•Off-road Individual: Enhanced version of the off-road driving profile that can be adjusted to the
driver's needs ⇒ Adjusting the driving profile to suit your requirements. When the driving profile
is active, the instrument cluster displays the symbol m/k/s562MK.
•Onroad:The Onroad driving profile enables you to choose between Eco, Comfort, Normal,
Sport and Individual.
Adjusting the driving profile to suit your requirements
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Selecting the Individual driving profile
•Switch on the ignition.
•Switch on the Infotainment system.
•Press the driving profile selection button or turn the control for 4MOTION Active Control
until the LED next to the Onroad driving profile ⇒ Fig. 129③ lights up.
•Touch the Change function button to open the Individual menu.
Selecting the Off-road Individual driving profile
•Switch on the ignition.
•Switch on the Infotainment system.
•If necessary, turn the control ⇒ Fig. 129 for the 4MOTION Active Control until the LED next to
the Off-road Individual driving profile ⇒ Fig. 129⑤ lights up.
•If the Off-road Individual driving profile is already selected, press the MODE button on the
control ⇒ Fig. 129.
•Touch the Change function button to open the Individual menu.
Troubleshooting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Fault in adaptive chassis control (DCCyf J R W R D T X D O L I L H G Z R U N V K R S D Q G K D Y H W K H V \ V W H P F K H F N H G .
If there is a fault in the adaptive chassis control (DCCyf W K H P H V V D J H Fault: damping control may
be shown on the instrument cluster display.
Off-road display
The off-road display contains digital
instruments that show additional
information about the vehicle and its
surroundings. This makes it possible to
assess the current driving situation
more precisely.
Fig. 130 In the Infotainment system: off-road display.
Opening the off-road display
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
Accidents and injuries can occur if the driver is distracted. Operating the Infotainment
system can distract you from the road.
WARNING
•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
Explanation of some technical terms
Fig. 131 Illustration: angle of gradient.
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 off-road over such terrain could cause accidents,
serious injury and also a vehicle breakdown.
•Check any unknown sections of the route on foot carefully before driving.
•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 back and choose
another route.
•Always adjust your speed and driving to match vehicle load levels and off-road,
visibility and weather conditions.
WARNING
•Always avoid traversing a slope ⇒ Traversing a slope.
•Vehicle occupants should never leave the vehicle via the doors facing down the hill
when parked sideways on a steep hill. The combined centre of gravity of the vehicle
and its payload (vehicle occupants and payloadyf F D Q V K L I W D Q G F D X V H W K H Y H K L F O H W R U R O O
over and roll down the incline. Always leave the vehicle slowly via the doors which
open up the incline ⇒ Traversing a slope.
WARNING
The cruise control system has been designed for use on surfaced roads only. The cruise
control system is not suitable for use off-road and may even be hazardous. If you use the
cruise control system while driving off-road, you may lose control over the vehicle and
sustain severe injuries.
•Never use the cruise control system when driving off-road.
WARNING
The area monitoring system (Front Assistyf Z D V G H Y H O R S H G I R U X V H R Q S D Y H G U R D G V R Q O \
The area monitoring system is not suitable for use off-road and may even be hazardous. If
you use the area monitoring system while driving off-road, you may lose control over the
vehicle and sustain severe injuries.
•Never use the area monitoring system when driving off-road.
WARNING
Driving the vehicle when the fuel level is too low could lead to your vehicle breaking down
off-road, accidents and serious injuries.
•When the fuel level is too low, the fuel supply to the engine could be irregular,
especially when driving up or down hills and inclines.
•The steering, all driver assist systems and brake support systems will not function if
the engine sputters or stops completely due to a lack of fuel or irregular fuel supply.
•Always fill the tank when it is still 1/4 full. This reduces the risk of running out of fuel
and breaking down.
WARNING
Any rain entering the vehicle when the windows or glass roof are open can soak the
interior equipment and cause damage to the vehicle. Always keep the windows and glass
roof closed when driving off-road.
NOTICE
Obtain sufficient information before driving into off-road terrain with the vehicle.
Do not plan day tours that are too long. Take increased fuel requirements for off-road
driving into account.
Refill tank completely. Fuel consumption is considerably higher off-road.
Check that your tyres are suitable for the off-road journey you have planned.
Recommendation for difficult off-road terrain: always have off-road tyres fitted to your
vehicle.
Check the tyre pressure on all tyres and correct them if necessary. This includes the
temporary spare wheel, if fitted.
Check engine oil level and refill engine oil as necessary. The engine will only be supplied
with engine oil when it is driven on or across a steep slope if the engine oil level is
sufficient.
Completely refill the washer fluid reservoir with water and washer fluid.
Fit the towing eye at the front and rear. It is not always possible to fit a towing eye when
the vehicle is stuck.
Check the vehicle tool kit and add tools according to individual requirements Useful
accessories for off-road driving.
Pack luggage in the vehicle as evenly and as low as possible. Secure all loose items.
