If the accelerator pedal is depressed fully, the gearbox will automatically shift to a lower gear,
depending on the speed and engine revs. This will make use of the full vehicle acceleration.
The gearbox does not shift up to the next gear until the engine reaches the maximum engine speed
for the gear.
When the Eco driving profile is selected in vehicles with driving profile selection ⇒ Driving profile
selection and 4MOTION Active Control and the accelerator is depressed fully beyond the pressure
point, the engine output is automatically regulated to ensure maximum vehicle acceleration.
Launch Control Programme
The Launch Control programme gives the vehicle maximum acceleration from a standing start in
vehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox.
•Switch off TCS ⇒ Brake support systems.
•Depress and hold the brake pedal with your left foot.
•In selector lever position D/S, select position S. Alternatively, select the Tiptronic position or in
vehicles with driving profile selection select the Sport driving profile ⇒ Driving profile selection
and 4MOTION Active Control.
•With your right foot, depress the accelerator until the engines speed reaches approximately
3,200 rpm.
•Take your left foot off the brake ⇒. The vehicle will start with maximum acceleration.
•Switch the TCS back on after acceleration.
Troubleshooting
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Rapid acceleration can cause loss of traction and skidding, particularly on slippery roads.
This can cause you to lose control of the vehicle, which can lead to accidents and serious
injuries.
•Always adjust your driving style in accordance with the flow of traffic.
•Only use kickdown or fast acceleration if visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions
permit, and other road users are not put at risk due to the acceleration and the driving
style.
•Please note that the driven wheels could start to spin and the vehicle could skid if the
traction control system (TCS) is switched off, especially if the road is slippery.
•Switch the traction control system (TCS) back on after acceleration.
•Only use the launch control programme, if the road and traffic conditions allow for it.
•You should never endanger other road users through the acceleration of your vehicle
or through your driving style.
WARNING
Never ride the brake pedal. Do not overuse the brake pedal. Constant braking will cause
the brakes to overheat. This can considerably reduce the brake effect, increase the
braking distance and, in certain circumstances, cause the brake system to fail completely.
WARNING
•If you stop the vehicle on an incline, do not attempt to stop it from rolling back by
depressing the accelerator while a position is still selected. The dual clutch gearbox
DSG could overheat and be damaged.
•Never allow the vehicle to roll in position N, particularly if the ignition is switched off.
The DSG dual clutch gearbox will not be lubricated and could be damaged.
•m/k/a995MK Vehicles with Launch Control Programme: accelerating with the
Launch Control programme places heavy strain on all vehicle components. This can
lead to higher rates of wear.
NOTICE
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•Never let the brakes rub by applying light pressure to the brake when it is not
necessary to brake. This will increase levels of wear.
•Before driving down a long, steep gradient, reduce your speed and select a suitable
recuperation level. This will make use of the electric drive braking effect and relieve the
load on the brakes. The brakes could otherwise overheat and possibly fail. The brakes
should only be used to slow or stop the vehicle.
NOTICE
Fig. 126 Removing the cover of the gearshift gate.
Fig. 127 Unlocking the selector lever lock manually.
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
The indicator lamps light up.
Brake pedal not depressed. Fully depress the brake pedal. Also see Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC) ⇒ Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).Do not drive on! Gearbox fault. Allow the gearbox
to cool down in selector lever position P. If the warning lamp does not go out, do not drive on. Seek
professional assistance. Failure to do so could result in considerable damage to the gearbox.
Brake pedal not depressed, e.g. when trying to engage another position with the selector lever. To
select a position, press the brake pedal. See also electronic parking brake ⇒ Electronic parking
brake.
The indicator lamps flash.
The lock button in the selector lever is not engaged. The vehicle cannot drive off. Engage the
selector lever lock ⇒ Selector lever lock.
Troubleshooting for the selector lever lock
In rare cases, the selector lever lock may not engage in vehicles with a DSG dual clutch
gearbox. The drive is then deactivated to prevent the vehicle from accidentally pulling away. The
indicator lamp flashes and an information message is also displayed. Use the following procedure
to engage the selector lever lock:
•Depress the foot brake and then release it again.
Unlocking the selector lever lock manually
If the power fails in the vehicle (e.g. if the 12-volt battery is flat) and the vehicle has to be pushed or
towed, the selector lever lock must be released manually. Seek professional assistance.
