
Driving
Starting-off and Driving
Starting and stopping the engine
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Electronic immobiliser and steering lock
202
Ignition on / off
203
Starting engine / Stopping
203
Problems with the engine start - vehicles with starter button
204
Depending on equipment fitted, it is possible to switch the ignition on/off and
start/stop the engine with the key in the ignition or using the starter button .
WARNING■
Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary – risk of acci-
dent!■
The ignition must always be switched during the journey when the en-
gine is idling. Otherwise, the steering may lock - danger of an accident!
■
Do not withdraw the ignition key from the ignition lock until the vehicle
has come to a stop » page 208, Parking . Otherwise, the steering may lock -
danger of an accident!
■
Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running - there is a
risk of theft, accident etc.!
■
Never run the engine in an enclosed space (e.g. in garages) - there is the
danger of poisoning and death!
CAUTION
■ Only start the engine when the engine and the vehicle are stationary - there
is a danger of starter and engine damage!■
Do not push-start the engine – there is a risk of damaging the engine and
the catalytic converter! The battery from another vehicle can be used as a
push-start aid.
■
On vehicles with the starter button, pay attention to where the key is loca-
ted. The system can recognize the valid key, even if it has been accidentally
left on the vehicle roof - there is danger of loss or damage to the key!
NoteDo not warm up the engine while the vehicle is stationary. If possible, start
your journey as soon as the engine has started. The engine will reach its oper-
ating temperature faster.
Electronic immobiliser and steering lock
Read and observe
and on page 202 first.
The electronic immobiliser (hereinafter referred to as immobiliser) makes it
more difficult for someone to attempt to steal or use your vehicle without au-
thorisation.
Immobilizer
The immobilizer enables the engine start exclusively using the original vehicle
keys.
Malfunction of the immobilizer
If the immobiliser components in the key fail, it is not possible to start the en-
gine. A message appears in the display of the instrument cluster to explain
that the immobiliser is active.
To start, use the other vehicle key or seek help from a specialist garage.
Steering lock - lock
›
On vehicles with ignition lock, remove the key and turn the steering wheel
until the steering lock engages.
›
On vehicles with a starter button, switch off the ignition and open the driv-
er's door. If the driver's door is opened and the ignition is switched off after-
wards, the steering is only locked automatically after the vehicle has been
locked.
Steering lock - unlock
›
On vehicles with ignition lock, insert the key into the ignition and turn on the
ignition. If this is not possible, move the steering wheel slightly back and
forth and thereby unlock the steering lock.
›
On vehicles with starter button, get into the car and close the driver's door.
Under certain circumstances, the steering lock can be unlocked only when
the ignition is switched on or the engine is started.
WARNINGNever let the vehicle roll with locked steering lock - there is a risk of acci-
dent!202Driving

Ignition on / offFig. 251
Positions of the vehicle key in the ignition lock / starter button
Read and observe
and on page 202 first.
Positions of the vehicle key in the ignition lock » Fig. 251 -
Ignition switched off, engine switched off
Ignition switched on
Starting engine
Switching on /off ignition in vehicles with starter button
›
Press the » Fig. 251 -
button, the ignition is turned on / off.
On vehicles with manual transmission the pedal must not be depressed to
switch on / off the ignition, otherwise the engine will start.
On vehicles with automatic transmission , the brake pedal must not be de-
pressed to switch on / off the ignition, otherwise the engine will start.
Starting engine / Stopping
Read and observe
and on page 202 first.
Before starting the engine
›
Switch on the parking brake.
›
For vehicles with manual transmission , shift gear stick to neutral, depress
the clutch pedal and hold it there until the engine starts.
›
For vehicles with automatic transmission , place the selector lever in position
P or N and » depress the brake pedal until the engine starts.
123Starting the engine›On vehicles with Ignition lock, turn the key to position 3 and the engine
starts » Fig. 251 on page 203
. Release the key, the engine will start auto-
matically.
If the engine does not start within 10 seconds, turn the key to position 1
. Re-
peat the starting process after 30 seconds.
