNING
Folded sun blinds can reduce visibility.
● Always store sun blinds and visors in their
hou s
ing when not in use. 1)
Depending on the level of equipment fitted in the
v ehic
le, LEDs can be used for the following interior
lights: front courtesy light, rear courtesy light, foot-
well light and sun visor light.
138
Lights and visibility
Note
● Cl
ean the sensitive surface of the rain sen-
sor regularly and check the blades for dam-
age ››› Fig. 139 (arrow).
● To remove wax and coatings, we recom-
mend a windo
w cleaner containing alcohol.Mirror
Anti-d azz
le rear view mirrorIt is dangerous to drive if you cannot see
c
l
early through the rear window.
Rear view mirror with automatic anti-dazzle
function*
The anti-dazzle function is activated every
time the ignition is switched on.
When the anti-dazzle function is enabled, the
interior rear vision mirror will darken auto-
matically according to the amount of light it
receives. The anti-dazzle function is cancel-
led if reverse gear is engaged. WARNING
In the event that an automatic anti-dazzle
r e
ar vision mirror breaks, an electrolyte fluid may leak. This could cause irritation to the
sk
in, ey
es and respiratory organs. If you
come into contact with this liquid, it must be
rinsed with large quantities of water. If neces-
sary, get medial help. CAUTION
In the event that an automatic anti-dazzle
r e
ar vision mirror breaks, an electrolyte fluid
may leak. This liquid attacks plastic surfaces.
Clean it with a wet sponge as soon as possi-
ble. Note
● If the light
incident in the interior rear vi-
sion mirror is obstructed (e.g. with the sun
blind*), the anti-dazzle rear vision mirror with
automatic setting will not operate perfectly.
● When the interior lights are on or reverse
ge
ar engaged, the mirrors do not darken with
automatic adjustment for anti-dazzle posi-
tion. Adjusting the exterior rear view mir-
r
or
s Fig. 140
Driver door: control for the exterior
mirr or
. Read the additional information carefully
› ›
› page 14
Synchronized regulation of the exterior mir-
rors
● In the Settings - Convenience menu,
select
whether or not the exterior mirrors
should move in synchronisation.
● Turn the knob to position L 1)
.
● Adjust the left-hand exterior mirror. The
right e
xterior mirror will be adjusted at the
same time (synchronised). »1)
Regulation in right-hand drive vehicles is symmet-
ric al
. 141
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
Air recirculation mode Basic pointsAir recirculation:
Manual recirculation
Air recirculation mode prevents the ambient
air fr
om ent
ering the interior.
When the outside temperature is very high,
selecting manual air recirculation mode for a
short period refreshes the vehicle interior
more quickly.
For safety reasons, air recirculation mode is
switched off when the button is press-
ed or the air distributor turned to .
Switching the manual air recirculation mode
on and off
To switch system on: press the button un-
til the warning lamp lights up.
To switch system off: press the button un-
til the warning lamp goes off.
Functioning mode of automatic air recircula-
tion (air conditioning menu)
With the automatic air recirculation mode ac-
tivated, the entry of fresh air into the cabin
interior is enabled. If the system detects a
high concentration of hazardous substances
in the ambient air, air recirculation mode is
switched on automatically. When the level of impurities drops to within a normal range, re-
c
ir
culation mode is switched off.
The system is unable to detect unpleasant
smells.
The air recirculation will not connect auto-
matically in versions without humidity sensor
and in the following external conditions:
● The outside temperature is lower than +3°C
(+38°F).
● The cooling system is switched off and the
outside t
emperature is below +10°C (+50°F).
● The cooling system is switched off, the out-
side t
emperature is below +15°C (+59°F) and
the windscreen wipers are switched on.
Activation/deactivation of automatic air recir-
culation is done in the air conditioner menu,
under Configuration. WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ››
› in Intro-
duction on p ag
e 157.
● If the cooling system is switched off and air
rec
irculation mode switched on, the windows
can mist over very quickly, considerably limit-
ing visibility.
● Switch air recirculation mode off when it is
not r
equired. CAUTION
Do not smoke when air recirculation is
sw it
ched on in vehicles with an air condition-
er. The smoke taken in could lie on the cool-
ing system vaporiser and on the activated
charcoal cartridge of the dust and pollen fil-
ter, leading to a permanently unpleasant
smell. Note
Climatronic: air recirculation mode is activa-
t ed t
o prevent exhaust gas or unpleasant
odours from entering the vehicle interior
when it is in reverse and while the automatic
windscreen wiper is working. 160
Operation
WARNING
Never programme the auxiliary heater so that
it sw
itches itself on and is running in an en-
closed space or an area with no ventilation.
