appears in the multifunction display. The last
active drive program is selected again.
Do not use the Offroadprogram on roads that
are snow-covered or icy or if you have installed
your vehicle with snow chains.
Selecting the Offroad program Selecting the Offroad program
X To select drive program: turn DYNAMIC
SELECT controller 0043until indicator lamp 0044
lights up.
The Drive Program "Offroad1" Max.
Drive Program "Offroad1" Max.
Speed 60 mph Speed 60 mph message appears in the mul-
tifunction display.
The vehicle is raised by +2.4 in (60 mm).
The vehicle is lowered to normal level again if
you: R drive at speeds above 50 mph (80 km/h) (all
vehicles except Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
R drive at speeds above 43 mph (70 km/h)
(Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
R drive between 40 mph (64 km/h) and 50 mph
(80 km/h) for approximately 20 seconds (all
vehicles except Mercedes-AMG vehicles).
R drive at speeds between 40 mph (64 km/h)
and 43 mph (70 km/h)for approximately
20 seconds (Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
The vehicle changes from the Offroaddrive pro-
gram to the Comfortdrive program if you drive
faster than 70 mph (112 km/h).
The Drive More Slowly
Drive More Slowly message appears in
the multifunction display.
Further information about "Driving off-road"
(Y page 165). Off-road programs (vehicles with Off-
Road Engineering package) General notes
The Offroad andOffroad Plus drive programs
assist you when driving off-road. The engine's
performance characteristics and the gearshift-
ing characteristics of the automatic transmis-
sion are adapted for this purpose. ABS, ESP ®
and 4ETS programs especially adapted to off-
road driving are activated. An accelerator pedal
curve suitable for the terrain is selected, i.e. the accelerator pedal must be depressed further to accelerate.
Do not use the OffroadorOffroad Plus drive
programs on roads that are snow-covered or icy,
or if you have installed your vehicle with snow
chains.
Offroad drive program 0043
DYNAMIC SELECT controller
0044 Offroad program indicator lamp
Select the Offroadprogram for easily negotia-
ble off-road terrain, e.g. dirt tracks, gravel or
sandy surfaces. The engine's torque is restric-
ted to a limited degree and the drive wheels can
spin. The spinning wheels produce a cutting
effect for better traction. ABS, ESP ®
and 4ETS
programs especially adapted to off-road driving are activated. A gentle accelerator pedal curve
is also selected, i.e. the accelerator pedal must
be depressed much further in order to acceler-
ate.
You can select the Offroaddrive program at
speeds below 60 mph (96 km/h). The Drive Drive
Program "Offroad" Max. Speed 60 mph
Program "Offroad" Max. Speed 60 mph
message appears in the multifunction display. If
you drive at speeds above 60 mph (96 km/h)
and select the Offroaddrive program, the
Drive More Slowly Drive More Slowly message appears in the216
Driving systemsDriving and parking
multifunction display. The last active drive pro-
gram is selected again.
Selecting the Offroad program X To select a drive program: turn DYNAMIC
SELECT controller 0043until indicator lamp 0044
lights up.
The Drive program "Offroad" Max.
Drive program "Offroad" Max.
speed 60 mph speed 60 mph message appears in the mul-
tifunction display.
The vehicle is raised by +1.2 in (30 mm).
The vehicle changes from the Offroaddrive pro-
gram to the Comfortdrive program if you drive
faster than 70 mph (112 km/h).
The Drive more slowly
Drive more slowly message appears in
the multifunction display.
Offroad Plus drive program 0043
DYNAMIC SELECT controller
0044 Offroad Plus drive program indicator lamp
Select the Offroad Plus drive program for rough
terrain, e.g. for steep and/or uneven terrain or
for driving on rocky terrain.
Your vehicle has an automatically activated dif-
ferential lock for the transfer case. It controls
the balance between the front and rear axles.
The differential lock improves the vehicle's trac-
tion. 4ETS (Y page 70) controls the balance
between both wheels on an axle.
Selecting the Offroad Plus drive program X To select drive program: turn DYNAMIC
SELECT controller 0043until indicator lamp 0044
lights up.
The Drive program "Offroad Plus"
Drive program "Offroad Plus"
Max. Max. speed
speed 25
25mph
mph message appears in the
multifunction display. R
The Offroad Plus program is selected and
the vehicle is raised by +1.2 in (30 mm)
compared with the Offroaddrive program.
