
If the selector lever is moved accidentally to N when driving, take your foot off the
accelerator. Wait for the engine revs in the neutral position before selecting a position again.
Changing gear using Tiptronic
Tiptronic allows the gears to be shifted
up and down manually with a DSG
dual clutch gearbox.
Fig. 124 Selector lever in Tiptronic position (left-hand drive). The controls are mirrored for right-
hand drive vehicles.
Fig. 125 Steering wheel with paddles for Tiptronic.
The gear that is currently selected will be maintained when the Tiptronic programme is selected.
This remains the case as long as the system does not automatically carry out a change of gear due
to the current driving situation.
Operating Tiptronic with the selector lever
•Push the selector lever from position D/S to the right into the Tiptronic gate.
Selecting the wrong position can cause you to lose control of the vehicle, which can lead
to accidents and serious injuries.
•Never depress the accelerator pedal when selecting a position.
•When the engine is running, the vehicle starts moving as soon as a selector lever
position is engaged and the brake pedal is released.
•Never switch to reverse or selector lever position P while the vehicle is moving.
WARNING
Unintentional vehicle movements can cause serious injury.
•The driver must never leave the driver seat when the engine is running and a position
has been selected. If you have to leave the vehicle while the engine is running, always
switch on the electronic parking brake and move the selector lever to position P.
•If the engine is running and the selector lever is in position D/S or R, the vehicle must
be held on the foot brake. The vehicle will creep forward even when the engine is
idling, as power transmission is even then not fully interrupted.
•Never select reverse gear or selector lever position P when the vehicle is in motion.
•Never leave the vehicle in selector lever position N. The vehicle will roll downhill
irrespective of whether or not the engine is running.
WARNING
If the electronic parking brake is not switched on when the vehicle is stationary and the
brake pedal is released when the selector lever is in position P, the vehicle may move a
few centimetres forwards or backwards.
NOTICE
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•Gently push the selector lever forwards ⊕ or back ㊀ to shift gear up or down ⇒ Fig. 124.
When moving the selector lever in the Tiptronic gate, do not press the lock button on the selector
lever.
Operating Tiptronic with the paddles
•Pull the right paddle ⇒ Fig. 125 towards the steering wheel to change up a gear.
•Pull the left paddle towards the steering wheel to change down a gear.
•To leave Tiptronic mode, pull the right paddle towards the steering wheel for approximately one
second.
Tiptronic is automatically deactivated if the selector paddles are not operated for some time and the
selector lever is not in the Tiptronic gate.
Driving with DSG dual clutch gearbox
The gearbox changes the forward gears up and down automatically.
Driving down hills
The steeper the gradient, the lower the gear you will need. Lower gears increase the braking effect
of the engine. Never allow the vehicle to roll down mountains or hills in the neutral position N.
•Reduce your speed.
•Push the selector lever from position D/S to the right into the Tiptronic gate ⇒ Changing gear
using Tiptronic.
•Gently push the selector lever to the rear to change down gear.
•OR: shift down using the paddles on the steering wheel ⇒ Changing gear using Tiptronic.
Stopping and pulling away on an uphill gradient
The steeper the uphill gradient, the lower the gear you will need.
If you wish to stop the vehicle or pull away when driving uphill you should use the Auto Hold
function ⇒ Electronic parking brake.
When you stop the vehicle on an incline and the vehicle remains in gear, the vehicle must always
be prevented from rolling by depressing the brake pedal or by applying the electronic parking brake.
The brake pedal or the electronic parking brake should not be released until you pull away ⇒.
Coasting with DSG dual clutch gearbox
In coasting mode, the momentum of the vehicle can be used to save fuel in conjunction with a
foresighted driving style. With the engine-off coasting function, the engine is not just disengaged,
but is also switched off. The engine no longer brakes the vehicle – the vehicle can roll for a longer
distance. The function is available only in the selector lever position D/S and at speeds of
approximately 30 – 130 km/h (18 mph – 80 mph).
An automatic engine start may take place in order to ensure reliable engine restarting and to
guarantee the power supply of the vehicle electrical system.
Triggering coasting
•Select the Eco driving profile from the driving profile selection menu ⇒ Driving profile selection
and 4MOTION Active Control.
•Remove your foot from accelerator pedal. The engine is disengaged and runs in coasting mode.
The vehicle rolls without the braking effect of the engine. The engine is automatically switched
off on vehicles with engine-off coasting function.
Cancelling coasting mode
•Depress the brake pedal briefly.
•OR: depress the accelerator or brake pedal briefly.
•OR: pull a paddle towards the steering wheel.
•OR: press the selector lever to the Tiptronic position.
Kickdown
The kick down function enables maximum acceleration in the selector lever position D/S or in the
Tiptronic position.
•When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up to the next gear shortly before
the maximum permitted engine speed is reached.
•When shifting down a gear manually, the gearbox will not change gear until the engine
can no longer be overrevved.
NOTICE
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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