The auxiliary heater exhaust fumes contain
carbon monoxide, an odourless and colour-
less toxic gas. Carbon monoxide can cause
people to lose consciousness. It can also
cause death. Operating instructions
The auxiliary heater exhaust system located
belo
w the
vehicle must be kept clear of snow,
mud and other objects. The exhaust fumes
must be able to exit freely. The emissions
generated by the auxiliary heater are re-
moved via an exhaust pipe fitted underneath
the vehicle.
On heating the vehicle interior, depending on
the outside temperature, the warm air is first
directed at the windscreen and then to the
rest of the vehicle interior through the air
vents. Directing the diffusers – towards the
windows for example – can affect air distribu-
tion.
When will the auxiliary heater not be activa-
ted?
● The auxiliary heater requires about as
muc h po
wer as the dipped beam headlights.
If the 12-volt battery charge is too low, the auxiliary heater switches off automatically
and c
annot
be switched on. This avoids prob-
lems when starting the engine.
● The heating must be activated every time
you w
ant to set off. Similarly, the departure
time must reactivate each time.
● The control lamp (fuel
level indicator)
lights up. Note
● Noi se
s will be heard while the auxiliary
heater is running.
● When the air humidity is high and the in-
side t
emperature low, condensation from the
heating and ventilating system may evapo-
rate when the auxiliary heater is switched on.
In this case, steam may be released from un-
derneath the vehicle. This does not mean
that there is a vehicle malfunction.
● If the vehicle is tilted, e.g. if parked on a
slope, the oper
ation of the auxiliary heater
may be restricted if the fuel tank level is low
(just above the reserve level).
● If the auxiliary heater is used a number of
times
for a long period of time, the 12-volt
battery will lose its charge. To recharge the
battery, the vehicle must be driven for a num-
ber of kilometres from time to time. As a
guideline: The journey should last approxi-
mately as long as the heater was connected.
● At temperatures below +5°C (+41°F), the
auxi
liary heater may switch itself on automat-
ically when the engine is switched on. The auxiliary heater is switched off again after a
c
er
tain time.164
Driving
remains switched on. Make sure that the igni-
tion i
s
switched off before leaving the
vehicle, otherwise the battery could dis-
charge. Starter button*
Fig. 164
In the lower part of the centre con-
so l
e: starter button. The vehicle engine can be started with a
s
t
arter button (Press & Drive). To do so, there
must be a valid key inside the vehicle in the
area of the front or rear seats.
In vehicles with the Keyless Access
››› page 112 system, the engine can also be
started with the key in the luggage compart-
ment.
Opening the driver's door when exiting the
vehicle activates the electronic lock on the
steering column if the ignition is disabled. Switching the ignition on/off manually
Briefly p
ush the starter button without touch-
ing the brake or clutch pedal ››› .
F or
vehicles with both manual and automatic
transmission, the starter button text START ENGINE STOP flashes like a heartbeat
when the sy s
tem is preset for switching the
ignition on and off.
Automatic ignition switch-off
If the driver leaves the vehicle, taking the ve-
hicle key with them but leaving the ignition
on, the ignition is switched off automatically
after a certain time. If at that time the dipped
beam is on, the parking lights will stay on for
approx. 30 minutes. The side light can be
turned off by blocking the vehicle
››› page 112 or manually ››› page 131.
Emergency starting function
If no valid key is detected inside the vehicle,
an emergency start-up will be required. The
relevant message will appear in the dash
panel display. This may happen when, for ex-
ample, the battery of the vehicle key button
is very low or flat: ● Immediately after pushing the starter but-
ton, k
eep the vehicle key next to the right
trim of the steering column.
● The ignition connects and the engine starts
autom
atically. Emergency disconnection
If the en
gine does not switch off after briefly
pressing the starter button, an emergency
disconnect will be required:
● Press the starter button twice within 3 sec-
onds
or press it once for more than 1 sec-
ond ››› .
● The engine turns off automatically.
En gine r
estart feature
If no valid key is detected inside the vehicle
after the engine stops, you will only have 5
seconds to restart it. A warning will display
on the dash panel screen.
After this interval, it will not be possible to
start the engine without a valid key inside
the vehicle.
