
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

•Proactive occupant protection system
In vehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox, the system automatically changes to gear
position S when the Sport driving profile is selected. The system automatically switches to gear
position D when the Eco driving profile is selected. Since coasting is active in the Eco driving
profile, the gearbox programme E is additionally displayed on the instrument cluster display.
The driver can adjust certain vehicle functions irrespective of the selected driving profile. For
example, the driver can switch to gear position S when the Eco driving profile is selected.
Selecting a driving profile (4MOTION Action Controlyf
Fig. 129 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⇒
Introduction
Key to ⇒ Fig. 129:
MODE button: Selects Onroad driving profiles and opens menu in the Infotainment system.
Snow driving profile.
On-road driving profile.
Off-road driving profile.
Off-road Individual driving profile.
Selecting the driving profile
•Switch on the ignition.
•Turn the control for the 4MOTION Active Control until the LED next to the desired driving profile
lights up ⇒ Fig. 129.
•To switch through the Onroad driving profiles, press the MODE button or press an Onroad
driving profile in the Infotainment system.
•Touch the function button to display additional information about the active driving mode.
•Touch the function button for the required driving profile in the Infotainment system.
When the ignition is switched off, the set driving profile and the individual settings will remain
selected.
If one of the driving profiles Snow, Off-road or Off-road Individual was the last active profile, the
most recently active On-road driving profile is activated if the ignition remains switched off for a
relatively long period.
The driving profile Sport will also remain selected after the ignition has been switched off. However,
sport functions, e.g., for the engine and gearbox, can be deactivated when switching on the ignition
again. To reactivate the sports functions, tip the gearbox selector lever to the rear ⇒ DSG dual
clutch gearbox.
Recommended driving situations for each driving profile
•Snow: The Snow driving profile improves the efficiency of the accelerator on icy or snowy
roads. In addition, the lane holding when cornering and the power in straight driving are also
improved. The dynamic of the ACC Adaptive Cruise Control is restricted. The dynamic
cornering light is adjusted to provide better support in poor visibility. It is not possible to shift into
the S position in the Snow driving profile.
•Off-road: The Off-road driving profile improves the efficiency of the accelerator when driving
off-road. The engine brake is always available and gearshifts can be prevented in critical
situations. In the Off-road driving profile, the Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control are
active. The dynamic cornering light is adjusted to provide better support in poor visibility. It is
not possible to shift into the S position in the Off-road driving profile. When the driving profile is
active, the instrument cluster displays the symbol m/k/s562MK.
Changing the driving profile can alter the vehicle handling. Never allow the driving profile
selection to tempt you into taking any risks when driving.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
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

Clean the turn signals, headlight system, the number plate and all windows.
If necessary, remove the towing eye and the snow chains.
Check the tyres, struts and axles for damage and remove dirt, stones and other foreign
bodies from the tyre tread.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and remove all items that are jammed in the brake system,
on the wheels, in the running gear, in the exhaust system and in the engine, such as
branches, leaves or pieces of wood . If you see any damage or leaks, take your vehicle to a
qualified workshop.
Clean heavy soiling from the radiator grille and the vehicle underbody Vehicle care.
Check the engine compartment to see if any dirt is affecting the engine operation In the
engine compartment.
Switch off OFF-ROAD mode Selecting a driving profile (4MOTION Action Controlyf .
Switch on TCS again Brake support systems.
If your vehicle gets stuck
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Rocking out a vehicle requires a great deal of training and feeling for the vehicle.
If you make a mistake when rocking the vehicle, it can sink deeper and you will need assistance to
get out of the mud.
When you cannot proceed ...
•Carefully dig out all the wheels and check that no other parts of the vehicle are stuck in the
sand.
•Engage reverse gear.
•Reverse over your own tracks, accelerating gently.
If this does not help, place brushwood, floor mats or sacking directly in front of the wheels to
increase grip ⇒.
Rocking the vehicle
Never allow the wheels to spin for long periods as this will cause the vehicle to sink deeper ⇒.
•Switch off TCS ⇒ Brake support systems.
•Position the steering wheel so that it is facing straight ahead.
•Reverse until the point where the wheels just start to spin.
•Quickly select first gear and drive forwards until the wheels start to spin again.
•Repeat driving back and forth until you have enough momentum to free yourself.
•Switch the TCS on after the rocking procedure is completed ⇒ Brake support systems.
•Use the Off-road driving profile.
After off-road driving
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
Never drive through a ditch if the entry/exit angle is too steep for the vehicle and the ditch
is too deep. The vehicle could slide away, tip over or roll.
WARNING
If you drive into the ditch at a right angle, the front wheels will fall in. The underbody of
your vehicle could get stuck and damaged which means that the vehicle could break
down. It is then almost impossible to get out of the ditch despite having all-wheel drive.
NOTICE
Nobody may stand either in front or behind the vehicle, particularly if you are attempting
to free a stuck vehicle.
•Spinning wheels can propel stones, brushwood, pieces of wood or other objects that
are in front or behind the wheels at enormous speed and cause potentially fatal injury.
•People standing in front of or behind the vehicle could be run over if the stuck vehicle
starts to move suddenly.
WARNING