users are not put at risk due to the acceleration and driving style.
Always adjust your driving style in accordance with the flow of traffic.
When the TCS is switched off, the drive wheels may spin, especially if the road surface is wet,
slippery or dirty. This may result in you no longer being able to steer or control the vehicle.
WARNING
When the engine is running, the vehicle will start to move as soon as a gear is engaged and the
clutch is released. This also applies when the electronic parking brake has been switched on.
Never engage reverse gear while the vehicle is in motion.
WARNING
Shifting gears incorrectly to gears that are too low can lead to a loss of control over the vehicle, with
accidents and serious injuries as a consequence.
NOTICE
Serious damage to the clutch and gearbox could occur if the gear lever of the manual gearbox is
shifted to a gear which is too low when travelling at high speeds or at high engine speeds. This also
applies if the clutch remains depressed and the gears do not engage.
NOTICE
Please note the following points in order to avoid damage and premature wear:
Do not rest your hand on the gear lever when driving. The pressure from your hand is passed onto
the selector forks in the gearbox.
Ensure that the vehicle has come to a full stop before engaging reverse gear.
Always fully depress the clutch pedal when changing gear.
Do not hold the vehicle by riding the clutch on uphill gradients with the engine running.
Changing up a gear early will help to save fuel and minimise engine noise.
Troubleshooting
Clutch slipping
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 by 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 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.
NOTICE
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.
If the lever is moved accidentally to N when driving, take your foot off the accelerator. Wait for the
engine to reach idling speed in the neutral position before selecting a position again.
If the selector lever is left in any position other than P for long periods when the engine is switched
off, the 12-volt vehicle battery will discharge.
Changing gear using Tiptronic
With a DSG
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
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
the vehicle speed, steering wheel torque and steering wheel angle. The electromechanical steering
functions only 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 steering assistance in critical driving situations.
Additional steering forces assist the driver when counter steering
Progressive steering
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, progressive steering can adjust the steering response in a
driving situation. Progressive steering functions only when the engine is running.
In urban traffic, less steering input is 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.
WARNING
If the power steering is not working, the steering wheel is difficult to turn, which makes it difficult to
steer the vehicle.
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, the power steering functions only 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 if 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.
NOTICE
When the vehicle is towed, the ignition 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.
Troubleshooting
Steering requires increased force
splay on the instrument
cluster Coolant temperature display
Oil temperature display: the display corresponds with the oil temperature display on the instrument
cluster Engine oil
Adapting the display areas to the driving situation
The displayed instruments can be selected according to the driving situation, the ambient conditions
and the offroad conditions:
Sandy terrain: oil, steering angle and coolant temperature display
Inclines: steering angle and coolant temperature display, altimeter
Alpine terrain: steering angle display, altimeter, compass
Offroad driving situations
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
Safety instructions for offroad driving
Explanation of some technical terms
Checklist
General rules and driving tips
Useful accessories for offroad driving
Changing gear correctly
Driving on rough terrain
Driving through water
Offroad driving in snow
Driving on sand an
Driving on steep terrain
Traversing a slope
Driving through ditches
Stuck vehicle
After offroad driving
You can also drive vehicles with all-wheel drive offroad in addition to on normal roads. It is very
important to read the contents of this section before driving offroad.
The vehicle is not built for expedition-type journeys.
whether these guidelines will be valid for all situations that could occur.
The many different types of terrain and the associated risks and dangers make it impossible to
describe all possible driving situations. The examples are only general guidelines which are intended
to help you to drive offroad safely. It is crucial that you know what to expect when you drive into
offroad terrain you are unfamiliar with. This will enable you to assess potential dangers in advance.
The driver can use 4MOTION Active Control to activate a variety of vehicle settings in an all-wheel
drive vehicle as required Setting a driving profile
Checklist
Before driving offroad for the first time, take the following steps so you can operate and drive the
vehicle safely offroad:
Observe the basic safety notes Safety instructions for offroad driving.
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 wheel.
Always wear suitable, well-fitting shoes that provide good grip for your feet when operating the
pedals.
Safety instructions for offroad driving
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
WARNING
The intelligent vehicle technology cannot overcome the laws of physics, and functions only within
the limits of the system. Despite ABS, instability through locked wheels can occur on adverse terrain
e.g. if you brake hard when driving on a loose gravel road. The Electronic Stability Control will be
able to stabilise the vehicle only to a limited extent in these circumstances.
WARNING
Driving offroad 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. We recommend inspecting the terrain on foot beforehand.
n driving offroad. 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 over 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 if necessary.
WARNING
Sporty multipurpose vehicles 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 passenger
car which is unsuited for offroad 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
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 offroad
over such terrain could cause accidents, serious injury and also a vehicle breakdown.
Carefully inspect any unknown sections of the terrain on foot before driving through them.
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.
Always adjust your speed and driving to match vehicle load levels and visibility, terrain and weather
conditions.