
Releasing automatically
Your vehicle's electric parking brake is auto-
matically released if all of the following condi-
tions are met:
R the vehicle has been started.
R the transmission is in position Dor R.
R the seat belt has been fastened.
R you depress the accelerator pedal.
If the transmission is in position R, the tailgate
must be closed.
If your seat belt is not fastened, the following
conditions must be fulfilled to automatically
release the electric parking brake:
R the driver's door is closed.
R you have shifted out of transmission position
P or you have previously driven faster than
2 mph (3 km/h).
Ensure that you do not depress the accelerator
pedal unintentionally. Otherwise the parking
brake will be released and the vehicle will start
to move.
Emergency braking The vehicle can also be braked during an emer-
gency by using the electric parking brake.
X While driving, push handle 0043of the electric
parking brake (Y page 130).
The vehicle is braked as long as you keep
handle 0043of the electric parking brake
pressed. The longer the electric parking brake
handle 0043is depressed, the greater the brak-
ing force.
During braking: R a warning tone sounds
R the Release parking brake
Release parking brake message
appears
R the red 0049(USA only) or 0024(Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes
When the vehicle has been braked to a stand-
still, the electric parking brake is applied. Parking the vehicle for a long period
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
four weeks, the battery may be damaged by
exhaustive discharging. If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than six
weeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as a
result of lack of use.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop and seek
advice.
i You can obtain information about trickle
chargers from a qualified specialist work-
shop. Driving tips
General notes
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with limitations, or not at all. This could affect, for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect. You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving. G
WARNING
If you operate mobile communication equip-
ment while driving, you will be distracted from traffic conditions. You could also lose controlof the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
Only operate this equipment when the vehicleis stationary.
Observe the legal requirements for the country
in which you are driving. Some jurisdictions pro- hibit the driver from using a mobile phone while
driving a vehicle.
If you make a call while driving, always use
hands-free mode. Only operate the telephone
when the traffic situation permits. If you are
unsure, pull over to a safe location and stop
before operating the telephone.
Bear in mind that at a speed of only 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), the vehicle covers a
distance of 44 ft (approximately 14 m)per sec-
ond. Driving tips
131Driving and parking Z 

Drive sensibly – save energy
Observe the following tips to save energy:
R The tires should always be inflated to the rec-
ommended tire pressure.
R Remove unnecessary loads.
R Remove roof racks when they are not needed.
R Avoid frequent acceleration or braking.
Energy consumption also increases when driv-
ing in low or high outside temperatures, in stop-
start traffic, on short journeys and in hilly ter-
rain.
Drinking and driving G
WARNING
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and judg-
ment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal acci-
dent is greatly increased when you drink or
take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or tak-
ing drugs. ECO display
The ECO display shows you how economical
your driving style is. The ECO display assists you in achieving the most economical driving style
for the selected settings and prevailing condi-
tions. Your driving style can significantly influ-
ence the vehicle's consumption. 0043
Acceleration
0044 Coasting
0087 Constant
0085 Additional range achieved Range
0085is shown under Bonus Bonusfr. fr.Start
Start and
represents the additional range achieved since
the beginning of the journey as a result of an
adapted driving style.
If the battery charge level has dropped into the
reserve range, the display message Battery Battery
Reserve
Reserve Level
Levelis shown instead of range 0085in
the multifunction display.
The ECO display consists of three sections, with an inner and outer area. The sections corre-
spond to the following three categories: 0043
Acceleration
(evaluation of the
acceleration processes):
R the outer area fills up and the inner
area lights up green: moderate
acceleration, especially at higher
speeds
R the outer area empties and the
inner area is gray: sporty acceler-
ation 0044
Coasting
(evaluation of all decelera-
tion processes):
R the outer area fills up and the inner
area lights up green: anticipatory
driving, keeping your distance and
early release of the accelerator.
The vehicle can coast without use
of the brakes.
R the outer area empties and the
inner area is gray: frequent heavy
braking 0087
Constant
(continuous evaluation
over the entire journey):
R the outer area fills up and the inner
area lights up green: constant
speed and avoidance of unneces-
sary acceleration and deceleration
R the outer area empties and the
inner area is gray: fluctuations in
speed The three inner areas display the current driving
style and light up green as a result of a particu-
larly economical driving style. Depending on the driving situation, up to two areas may light up
simultaneously.
At the beginning of the journey, the three outer
areas are empty and fill up as a result of eco-
nomical driving. A higher level indicates a more
economical driving style. If the three outer areas 132
Driving tipsDriving and pa
rking 

are completely filled at the same time, the driver
has adopted the most economical driving style
for the selected settings and prevailing condi-
tions. The ECO display border lights up.
The ECO display does not indicate the actual fuel
consumption. The additionally achieved range
displayed under Bonus fr. Start
Bonus fr. Start does not
indicate a fixed consumption reduction.
In addition to driving style, the actual consump- tion is affected by other factors, such as:
R Load
R Tire pressure
R Cold start
R Choice of route
R Active electrical consumers
These factors are not included in the ECO dis-
play.
An economical driving style specially requires
driving at moderate engine speeds.
To achieve a higher value in the categories
"Acceleration" and "Constant", drive the vehicle
in drive program E+orE.
On long journeys at a constant speed, e.g. on the highway, only the outer area for "constant" will
change.
The ECO display summarizes the driving style
from the start of the journey to its completion.
Therefore, there are more marked changes in
the outer areas at the start of a journey. On lon-
ger journeys, there are fewer changes. For more
marked changes, perform a manual rest
(Y page 158).
For more information on the ECO display, see
(Y page 156). Braking
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If you increase the recuperation level on slip- pery road surfaces, the drive wheels may lose
their traction. There is an increased danger of skidding and accidents.
Do not increase the recuperation level on slip-
pery road surfaces. The braking performance of the electric motor
using recuperative braking is, in some operating
modes, either reduced or not effective:
R when the condition of charge of the high-volt-
age battery increases
R if the high-voltage battery is not yet at a nor-
mal operating temperature
R when driving close to the maximum speed
R when the vehicle is almost stationary
R in transmission position N
R during and after ESP stability control
If you do not make an additional effort to apply
the brake yourself, the braking effect may not be
sufficient. If necessary, counteract the reduced regenerative braking effect by applying the
brake yourself.
Downhill gradients On long, steep gradients, you must reduce the
load on the brakes by selecting maximum recu-
peration. This helps you to avoid overheating the
brakes and wearing them out excessively.
Recuperation allows the vehicle to be deceler-
ated without placing a load on the braking sys-
tem.
Do not depress the brake pedal continuously
while the vehicle is in motion, e.g. causing the
brakes to rub by constantly applying light pres-
sure to the pedal. This results in excessive and
premature wear to the brake pads.
Heavy and light loads G
WARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time.
! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately. Drive on for a short while. This allows the airflow to
cool the brakes more quickly. Driving tips
133Driving and parking Z 

Wet roads
If you have driven for a long time in heavy rain
without braking, there may be a delayed reac-
tion from the brakes when braking for the first
time. This may also occur after the vehicle has
been washed or driven through deep water.
You have to depress the brake pedal more
firmly. Maintain a greater distance from the
vehicle in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the vehicle
washed, brake firmly while paying attention to
the traffic conditions. This will warm up the
brake discs, thereby drying them more quickly
and protecting them against corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt resi-
due may form on the brake discs and brake
pads. This can result in a significantly longer
braking distance.
R In order to prevent any salt build-up, apply the
brakes occasionally while paying attention to
the traffic conditions.
R Carefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey.
R Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead.
Servicing the brakes !
The brake fluid level may be too low, if:
R if the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and
R you hear a warning tone while the engine is
running
Observe additional warning messages in the
multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked immediately.
Consult a qualified specialist workshop to
arrange this.
! A function or performance test should only
be carried out on a 2-axle dynamometer. If
you wish to operate the vehicle on such a
dynamometer, please consult a qualified spe- cialist workshop in advance. You could oth-
erwise damage the drive train or the brake
system. !
As the ESP ®
system operates automatically,
the engine and the ignition must be switched
off (the SmartKey must be in position 0or 1in
the ignition lock) if:
R the electric parking brake is tested on a
brake dynamometer (for a maximum of
ten seconds)
R the vehicle is towed with the front axle
raised.
Braking triggered automatically by ESP ®
may
seriously damage the brake system.
All checks and maintenance work on the brake
system must be carried out at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Have brake pads installed and brake fluid
replaced at a qualified specialist workshop.
If the brake system has only been subject to
moderate loads, you should test the functional- ity of your brakes at regular intervals.
You can find a description of Brake Assist (BAS)
on (Y page 59).
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only have brake pads/linings installed on your vehicle
which have been approved for Mercedes-Benz
vehicles or which correspond to an equivalent
quality standard. Brake pads/linings which havenot been approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles
or which are not of an equivalent quality could
affect your vehicle's operating safety.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only use
brake fluid that has been specially approved for
your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz, or which corre- sponds to an equivalent quality standard. Brakefluid which has not been approved for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which is not of an
equivalent quality could affect your vehicle's
operating safety.
Checking brake lining thickness You can measure the break pad/lining thick-
ness using a test gage. Color-coding (green or
red) on the test gage allows you to determine
whether the brake pad/lining thickness is still
sufficient. The test gage is in the vehicle docu-
ment wallet in the glove box. 134
Driving tipsDriving and parking 

their traction. There is an increased danger of
skidding and accidents.
Do not increase the recuperation level on slip- pery road surfaces.
Have your vehicle winter-proofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road sur- faces. Avoid sudden acceleration, steering and
braking maneuvers. Do not use cruise control.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
X Shift the DIRECT SELECT lever to position N.
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Changes in the outside temperature are dis-
played after a short delay.
Indicated temperatures just above the freezing
point do not guarantee that the road surface is
free of ice. The road may still be icy, especially in
wooded areas or on bridges.
You should pay special attention to road condi-
tions when temperatures are around freezing
point.
For more information on driving with snow
chains, see (Y page 259).
For more information on driving with summer
tires, see (Y page 259).
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation" sec-
tion (Y page 259). Driving systems
Cruise control
General notes Cruise control maintains a constant road speed
for you. It brakes automatically in order to avoid
exceeding the set speed. Change into transmis-
sion position D-
(Y page 115) on long and steep
downhill gradients. This increases recuperation
in overrun mode. This relieves the load on the
brake system and prevents the brakes from
overheating and wearing too quickly.
When the engine is running, you can use the
cruise control lever to limit the speed to any
speed between 20 mph (30 km/h) and the tech-
nically permitted maximum speed of the vehicle. Use cruise control only if road and traffic con-
ditions make it appropriate to maintain a steady
speed for a prolonged period.
The speed indicated in the speedometer may
differ slightly from the speed stored.
Important safety notes If you fail to adapt your driving style, cruise con-
trol can neither reduce the risk of an accident
nor override the laws of physics. Cruise control
cannot take into account the road, traffic and
weather conditions. Cruise control is only an
aid. You are responsible for the distance to the
vehicle in front, for vehicle speed, for braking in
good time and for staying in your lane.
Do not use cruise control:
R in road and traffic conditions which do not
allow you to maintain a constant speed e.g. in
heavy traffic or on winding roads
R on slippery road surfaces. Braking or accel-
erating could cause the drive wheels to lose
traction and the vehicle could then skid
R in poor visibility, e.g. due to fog, heavy rain or
snow
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new
driver of the speed stored.
Cruise control lever 0043
Activates or increases speed
0044 Activates or reduces speed
0087 Deactivates cruise control
0085 Activates at the current speed/last stored
speed
When you activate cruise control, the stored
speed is shown in the multifunction display for
five seconds. 136
Driving systemsDriving an
d parking 

X
Start the drive system (Y page 111).
E-CELL display 0043shows the available power
of the drive system.
Under normal operating conditions, E-CELL dis-
play 0043is in the maximum range.
The power output available may deviate from
the maximum range in the event of:
R very high or low outside temperatures
R very high performance requirements for a lon-
ger period of time
R very low condition of charge of the high-volt-
age battery
R a malfunction in the drive system
The reduced power output can be improved by
charging the high-voltage battery (Y page 117).Power display
Power display
0043contains two areas:
R Area above 0
Here, the current amount of power that the
drive system is feeding to the wheels is dis-
played.
R Area below 0
Here, the vehicle's recuperative power in
overrun mode is displayed. If the needle for the power display is in the
OFF
position, the vehicle is not ready to drive
because:
R the drive system has not yet started
R the charging cable is still connected to the
vehicle socket
R there is insufficient power available from the
high-voltage battery
R the vehicle's high-voltage electrical system is
malfunctioning
When the drive system is started, the needle in
the power display moves to position 0. The dis-
play Ready Ready appears in the lower multifunction
display. The vehicle is ready to drive.
The boost area for maximum acceleration can
be reached using kickdown (Y page 114).
The braking performance of the electric motor
using recuperative braking is, in some operating
modes, either reduced or not effective:
R when the condition of charge of the high-volt-
age battery increases
R if the high-voltage battery is not yet at a nor-
mal operating temperature
R when driving close to the maximum speed
R when the vehicle is almost stationary
R in transmission position N
R during and after ESP stability control
If necessary, counteract the reduced regenera-
tive braking effect by applying the brake your-
self. Condition of charge display
Condition of charge display
0043shows the con-
dition of charge of the high-voltage battery.
The charge value is shown as a percentage in the
Energy Flow Energy Flow menu in the instrument cluster
(Y page 157). Displays and operation
153On-board computer and displays Z 

i
The
Energy Flow
Energy Flow menu can also be dis-
played in the COMAND/Audio display.
The condition of charge of the high-voltage bat- tery has dropped into the reserve range if the
drive system is running and:
R the Drive Battery Reserve Level
Drive Battery Reserve Level mes-
sage appears in the display
R the indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
lights up
Charge the high-voltage battery from a condi-
tion of charge of less than 20% at:
R an electrical outlet
R a charging station
The braking performance of the electric motor
using recuperative braking is, in some operating
modes, either reduced or not effective:
R when the condition of charge of the high-volt-
age battery increases
R if the high-voltage battery is not yet at a nor-
mal operating temperature
R when the vehicle is almost stationary
R in transmission position N
R during and after ESP stability control
If you do not make an additional effort to apply
the brake yourself, the braking effect may not be
sufficient. If necessary, counteract the reduced regenerative braking effect by applying the
brake yourself. Operating the on-board computer
Overview 0043
Multifunction display
0044 Vehicles with Audio 20: switches on voice-
operated control for navigation (see manu-
facturer's operating instructions)
Vehicles with COMAND: switches on the
Voice Control System (see the separate
operating instructions)
0087 Right control panel
0085 Left control panel
0083 Back button
X To activate the on-board computer: turn
the SmartKey to position 1in the ignition lock.
You can control the multifunction display and
the settings in the on-board computer using the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel. 154
Displays and operationOn-board computer and displays 

Energy flow
Energy flow display
The energy flow display can be shown in the
multifunction display and in the COMAND/
Audio display.
X Press the 0059or0065 button on the steering
wheel to select the Trip
Trip menu.
X Confirm by pressing 0076on the steering
wheel.
X Use 0064 or0063 to select Energy Flow
Energy Flow.
The active components are highlighted in the
energy flow display.
The energy flow is indicated by arrows. The
arrows have a different color depending on the
operating state:
R Green: energy recuperation
R White: normal energy consumption
R Red: increased energy consumption
Drive system switched on when the vehi-
cle is stationary or in overrun mode The drive system is switched on while the vehi-
cle is stationary. Alternatively, the drive system is switched on while the vehicle is in transmis-
sion position D+
or N.
The arrows indicating energy flow are not
shown.
Drive system switched off and high-volt-
age battery being charged The drive system is switched off. The charging
cable is connected and the high-voltage battery
is being charged. The arrows for the energy flow are shown in
green.
Normal driving The drive system powers the vehicle.
The arrows for the energy flow are shown in
white.
Boost driving mode If high power is required, the boost mode takes
effect.
The arrows for the energy flow are shown in red.
Energy recuperation mode The kinetic energy of the vehicle is converted
into electrical energy. The Recuperative Brake
System is active. The high-voltage battery is
being charged.
The arrows for the energy flow are shown in
green. Menus and submenus
157On-board computer and displays Z