Conditions that require a manual engine start
The engine must be started manually under the following conditions:
•If the driver door is opened.
•If the bonnet is opened.
Activating and deactivating the start/stop system manually
•Press the button in the centre console ⇒ Fig. 121 to deactivate the system. If the
start/stop system has been deactivated, the indicator lamp in the button lights up.
•Press the button in the centre console again ⇒ Fig. 121 to reactivate the system.
The instrument cluster shows the status of the start/stop system every time the button is
pressed.
If the start/stop system has switched the engine off, it will start again as soon as the system has
been deactivated manually with the button.
Always deactivate the start/stop system manually when driving through water.
Start/stop mode when Adaptive Cruise Control (ACCyf L V D F W L Y e
The engine will be switched off after the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACCyf K D V E U R X J K W W K H Y H K L F O H W R D
standstill via an active braking intervention ⇒ Adaptive Cruise Control (ACCyf.
m/k/a995MKVehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: when the Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACCyf L V D F W L Y H W K H ' 6 G dual clutch gearbox can shift into coasting mode and the engine can be
switched off with the engine-off coasting function.
In the following instances, the engine will restart when the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACCyf L V D F W L Y H :
•If the accelerator is depressed.
•When the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACCyf K D V U H V X P H G V S H H G D Q G D X W R P D W L F G L V W D Q F H F R Q W U R O .
•If the vehicle ahead has moved on.
•If the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACCyf L V G H D F W L Y D W H G D Q G W K H Y H K L F O H G U L Y L Q J L Q I U R Q W P R Y H G D Z D \ .
Troubleshooting
The engine stop function may be deactivated if the temperature is above around 38°C (100°Fyf .
In some cases, it may be necessary to restart the engine manually. Follow any
corresponding messages on the instrument cluster display.
The start/stop function is activated automatically if the Eco driving profile is selected on
vehicles with driving profile selection ⇒ Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active Control.
Always deactivate the start/stop system manually when driving through water.
Manual gearbox: selecting a gear
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Never switch off the engine or the ignition while the vehicle is in motion. This can lead to a
loss of vehicle control, accidents and serious injuries.
•The airbags and belt tensioners will not work if the ignition is switched off.
•The brake servo will not work when the engine is switched off. That is why more
pressure on the brake pedal is needed to brake the vehicle when the engine is
switched off.
•The power steering will not work when the engine is not running. More power is
needed to steer the vehicle when the engine is switched off.
•When the ignition is switched off, the steering lock may activate and you will no longer
be able to steer the vehicle.
•The start/stop system must be deactivated if work is to be carried out in the engine
compartment.
WARNING
If the start/stop system is used in very high outside temperatures over a long period, the
12-volt vehicle battery can be damaged.
NOTICE
If the selector lever is moved accidentally to N when driving, take your foot off the
accelerator. Wait for the engine revs in the neutral position before selecting a position again.
Changing gear using Tiptronic
Tiptronic allows the gears to be shifted
up and down manually with a DSG
dual clutch gearbox.
Fig. 124 Selector lever in Tiptronic position (left-hand driveyf 7 K H F R Q W U R O V D U H P L U U R U H G I R U U L J K W -
hand drive vehicles.
Fig. 125 Steering wheel with paddles for Tiptronic.
The gear that is currently selected will be maintained when the Tiptronic programme is selected.
This remains the case as long as the system does not automatically carry out a change of gear due
to the current driving situation.
Operating Tiptronic with the selector lever
•Push the selector lever from position D/S to the right into the Tiptronic gate.
Selecting the wrong position can cause you to lose control of the vehicle, which can lead
to accidents and serious injuries.
•Never depress the accelerator pedal when selecting a position.
•When the engine is running, the vehicle starts moving as soon as a selector lever
position is engaged and the brake pedal is released.
•Never switch to reverse or selector lever position P while the vehicle is moving.
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 on 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 gear 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.
WARNING
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.
NOTICE
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•Gently push the selector lever forwards ⊕ or back ㊀ to shift gear up or down ⇒ Fig. 124.
When moving the selector lever in the Tiptronic gate, do not press the lock button on the selector
lever.