The manual release mechanism is located under the cover of the gearshift gate.
Removing the cover of the gearshift gate
•Switch on the electronic parking brake. If the electronic parking brake cannot be switched on,
the vehicle will have to be prevented from rolling off using other means.
•Switch off the ignition.
•Carefully pull the cover upwards in the area around the selector lever gaiter with connected
electrical wiring ⇒ Fig. 126.
•Pull the cover up and over the selector lever ⇒.
Releasing the selector lever lock manually
Depending on the vehicle equipment, there are two possible manual release mechanism variants.
•Using the flat blade of the screwdriver from the vehicle tool kit, carefully push the release lever
in the direction of the arrow and hold it in this position ⇒ Fig. 126.
•Press the lock button on the front of the selector lever handle and move the selector lever to
position N.
•After manual release, carefully press the cover onto the centre console while ensuring that the
electrical wires are positioned correctly.
•Using the flat blade of the screwdriver from the vehicle tool kit, carefully push the release lever
in the direction of the arrow and hold it in this position ⇒ Fig. 127.
•Press the lock button on the front of the selector lever handle and move the selector lever to
position N.
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•After manual release, carefully press the cover onto the centre console while ensuring that the
electrical wires are positioned correctly.
Emergency programme
There is a fault in the system if all the displays on the instrument cluster for the selector lever
positions have a light background. The DSG dual clutch gearbox is running in an emergency
programme. The vehicle can still be driven in the emergency programme, but only at reduced
speed and not in all gears.
In vehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox, you may no longer be able to select reverse gear.
In all cases you should have the DSG dual clutch gearbox checked by a qualified workshop
immediately.
Overheating of the DSG dual clutch gearbox
The DSG dual clutch gearbox can become too hot, for example, if the vehicle pulls off
frequently, drives at crawling speed for long periods, or in stop-and-go traffic. Overheating is
indicated by the warning lamp and in some cases by a text message in the instrument cluster
display. A signal tone may also be given. Stop the vehicle and allow the gearbox to cool down ⇒
.
The vehicle does not move forwards or backwards even though a position
has been selected
If the vehicle will not move in the required direction, the system may have selected the position
incorrectly. Depress the brake pedal and reselect the position.
If the vehicle still does not move in the required direction, there is a system fault. Seek expert
assistance and have the system checked.
Downhill speed control
If the vehicle is being held on the Auto Hold function, the green indicator lamp lights up.
Switch off Auto Hold if necessary ⇒ Auto Hold function.
The Hill Descent Control system in vehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox helps when braking
and travelling downhill ⇒. This system uses the braking power of the engine, rather than the
brakes directly.
The DSG dual clutch gearbox selects the best gear for the circumstances, depending on the
steepness of the hill and the current speed. The selector lever must be in position D/S. The downhill
speed control is not active in Tiptronic mode.
As the downhill speed control system can shift down only as far as third gear, it may be necessary
to activate the Tiptronic mode when driving down particularly steep inclines. When in Tiptronic
mode, select second or first gear manually in order to make use of the braking effect of the engine
and to relieve the load on the brakes.
The start/stop system is automatically deactivated as long as downhill speed control is active.
Activating downhill speed control automatically:
•If the downhill gradient is greater than approximately 6%.
•AND: if the selector lever is in position D/S.
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Never move the selector lever out of the position P if the electronic parking brake is not
switched on. Otherwise the vehicle could move unexpectedly if it is stopped on an incline,
which could lead to accidents and serious injuries.
WARNING
The DSG dual clutch gearbox will become damaged if the vehicle is allowed to roll for a
long period of time or at a high speed (for example while being towed) with the selector
lever in position N and the engine switched off.
NOTICE
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•If the display indicates that the gearbox is overheating for the first time, the vehicle will
have to be parked safely or driven faster than 20 km/h (12 mph).
•If the text message and signal tone are repeated every ten seconds, the vehicle must be
parked safely immediately and the engine switched off. Allow the gearbox to cool down.
•In order to prevent damage to the gearbox, you should not drive on until the acoustic
warning stops. You should not pull away or drive the vehicle at very low speeds while
the gearbox is overheated.
NOTICE
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•In addition, if the cruise control system or Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is switched off:
if the vehicle speed is less than approximately 80 km/h (50 mph) or the brake pedal is
depressed.