•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

Progressive steering
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, progressive steering can adjust the force of the steering
movement in a driving situation. Progressive steering only functions when the engine is running.
In urban driving, smaller steering movements are required when parking, manoeuvring, or turning
sharply.
When driving on country roads or on the motorway, the progressive steering provides a more
sporty, direct steering response, and a dynamic feel.
Troubleshooting
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
The indicator lamps light up.
Do not drive on! Electromechanical steering not functioning. The steering must be
checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.Electromechanical steering function
reduced. The steering must be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible. If the yellow
warning lamp remains off after the engine has been restarted and you have driven a short distance,
you do not need to consult a qualified workshop.The 12-volt battery has been disconnected
and reconnected. Drive a short distance at a speed of 15 – 20 km/h (9 – 12 mph).
The indicator lamps flash.
Steering column twisted. Turn the steering wheel back and forth.Steering column not
locked or unlocked. Remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock and switch the ignition back on
again. Follow any messages that are on the instrument cluster display. Do not continue your
journey if the steering column remains locked when the ignition is switched on. Seek expert
assistance.
Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active
Control
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Selecting a driving profile (ONROAD)
⇒ Selecting a driving profile (4MOTION Action Control)
⇒ Adjusting the driving profile to suit your requirements
⇒ Troubleshooting
The driving profile selection contains
factory-defined driving profiles which
have different effects on the vehicle
setup. You can also set your own
vehicle setup by means of an individual
driving profile.
Different driving profiles can be selected depending on the vehicle equipment level. The effect on
the vehicle setup in the individual driving profiles depends on the vehicle equipment.
The settings available depend on the type of drive. Vehicles with a front-wheel drive come with
ONROAD driving profiles ⇒ Selecting a driving profile (ONROAD), while vehicles with all-wheel
If the power steering is not working, the steering wheel is difficult to turn, which makes it
difficult to steer the vehicle.
•The power steering only functions when the engine is running.
•Never allow the vehicle to roll if the engine is switched off.
•Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock when the vehicle is in motion. The
steering column lock may be activated and it will no longer be possible to steer the
vehicle.
WARNING
In conjunction with the ESC, counter steering assistance provides the driver with
assistance when steering in critical driving situations. The driver must steer the vehicle at
all times. Counter steering assistance does not steer the vehicle.
WARNING
The ignition of the vehicle being towed must be switched on to prevent the steering wheel
from locking, and so that the turn signals, horn, wipers and window washer system can be
used.
NOTICE

drive come with additional OFFROAD driving profiles ⇒ Selecting a driving profile (4MOTION
Action Control).
The driving profile can be changed when the vehicle is stationary or while driving ⇒. After
selecting a driving profile, the vehicle settings (excluding engine settings) are switched to the new
profile mode immediately. When traffic conditions allow, briefly take your foot off the accelerator to
activate the newly selected driving profile for the engine.
Some settings can be stored in the user accounts of the personalisation function and
therefore change when the user account changes ⇒ Personalisation.
Selecting a driving profile (ONROAD)
Fig. 128 In the lower section of the centre console: driving profile selection button.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Selecting the driving profile
•Switch on the ignition.
•Press the driving profile selection button ⇒ Fig. 128.
•Touch the function button in the Infotainment system to display additional information about
the active driving profile.
•Touch the function button for the required driving profile.
•OR: press the driving profile button ⇒ Fig. 128 again to select the next driving profile.
If the Normal driving profile is selected, the LED in the driving profile selection button will remain
switched off.
When the ignition is switched off, the set driving profile and the individual settings will remain
selected.
The driving profiles Sport and Eco will also remain selected after the ignition has been switched
off. However, settings for the engine or DSG dual clutch gearbox may switch to the Normal driving
profile when the ignition is switched back on again.
In order to reactivate the sports function, the Sport driving profile must be selected again or the
selector lever of the DSG dual clutch gearbox must be moved to S⇒ DSG dual clutch gearbox.
To reactivate the eco functions, select the Eco driving profile again.
Recommended driving situations for each driving profile
•Eco: switches the vehicle into economical mode and helps the driver to drive the vehicle in a
fuel-efficient manner. Coasting mode is available in the Eco driving profile.
•Comfort: the Comfort driving profile is available only for vehicles with adaptive chassis control
(DCC). The driving profile creates a comfort-based vehicle setup and is suited to poor-quality
sections of road or long motorway journeys, for example.
•Normal: balanced setting, e.g. for everyday use.
•Sport: this setting gives the driver a sporty driving feeling.
•Individual: individual systems can be adjusted to suit personal requirements ⇒ Adjusting the
driving profile to suit your requirements.
Effects of the driving profiles on the vehicle setup
•Adaptive chassis control (DCC)
•Steering
•Powertrain (engine and gearbox)
•Adaptive cruise control (ACC)
•Dynamic cornering light and dynamic main beam control (Dynamic Light Assist)
•Air conditioning system
Setting a driving mode while the vehicle is in motion can distract you from the road and
cause accidents.
WARNING
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