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STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory.
386
Symbol Message
•Trailer turn indicator Right
turn indicator malfunction
•Trailer turn indicator Left
turn indicator malfunction
•Trailer brake light Malfunc-
tion
If one of the trailer's turn signal bulbs is defective, the turn signal symbol in the instrument panel forthe respective sides of the vehicle will also flashfaster than normal.
Trailer lamp check *
Automatic check
When the trailer has been connected to the vehi- cle's electrical system, its lamps can be checkedby automatically activating them. This helps thedriver to ensure that the trailer's lamps are func-tioning correctly before starting to drive. In order to perform this check, the engine must not be running.
1. When a trailer is connected to a trailer hitch
or towbar,
Automatic Trailer Lamp Checkwill appear in the instrument panel. 2.
Confirm this message by pressing the O but-
ton on the right-side steering wheel keypad.
> The lamp check will begin.
3. Leave the vehicle to perform the trailer lamp check.
> All of the trailer's lamps will begin to flashand then each lamp will illuminate one at a time.
4. Visually check that all of the trailer's lamps are functioning correctly.
5. After a short time, all of the trailer's lamps will begin to flash again.
> The lamp check is completed.
Disabling the automatic check
The automatic lamp check function can be disa- bled in the center display. 1.Tap
Settings in Top view.
2. Tap
My CarLights and Lighting.
3. Deselect
Automatic Trailer Lamp Check.
Manual check
If the automatic lamp check has been disabled, the function can be started manually. 1.Tap
Settings in Top view.
2. Tap
My CarLights and Lighting. 3.
Select
Manual Trailer Lamp Check.
> The lamp check will begin. Leave the vehi- cle to perform the trailer lamp check as described in the section "Automaticcheck" above.
Self-leveling suspension *The self-leveling system attempts to keep thevehicle at a constant level, regardless of the load(up to the max. permissible load). When theengine is not running, the rear of the vehiclesinks down slightly, which is normal.
Related information
•Detachable trailer hitch
* (p. 387)
• Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) (p. 388)
• Weights (p. 557)

STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory.
388
Trailer Stability Assist (TSA)
Trailer Stability Assist is a system designed to help stabilize a vehicle that is towing a trailerwhen the vehicle and trailer have begun to swayand is part of the Electronic Stability Control sys-tem.
FunctionA vehicle towing a trailer may begin to sway for various reasons. Normally this only occurs at highspeeds but, for example, if the trailer is overloa-ded or if the load is unevenly distributed in thetrailer, there is risk of swaying. Swaying may be caused by factors such as:
• The vehicle and trailer are hit by a sudden, strong crosswind
• The vehicle and trailer are traveling on anuneven road surface or drive over a bump
• Sudden movements of the steering wheel
Facts about TSA
• The stability system symbol in the instrumentpanel will flash when TSA is working
• If the driver switches off the stability system'sSpin Control function, TSA will also beswitched off (but will be on again the nexttime the engine is started)
• TSA may not intervene when the vehicle andtrailer begin to sway if the driver tries to com-pensate for the swaying motion by movingthe steering wheel rapidly
How TSA worksOnce swaying has begun, it can be very difficultto stop, which makes it difficult to control thevehicle and trailer. The TSA system continuously monitors the vehi- cle's movements, particularly lateral movement. Ifthe system detects a tendency to sway, thebrakes are applied individually on the frontwheels, which has a stabilizing effect on the vehi-cle and trailer. This is often enough to enable thedriver to regain control of the vehicle. If this is not adequate to stop the swaying motion, the brakes are applied to all of the wheels on thevehicle and on the trailer if it is equipped withbrakes, and engine power is temporarily reduced.As the swaying motion begins to decrease andthe vehicle-trailer have once again become sta-ble, TSA will now stop regulating the brakes/engine power and the driver regains control ofthe vehicle. TSA is deactivated if the driver deactivates
ESCin the center display's menu system.
When the ESC symbol in the
instrument panel flashes, TSA is active.
Related information
• Detachable trailer hitch
* (p. 387)
• Driving with a trailer (p. 384)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) (p. 259)

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STARTING AND DRIVING
390
NOTE
To access ignition modes I or II without star-
ting the engine, the brake pedal must not be
depressed when these modes are selected.
• Ignition mode I
: Turn the start knob to
START and release it. The knob will return
automatically to its original position.
• Ignition mode II
: Turn the start knob to
START and hold it there for approx.
4 seconds. Release the knob.
• Returning to ignition mode 0
: To return to
mode 0 from mode II or I, turn the start knob
to STOP and release it.
Related information
•Starting the engine (p. 390)
• Turning the engine off (p. 393)
Battery drain Your vehicle's electrical functions drain the bat- tery to varying extents.
Avoid using ignition mode
II as much as posssi-
ble, or electrical functions that require a great deal of electrical current when the engine is notrunning. Using ignition mode I whenever possible con-
sumes less electrical current. Functions that require a great deal of electrical current include:
• the climate system blower
• headlights
• wipers
• infotainment system (especially at high vol-ume).
If the battery's charge level is low, a text messagewill appear in the instrument panel. The vehicle'senergy-saving function will then turn off orreduce certain functions that are currently con-suming electrical current. If the battery needs to be recharged, start the engine and let it idle for at least 15 minutes ordrive the vehicle (driving charges the batteryfaster than letting the engine idle).
Related information
• Ignition modes (p. 389)
Starting the engine
The engine can be started using the start knob on the tunnel console if there is a remote key inthe passenger compartment.
Start knob in the tunnel console between the front seats (generic illustration)
WARNING
Before starting the engine:
• Fasten the seat belt.
• Check that the seat, steering wheel and mirrors are adjusted properly.
• Make sure the brake pedal can bedepressed completely. Adjust the seat ifnecessary.