R DSR is switched on.
R The differential lock is closed.
You can select the Offroad Plus drive program at speeds below 25 mph (40 km/h).
The Offroad Plus drive program automatically
switches to the Offroad drive program if you
drive faster than 30 mph (45 km/h). The Drive Drive
more slowly more slowly message appears in the multi-
function display.
Further information about "Driving off-road"
(Y page 165).
LOW RANGE off-road gear (vehicles
with the Off-Road Engineering package) Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you select the LOW RANGE off-road gear on a slippery road surface, the wheels could lose traction:
R if you remove your foot from the accelera-
tor pedal when driving
R if off road ABS intervenes when braking
If the wheels lose traction. the vehicle can no
longer be steered. There is an increased dan-
ger of skidding and accidents.
Never select the LOW RANGE off-road gear
when driving on slippery road surfaces. G
WARNING
If you do not wait for the transfer case gear
change process to complete, the transfer
case could remain in the neutral position. The power transmission to the driven wheels is
then interrupted. There is a danger of the
vehicle rolling away unintentionally. There is a
risk of an accident.
Wait until the transfer case shift process is
completed.
Do not turn off the engine while changing gear
and do not shift the automatic transmission to
another position. Driving systems
217Driving and parking Z
General notes
0043
LOW RANGE offroad gear button
0044 LOW RANGE offroad gear indicator lamp HIGH RANGE
Position for all normal on-
road driving conditions
LOW RANGE
Offroad position for driving
off-road and fording
The transmission ratio
between the engine and
wheels is only approx-
imately one third of that in
the HIGH RANGE road posi-
tion. Drive torque is thus
proportionately higher.
Do not use LOW RANGE:
R on slippery road surfaces,
e.g. in the case of slush
R on snow or ice-covered
roads
R if you have mounted snow
chains to your vehicle The LOW RANGE offroad gear assists you in
driving off-road and when fording. When LOW
RANGE is engaged, the engine’s performance
characteristics and the gearshifting character-
istics of the automatic transmission are adapted for this purpose.
Further information about "Driving off-road"
(Y page 165). You will find information about
driving safety systems in conjunction with
LOW RANGE in the "Safety" section (Y page 66).From HIGH RANGE to LOW RANGE
! Only change from LOW RANGE to HIGH
RANGE if:
R the engine is running.
R the transmission is in position N
R you are driving at a speed below 40 km/h
X Press LOW RANGE button 0043.
Indicator lamp 0044flashes.
When the gear change is complete, indicator
lamp 0044lights up. LOW RANGE indicator
appears in the multifunction display and in the
status indicator.
While indicator lamp 0044is flashing, you can
cancel the gear change by pressing LOW
RANGE button 0043again.
i You cannot activate LOW RANGE if the
SPORT drive program is activated. The LOW LOW
RANGE Not in Drive Program "Sport" RANGE Not in Drive Program "Sport"
message then appears in the multifunction
display.
From LOW RANGE to HIGH RANGE ! Only change from LOW RANGE to HIGH
RANGE if:
R the engine is running.
R the transmission is in position N
R you are driving at a speed below 50 km/h X
Press LOW RANGE button 0043.
Indicator lamp 0044flashes.
When the gear change is complete, indicator
lamp 0044goes out. In the multifunction dis-
play, the LOW RANGE Off LOW RANGE Off message appears
and the status indicator goes out.
While indicator lamp 0044is flashing, you can
cancel the gear change by pressing LOW
RANGE button 0043again. 218
Driving systemsDriving and parking
X
Slide bolt 0083into the hole in the ball coupling
recess and the ball coupling to the stop. X
Secure the bolt using spring cotter 0084.X
Check the ball coupling, bolt and spring cotter
for correct installation.
If the ball coupling cannot be correctly mounted,
remove the ball coupling. Under these circum-
stances, the ball coupling must not be used for
trailer towing.
Have the entire trailer tow hitch checked at a
qualified specialist workshop. Coupling up a trailer
! Do not connect the trailer's brake system (if
featured) to the hydraulic brake system of the towing vehicle, as the latter is equipped with
an anti-lock brake system. Doing so will result
in a loss of function of the brake systems of
both the vehicle and the trailer.
X Shift the transmission to position 005D.