Fig. 132 Illustration: angle of tilt.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Centre of gravityThe centre of gravity of a vehicle influences its propensity to roll over. The vehicle
has greater ground clearance for off-road driving, and thus a higher centre of gravity than a normal
vehicle. The high centre of gravity means that there is a greater danger of roll-over when driving.
Always remember this fact when driving and follow the safety tips and warnings given in this
owner's manual.Ground clearanceThis is the vertical distance between the level ground and the
lowest item on the vehicle.Angle of rising gradientThe number of metres in height gained over a
distance of 100 m will be given as a percentage or degree ⇒ Fig. 131. Indication of gradient that
the vehicle can drive up under its own power. This depends on aspects such as the road surface
and engine power.Tilt angleMaximum angle at which the vehicle may be driven across a slope
without the vehicle toppling over (determined by centre of gravityyf ⇒ Fig. 132.Breakover
angleMaximum permitted angle given in degrees that a vehicle driven at low speed can clear a
ramp without the underbody of the vehicle scraping the ramp.Ramp angleCrossover from the
horizontal level surface to an uphill gradient, or from a downhill gradient back to the level surface.
Angle at which the vehicle underbody will come into contact with the edge of the ramp.Fall lineThis
is the vertical drop route.Torsional flexibilityThe vehicle's torsional flexibility when driving over
objects with just one side of the vehicle.
Checklist: Before driving off-road
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
To ensure your own safety and the safety of your passengers, observe the following points
before driving off-road:
Before driving off-road, Volkswagen recommends attending an off-road driving course, particularly if
you have no or very little experience.
A good driving course will teach you how to handle the vehicle in a variety of off-road situations and
how to drive safely in difficult terrain. Driving off-road demands different skills and driving styles in
comparison to driving on roads. The safety of the driver and the vehicle occupants depends on the
driver.
General rules and driving tips
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Code of conduct for off-road driving
A responsible driver should respect the environment when driving off-road. Remember that driving
through undergrowth and on meadows can destroy animal and plant habitats.
•Always stay on designated routes and paths.
•Do not create any unnecessary noise or dust.
•Leave nature as you found it.
•Avoid sensitive natural habitats.
Water, compass, maps and torch with spare batteries.
Winch, tow bar or rope with sufficient strength.
Mobile telephone, shovel, blankets and rubber boots.
Electric air compressor for connection to the 12-volt sockets in the vehicle to inflate the
tyres.
A wooden board approx. 4 cm thick and approx. 1 metre long or an aluminium frame of
similar size: this will help to free a vehicle stuck in the mud and provide a platform for a
vehicle jack.
Snow chains, additional spare wheels, a breakdown set, jack and box spanner.
•Give way to drivers coming uphill or who are overtaking.
Driving tips
Special rules apply when driving off-road:
•Never drive off-road alone. Always drive off-road in a team of at least two other off-road
vehicles. Unexpected situations can always occur. We recommend that you carry equipment
you can use for calling for help.
•Stop your vehicle when you reach difficult sections, and walk along the path ahead to
reconnoitre it.
•Drive slowly over the brows of hills so the vehicle does not lose contact with the ground as this
could cause damage, leaving you unable to manoeuvre.
•Drive slowly when the route is difficult. Shift up a gear when on slippery ground and always
keep the vehicle in motion.
•Always look for flat and firm surfaces. The ground is predominantly soft when driving off-road
meaning the tyres could sink into the ground. This will reduce ground clearance and the wading
depth.
•Even when driving at low speeds, always keep your distance from other vehicles. If the first
vehicle suddenly gets stuck, the following vehicle can stop without getting stuck.
Useful accessories for off-road driving
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The checklist contains just a few items of equipment that can be very useful for off-road driving. If
you have an instruction manual or fitting instructions for these accessories you should always take
them with you and consult them as necessary when driving off-road.
Checklist
Useful items when driving off-road:
Changing gear
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The choice of gear depends on the terrain off-road.
Before attempting to drive through difficult terrain it can be helpful to stop and consider which gear
you should select. After some time driving off-road, you will learn which gear to select in conjunction
with the low range and the differential lock for different types of terrain.
Basic points
•With the correct gear selected, the vehicle will normally not have to be braked so much using
the foot brake when driving downhill as the engine braking effect will normally be sufficient.
•You should only depress the accelerator as much as is required. If you accelerate too hard, the
wheels could lose traction and you could lose control of the vehicle.
DSG dual clutch gearbox
•Select position D when driving in normal, flat off-road terrain.
•Adjust your speed when driving on soft or slippery ground, and select the highest suitable
position for the Tiptronic.
•If driving through mud, sand, water or hilly terrain, select the Tiptronic in the positions 3 or
2⇒ DSG dual clutch gearbox.
•Always ensure that there is enough ground clearance underneath the vehicle. Serious
damage to the underbody could occur if the vehicle is scraped. This damage could
cause the vehicle to break down and thus make it impossible to drive on.