•In addition, if the cruise control system or Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is active: if the
stored speed is exceeded.
Deactivating downhill speed control automatically:
•If the downhill gradient becomes less steep.
•OR: if the gearbox shifts up a gear because the engine speed is higher than approximately
4,500 rpm.
•Or in addition if the cruise control system or Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is active: if
the stored speed can be maintained.
Hill Descent Control
When Hill Descent Control is active, the indicator lamp lights up white.
When Hill Descent Control is not active, the indicator lamp lights up grey. The system is
switched on, but is not regulating.
The Hill Descent Control system automatically brakes all four wheels to limit the speed when driving
forwards and reversing on steep downhill gradients. The wheels will not lock as the anti-lock brake
system remains active. In vehicles with a manual gearbox, Hill Descent Control adjusts the target
speed so that the engine speed does not drop below the idling speed.
If you enter a downhill slope travelling at a speed under 30 km/h (18 mph), the vehicle speed will be
limited to a speed between min. 2 km/h (1 mph) and max. 30 km/h (18 mph). The driver can use the
accelerator pedal and the brakes to alter the speed in this range. The control speed will be set
again as soon as the driver takes their foot off the accelerator or brake pedal.
However, this can work only if the tyres have sufficient grip on the road. Hill Descent Control
cannot work on an icy or slippery slope, for example.
Hill Descent Control is automatically activated if the following conditions are met:
•The engine is running.
•The Off-road driving profile is selected ⇒ Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active
Control.
•The speed is under 30 km/h (18 mph) (the function display is visible on the instrument
cluster display).
•The downhill gradient is at least 10 %.
•You do not brake or accelerate.
The Hill Descent Control function will be deactivated when the downhill gradient is less than 5 %.
The intelligent downhill speed control technology cannot overcome the laws of physics,
and functions only within the limits of the system. Never allow the extra convenience
afforded by pull-away assist systems to tempt you into taking any risks when driving.
•Unintentional vehicle movements can cause serious injury.
•The downhill speed control cannot replace the full concentration of the driver.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
•Downhill speed control cannot hold the vehicle in all hill start situations or brake it
sufficiently on all slopes going downhill (e.g. if the ground is slippery or icy).
WARNING
Always be prepared to brake the vehicle. Accidents and injuries could occur if this is not
ensured.
•The downhill speed control is only a support function and may not be able to brake the
vehicle sufficiently in all situations when driving downhill.
•The vehicle may become faster despite the downhill speed control being in operation.
WARNING
Steering
Information on steering
The steering should be locked every time you leave the vehicle to make it more difficult for the
vehicle to be stolen.
Steering
The power steering is not hydraulic. It is an electromechanical system. The advantage of this
steering system is that no hydraulic hoses, hydraulic oil, pumps, filter or other parts are required.
The electromechanical system reduces fuel consumption. A hydraulic system requires constant oil
pressure in the system, whereas an electromechanical steering system only needs an energy
supply while steering.
In vehicles with driving profile selection, the selected driving profile can affect the behaviour of the
power steering ⇒ Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active Control.
Electronic steering column lock in vehicles with starter button
The steering column will be locked if the driver door is opened and the ignition is switched off. For
this, the vehicle should be stationary and, if necessary, the gear selector lever should be in position
P.
If the ignition is not switched off until after the driver door is opened, the electronic steering column
will only be locked when the vehicle is locked using the vehicle key or the sensor in the door
handle.
Mechanical steering column lock (steering lock) in vehicles with an
ignition lock
The steering column is locked if the vehicle key is removed from the ignition lock when the vehicle
is stationary. Turn the steering wheel slightly until the steering lock clicks into place.
Insert the vehicle key into the ignition lock to unlock the steering lock. Turn the steering wheel
slightly to take the load off the steering lock mechanism. Hold the steering wheel in this position and
turn the ignition on.
Electromechanical steering
The power steering provided by the electromechanical steering system automatically adjusts to the
vehicle speed, steering wheel torque and steering wheel angle. The electromechanical steering
only functions when the engine is running.
You will need considerably more strength than normal to steer the vehicle if the power steering is
reduced or has failed completely.
Counter steering assistance
Counter steering assistance provides the driver with power steering in critical driving situations.
Additional steering power helps the driver when counter steering ⇒.