Operating Tiptronic with the paddles
•Pull the right paddle ⇒ Fig. 125 towards the steering wheel to change up a gear.
•Pull the left paddle towards the steering wheel to change down a gear.
•To leave Tiptronic mode, pull the right paddle towards the steering wheel for approximately one
second.
Tiptronic is automatically deactivated if the selector paddles are not operated for some time and the
selector lever is not in the Tiptronic gate.
Driving with DSG dual clutch gearbox
The gearbox changes the forward gears up and down automatically.
Driving down hills
The steeper the gradient, the lower the gear you will need. Lower gears increase the braking effect
of the engine. Never allow the vehicle to roll down mountains or hills in the neutral position N.
•Reduce your speed.
•Push the selector lever from position D/S to the right into the Tiptronic gate ⇒ Changing gear
using Tiptronic.
•Gently push the selector lever to the rear to change down gear.
•OR: shift down using the paddles on the steering wheel ⇒ Changing gear using Tiptronic.
Stopping and pulling away on an uphill gradient
The steeper the uphill gradient, the lower the gear you will need.
If you wish to stop the vehicle or pull away when driving uphill you should use the Auto Hold
function ⇒ Electronic parking brake.
When you stop the vehicle on an incline and the vehicle remains in gear, the vehicle must always
be prevented from rolling by depressing the brake pedal or by applying the electronic parking brake.
The brake pedal or the electronic parking brake should not be released until you pull away ⇒.
Coasting with DSG dual clutch gearbox
In coasting mode, the momentum of the vehicle can be used to save fuel in conjunction with a
foresighted driving style. With the engine-off coasting function, the engine is not just disengaged,
but is also switched off. The engine no longer brakes the vehicle – the vehicle can roll for a longer
distance. The function is available only in the selector lever position D/S and at speeds of
approximately 30 – 130 km/h (18 mph – 80 mphyf .
An automatic engine start may take place in order to ensure reliable engine restarting and to
guarantee the power supply of the vehicle electrical system.
Triggering coasting
•Select the Eco driving profile from the driving profile selection menu ⇒ Driving profile selection
and 4MOTION Active Control.
•Remove your foot from accelerator pedal. The engine is disengaged and runs in coasting mode.
The vehicle rolls without the braking effect of the engine. The engine is automatically switched
off on vehicles with engine-off coasting function.
Cancelling coasting mode
•Depress the brake pedal briefly.
•OR: depress the accelerator or brake pedal briefly.
•OR: pull a paddle towards the steering wheel.
•OR: press the selector lever to the Tiptronic position.
Kickdown
The kick down function enables maximum acceleration in the selector lever position D/S or in the
Tiptronic position.
•When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up to the next gear shortly before
the maximum permitted engine speed is reached.
•When shifting down a gear manually, the gearbox will not change gear until the engine
can no longer be overrevved.
NOTICE
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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.
Steering
The power steering is not hydraulic. It 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 starter button
The steering column will be locked if the driver door is opened and 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 vehicle key or the sensor in the door
handle.
Mechanical steering column lock (steering lockyf L Q Y H K L F O H V Z L W K D Q
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 clicks into place.
Insert the vehicle key into the ignition lock to unlock the steering lock. Turn the steering wheel
slightly to take the load off the steering lock mechanism. Hold the steering wheel in this position and
turn the ignition on.
Electromechanical steering
The power steering provided by the electromechanical steering system automatically adjusts to the
vehicle speed, steering wheel torque and steering wheel angle. The electromechanical steering
only functions 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 power steering in critical driving situations.
Additional steering power helps the driver when counter steering ⇒.
The intelligent Hill Descent Control technology cannot overcome the laws of physics, and
functions only within the limits of the system. Never allow the extra convenience afforded
by pull-away assist systems to tempt you into taking any risks when driving.
•Unintentional vehicle movements can cause serious injury.
•The Hill Descent Control cannot replace the full concentration of the driver.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
•A Hill Descent Control System may not be able to always hold the vehicle on uphill
gradients or brake it sufficiently on all slopes going downhill (e.g. if the ground is
slippery or icyyf .
WARNING
Always be prepared to brake the vehicle. Accidents and injuries could occur if this is not
ensured.