•Do not slip the clutch or rest your foot on the clutch when driving off-road. When
travelling over uneven ground, you could press the clutch by mistake, and lose control
of the vehicle. A slipped clutch also prevents power being transferred from the engine
to the gearbox. Driving with the clutch partially engaged causes premature wear to the
clutch lining.
NOTICE
®
®
Driver assist systems
Cruise control system (CCSyf
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Operating the cruise control system with the lever
⇒ Operating the cruise control system via the multifunction steering wheel
⇒ Troubleshooting
The cruise control system helps to
maintain a speed set by the driver.
Speed range
The cruise control system is available when driving forwards at speeds from around 20 km/h
(15 mphyf .
Changing gear
Cruise control is interrupted as soon as you press the clutch pedal and is resumed automatically
after the gear change.
Driving downhill
Driving downhill may cause the set speed to be exceeded.
Apply the foot brake to slow the vehicle down, and change down a gear as required.
How do I operate the cruise control system?
Depending on the vehicle equipment, you can operate the cruise control system either by means of
the lever on the steering column ⇒ Operating the cruise control system with the lever or via the
multifunction steering wheel ⇒ Operating the cruise control system via the multifunction steering
wheel. The displays on the instrument cluster are identical in both cases.
Operating the cruise control system with the lever
Objects caught underneath the vehicle underbody are a danger. The vehicle underbody
must always be examined for trapped objects after every journey off-road.
•Never drive if objects are trapped in the underbody, brake system, wheels, running
gear, exhaust system and engine.
•Inflammable materials, such as dry leaves or twigs, could ignite on hot vehicle
components. A fire can cause serious injuries.
•Trapped objects could damage the fuel lines, brake system, seals and other
components. This could cause you to lose control of your vehicle and cause accidents.
WARNING
Use of the cruise control system can lead to accidents and serious injuries if traffic does
not allow you to drive at a safe distance at a constant speed.
•Never use the cruise control system in heavy traffic, on steep or winding roads, or on
slippery road surfaces e.g. on snow, ice, wet roads, loose chippings, or on flooded
roads.
•Never use the cruise control system when driving off-road or on unpaved road
surfaces.
•Adapt your speed and distance from the vehicles ahead to suit visibility, weather, road
and traffic conditions.
•Always switch cruise control off after use to avoid unintentional speed control.
•It is dangerous to use a set speed that is too high for the prevailing road, traffic or
weather conditions.
•The cruise control system cannot maintain a constant speed when travelling downhill.
The vehicle speed can increase under its own weight. Use the foot brake to slow the
vehicle.
WARNING
Troubleshooting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Regulation is automatically interrupted.
•You have depressed the brake pedal.
•The selector lever of the DSG dual clutch gearbox is not in the selector lever position D.
•The vehicle has exceeded the stored speed for an extended period.
•If regulation related to driving dynamics is taking place, e.g. by TCS and ESC.
•Malfunction. Switch off the cruise control system and have it checked by a qualified workshop.
Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Speed limiter
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Operating the speed limiter with the turn signal and main beam lever
⇒ Operating the speed limiter via the multifunction steering wheel
⇒ Troubleshooting
The speed limiter helps to prevent the
vehicle from exceeding a speed that
you have stored.
Speed range
The speed limiter is available when driving forwards at speeds from around 30 km/h (20 mphyf .
Driving with speed limiter
You can interrupt the speed limiter function at any time by fully depressing the accelerator beyond
the point of resistance. The green warning and indicator lamp flashes as soon as the stored
speed is exceeded. The speed remains stored in the memory.
The speed limiter function is activated again automatically as soon as the speed drops below the
stored speed.
Driving downhill
Driving downhill may cause the set speed to be exceeded. The green warning and indicator lamp
flashes in this case. An acoustic warning may also be given.
Apply the foot brake to slow the vehicle down, and change down a gear as required.
How do I operate the speed limiter?
Depending on the vehicle equipment, you can operate the speed limiter either by means of the turn
signal and main beam lever ⇒ Operating the speed limiter with the turn signal and main beam lever
or via the multifunction steering wheel ⇒ Operating the speed limiter via the multifunction steering
wheel.
The displays on the instrument cluster are identical in both cases ⇒ Fig. 140.
Operating the speed limiter with the turn signal and main beam
lever
®
Always switch off the speed limiter after use to avoid unintentional speed regulation.
•The speed limiter does not relieve the driver of their responsibility for the speed of the
vehicle. Do not drive at full throttle if it is not required.
•Use of the speed limiter in adverse weather conditions is dangerous and can cause
serious injury, e.g. through aquaplaning, snow, ice, or leaves. Only use the speed
limiter when the road and weather conditions allow it to be used safely.
•The speed limiter cannot limit the vehicle speed when travelling downhill. The vehicle
speed can increase under its own weight. Shift down a gear or brake the vehicle using
the foot brake.
WARNING