›
On vehicles with starter button, press the button briefly » Fig. 251 on
page 203 -
, the motor will start automatically.
For vehicles with Diesel engines the glow plug warning light
illuminates
during starting. The engine can be started after the indicator light goes out.
Stopping the engine
›
Stopping the vehicle.
›
On vehicles with ignition lock, turn the key to position
1
» Fig. 251 on
page 203
.
›
On vehicles with
starter button, press the button » Fig. 251 on page 203 -
,
The engine and the ignition will be switched off simultaneously.
For vehicles with automatic transmission, the ignition key can only be removed
if the selector lever is in position P .
Do not switch the engine off immediately at the end of your journey after the
engine has been running for a prolonged period at high loads. Leave it to run
at an idling speed for about 1 minute. This prevents any possible accumulation
of heat when the engine is switched off.
Emergency shutdown of the engine in vehicles with starter button
The system is equipped with a protective device against accidental switching
off, the engine can only be shut off while driving in the event of an emergency.
›
Keep the knob pressed » Fig. 251 on page 203 -
or press it twice within 1
second.
After the emergency stop of the engine, the steering lock will remain un-
locked.
CAUTION
When the outdoor temperature is below -10 ° C, the selector lever when start-
ing must always be in P mode. 203Starting-off and Driving

Vehicles with automatic transmission
The engine is automatically switched off as soon as the vehicle comes to a
halt and the brake pedal is operated.
The engine is automatically started as soon as the accelerator pedal is de-
pressed or the brake pedal is released (with deactivated Auto Hold function).
Requirements for the system to function correctly
The following conditions must be met for the system to function correctly.
The driver's door is closed.
The driver has fastened the seat belt.
The driving speed was higher than 4 km/h after the last stop.
The OFF ROAD mode is enabled.
System status
The system status is shown in the display when the vehicle comes to a halt
» Fig. 253 .
The engine is switched off automatically; when moving off, the ignition
process will be initiated automatically.
The engine is not switched off automatically.
When stopping, the engine will not switch off for the following reasons,
among others. ▶ The engine temperature for the proper function of the system has not yet
been reached.
▶ The charge state of the vehicle battery is too low.
▶ The current consumption is too high.
▶ High air conditioning or heating output (high blower speed, big difference be-
tween the desired and actual interior temperature).
If the engine is shut down automatically and the system detects that the en- gine is required, such as when the brake pedal is pressed repeatedly, then the
system automatically starts the engine.
More information about the current system status can be displayed in infotain-
ment screen, in the
→
→
Vehicle status
menu.
If there is a system fault , the following message will appear in the display of
the instrument cluster. Seek help from a specialist garage.
Note■ If the driver's seat belt is removed for more than approx. 30 seconds or the
driver's door is opened during automatic stop mode, the engine will have to be
started manually.■
No automatic engine shut-down takes place when a vehicle with automatic
transmission is moving at low speed (e.g. during a traffic jam) and remains sta-
tionary after pressing the brake pedal lightly. Automatic engine shut-down
takes place if you press the brake pedal down with more force.
■
For vehicles with automatic transmission there is no automatic engine shut-
down when the system detects a manoeuvring action due to a large steering
angle.
manually activate/deactivate system
Fig. 254
Button for the START-STOP sys-
tem
›
To deactivate/activate , press the button
» Fig. 254 .
When the system is deactivated, the symbol
illuminates in the button.
If the system is deactivated, it will be reactivated automatically after the igni-
tion has been switched off and on.
Note
If the system is deactivated when the engine is turned off automatically, then
the automatic start process takes place.205Starting-off and Driving

To move the selector lever from mode N to D / S only the brake pedal is press-
ed.
The selector lever is not locked when quickly moving across the position N
(e.g. from R to D/S ). This, for example, helps to rock out a vehicle that is stuck,
e.g. in a bank of snow. The selector lever lock will engage if the lever is in posi-
tion N for more than approx. 2 seconds without the brake pedal being de-
pressed.
If it is not possible to release the gear selector from mode P in the usual man-
ner, then this can be emergency unlocked » page 303.