X Apply the vehicle's electric parking brake.
X Start the engine.
X Vehicles with AIRMATIC Package: select
normal level and the Comfortdrive program.
X Switch off the engine.
X Close the doors and tailgate.
X Couple up the trailer.
X Establish the electrical connection between
the vehicle and the trailer.
X Check that the trailer lighting system is work-
ing.
X Push the combination switch upwards/down-
wards and check whether the corresponding
turn signal on the trailer flashes.
A trailer that is connected is recognized only
when the electrical connection is established
correctly and when the lighting system is work-
ing properly. The function of other systems also depends on this, for example:
R ESP ®
R Parking Assist PARKTRONIC
R Active Parking Assist
R Parking Package with rear view camera
R Active Blind Spot Assist
R Active Lane Keeping Assist
i Vehicles with the AIRMATIC Package: if you
couple up a trailer, the vehicle always remains
at normal level. When coupling up a trailer,
please observe the following:
R If the normal level has not been set man-
ually, the vehicle is automatically lowered
to normal level. This is the case if a speed of
5 mph (8 km/h) is reached.
R The Sport drive program is not available.
These restrictions apply to all accessories
powered through a connection to the trailer
power socket of your vehicle, e.g. a bicycle
carrier.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length). Towing a trailer
223Driving and parking Z
Most U.S. states and all Canadian provinces
require by law:
R Safety chains between the towing vehicle and
the trailer. The chains should be cross-woundunder the trailer drawbar. They must be fas-
tened to the vehicle's trailer coupling, not to
the bumper or the axle.
Leave enough play in the chains to make tight
cornering possible.
R A separate brake system for certain types of
trailer.
R Safety switch for braked trailers. Check the
specific legal requirements applicable to your
state.
If the trailer becomes detached from the tow-
ing vehicle, the safety feature triggers the
trailer brakes. Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements con-
cerning the towing of a trailer, e.g. speed restric-
tions. Make sure that your car/trailer combina- tion complies with the local regulations:
R in your place of residence
R in the location to which you are driving
The police and local authorities can provide reli-
able information.
Observe the following when towing a trailer:
R To gain driving experience and to become
accustomed to the new handling characteris-
tics, you should practice the following in a
traffic-free location:
- cornering
- stopping
- backing up
R Before driving, check:
- trailer tow hitch
- safety switch for braked trailers
- safety chains
- electrical connections
- lights
- wheels
R Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
R If the trailer has electronically controlled
brakes, pull away carefully. Brake manually using the brake controller and check whether
the brakes function correctly.
R Secure any objects on the trailer to prevent
the cargo from slipping when the vehicle is in
motion.
R When you couple up a trailer, check at regular
intervals that the load is firmly secured. If the trailer is equipped with trailer lights and
brakes, check the trailer to ensure that these
are working.
R Bear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when driving
without one. Avoid sudden steering move-
ments.
R The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly, has a decreased
gradient climbing capability and a longer
braking distance.
It is more susceptible to side winds and
requires more careful steering.
R If possible, do not brake suddenly, but instead
depress the brake pedal moderately at first sothat the trailer can activate its brakes. Then
increase the pressure on the brake pedal.
R If the automatic transmission repeatedly
shifts between gears on uphill or downhill gra-
dients, shift to a lower gear using the left-hand
steering wheel paddle shifter.
A lower gear and lower speed reduce the risk of engine failure.
R When driving downhill, shift to a lower gear to
utilize the engine's braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if instal- led, the trailer brakes.
R If the coolant temperature increases dramat-
ically while the air-conditioning system is
switched on, switch off the air-conditioning
system.
Coolant heat can also be dissipated by open-
ing the windows and switching the ventilation blower and the interior temperature to the
highest level.
R When overtaking, pay particular attention to
the extended length of your vehicle/trailer
combination.
Due to the length of the vehicle/trailer com-
bination, you require additional road space in
relation to the vehicle you are overtaking
before you can change back to the original
lane. 224
Towing a trailerDriving and parking
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you operate information systems and com-
munication equipment integrated in the vehi- cle when driving, you may be distracted from
the traffic situation. You could also lose con-
trol of the vehicle. There is a risk of an acci-
dent.
Only operate this equipment when the traffic
situation permits. If you are not sure that this
is possible, park the vehicle paying attention
to traffic conditions and operate the equip-
ment when the vehicle is stationary.