STARTING AND DRIVING
}}
* Option/accessory.411
Drive modes
Selecting a drive mode affects the vehicle's driv- ing characteristics to help make driving moreenjoyable or easier in certain types of situations.
The following systems are adapted to help pro- vide the best vehicle performance in the respec-tive drive modes: • Steering
• Engine/transmission/All Wheel Drive
*
• Brakes
• Pneumatic suspensionSuspension control
• Instrument panel
• Climate system settings
Select the drive mode best suited to the current driving conditions. Please be aware that not all modes can be selected in all driving situations. The selectedmode will be displayed in the instrument panel.
Selecting a drive mode
1. Press the DRIVE MODE control in the tun-
nel console.
> A pop-up menu will open in the center display.
2. Roll the control upward or downward to scroll to the desired drive mode.
3. Press the control again to select it. A drive mode can also be selected by tapping its button on the center display.
> The selected drive mode will be displayedin the instrument panel.
When a drive mode cannot be selected, one of the following messages may be displayed:
•
Not possible to select due to gear in manual
•Not possible to select due to low battery
•Not possible to select due to low temperature
•Not possible to select due to limitations
•Not possible to select due to high speed.
Available drive modes
WARNING
• Keep in mind that a hybrid vehicle using the electric motor does not emit enginenoise and may be difficult to detect fore.g., children, pedestrians, cyclists or ani-mals. This is particularly true at lowspeeds.
• Do not leave the vehicle in an unventila-ted area with a drive mode activated andthe gasoline engine switched off. Theengine will start automatically if thecharge level in the hybrid battery is lowand the resulting exhaust gases can bevery harmful to people or animals.

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413
•
If the vehicle's speed goes above approx. 78 mph (125 km/h)
• If the driver wants more response than theelectric motor alone can provide
• If factors such as cold weather, etc., affectthe system or components
ECO climate
In the Pure drive mode, ECO climate in the pas-
senger compartment is activated automatically to help reduce energy consumption.
NOTE
When the Pure drive mode is activated, set-
tings for certain climate system/electricity- consuming functions are reduced. Some ofthese settings can be reset manually but fullfunctionality will only be restored by leaving the
Pure drive mode or by adapting the set-
tings in the Individual drive mode to full cli-
mate system functionality.
If condensation forms on the windows, tap the max. defroster button, which will function nor-mally.
OFF ROAD
This mode helps maximize the vehicle's capacity to traverse difficult terrain or poor roads. In OFF ROAD, ground clearance is maximized, the steering is light, All Wheel Drive and HillDescent Control are activated and a compass will be displayed between the speedometer and tach-ometer in the instrument panel. This drive mode can only be activated at low speeds (the permissible speed range will beshown on the speedometer). At higher speeds,OFF ROAD mode will be cancelled and AWD willbe activated.
CAUTION
OFF ROAD drive mode may not be used if the vehicle is towing a trailer without an elec-trical connection. This could result in damageto the pneumatic suspension system's bel-lows.
NOTE
•
This mode is not intended for normal street driving.
• Due to the increased ground clearance, ifthe OFF ROAD mode was selected whenthe engine was switched off, the suspen-sion will lower when the engine is restar-ted.
AWD
This mode offers improved traction on slippery surfaces by using four-wheel drive. It also helpsincrease directional stability at higher speeds, forexample when towing a trailer. In this mode, both the electric motor and the gas-oline engine are utilized, which results in higherfuel consumption. In the other drive modes, the vehicle automati- cally adapts the need for all-wheel drive accord-ing to the road surface and may activate the elec-tric motor or start the gasoline engine asrequired.
POWER
Power mode is intended for sportier, more active
driving. This mode maximizes the combined effects of the electric motor and the gasoline engine andprovides power to all four wheels. Response topressure on the accelerator pedal is more imme-diate and the transmission shifts up at higherrpm. Steering response is also more immediate,the suspension is stiffer and lower ground clear-ance reduces body roll when cornering. In this mode, both the electric motor and the gas- oline engine are utilized, which results in higherfuel consumption.