Note
If you want to switch the selector lever from mode P to mode D/S or vice ver-
sa, move the selector lever quickly. This prevents that you accidentally select
mode R or N.
Manual shifting of gears (Tiptronic)
Fig. 261
Selector lever/multi function steering wheel
Read and observe
and on page 209 first.
Tiptronic mode makes it possible to manually shift gears with the selector lev-
er or multifunction steering wheel.
Switching to manual shifting using the selector lever
›
Push the gear selector from position D/S towards the right, or left in a right-
hand drive vehicle. The current gear is maintained.
Switching to manual shifting by using the rocker switches under the
multifunction steering wheel
›
To change gear , pull one of the rocker switches
-
/
+
briefly towards the
steering wheel » Fig. 261.
›To
cancel manual shift, pull the rocker switch + towards the steering wheel
for more than 1 s.
If you do not pull one of the rocker switches -
/
+
for more than 1 minute,
manual shifting of the gears is deactivated automatically.
Changing gear
›
To shift up , tap the selector lever forwards
+
or pull the rocker switch
+
briefly towards the steering wheel » Fig. 261.
›
To shift down , tap the selector lever backwards
-
or pull the rocker switch
-
briefly towards the steering wheel » Fig. 261.
The currently selected gear is indicated in the display » Fig. 259 on page 210 .
The gear shift indicator should be observed when changing gear » page 44.
When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the higher gear
just before the maximum permissible engine speed is reached. If a lower gear
is selected, the gearbox does not shift down until there is no risk of the engine
over revving.
Note
It may be beneficial, for example, when travelling downhill, to use manual
shifting of gears. Shifting to a lower gear reduces the load on the brakes and
hence the wear of the brakes.
Start and drive
Read and observe
and on page 209 first.
Starting and temporarily pausing
›
Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal.
›
Start the engine.
›
Press the locking button and move the selector lever to the desired position
» page 210 .
›
Release the brake pedal and accelerate.
The selector lever position N does not have to be selected if stopping for a
short time, such as at cross roads. However, you must apply the brake pedal in
order to prevent the vehicle from rolling away.
Accelerate to max. speed during the journey (kickdown function)
The kickdown function is applied when the accelerator pedal is pressed down
in the forward mode.
The gear change is adjusted accordingly to reach the maximum acceleration.
211Starting-off and Driving

Accelerate to maximum speed when starting (launch control function)1)
The launch control function is available in mode S or Tiptronic.›
Disable the TCS » page 215, Braking and stabilisation systems .
›
START STOP deactivate » page 205, manually activate/deactivate system .
›
Fully depress and hold the brake pedal with your left foot.
›
Fully depress the accelerator pedal with your right foot.
›
Release the brake pedal - the vehicle is running at maximum acceleration.
Driving in neutral (“coasting”)
When releasing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle moves without the braking
effect of the engine.
Operating conditions
▶ The selector lever is in the D/S position.
▶ Driving mode Eco or Individual (Drive - Eco) is selected » page 251, Select the
driving mode (Driving Mode Selection) .
▶ The vehicle is travelling at more than 20 km/h.
▶ No trailer or other accessory is connected to the trailer socket.
The gear is selected again automatically, when you depress the accelerator or
brake pedal or pull the left rocker switch
-
towards the steering wheel
» page 211 , Manual shifting of gears (Tiptronic) .
WARNINGRapid acceleration, particularly on slippery roads, can lead to loss of control
of the vehicle – risk of accident!
Running in the engine and economical driving
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Run in engine
212
Tips for economical driving
212
DriveGreen function
213Run in engine
During the first 1,500 km, the driving manner determines the quality of the
running in process on a new engine.
During the first 1,000 km , the engine should not be charged with more than
3/4 of the maximum permitted engine revs and without the trailer.
In the area of 1,000 to 1,500 kilometres , the engine load can be increased up
to the maximum permitted engine speed.
Tips for economical driving
The fuel consumption depends on the driving style, road condition, weather
conditions and the like.
For an economical driving style, the following instructions must be observed. ▶ Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking.
▶ Observe the recommended gear » page 44.
▶ Avoid full throttle and high speeds.