You must observe the legal requirements for the country in which you are currently driving whenoperating the on-board computer. G
WARNING
If the instrument cluster has failed or mal-
functioned, you may not recognize function
restrictions in systems relevant to safety. The operating safety of your vehicle may be
impaired. There is a risk of an accident.
Pull over as soon as it is safe to do so and
consult a qualified specialist workshop.
The on-board computer only shows messages or
warnings from certain systems in the multifunc- tion display. You should therefore make sure
your vehicle is operating safely at all times.
For an overview, see the instrument panel illus-
tration (Y page 37).
Plug-in hybrid: be sure to read the separate
Operator's Manual. Otherwise, you may not rec-
ognize dangers. Displays and operation
Instrument cluster lighting
The lighting in the instrument cluster, in the dis- plays and the controls in the vehicle interior can
be adjusted using the brightness control knob.
The brightness control knob is located on the
bottom left of the instrument cluster
(Y page 37). X
Turn the brightness control knob clockwise or
counter-clockwise.
If you turn the light switch to 0058,0060or
0058, the brightness is dependent upon the
brightness of the ambient light.
i The light sensor in the instrument cluster
automatically controls the brightness of the
multifunction display.
In daylight, the displays in the instrument
cluster are not illuminated. Speedometer with segments
The segments in the speedometer indicate
which speed range is available.
R Cruise control activated (Y page 169):
The segments light up from the stored speed to the maximum speed.
R Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC activated
(Y page 171):
One or two segments in the set speed range
light up.
R Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC detects a
vehicle in front moving more slowly than the
stored speed:
The segments between the speed of the vehi- cle in front and the stored speed light up. Tachometer
! Do not drive in the overrevving range, as this
could damage the engine.
The red band in the tachometer indicates the
engine's overrevving range.
The fuel supply is interrupted to protect the
engine when the red band is reached. Outside temperature display
You should pay special attention to road condi-
tions when temperatures are around freezing
point.
Bear in mind that the outside temperature dis-
play indicates the temperature measured and
does not record the road temperature.
The outside temperature display is in the multi-
function display (Y page 231). Displays and operation
229On-board computer and displays Z
R
calling up display messages in message mem-
ory (Y page 244)
R restarting the tire pressure loss warning sys-
tem (Y page 358) or checking the tire pres-
sure electronically (Y page 360)
R calling up the service due date (Y page 325).Settings menu
Introduction Depending on the equipment installed in the
vehicle, In the Sett. Sett.menu you have the follow-
ing options:
R Changing the instrument cluster settings
(Y page 239)
R Changing the light settings (Y page 239)
R Changing the vehicle settings (Y page 240)
R Changing the convenience settings
(Y page 240)
R Restoring the factory settings (Y page 241)
Instrument cluster submenu Selecting the distance unit
The Display Unit Speedometer / Odome‐
Display Unit Speedometer / Odome‐
ter:
ter: function allows you to choose whether
certain displays appear in kilometers or miles in the multifunction display.
X Press the 0059or0065 button on the steering
wheel to select the Sett.
Sett. menu.
X Press the 0064or0063 button to select the
Instrument Cluster
Instrument Cluster submenu.
X Press 0076to confirm.
X Press the 0064or0063 button to select the
Display Unit Speedometer / Odometer
Display Unit Speedometer / Odometer
function.
You will see the selected setting: km
km ormiles miles.
X Press the 0076button to save the setting.
The selected unit of measurement for distance
applies to:
R Digital speedometer in the Trip
Trip menu
R Odometer and the trip odometer
R Trip computer
R Current consumption and the range
R Navigation instructions in the Navi
Navi menu
R Cruise control R
Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC
R ASSYST PLUS service interval display
Selecting permanent display The Permanent Display: Permanent Display: function allows you
to choose whether the multifunction display
always shows the outside temperature or the
speed.
The speed display is inverse to the speedome-
ter.
X Press the 0059or0065 button on the steering
wheel to select the Sett. Sett.menu.
X Press the 0064or0063 button to select the
Instrument Cluster
Instrument Cluster submenu.
X Confirm by pressing 0076on the steering
wheel.
X Press the 0064or0063 button to select the
Permanent Display:
Permanent Display: function.