•The Hill Descent Control system is only a support function and may not be able to
brake the vehicle sufficiently in all situations when driving downhill.
•The vehicle may accelerate despite the Hill Descent Control system.
WARNING
Progressive steering
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, progressive steering can adjust the force of the steering
movement in a driving situation. Progressive steering only functions when the engine is running.
In urban driving, smaller steering movements are 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.
Troubleshooting
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
The indicator lamps light up.
Do not drive on! Electromechanical steering not functioning. The steering must be
checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.Electromechanical steering function
reduced. The steering must 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.The 12-volt battery has been disconnected
and reconnected. Drive a short distance at a speed of 15 – 20 km/h (9 – 12 mphyf .
The indicator lamps flash.
Steering column twisted. Turn the steering wheel back and forth.Steering column not
locked or unlocked. Remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock and switch the ignition back on
again. Follow any messages that are on the instrument cluster display. Do not continue your
journey if the steering column remains locked when the ignition is switched on. Seek expert
assistance.
Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active
Control
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Selecting a driving profile (ONROADyf
⇒ Selecting a driving profile (4MOTION Action Controlyf
⇒ Adjusting the driving profile to suit your requirements
⇒ Troubleshooting
The driving profile selection contains
factory-defined driving profiles which
have different effects on the vehicle
setup. You can also set your own
vehicle setup by means of an individual
driving profile.
Different driving profiles can be selected depending on the vehicle equipment level. The effect on
the vehicle setup in the individual driving profiles depends on the vehicle equipment.
The settings available depend on the type of drive. Vehicles with a front-wheel drive come with
ONROAD driving profiles ⇒ Selecting a driving profile (ONROADyf, while vehicles with all-wheel
If the power steering is not working, the steering wheel is difficult to turn, which makes it
difficult to steer the vehicle.
•The power steering only functions 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 lock when 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.
WARNING
The ignition of the vehicle being towed 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.
NOTICE
drive come with additional OFFROAD driving profiles ⇒ Selecting a driving profile (4MOTION
Action Controlyf.
The driving profile can be changed when the vehicle is stationary or while driving ⇒. After
selecting a driving profile, the vehicle settings (excluding engine settingsyf D U H V Z L W F K H G W R W K H Q H Z
profile mode immediately. When traffic conditions allow, briefly take your foot off the accelerator to
activate the newly selected driving profile for the engine.
Some settings can be stored in the user accounts of the personalisation function and
therefore change when the user account changes ⇒ Personalisation.
Selecting a driving profile (ONROADyf
Fig. 128 In the lower section of the centre console: driving profile selection button.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Selecting the driving profile
•Switch on the ignition.
•Press the driving profile selection button ⇒ Fig. 128.
•Touch the function button in the Infotainment system to display additional information about
the active driving profile.
•Touch the function button for the required driving profile.
•OR: press the driving profile button ⇒ Fig. 128 again to select the next driving profile.
If the Normal driving profile is selected, the LED in the driving profile selection button will remain
switched off.
When the ignition is switched off, the set driving profile and the individual settings will remain
selected.
The driving profiles Sport and Eco will also remain selected after the ignition has been switched
off. However, settings for the engine or DSG dual clutch gearbox may switch to the Normal driving
profile when the ignition is switched back on again.
In order to reactivate the sports function, the Sport driving profile must be selected again or the
selector lever of the DSG dual clutch gearbox must be moved to S⇒ DSG dual clutch gearbox.
To reactivate the eco functions, select the Eco driving profile again.
Recommended driving situations for each driving profile
•Eco: switches the vehicle into economical mode and helps the driver to drive the vehicle in a
fuel-efficient manner. Coasting mode is available in the Eco driving profile.
•Comfort: the Comfort driving profile is available only for vehicles with adaptive chassis control
(DCCyf 7 K H G U L Y L Q J S U R I L O H F U H D W H V D F R P I R U W E D V H G Y H K L F O H V H W X S D Q G L V V X L W H G W R S R R U T X D O L W \
sections of road or long motorway journeys, for example.
•Normal: balanced setting, e.g. for everyday use.
•Sport: this setting gives the driver a sporty driving feeling.