Automatic deactivation of the ignition on ve-
hicles with the Start-Stop system
The ignition is switched off automatically
when the vehicle is stopped and the auto-
matic engine shutdown is active, if:
● The driver's seat belt is not fastened,
● the driver does not step on any pedal,
● the driver door is opened.
Aft
er automatically turning off the ignition, if
the dipped beam is on, the side light re-
mains on for approx. 30 minutes (if the bat-
tery is sufficiently charged). If the driver locks »
167
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
situations the torque delivered to the inner
wheel i
s too high, causing the wheels to
spin. On the other hand, the outer wheel is
receiving a lower drive torque than it could
transmit. This causes an overall loss of lateral
grip on the front axle, resulting in understeer
or “lengthening” of the trajectory.
The XDS system can detect and correct this
effect via the sensors and signals of the ESC.
Via the ESC, the XDS will brake the inside
wheel and counter the excess driving torque
of that wheel. This means that the driver's
desired trajectory is much more precise.
The XDS system works in combination with
the ESC and is always active, even when ASR
traction control is disconnected, or the ESC in
Sport mode or disconnected.
Multi-collision brake
In an accident, the multi-collision brake can
help the driver by braking to avoid the risk of
skidding during the accident, which could
lead to further collisions.
The multi-collision brake works for front, side
or rear accidents, when the airbag control
unit records its activation level and the acci-
dent takes place at a speed of over 10 km/h
(6 mph). The ESC automatically brakes the
vehicle, as long as the accident has not dam-
aged the ESC, the brake hydraulics or the on-
board network The following actions control automatic brak-
ing durin
g the accident:
● When the driver presses the accelerator,
the autom
atic braking does not take place.
● When the braking pressure through press-
ing the br
ake pedal is greater than the sys-
tem’s braking pressure the vehicle will brake
automatically.
● Multi-collision braking will not be available
if E
SC is malfunctioning. WARNING
● The E SC, ABS, ASR, ED
S and the electronic
torque control system cannot exceed the lim-
its imposed by the laws of physics. Always
bear this in mind, especially on wet or slip-
pery roads. If you notice the systems cutting
in, you should reduce your speed immediate-
ly to suit the road and traffic conditions. Do
not be encouraged to take risks by the pres-
ence of more safety systems. If you do, an ac-
cident may occur.
● Please remember that the accident risk al-
wa
ys increases if you drive fast, especially in
corners or on a slippery road, or if you follow
too close behind the vehicle in front of you.
The ESC, ABS, brake assist, EDS and the elec-
tronic torque control system cannot prevent
accidents: risk of accidents!
● Accelerate with caution on slippery surfa-
ce
s (for example, icy or snow-covered). De-
spite the control systems, the driven wheels could spin, affecting the stability of the vehi-
c
l
e: risk of accident! Note
● The ABS and ASR w
ill only operate correctly
if the four wheels have identical tyres. Any
differences in the rolling radius of the tyres
can cause the system to reduce engine power
when this is not desired.
● The regulating processes of the systems
can m
ake noises when they intervene.
● If the warning lamp lights
up, or alter-
natively, there could be a fault ››› page 106. Switching on/off the ESC and ASR
The ESC is switched on automatically when
the en
gine i
s started, and only works when
the engine is running and includes the ABS,
EDS and ASR systems.
The ASR function should only be switched off
in situations in which traction is insufficient,
including:
● When driving in deep snow or on surfaces
that
are not very firm.
● To “free” the vehicle if it gets stuck.
Then swit
ch the ASR function back on.
174
Driving
Depending on the finishes and versions,
ther e i
s the possibility of disconnecting only
the ASR or activating the ESC Sport mode.
Disable ASR
The Easy Connect system menu is used to
switch off the ASR ››› page 108. The traction
control system will be disabled.
The control lamp lights up. For vehicles
with a driver information system* the driver
will be informed that ASR is disabled.
Activate ASR
The Easy Connect system menu ››› page 108
is used to switch on the ASR. The traction
control system will be enabled.
The control lamp switches off. For vehicles
with a driver information system* the driver
will be informed that ASR is enabled.
ESC in “Sport” mode
Sport mode can be connected via the Easy
Connect ››› page 108 system menu. The ac-
tion of the ESC and the ASR is limited ››› .