The current setting, Outside Temperature
Outside Temperature,
Speedometer [km/h]
Speedometer [km/h] orSpeedometer
Speedometer
[mph]
[mph] appears.
X To change the setting: press0076again.
Light submenu Setting the daytime running lamps
This function is not available in Canada.
X Press the 0059or0065 button on the steering
wheel to select the Sett.
Sett.menu.
X Press the 0064or0063 button to select the
Light
Light submenu.
X Press 0076to confirm.
X Press 0064or0063 to select the Daytime
Daytime
Running Lights
Running Lights function.
If the Daytime
Daytime Running
RunningLights
Lightsfunction has
been switched on, the cone of light and the
0086 symbol in the multifunction display are
shown in orange.
X Press the 0076button to save the setting.
Further information on daytime running lamps
(Y page 110).
Switching the Intelligent Light System
on/off
X Press the 0059or0065 button on the steering
wheel to select the Sett. Sett.menu.
X Press the 0064or0063 button to select the
Light
Light submenu.
X Press 0076to confirm. Menus and submenus
239On-board computer and displays Z
X
Press the 0064or0063 button to select the
Intell. Light System
Intell. Light System function.
If the Intell. Light System
Intell. Light System function has
been switched on, the cone of light and the
0058 symbol in the multifunction display are
shown in orange.
X Press the 0076button to save the setting.
When you activate Intell. Light System Intell. Light System,
you activate the following functions:
R Highway mode
R Active light function
R Cornering light function
R Extended range fog lamps
R Off-road lights
Further information on the Intelligent Light Sys-
tem (Y page 112).
Vehicle submenu Activating/deactivating the automatic
door locking mechanism
If you activate the Automatic AutomaticDoor
DoorLock
Lockfunc-
tion, the vehicle is centrally locked above a
speed of approximately 9 mph (15 km/h).
X Press the 0059or0065 button on the steering
wheel to select the Sett.
Sett.menu.
X Press the 0064or0063 button to select the
Vehicle
Vehicle submenu.
X Press 0076to confirm.
X Press the 0064or0063 button to select the
Automatic Door Lock
Automatic Door Lock function.
When the Automatic Door Lock
Automatic Door Lock function is
activated, the vehicle doors are displayed in
orange in the multifunction display.
X Press the 0076button to save the setting.
For further information on the automatic locking
feature, see (Y page 84).
Activating/deactivating the acoustic
locking verification signal
If you switch on the Acoustic
Acoustic Lock Lockfunction, an
acoustic signal sounds when you lock the vehi-
cle.
X Press the 0059or0065 button on the steering
wheel to select the Settings
Settings menu.
X Press the 0064or0063 button to select the
Vehicle
Vehicle submenu.
X Press 0076to confirm. X
Press the 0064or0063 button to select the
Acoustic Lock Acoustic Lock function.
If the Acoustic Lock Acoustic Lock function is activated,
the 0037 symbol in the multifunction display
lights up orange.
X Press the 0076button to save the setting.
Convenience submenu Activating/deactivating the EASY-
ENTRY/EXIT feature
G
WARNING
When the EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature adjusts
the steering wheel, you and other vehicle
occupants – particularly children – could
become trapped. There is a risk of injury.
While the EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature is mak-
ing adjustments, make sure that no one has
any body parts in the sweep of the steering
wheel.
If somebody becomes trapped:
R press one of the memory function position
buttons, or
R move the switch for steering wheel adjust-
ment in the opposite direction to that in
which the steering wheel is moving.
The adjustment process is stopped.
X Press the 0059or0065 button on the steering
wheel to select the Sett. Sett.menu.
X Press the 0064or0063 button to select the
Convenience
Convenience submenu.
X Press 0076to confirm.
X Using 0064or0063, select the Easy
EasyEntry/
Entry/
Exit
Exit function.
If the Easy
Easy Entry/Exit
Entry/Exit function is activated,
the vehicle steering wheel is displayed in
orange in the multifunction display.
X Press the 0076button to save the setting.
Further information on the EASY-ENTRY/EXIT
feature (Y page 104).
Switching the seat belt adjustment on/off X Press the 0059or0065 button on the steering
wheel to select the Settings Settingsmenu.
X Press the 0064or0063 button to select the
Convenience
Convenience submenu.
X Press 0076to confirm. 240
Menus and submenusOn-board computer and displays