
 
Only attach light objects weighing less than 100 g to the vehicle key. 
 
NOTICE 
The 12-volt battery may be discharged unintentionally and prevent the engine from restarting if the 
ignition is switched on while the engine is switched off. 
Always switch off the ignition before you leave the vehicle. 
 
For vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox in some markets: if the vehicle key cannot be 
removed from the ignition lock when the vehicle is stopped, move the selector lever to P. If 
necessary, press the lock button in the selector lever and then release it. 
Starter button 
The starter button replaces the ignition lock (Press & Drive). 
 
Fig. 100 In the lower section of the centre console: starter button for starting the engine. 
The starter button is used to start the vehicle (Press & Drive). 
The vehicle can be activated only if there is a valid vehicle key in the vehicle. 
When leaving the vehicle, the electronic steering column lock will be activated when the ignition is 
switched off and the driver door is opened Steering 
Switching the ignition on and off 
Press the starter button once without depressing the brake or clutch pedal  
Automatic ignition switch-off 
The ignition switches off automatically after a short time if the driver moves away from the vehicle 
with the vehicle key when the ignition is switched on. If the dipped beam headlights were switched 
on at the time, the side lights will remain switched on for approximately 30 minutes. The side lights 
can be switched off manually or by locking the vehicle Lights 
Automatic ignition switch-off in vehicles with a start/stop system  

off automatically when engine stop is active when the vehicle is stationary: 
The driver seat belt has been unfastened. 
No pedals are depressed. 
The driver door is opened. 
If the ignition is deactivated automatically while the dipped beam headlights are switched on, 
the side lights remain switched on and lit for approximately 30 minutes. 
The side lights can be switched off manually or will go off when the vehicle is locked. 
Engine restart function 
If no valid vehicle key is detected in the vehicle interior once the engine has been switched off, the 
engine can be restarted within approximately five seconds. A corresponding message appears on the 
instrument cluster display. 
After this time, the engine cannot be re-started without a valid vehicle key in the vehicle interior. 
 
WARNING 
Unintentional vehicle movements can cause serious injury. 
Do not depress the brake or clutch pedal when the ignition is switched on as the engine will start 
immediately. 
 
WARNING 
Improper or unsupervised use of the vehicle keys can cause accidents or serious injuries. 
Always take all vehicle keys with you every time you leave the vehicle. Children or unauthorised 
persons could lock the vehicle, start the engine, switch on the ignition or operate electrical 
equipment such as the electric windows. 
 
Before leaving the vehicle, always switch off the ignition manually and observe any information 
shown on the instrument cluster display. 
 
Leaving the vehicle stationary for long periods with the ignition switched on can discharge the 12-
volt vehicle battery so that the engine can no longer be started. 
Starting the engine  

Fig. 
0
switched on. 
Vehicles with a starter button: press the starter button once. The ignition is switched on. 
Vehicles with a diesel engine: during the diesel engine preheating phase, the indicator lamp 
lights up in the instrument cluster. 
Depress and hold the brake pedal until the electronic parking brake has been switched off. 
Vehicles with manual gearbox: fully depress the clutch pedal and hold it until the engine has 
been started. Move the gear lever to neutral position. 
Vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: move the selector lever to position P or N. 
Vehicles with ignition lock: turn the vehicle key to position Fig. 
0do not depress the 
accelerator. 
Release the vehicle key once the engine has started. 
Vehicles with a starter button: press the starter button Starter buttondo not depress the 
accelerator. There must be a valid vehicle key in the vehicle before the engine can be started. 
If the engine does not start immediately, switch off the starter and try again after about a minute. 
Vehicles with starter button: perform an emergency start if necessary No valid vehicle key 
recognised 
Vehicles with starter button: the starter button is deactivated if the vehicle was locked with the 
vehicle key. If you are in the vehicle and need to start the engine, unlock the vehicle first or perform 
an emergency start No valid vehicle key recognised 
Switch off the electronic parking brake if you wish to pull away. 
 
WARNING 
The risk of serious injury can be reduced with the engine running or when starting the engine. 
Never start or run the engine in unventilated or enclosed spaces. The exhaust fumes contain carbon 
monoxide, an odourless and colourless toxic gas. Carbon monoxide can cause people to lose 
consciousness. It can also cause death. 
Never start or run the engine if oil, fuel or any other highly flammable fluids are under or near the 
vehicle, or are leaking out of the vehicle, e.g. as the result of damage.  