The intelligent Hill Descent Control technology cannot overcome the laws of physics, and
functions only within the limits of the system. Never allow the extra convenience afforded
by pull-away assist systems to tempt you into taking any risks when driving.
•Unintentional vehicle movements can cause serious injury.
•The Hill Descent Control cannot replace the full concentration of the driver.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
•A Hill Descent Control System may not be able to always hold the vehicle on uphill
gradients or brake it sufficiently on all slopes going downhill (e.g. if the ground is
slippery or icy).
WARNING
Always be prepared to brake the vehicle. Accidents and injuries could occur if this is not
ensured.
•The Hill Descent Control system is only a support function and may not be able to
brake the vehicle sufficiently in all situations when driving downhill.
•The vehicle may accelerate despite the Hill Descent Control system.
WARNING
•Proactive occupant protection system
In vehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox, the system automatically changes to gear
position S when the Sport driving profile is selected. The system automatically switches to gear
position D when the Eco driving profile is selected. Since coasting is active in the Eco driving
profile, the gearbox programme E is additionally displayed on the instrument cluster display.
The driver can adjust certain vehicle functions irrespective of the selected driving profile. For
example, the driver can switch to gear position S when the Eco driving profile is selected.
Selecting a driving profile (4MOTION Action Control)
Fig. 129 In the lower section of the centre console: control for the 4MOTION Active Control in
vehicles with all-wheel drive.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Key to ⇒ Fig. 129:
MODE button: Selects Onroad driving profiles and opens menu in the Infotainment system.
Snow driving profile.
On-road driving profile.
Off-road driving profile.
Off-road Individual driving profile.
Selecting the driving profile
•Switch on the ignition.
•Turn the control for the 4MOTION Active Control until the LED next to the desired driving profile
lights up ⇒ Fig. 129.
•To switch through the Onroad driving profiles, press the MODE button or press an Onroad
driving profile in the Infotainment system.
•Touch the function button to display additional information about the active driving mode.
•Touch the function button for the required driving profile in the Infotainment system.
When the ignition is switched off, the set driving profile and the individual settings will remain
selected.
If one of the driving profiles Snow, Off-road or Off-road Individual was the last active profile, the
most recently active On-road driving profile is activated if the ignition remains switched off for a
relatively long period.
The driving profile Sport will also remain selected after the ignition has been switched off. However,
sport functions, e.g., for the engine and gearbox, can be deactivated when switching on the ignition
again. To reactivate the sports functions, tip the gearbox selector lever to the rear ⇒ DSG dual
clutch gearbox.
Recommended driving situations for each driving profile
•Snow: The Snow driving profile improves the efficiency of the accelerator on icy or snowy
roads. In addition, the lane holding when cornering and the power in straight driving are also
improved. The dynamic of the ACC Adaptive Cruise Control is restricted. The dynamic
cornering light is adjusted to provide better support in poor visibility. It is not possible to shift into
the S position in the Snow driving profile.
•Off-road: The Off-road driving profile improves the efficiency of the accelerator when driving
off-road. The engine brake is always available and gearshifts can be prevented in critical
situations. In the Off-road driving profile, the Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control are
active. The dynamic cornering light is adjusted to provide better support in poor visibility. It is
not possible to shift into the S position in the Off-road driving profile. When the driving profile is
active, the instrument cluster displays the symbol m/k/s562MK.
Changing the driving profile can alter the vehicle handling. Never allow the driving profile
selection to tempt you into taking any risks when driving.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
WARNING
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The driver can use 4MOTION Active Control to activate a variety of vehicle settings in an all-wheel
drive vehicle as required ⇒ Selecting a driving profile (4MOTION Action Control).
Checklist
Before driving for the first time, take the following steps so you can operate and drive the
vehicle safely off-road:
Observe the basic safety notes Safety notes for driving off-road.
Familiarise yourself with the vehicle controls.
Check and adjust the seat position Sitting position and fasten the seat belts Seat belts.
Check distance to steering wheel and adjust Steering.
Always wear suitable, well-fitting shoes that provide good grip for your feet when using the
pedals.
Safety notes for driving off-road
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The intelligent vehicle technology cannot overcome the laws of physics, and functions
only within the limits of the system. Despite input from the ABS, adverse terrain can cause
instability through locked wheels – e.g. if you brake hard when driving on a loose gravel
road. The ESC system will have difficulty stabilising the vehicle in these circumstances.
