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
The steering should 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.
Fault in steering
The indicator lamp lights up yellow.
The 12-volt vehicle battery was disconnected.
Drive a short distance at a speed of 15 20 km/h (9 12 mph).
If the yellow warning lamp is still lit after the engine has been restarted, have the steering checked
by a qualified workshop immediately.
Fault in steering
The indicator lamp flashes yellow.
Turn the steering wheel back and forth.
Switch the ignition off and then on again.
Observe the messages on the instrument cluster display.
Do not continue your journey if the indicator lamp still flashes when the ignition is switched on.
Seek expert assistance.
Steering column is not unlocked or locked
The indicator lamp flashes yellow.
Follow any messages that are on the instrument cluster display.
Switch the ignition off and then on again.
Do not continue your journey if the steering column remains locked when the ignition is switched
on.
Seek expert assistance.
Steering requires increased force
The warning lamp lights up red.
The electromechanical steering has failed.
Do not drive on!
Seek expert assistance.
Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active Control
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
Setting a driving profile
Individually adapting a driving profile
Troubleshooting
By selecting different driving profiles, the driver can adapt the characteristics of the vehicle systems
to the current driving situation, the desired ride comfort and an economical driving style. The
adaptable vehicle systems include the running gear, engine management system or the air
conditioning system.
Different driving profiles can be selected depending on the vehicle equipment level. The effect on
the vehicle setup in the individual driving profiles varies according to the vehicle equipment.
The Comfort driving profile is available only for vehicles with adaptive chassis control (DCC).
The setting options available depend on the type of drive. Vehicles with front-wheel drive have
onroad driving profiles, while vehicles with all-wheel drive have additional offroad driving profiles
Setting a driving profile
The driving profile can be changed when the vehicle is stationary or while driving
selecting a driving profile, the vehicle settings (excluding engine settings) are switched to the new
driving profile immediately. When traffic conditions allow, briefly take your foot off the accelerator
to activate the newly selected driving profile for the engine also.
WARNING
Selecting a driving profile while the vehicle is in motion can distract you from the road and cause
accidents.
Some settings can be stored in the user accounts of the personalisation function and therefore
change automatically when the user account changes Personalisation
Setting a driving profile
Fig. 110 In the lower section of the centre console: driving profile selection button.
Fig. 111 In the lower section of the centre console: control for the 4MOTION Active Control in
vehicles with all-wheel drive.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
Key to Fig. 111
MODE button: select onroad driving profiles and open menu in the Infotainment system.
Snow driving profile.
Onroad driving profile.
Offroad driving profile.
Offroad Individual driving profile.
Selecting a driving profile
Switch on the ignition.
Front-wheel drive: press the driving profile selection button Fig. 110
All-wheel drive: turn the control for 4MOTION Active Control until the LED next to the desired
driving profile lights up Fig. 111
Front-wheel drive: to change driving profiles, press the driving profile selection button
Fig. 110again or touch the function button of the desired driving profile in the Infotainment
system.
All-wheel drive: to switch the onroad driving profiles, press the MODE button or touch an
onroad driving profile in the Infotainment system.
Touch the function button in the Infotainment system to display additional information about the
active driving profile.
Vehicles with front-wheel drive: if the Normal driving profile is selected, the LED in the driving
profile selection button will remain switched off.
ill remain
selected.
Vehicles with all-wheel drive: if the Snow, Offroad or Offroad Individual driving profile was
selected last, the onroad driving profile that was last active will be activated after the ignition has
been switched off for a long period.
Vehicles without starter button: as soon as the vehicle key is removed from the ignition lock.
Vehicles with starter button: as soon as the driver door is opened when the ignition is switched
off.
Sport functions: select Sport driving profile again.
OR: tap the selector lever of the DSG
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.