 
The kickdown function enables maximum acceleration in the selector lever position D/S or in the 
Tiptronic position. 
If the accelerator is depressed fully, the gearbox will automatically shift to a lower gear, depending 
on the speed and engine speed. This will make use of the full vehicle acceleration. 
With the kickdown function, 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 Controland the accelerator is depressed fully beyond the pressure 
point, the engine output is automatically regulated to ensure maximum vehicle acceleration. 
 
WARNING 
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. 
Use the kickdown function or fast acceleration only if visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions 
permit, and if 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 TCS is 
switched off and especially if the road is slippery. 
 
WARNING 
Never let the brakes rub too often and for too long or operate the brake pedal too often or for too 
long. Constant braking will cause the brakes to overheat. This will considerably reduce the braking 
power, significantly increase the braking distance and could cause the brake system to fail 
completely. 
 
NOTICE 
Never let the brakes rub by applying light pressure when it is not necessary. This will increase levels 
of wear. 
Troubleshooting  

Fig. 108 Removing the cover of the gearshift gate and manually releasing the selector lever lock. 
 
Fig. 109 Unlocking the selector lever lock manually. 
Engine does not start 
The indicator lamp lights up green. 
Brake pedal was not depressed, e.g. when trying to engage another position with the selector lever. 
To select a position, press the brake pedal Notes on driving 
Also see Electronic parking brake Electronic parking brake 
Driving off is prevented by the lock button 
The indicator lamp flashes green. 
The lock button in the selector lever is not engaged. 
Engage the selector lever lock. 
Driving off is prevented by the selector lever lock 
The indicator lamp flashes green. An information text is additionally displayed. 
In rare cases, the selector lever lock may not engage in vehicles with a DSG

 
The warning lamp lights up red. 
Brake request by ACC Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) 
The brake pedal was not depressed or not fully depressed. 
Brake immediately. 
Gearbox overheated 
The indicator lamp lights up yellow. 
A signal tone may also be given. A text message may also be shown on the instrument cluster 
display. 
The DSG

old the vehicle on the gradient in all 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 you are not prepared 
to brake. 
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. 
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. 
The steering 
The power steering is not hydraulic, but 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 a starter button 
The steering column will be locked if the driver door is opened when 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 sensor in the door handle or the vehicle key. 
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 audibly engages. 
Insert the vehicle key into the ignition lock to unlock the steering lock. Turn the steering wheel 
slightly to relieve the load on the steering lock mechanism. Hold the steering wheel in this position 
and turn the ignition on. 
Electromechanical steering  

conditions. 
Driving on sand and mud 
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
Always drive at a steady speed through sand or mud and, do not carry out any manual gear changes 
or stop the vehicle. 
Check whether ESC is active. The indicator lamp or in the instrument cluster display must not 
light up Brake support systems 
Keep the vehicle moving constantly. 
Use the Offroad driving profile S
Select a suitable gear and remain in this gear until you have reached more solid ground Changing 
gear correctly 
If the tyres have lost their grip, turn the steering wheel to and fro quickly. This can briefly give the 
tyres on the front wheels better grip for these ground conditions. 
Driving through sand 
Do not under any circumstances reduce the tyre pressure to drive through sand 
pressure has been reduced for driving through sand, the correct tyre pressure must always be 
restored before driving on. Driving with reduced tyre pressure can lead to a loss of control over the 
vehicle and increase the risk of serious and fatal injuries. 
Driving through mud 
Do not change speed or direction. The tyres can lose their traction when driving through mud. If the 
vehicle slides, steer in the direction needed to get the vehicle under control. 
 
WARNING 
Driving through mud and sand can be dangerous. The vehicle can slide uncontrollably. This increases 
the risk of injury. Always drive carefully through sand and mud. 
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 round and choose another way. 
 
WARNING 
Incorrect tyre pressure can cause severe or even fatal accidents. 
Incorrect tyre pressures will increase the levels of wear on the tyres and will negatively affect the 
vehicle's handling.