WARNING
Driving off-road can be dangerous and could cause accidents, serious injury, damage to
the vehicle and also a vehicle breakdown far from any assistance.
•Never select a dangerous route and never take risks that could endanger you and your
passengers. If you cannot drive on or if you are in any doubt about the safety of the
route, turn round and choose another route.
•Even terrain that looks harmless can be difficult and dangerous, and could get you and
your passengers into difficulties. It is preferable to walk over the terrain before driving
over it.
•You should drive particularly carefully and think ahead when driving off-road. If you
drive too fast or if a driving manoeuvre is unsuccessful this could result in serious
injuries and vehicle damage.
•Never drive faster than the current terrain, road conditions, traffic and weather allow.
•Never drive too fast along embankments, ramps or slopes. This could cause the
vehicle to lose contact with the ground. If this happens, you will be unable to steer and
will lose control of the vehicle.
•If the vehicle does lose contact with the ground, always point the front wheels straight
ahead. If the wheels are not pointing straight ahead when the vehicle lands, it could roll
over.
•Terrain might look harmless, but there could be hidden dangers. Potholes, hollows,
ditches, precipices, obstacles, shallows, soft and boggy surfaces are often not
recognisable as such and can be covered either fully or partly by water or grass or
branches lying on the ground. Inspect terrain on foot.
WARNING
Sporty SUVs are subject to a considerably higher risk of rolling over than normal road
passenger vehicles ⇒ Explanation of some technical terms.
•In the event of an accident, vehicle occupants not wearing seat belts are subjected to a
considerably higher risk of fatal injury than those wearing seat belts.
•The vehicle has a higher centre of gravity and is more prone to rolling over than a
normal on-road vehicle which is unsuited for off-road driving.
•Never drive too fast, especially when driving through bends, or carry out any extreme
driving manoeuvres.
•Always adjust your speed and driving style to the terrain.
•Luggage and other items transported on the roof of the vehicle raise the centre of
gravity and will make the vehicle more likely to roll over.
WARNING
Explanation of some technical terms
Fig. 131 Illustration: angle of gradient.
The terrain might look harmless, but there could be hidden dangers. Potholes, hollows,
ditches, precipices, obstacles, shallows, soft and boggy surfaces are often not
recognisable as such and can be covered either fully or partly by water or grass or
branches lying on the ground. Driving off-road over such terrain could cause accidents,
serious injury and also a vehicle breakdown.
•Check any unknown sections of the route on foot carefully before driving.
•Never choose an unsafe route or take a risk which could endanger you or your
passengers. If you are in any doubt about the safety of the route, turn back and choose
another route.
•Always adjust your speed and driving to match vehicle load levels and off-road,
visibility and weather conditions.
WARNING
•Always avoid traversing a slope ⇒ Traversing a slope.
•Vehicle occupants should never leave the vehicle via the doors facing down the hill
when parked sideways on a steep hill. The combined centre of gravity of the vehicle
and its payload (vehicle occupants and payload) can shift and cause the vehicle to roll
over and roll down the incline. Always leave the vehicle slowly via the doors which
open up the incline ⇒ Traversing a slope.
WARNING
The cruise control system has been designed for use on surfaced roads only. The cruise
control system is not suitable for use off-road and may even be hazardous. If you use the
cruise control system while driving off-road, you may lose control over the vehicle and
sustain severe injuries.
•Never use the cruise control system when driving off-road.
WARNING
The area monitoring system (Front Assist) was developed for use on paved roads only.
The area monitoring system is not suitable for use off-road and may even be hazardous. If
you use the area monitoring system while driving off-road, you may lose control over the
vehicle and sustain severe injuries.
•Never use the area monitoring system when driving off-road.
WARNING
Driving the vehicle when the fuel level is too low could lead to your vehicle breaking down
off-road, accidents and serious injuries.
•When the fuel level is too low, the fuel supply to the engine could be irregular,
especially when driving up or down hills and inclines.
•The steering, all driver assist systems and brake support systems will not function if
the engine sputters or stops completely due to a lack of fuel or irregular fuel supply.
•Always fill the tank when it is still 1/4 full. This reduces the risk of running out of fuel
and breaking down.
WARNING
Any rain entering the vehicle when the windows or glass roof are open can soak the
interior equipment and cause damage to the vehicle. Always keep the windows and glass
roof closed when driving off-road.
NOTICE