▶ Reduce idling.
▶ Avoid short distances.
▶ Ensure the correct tyre inflation pressure is maintained » page 286.
▶ Avoid unnecessary ballast.
▶ Remove the roof rack when it is not needed.
▶ Only switch on electrical consumers (e.g. seat heating) for as long as they are
needed. In the Infotainment menu
→
→
Convenience consumers
up to
three consumers who currently have the largest share of fuel consumption,
can be displayed.
▶ Before switching on, ventilate the cooling system briefly and do not use the
cooling system with open windows.
▶ Do not leave windows open at high speed.
1)
This function is only valid for some engines.
212Driving

Assist systems
General information
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Radar sensor
215WARNING■ The assistance systems only serve to support the driver and do not re-
lieve the driver of the responsibility for driving the vehicle.■
The increased safety provision, as well as the increased occupant protec-
tion provided by the assistance systems must not tempt you to take risks -
risk of accident!
■
Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road
and traffic conditions.
■
The assistance systems have physical and system-related limitations. For
this reason, the driver may experience some undesired or delayed system
responses in certain situations. You should therefore always be alert and
ready to intervene!
■
Only enable, disable or set the assistance systems when you have the car
fully under control, in every traffic situation - risk of accident!
Radar sensor
Fig. 264
Installation location of the radar
sensor
Read and observe on page 215 first.
The radar sensor (hereinafter referred to only sensor) uses electromagnetic
waves to capture the traffic situation ahead of the vehicle. The radar is located
under a cover » Fig. 264.
The sensor is part of the ACC » page 243 and Front Assist » page 248systems.
The sensor function may be impaired in the event of one of the following sit-
uations arising. ▶ The sensor cover is soiled (e.g. with mud, snow and the like).
▶ The area in front of and around the sensor cover is obscured (e.g. by labels,
auxiliary headlights and the like(.
▶ When visibility is poor (e.g. fog, heavy rain, thick snowfall).
▶ In exceptional cases, the sensor may be covered in the area beneath the cov-
er, e.g. due to snow.
If the sensor cover or the sensor is dirty or covered, a message to that effect
from the ACC system » page 248, Malfunctions or Front Assist » page 251, Mal-
functions system appears in the instrument cluster display.WARNING■
If you suspect that the sensor is damaged, deactivate the ACC system and
Front Assist system » page 245, » page 250 . Have the sensor checked by a
specialist garage.■
A collision or damage in the front or lower area of the vehicle could affect
the sensor function - there is risk of accident! Have the sensor checked by
a specialist garage.
■
Do not cover the area in front of and around the sensor cover. This can
lead to impaired function of the sensor - risk of accident!
CAUTION
Remove snow with a brush and ice with a solvent-free de-icer from the sensor
cover.
Braking and stabilisation systems
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Stability Control (ESC)
216
ESC Sport
216
Anti-blocking system (ABS)
216
Engine drag torque control (MSR)
216
Traction control (ASR)
217
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDS)
217
Active steering assist (DSR)
217
215Assist systems

Traction control (ASR)Read and observe
on page 216 first.
The ASR prevents spinning of the drive wheels. TCS reduces the drive powertransmitted to the wheels in the case of slipping wheels. Thus, for example,
driving on road surfaces with low grip is made easier.
During a TCS intervention, the indicator light
flashes in the instrument clus-
ter.
Deactivation
›
Press the
» Fig. 265 on page 216 button.
›
or: On Infotainment, press the button
→ the function surface
→
ESCsystem:
→
ASR off
Tap.
With deactivation the warning light lights up in the instrument cluster
and
an appropriate message is displayed in the instrument cluster.
Activation
›
Press the
» Fig. 265 on page 216 button.
›
or: On Infotainment, press the button
→ the function surface
→
ESCsystem:
→
Activated
Tap.
With activation the warning light
is
extinguished and an appropriate mes-
sage is displayed in the instrument cluster.
The TCS should normally always be enabled. The system should be deactivated
only in the following situations, for example. ▶ When driving with snow chains.
▶ When driving in deep snow or on a very loose surface.