The c ontr
ol lamp lights up. For vehicles
with a driver information system* the driver
will be informed that: Electronic Stability Control
(ESC): sport. Warning! Limited
stability
Dis
able ESC “Sport” mode
Through the Easy Connect system menu
››› page 108. The warning lamp will switch
off. For vehicles with a driver information sys-
tem* the driver will be informed that:
Electronic Stability Control
(ESC): On
ESC in “Offroad” 1)
mode
Turn the Driving Experience button to select
the Offroad mode and connect it
››› page 226. The interventions of the ESC, as
well as of the ASR, EDS and the ABS, adapt to
irregular terrain.
The control lamp lights up. In the dash
panel, the driver will be informed that:
Electronic Stability Control
(ESC): Offroad. Warning! Limited
stability
In the following exceptional situations it may
make sense to activate the Offroad mode to
allow the wheels to spin: ●
When “swin ging” the vehicle to get it un-
stuck.
● Driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces.
● When driving on rough terrain with much of
the car's
weight is lifted off the wheels (axle
articulation).
● Steep descents with braking on unpaved
terr
ain.
For your safety we recommend that you turn
off the Offroad mode when it is not absolute-
ly necessary.
Disable the ESC Offroad mode
Turn the Driving Experience button to select a
different driving mode ››› page 226. The
warning lamp will switch off. The driver will
be informed that:
Electronic Stability Control
(ESC): On
ESC in “Snow” mode 1)
Turn the Driving Experience button to select
the “Snow” mode and connect it
››› page 226. Traction control system (ASR)
interventions adjust to the adhesion of
snowy roads. »1)
Only for 4Drive models.
175
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Driving
Automatic gearbox/DSG auto-
m atic
gearbox*
Introduction Your vehicle is equipped with an electronical-
ly
c
ontrolled manual gearbox. Torque be-
tween the engine and the gearbox is trans-
mitted via two independent clutches. They re-
place the torque converter found on conven-
tional automatic gearboxes and allow for
smooth, uninterrupted acceleration of the ve-
hicle.
The tiptronic system allows the driver to
change gears manually if desired
››› page 179, Changing gears in tiptronic
mode*.
Selector lever positions Read the additional information carefully
› ›
› page 41
The selector lever position engaged is high-
lighted on the display in the instrument clus-
ter. With the selector lever in the manual
gearbox positions G, D, E and S, the engaged
gear is also indicated on the display.
P – Parking lock
When the selector lever is in this position,
the driven wheels are locked mechanically. The parking lock must be engaged only when
the v
ehicle is stationary ››› .
The int erloc
k button (the button on the selec-
tor lever handle) must be pressed in and si-
multaneously the brake pedal must be de-
pressed before moving the selector lever ei-
ther in or out of position P.
R – Reverse gear
Reverse gear must be engaged only when the
vehicle is stationary and the engine is idling
››› .
T o mo
ve the selector lever to position R, the
interlock button must be pressed in and at
the same time the brake pedal must be de-
pressed. The reverse lights come on when
the selector lever is in the R position with the
ignition on.
N – Neutral (idling)
With the selector lever in this position, the
gear is in neutral.
D/S – Permanent drive (forward) position
The selector lever in the D/S position enables
the gears to be controlled in normal mode (D)
or Sport (S). To select Sport mode (S), move
the selector lever backwards. Moving the lev-
er again will select normal mode (D). The se-
lected driving mode is shown on the instru-
ment panel display. In normal mode
(D), the g
earbox automatical-
ly selects the best gear ratio. This depends
on the engine load, the road speed and the
dynamic gear control programme (DCP).
Sport mode (S) must be selected for a sporty
driving style. This setting makes use of the
engine's maximum power output. When ac-
celerating the gear shifts will be noticeable.
Press the brake pedal to move the selector
lever from N to D/S when the vehicle is sta-
tionary or at speeds below 3 km/h (2 mph)
››› .
Under c er
tain circumstances (e.g. when driv-
ing in mountains) it can be advantageous to
switch temporarily to tiptronic mode
››› page 179, in order to manually select gear
ratios to suit the driving conditions. WARNING
● Tak
e care not to accidentally press the ac-
celerator pedal when the vehicle is stopped.
The vehicle could otherwise start moving im-
mediately (in some cases even if the parking
brake is engaged) resulting in the risk of an
accident.
● Never move the selector lever to R or P
when drivin
g. Failure to follow this instruc-
tion could result in an accident.
● With selector lever in any position (except
P) the v
ehicle must always be held with the
foot brake when the engine is running. This is
because an automatic gearbox still transmits » 177
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety