late. In this, or in similar situations, the auto-
matic high-beam headlamps will not be deac-tivated or will be activated regardless. There is
a risk of an accident.
Always carefully observe the traffic conditions
and switch off the high-beam headlamps in
good time.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist cannot take into
account road, weather or traffic conditions.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist is only an aid. You are
responsible for adjusting the vehicle's lighting
to the prevailing light, visibility and traffic con-
ditions.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can be
impaired if:
Rthere is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog, heavy
rain or snow
Rthere is dirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
Switching Adaptive Highbeam Assist
on/off
XTo switch on: turn the light switch to the
à position.
XPress the combination switch forwards
beyond the pressure point (Ypage 106).
The _ indicator lamp in the multifunction
display lights up when it is dark and the light
sensor switches on the low-beam headlamps.
If you are driving at speeds above approx-
imately 16 mph (25 km/h):
The headlamp range is set automatically
depending on the distance between the vehi-
cle and other road users.
If you are driving at speeds above approx-
imately 19 mph (30 km/h) and no other road
users have been detected:
The high-beam headlamps are switched on
automatically. The Kindicator lamp in the
instrument cluster also lights up.
If you are driving at speeds below approx-
imately 16 mph (25 km/h) or other road users have been detected or the roads are ade-
quately lit:
The high-beam headlamps are switched off
automatically. The Kindicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out. The _indi- cator lamp in the multifunction display
remains lit.
XTo switch off:move the combination switch
back to its normal position or move the light
switch to another position.
The
K indicator lamp on the instrument
cluster goes out.
Headlamps fogged up on the inside
Certain climatic and physical conditions may
cause moisture to form in the headlamp. This
moisture does not affect the functionality of the
headlamp.
Interior lighting
Overview of interior lighting
Front overhead control panel
:u Switches the rear compartment inte-
rior lighting on/off
;| Switches the automatic interior light-
ing control on/off
=p Switches the right-hand front reading
lamp on/off
?c Switches the front interior lighting on/
off
Ap Switches the left-hand front reading
lamp on/off
108Interior lighting
Lights and windshield wipers
Overview of climate control systems
General notes
Observe the settings recommended on the fol-
lowing pages. The windows could otherwise fog
up.
To prevent the windows from fogging up:
Rswitch off climate control only briefly
Rswitch on air-recirculation mode only briefly
Rswitch on the cooling with air dehumidifica-
tion function
Rswitch on the defrost windshield function
briefly, if required
Climate control regulates the temperature and
the humidity in the vehicle interior and filters
undesirable substances out of the air.
Climate control can only be operated when the
engine is running. Optimum operation is only
achieved with the side windows and roof closed.
The residual heat function can only be activated
or deactivated with the ignition switched off
(
Ypage 120).
iVentilate the vehicle for a brief period during
warm weather, e.g. using the convenience
opening feature (
Ypage 88). This will speed
up the cooling process and the desired inte-
rior temperature will be reached more
quickly.
iThe integrated filter filters out most parti-
cles of dust and soot and completely filters
out pollen. It also reduces gaseous pollutants
and odors. A clogged filter reduces the
amount of air supplied to the vehicle interior.
For this reason, you should always observe
the interval for replacing the filter, which is
specified in the Maintenance Booklet. As it
depends on environmental conditions, e.g.
heavy air pollution, the interval may be
shorter than stated in the Maintenance Book-
let.
iIt is possible that the residual heat function
may be activated automatically an hour after
the SmartKey is removed. The vehicle is then
ventilated for 30 minutes to dry the automatic
climate control.
Control panel for dual-zone automatic climate control
Canada only
:Sets the temperature, left (Ypage 117)
;Defrosts the windshield (Ypage 118)
=Switches the ZONE function on/off (Ypage 118)
?Switches cooling with air dehumidification on/off (Ypage 116)
ASwitches the rear window defroster on/off (Ypage 119)
BSets the temperature, right (Ypage 117)
112Overview of climate control systems
Climate control
GWARNING
After a short time, hill start assist will no lon-
ger brake your vehicle and it could roll away.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Therefore, quickly move your foot from the
brake pedal to the accelerator pedal. Never
leave the vehicle when it is held by hill start
assist.
Hill start assist is not active if:
Ryou are pulling away on a level road or on a
downhill gradient.
Rthe transmission is in position N.
Rthe parking brake is applied.
RESP®is malfunctioning.
ECO start/stop function
Introduction
The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically if the vehicle is stopped
under certain conditions.
The engine starts automatically when the driver
wants to pull away again. The ECO start/stop
function thereby helps you to reduce the fuel
consumption and emissions of your vehicle.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If the engine is switched off automatically and
you exit the vehicle, the engine is restarted
automatically. The vehicle may begin moving.
There is a risk of accident and injury.
If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off
the ignition and secure the vehicle against
rolling away.
General notes
:ECO start/stop display
The ECO start/stop function is activated when
you start the engine.
If the engine has been switched off automati-
cally by the ECO start/stop function, the ¤
symbol is shown in the multifunction display.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the AMG menu in the
multifunction display additionally shows the
Stop/Start active
message.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the ECO start/stop
function is only available in drive program C.
Automatic engine switch-off
If the vehicle is braked to a standstill in Dor N,
the ECO start/stop function switches off the
engine automatically.
The ECO start/stop function is operational
when:
Rthe indicator lamp in the ECO button is lit
green.
Rthe outside temperature is within the range
that is suitable for the system.
Rthe engine is at normal operating tempera-
ture.
Rthe set temperature for the vehicle interior
has been reached.
Rthe battery is sufficiently charged.
Rthe system detects that the windshield is not
fogged up when the air-conditioning system is
switched on.
Rthe hood is closed.
Rthe driver's door is closed and the driver's
seat belt is fastened.
iAll of the vehicle's systems remain active
when the engine is stopped automatically.
iThe HOLD function can also be activated if
the engine has been switched off automati-
cally. It is then not necessary to continue
applying the brakes during the automatic stop
phase. When you depress the accelerator
126Driving
Driving and parking
pedal, the engine starts automatically and the
braking effect of the HOLD function is deac-
tivated.
Automatic engine switch-off can take place a
maximum of four times in a row (initial stop, then
three subsequent stops).
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the number of con-
secutive automatic engine switch-offs is unlimi- ted.
All other models: automatic engine switch-off
can take place a maximum of four times in a row
(initial switch-off, then three subsequent switch-
offs).
Automatic engine start
The engine starts automatically if:
Ryou switch off the ECO start/stop function by
pressing the ECO button
Rin transmission position Dor Nthe brake
pedal is released and the HOLD function is not
active
Ryou depress the accelerator pedal
Ryou engage reverse gear R
Ryou move the transmission out of position P
Ryou switch to drive programS,S+ orM
(Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
Ryou unfasten your seat belt or open the driv-
er's door
Rthe vehicle starts to roll
Rthe brake system requires this
Rthe temperature in the vehicle interior devi-
ates from the set range
Rthe system detects moisture on the wind-
shield when the air-conditioning system is
switched on
Rthe battery's condition of charge is too low
iShifting the transmission to position Pdoes
not start the engine.
Deactivating or activating the ECO
start/stop function
Mercedes-AMG vehicles
XTo deactivate: in drive program C, press ECO
button :.
or
XSwitch to drive program S,S+ or
M(Ypage 134).
Indicator lamp ;goes out.
XTo activate: press ECO button :.
Indicator lamp ;lights up.
If drive program S,S+ orMis active, the auto-
matic transmission switches to drive program
C.
If indicator lamp ;is off, the ECO start/stop
function has been deactivated manually or as
the result of a malfunction. The engine will then
not be switched off automatically when the vehi- cle stops.
All other models
XTo deactivate: press ECO button :.
Indicator lamp ;goes out.
XTo activate: press ECO button :.
Indicator lamp ;lights up.
Driving127
Driving and parking
Z
change dynamically at the beginning of the
journey. On longer journeys, there are fewer
changes. For more dynamic changes, carry
out a manual reset.
For further information on the ECO display, see
(
Ypage 191).
Braking
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
Downhill gradients
!On long and steep gradients, you must
reduce the load on the brakes by shifting to a
lower gear in good time. This allows you to
take advantage of the engine's braking effect.
This helps you to avoid overheating the
brakes and wearing them out excessively.
When you take advantage of engine braking, a
drive wheel may not turn for some time, e.g.
on a slippery road surface. This could cause
damage to the drive train. This type of damage
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz war-
ranty.
Change into a lower gear in good time on long
and steep downhill gradients. This is especially
important if the vehicle is laden.
Heavy and light loads
GWARNING
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, but
drive on for a short while. This allows the airflow
to cool the brakes more quickly.
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.
RIn order to prevent any salt build-up, apply the
brakes occasionally while paying attention to
the traffic conditions.
RCarefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey.
RMaintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead.
Servicing the brakes
!The brake fluid level may be too low, if:
Rif the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and
Ryou 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.
Driving tips145
Driving and parking
Z
Have the brake system checked immediately.
Consult a qualified specialist workshop to
arrange this.
!Vehicles with 4MATIC: function or per-
formance tests may only be carried out on a 2-
axle dynamometer. If you wish to operate the
vehicle on such a dynamometer, please con-
sult a qualified specialist workshop in
advance. You could otherwise damage the
drive train or the brake system.
!Vehicles with 4MATIC: as the ESP®sys-
tem operates automatically, the engine and
the ignition must be switched off (SmartKey in
position 0or 1in the ignition lock or Start/
Stop button in position 0or 1) while the park-
ing brake is being tested on a brake dyna-
mometer.
Braking maneuvers triggered automatically
by ESP
®may seriously damage the brake sys-
tem.
!Vehicles with 4MATIC: as the ESP®sys-
tem operates automatically, the engine and
the ignition system must be switched off
(SmartKey in position 0or 1in the ignition
lock or Start/Stop button in position 0or 1)
when:
Rtesting the parking brake on a brake dyna-
mometer.
Ryou intend to have the vehicle towed with
one of the axles raised.
Braking maneuvers triggered automatically
by ESP
®may seriously damage the brake sys-
tem.
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
repla
ced 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. To do so,
press firmly on the brake pedal when driving at a
high speed. This improves the grip of the brake
pads.
You can find a description of Brake Assist (BAS)
on (
Ypage 65) or of BAS PLUS on (Ypage 65). The braking characteristics of the vehicle can be
seriously impaired if:
Rbrake pads other than those recommended
are installed
Rthe recommended brake fluid is not used
Safe braking can no longer be guaranteed.
AMG high-performance and ceramic
brakes
The high-performance brake system is only
installed on the Mercedes-AMG
CLS 63 S 4MATIC model.
The AMG brake systems are designed for heavy
loads. This may lead to noise when braking. This
will depend on:
RSpeed
RBraking force
REnvironmental conditions, such as tempera-
ture and humidity
The wear of individual components of the brake
system, such as the brake pads/linings or brake
discs, depends on the individual driving style
and operating conditions.
For this reason, it is impossible to state a mile-
age that will be valid under all circumstances. An aggressive driving style will lead to high wear.
You can obtain further information about this
from your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
New and replaced brake pads and discs only
reach their optimum braking effect after several
hundred kilometers of driving. Compensate for
this by applying greater force to the brake pedal.
Keep this in mind, and adapt your driving and
braking accordingly during this break-in period.
Excessive heavy braking results in correspond-
ingly high brake wear. Observe the brake wear
warning lamp in the instrument cluster and note
any brake status messages in the multifunction
display. Especially for high performance driving,it is important to maintain and have the brake
system checked regularly.
146Driving tips
Driving and parking
Drivingon wet road s
Hydroplaning
If water has accumulated to acertain dept hon
th eroad surface, there is adanger of hydro-
planin goccurring, eve nif:
Ryou drive at low speeds .
Rthetires hav eadequat etread depth.
Fo rthis reason ,in th eevent of heav yrain or in
condition sin whic hhydroplaning may occur ,
you mus tdrive in th efollowin gmanner:
Rlowe ryour speed.
Ravoid ruts.
Ravoid sudden steerin gmovements .
Rbrake carefully.
Drivingon flooded road s
!Do notdrive through floode dareas. Chec k
th edept hof any water befor edrivin gthrough
it .Drive slowly through standin gwater. Oth-
erwise ,water may ente rth evehicle interio ror
th eengin ecompartment. Thi scan damage
th eelectronic component sin th eengin eor
th eautomatic transmission. Water can also
be drawn in by th eengine's air suction nozzles
and this can cause engin edamage.
Winte rdrivin g
GWARNING
If you shift down on aslipper yroad surfac ein
an attempt to increase th eengine's braking
effect ,th edrive wheels could los etheir grip.
There is an increase ddanger of skidding and
accidents .
Do no tshift down fo radditional engin ebrak-
in g on aslipper yroad surface.
GDANGER
If th eexhaus tpipe is blocke dor adequat e
ventilation is no tpossible, poisonous gases
suc has carbon monoxide (CO) may ente rth e
vehicle. Thi sis th ecase, e.g. if th evehicle
becomes trappe din snow. There is aris kof
fatal injury.
If you leav eth eengin eor th eauxiliar yheatin g
running ,mak esur eth eexhaus tpipe and are a
around th evehicle are clear of snow. To
ensur ean adequat esupply of fresh air, ope n a
window on th esid eof th evehicle that is no t
facin ginto th ewind.
Hav eyour vehicle winter-proofed at aqualified
specialis tworkshop at th eonset of winter.
Drive particularly carefully on slipper yroad sur -
faces. Avoid sudden acceleration ,steerin gand
braking maneuvers .Do no tuse th ecruise con-
trol or DISTRONIC PLUS.
If th evehicle threatens to skid or canno tbe
stopped when movin gat low speed:
XShift th etransmissio nto position N.
The outsid etemperature indicator is no t
designed to serve as an ice-warnin gdevic eand
is therefore unsuitable fo rthat purpose.
Changes in th eoutsid etemperature are dis -
playe dafter ashort delay.
Indicated temperature sjust abov eth efreezin g
poin tdo no tguarantee that th eroad surfac eis
free of ice. The road may still be icy, especially in
wooded areas or on bridges. The vehicle could
skid if you fail to adapt your drivin gstyle. Always
adapt your drivin gstyle and drive at aspeed to
suit th
ep
revailin gweather conditions.
You should pay special attention to road condi-
tion swhen temperature sare around freezin g
point.
Fo rmore information on drivin gwit hsnow
chains, see (
Ypage 294).
Fo rmore information on drivin gwit hsummer
tires ,see (
Ypage 294).
Observ eth enote sin th e"Winte roperation "sec -
tion (
Ypage 294).
Drivin gsystems
Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive
Mercedes-Ben zIntelligen tDrive stand sfo rinno -
vative driver assistanc eand safet ysystems
whic henhance comfor tand suppor tth edriver in
critical situations. Wit hthese intelligen tco-ordi -
nated systems Mercedes-Ben zhas set amile-
ston eon th epat htoward sautonomous driving.
Mercedes-Ben zIntelligen tDrive embraces all
elements of active and passive safet yin on ewell
Driving systems14 7
Driving an d parking
Z
Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS:
Rin road and traffic conditions that do not allow
you to maintain a constant speed, e.g. in
heavy traffic or on winding roads
Ron slippery road surfaces. Braking or accel-
erating can cause the drive wheels to lose
traction and the vehicle could then skid
Rwhen there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
heavy rain or snow
DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect narrow vehi-
cles driving in front, e.g. motorcycles, or vehi-
cles driving on a different line.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can be
impaired if:
Rthere is dirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
Rthere is snow or heavy rain
Rthere is interference by other radar sources
Rthere are strong radar reflections, for exam-
ple, in parking garages
If DISTRONIC PLUS no longer detects a vehicle
in front, DISTRONIC PLUS may unexpectedly
accelerate the vehicle to the stored speed.
This speed may:
Rbe too high if you are driving in a filter lane or an exit lane
Rbe so high in the right lane that you pass vehi-cles driving on the left (left-hand drive coun-
tries)
Rbe so high in the left lane that you pass vehi-
cles driving on the right (right-hand drive
countries)
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new
driver of the speed stored.
Cruise control lever
:To activate and store the current speed or a
higher speed
;To activate and store the current speed or a
lower speed
=To deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS
?To activate and store the current speed or
call up the last stored speed
ATo set a specified minimum distance
Activating DISTRONIC PLUS
Activation conditions
To activate DISTRONIC PLUS, the following con-
ditions must be fulfilled:
Rthe engine must be started. It may take up to two minutes of driving before DISTRONIC
PLUS is ready for use.
Rthe parking brake must be released.
RESP®must be active, but not intervening.
RActive Parking Assist must not be activated.
Rthe transmission must be in position D.
Rthe driver's door must be closed when you
shift from Pto Dor your seat belt must be
fastened.
Rthe front-passenger door and rear doors must
be closed.
Rthe hood must be closed.
Rthe vehicle must not skid.
Driving system s151
Driving an d parking
Z