▶ When it is necessary to “rock” a car free when it has become stuck.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDS)
Read and observe
on page 216 first.
EDL prevents the turning of the respective wheel of the driven axle. EDL
brakes the spinning wheel, if necessary, and transmits the driving force to the
other driving wheel. Driving becomes easier on road surfaces with different
traction under each wheel of the driven axle.
EDL switches off automatically to avoid excessive heat generation on the
brake of the wheel being braked. Once the brakes have cooled down, there is
an automatic re-activation of EDL.
XDS is an extension to the electronic differential lock (EDL). XDS does not re-
spond to the relieved inner curve wheel of the driven axle in the case of fast
cornering.
By applying braking force to the relieved wheel, spinning is prevented by the
XDS. This has a positive effect on the driving stability and steerability of the
vehicle.
Active steering assist (DSR)
Read and observe
on page 216 first.
In critical situations, the DSR provides the driver with a steering recommenda-tion in order to stabilise the vehicle. DSR is activated, for example, on the right
and left vehicle side when braking sharply on different road surfaces.
Brake Assist (HBA)
Read and observe
on page 216 first.
The HBA increases the braking effect and helps to reduce the braking dis-
tance.
The HBA is activated by very quick operation of the brake pedal. In order to
achieve the shortest possible braking distance, the brake pedal must be ap-
plied firmly until the vehicle has come to a standstill.
The HBA function is automatically deactivated when the brake pedal is re-
leased.
Hill Start Assist (HHC)
Read and observe
on page 216 first.
When driving on slopes, HHC allows you to move your foot from the brake ped-al to the accelerator pedal without the vehicle rolling downhill on its own.
The vehicle is braked by the system for about 2 seconds after releasing the
brake pedal.
The HHC is active on gradients upwards of 5 % if the driver door is closed. HHC
is only ever active on slopes when in forward or reverse start off.
217Assist systems

WARNINGFor the correct operation of the assistant the road surface must be suffi-
ciently adherent. The assistant cannot properly fulfil its function on slushy
soil due to physical reasons (e.g. ice or mud). - there is a risk of an accident!
Note
When the wizard brakes the vehicle automatically, then the brake light does
not come on.
ESC OFF ROAD
Read and observe
and on page 218 first.
The ESC OFF ROAD makes driving on dirt roads easier, as no ESC interventions
occur when the vehicle is slightly over or under steered.
TCS OFF ROAD
Read and observe
and on page 218 first.
The TCS OFF ROAD makes starting and driving on an unpaved surface easier as
it partially allows wheel-spin.
Note
When disabled, the TCS » page 217 OFF ROAD mode works without the sup-
port of the TCS OFF ROAD.
EDL OFF ROAD
Read and observe
and on page 218 first.
The EDS OFF ROAD supports the driver when driving on a surface with differ-
ent grip under the drive wheels or when driving over bumps.
A spinning wheel or wheels are braked earlier and with more force than with
the intervention of the standard EDS system.
ABS OFF ROAD
Read and observe
and on page 218 first.
The ABS OFF ROAD supports the driver when braking on an unpaved surface
(e.g. gravel, snow etc.).
The system generated by a controlled locking of the wheels braked wheel be-
fore a “wedge” of piled material, which shortens the braking distance.
Maximum system efficiency is achieved when the front wheels are in the
straight ahead position.
Show OFF ROAD in Infotainment
Fig. 267
OFF ROAD - Infotainment display
Read and observe and on page 218 first.
The display of OFF ROADMode in Infotainment is used to evaluate the current
driving situation.
›
To display in Infotainment, press the button, then tap the function sur-
face
→
Off-road
.
A swipe of the finger vertically across the screen allows three of the following
displays
A
to be shown » Fig. 267.
▶ Compass (applies to the Amundsen and Columbus Infotainment)
▶ Altimeter (applies to the Amundsen and Columbus Infotainment)
▶ Steering angle display
▶ Coolant temperature gauge
▶ Oil temperature display
Parking aid (ParkPilot)
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Settings in Infotainment
221
Operation
221
Display Infotainment screen
222
220Driving