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STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory.
414
INDIVIDUAL
This setting allows you to adapt a drive mode to your personal preferences. Select one of the other drive modes as a basis and change the settings to provide the drivingcharacteristics that you prefer. These settingscan be saved in a driver profile. INDIVIDUAL is only available if it has been acti- vated in the center display. 1.
Tap
Settings in the center display's Top
view.
2. Tap
My CarIndividual Drive Mode and
tap Individual Drive Mode.
3. Under
Presets, select: Pure, Hybrid orPower.
The following settings can be modified: •
Driver Display
•Steering force
•Powertrain Characteristics
•Brake Characteristics
•Pneumatic suspension and shock absorbers
•ECO Climate
Use of the gasoline engineAn advanced control system determines the dis- tance that the vehicle can be driven using the gasoline engine, electric motor or both at thesame time. Its primary function is to use the motor/engine and the current available in the hybrid battery asefficiently as possible based on the characteris-tics of the various drive modes and the poweroutput requested by the driver by pressing theaccelerator pedal. In certain cases, temporary limitations in the sys- tem or mandatory functions to help maintain alow overall emissions level may result in greateruse of the gasoline engine.
Related information
•
Adjustable steering force
* (p. 258)
• Loading (p. 216)
• Driver profiles (p. 179)
• General information about Twin Engine Plug-in Hybrid vehicles (p. 16)
• All Wheel Drive (AWD) (p. 419)
• Hill Descent Control (HDC) (p. 366)
• Brakes (p. 362)
• Hybrid-related information in the instrumentpanel (p. 133)
• Maintaining/increasing the hybrid battery'scharge while driving (p. 410)
Automatic transmission
The automatic transmission has 8 forward gears and an electric motor that powers the rear wheels. Steering wheel paddles * make it possi-
ble to shift manually. The gear indicator in the instrument panel shows the gear currently beingused or gear shift mode.
CAUTION
The transmission

STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory.415
Related information
•Gear selector positions (p. 416)
• Gear shift indicator (p. 415)
• Shiftlock (p. 415)
• Steering wheel paddles
* (p. 418)
• All Wheel Drive (AWD) (p. 419)
Shiftlock The automatic transmission's shiftlock feature helps prevent inadvertently moving the gearselector between different positions.
Automatic shiftlock
From Park –
P
In order to move the gear selector from the P
position, the brake pedal must be depressed and the ignition must be in mode II.
From neutral – N
If the gear selector is in N and the vehicle has
been stationary for more than 3 seconds (regard- less of whether or not the engine is running), theshiftlock feature will lock the gear selector in thisposition. In order to move the gear selector from the N
position, the brake pedal must be depressed and the ignition must be in mode II.
Messages in the instrument panelIf the gear selector is locked in position, a mes- sage such as: Gear lever Press brake pedal
to activate gear lever will be displayed.
There is no mechanical shiftlock function.
Related information
• Gear selector positions (p. 416)
• Automatic transmission (p. 414)
Gear shift indicator
The gear shift indicator in the instrument panel shows the current gear (in manual shiftingmode) and will prompt the driver to shift up ordown to help get the best possible fuel econ-omy.
The gear shift indicator shows the current gear in the instrument panel and uses an upward arrowto recommend shifting to a higher gear. The indi- cator is also shown in mode B or if the steering
wheel paddles * are being used in while the trans-
mission is in mode D.
Gear shift indicator (generic illustration)
Related information
• Gear selector positions (p. 416)
• Steering wheel paddles
* (p. 418)

STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory.417
In position
P, the transmission is mechanically
locked. Always apply the parking brake when the vehicle is parked.
NOTE
The gear selector must be in the P position
before the vehicle can be locked and the alarm set.
WARNING
Always apply the parking brake when the vehicle is parked, particularly when parking on a hill. The transmission's P mode may not be
able to keep the vehicle stationary if it is parked on an incline.
Reverse – R
The vehicle must be stationary before R can be
selected.
Neutral – N
No gear is selected and the engine can be started. Always apply the parking brake if thevehicle is not moving and the gear selector is in the N position.
The ignition must be in mode II and the brake
pedal must be depressed before the gear selec-tor can be moved from N.
Drive – D
D is the normal driving position and gear shifting
is fully automatic. The vehicle must be stationary when the gear selector is moved from R to D.
Brake – B
B can be selected at any time during a drive. In
this mode, the engine braking function is acti- vated when the accelerator pedal is released,which helps charge the hybrid battery. Thismeans that the hybrid battery is charged even ifthe brake pedal is not depressed.
B mode in the instrument panel
With B selected, manual shifting to lower gears
is possible. The gear indicator in the instrument panel shows the gear currently being used (1–8). Each time the gear selector is pulled rearward, the transmission will shift down one gear. In order to manually shift to higher gears, thevehicle must be equipped with steering wheel paddles
*.
• Press the gear selector forward to return to D
mode.
For smooth shifting and engine performance, the transmission will shift down automatically if thevehicle's speed becomes too low for the selectedgear.
Safety functionTo help avoid excessive rpm that might causeengine damage, the transmission control modulehas a down-shift protection feature that in somesituations may prevent a down-shift or kickdown. During kickdown, the transmission may shift down one or more gears, depending on theengine's rpm and will shift up again when max.rpm is reached for a specific gear.
Related information
• Steering wheel paddles
* (p. 418)
• Shiftlock (p. 415)
• Gear shift indicator (p. 415)