•Individual: individual systems can be adjusted to suit personal requirements ⇒ Adjusting the
driving profile to suit your requirements.
Effects of the driving profiles on the vehicle setup
•Adaptive chassis control (DCCyf
•Steering
•Powertrain (engine and gearboxyf
•Adaptive cruise control (ACCyf
•Dynamic cornering light and dynamic main beam control (Dynamic Light Assistyf
•Air conditioning system
Setting a driving mode while the vehicle is in motion can distract you from the road and
cause accidents.
WARNING
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•Press the button in the Infotainment system.
•Touch the Vehicle function button.
•Touch the Selection function button.
•Touch the Off-road function button.
Selecting instruments and setting units
The display shows various instruments ⇒ Fig. 130.
To change instruments, swipe vertically over the display.
The units can be adjusted for some instruments in the Infotainment system ⇒ Operation and
display in the Infotainment system.
Instruments in the off-road display (depends on the vehicle's equipmentyf :
•Altitude: The altitude function shows the current height above sea level.
•Steering angle display: the steering angle of the vehicle is displayed in the range between -
49° and 49°. The value is positive for a left steering angle and negative for a right steering
angle.
•Compass: the compass shows the current driving direction.
•Coolant temperature display: the display corresponds to the temperature display on the
instrument cluster ⇒ Coolant temperature display. At high engine loads and with high outside
temperatures, the needle will move clockwise. This is no cause for concern unless the
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster is lit up or flashing.
•Oil temperature display: the needle is in the middle when the engine has reached operating
temperature. If the needle is in the bottom left area, this means that the engine has not yet
reached its operating temperature. At high engine loads and with high outside temperatures, the
needle will move clockwise. This is no cause for concern unless the indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster is lit up or flashing ⇒ Engine oil.
Adapting the display areas to the driving situation
The displayed instruments can be selected depending on the driving situation, the ambient
conditions and the off-road 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
Off-road driving situations
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Safety notes for driving off-road
⇒ Explanation of some technical terms
⇒ Checklist: Before driving off-road
⇒ General rules and driving tips
⇒ Useful accessories for off-road driving
⇒ Changing gear
⇒ Up hill and down dale
⇒ Driving through water
⇒ Off-road driving in snow
⇒ Driving in sand and mud
⇒ Driving in steep terrain
⇒ Traversing a slope
⇒ Driving through ditches
⇒ If your vehicle gets stuck
⇒ After off-road driving
You can also drive four-wheel drive vehicles off-road in addition to normal roads. It is very important
to read the contents of this section before driving off-road.
The vehicle is not built for expeditions.
The examples given in this chapter are an aid for safe off-road driving. However, we cannot predict
whether these guidelines will be valid for all situations that could occur.
The large variety of landscapes and the associated risks and dangers make it impossible to
describe all possible driving situations. The examples are only general guidelines designed to help
you drive off-road safely. It is crucial that you know what to expect when you drive into off-road
terrain you are unfamiliar with. This will enable you to assess potential danger in advance.
Accidents and injuries can occur if the driver is distracted. Operating the Infotainment
system can distract you from the road.
•Always drive carefully and responsibly.
WARNING
The driver can use 4MOTION Active Control to activate a variety of vehicle settings in an all-wheel
drive vehicle as required ⇒ Selecting a driving profile (4MOTION Action Controlyf.
Checklist
Before driving for the first time, take the following steps so you can operate and drive the
vehicle safely off-road:
Observe the basic safety notes Safety notes for driving off-road.
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.
Always wear suitable, well-fitting shoes that provide good grip for your feet when using the
pedals.
Safety notes for driving off-road
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The intelligent vehicle technology cannot overcome the laws of physics, and functions
only within the limits of the system. Despite input from the ABS, adverse terrain can cause
instability through locked wheels – e.g. if you brake hard when driving on a loose gravel
road. The ESC system will have difficulty stabilising the vehicle in these circumstances.
WARNING
Driving off-road 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. It is preferable to walk over the terrain before driving
over it.
•You should drive particularly carefully and think ahead when driving off-road. 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 along 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.
WARNING
Sporty SUVs 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 on-road vehicle which is unsuited for off-road 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