
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
The proactive occupant protection system is an assistance system that initiates measures to protect
vehicle occupants in dangerous situations. However, the system cannot prevent a collision.
The full range of functions of the proactive occupant protection system will be available only if the
function has been activated in the Infotainment system, no special driving profile has been selected
and there are no malfunctions ⇒ Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active Control , ⇒ Function
limitations .
Basic functions
Depending on country-specific legal requirements and also on the vehicle equipment, the following
functions may be initiated, either individually or jointly, in critical situations (e.g. emergency braking
or in the case of oversteering or understeering) as of a speed of approximately 30 km/h (19 mph):
Reversible tensioning of the fastened front seat belts.
Depending on the critical driving situation, the seat belts can be tensioned separately or together.
Additional information for vehicles with an area monitoring system (Front Assist)
In vehicles fitted with the area monitoring system (Front Assist) ⇒ Area monitoring system (Front
Assist) , the probability of a collision with the vehicle ahead is also calculated within the system
limits. The system can trigger the proactive occupant protection system if it detects a probable
collision or initiates strong braking.
Function limitations
The proactive occupant protection system will not be available, or will be available only to a limited
extent, in the following situations:
If there is a fault in the ESC, belt tensioner ⇒ Seat belts or airbag control unit ⇒ Airbag system .
WARNING
The intelligent technology of the proactive occupant protection system cannot overcome the laws of
physics, and functions only within the limits of the system. Never let the extra convenience afforded
by the proactive occupant protection system tempt you into taking any risks when driving. The
system cannot prevent a collision. The system is not a substitute for the full concentration of the
driver.
Adapt your speed and distance from the vehicles ahead to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
The system cannot detect objects in all situations.
The proactive occupant protection system does not react to people, animals, objects crossing in
front of the vehicle, or objects which are hard to detect.

Eco driving profile ⇒ Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active Control .
Avoid driving at full throttle
Never drive the vehicle at its top speed. The drag coefficient increases at excessively high speeds.
This in turn increases the force needed to move the vehicle.
Reduce idling
Pull away immediately with low engine speeds. If you are stopped for a long period, do not allow the
engine to idle but switch it off, e.g. when in a traffic jam or at a railway crossing.
In vehicles with an activated start/stop system, the engine can switch off automatically when the
vehicle is stopping and when the vehicle is stationary ⇒ Start/stop system .
Refuel moderately
A full fuel tank increases the weight of the vehicle. A fuel tank that is half or two thirds of the way
full is sufficient for journeys in urban traffic in particular.
Avoid short journeys
A cold engine has very high fuel consumption. The optimum operating temperature is reached only
after driving a few kilometres. The fuel consumption is above average at very low ambient
temperatures, e.g. in winter ⇒ Fig. 97 . Plan journeys economically and combine short journeys.
Carry out regular maintenance
Regular maintenance is an essential prerequisite for economical driving and increases the service life
of the vehicle.
Observe the tyre pressures
Low tyre pressures does not just mean greater wear, but also increase the rolling resistance of the
tyres and thus the fuel consumption. Use optimised rolling resistance tyres.
Adjust the tyre pressure according to the load. Observe the information on the tyre pressure sticker
⇒ Useful information about wheels and tyres
Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator or Tyre Pressure Monitoring System ⇒ Tyre monitoring system .
Use low viscosity engine oils
Fully synthetic engine oils with a low viscosity decrease frictional resistance in the engine and are
distributed better and more quickly, especially during cold starts.
Do not drive with unnecessary loads in the vehicle
You can reduce fuel consumption by clearing out the luggage compartment before setting off, for
example by removing empty drink crates or unused child seats.
To keep the vehicle's air resistance as low as possible, remove any add-on parts and equipment such
as ski racks, bicycle racks and roof carriers once you have finished using them.
Save electrical energy

If the start/stop system is used in very high outside temperatures over a long period, the 12-volt
vehicle battery can be damaged.
The engine stop function may be deactivated automatically if the temperature is above around 38°C
(100°F).
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.
Troubleshooting
Engine no longer starts automatically
Vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox and coasting function: if the engine does not start
automatically, the warning Error: vehicle power system. Please visit workshop can be displayed in
the instrument cluster.
Start the engine manually ⇒ Starting the engine .
Deactivate the start/stop system manually.
Go to a qualified workshop immediately.
Manual gearbox: selecting a gear
Fig. 103 Gear shift pattern of a 5-speed manual gearbox.

gearbox the clutch can be opened at idling speed, thus saving fuel. Thanks to its efficiency, low
weight and intelligent control system, the DSG® dual clutch gearbox usually enables fuel
consumption that is equal to or lower than a manual gearbox.
However, just like the manual gearbox, the clutch in the DSG® dual clutch gearbox is subject to wear.
Regular maintenance is necessary depending on the type of DSG® dual clutch gearbox; further
information ⇒ Scope of service . In the event of a fault in one gear train half, the DSG® dual clutch
gearbox also allows one gear train half to be deactivated and the journey to be continued using the
other gear train half ⇒ Troubleshooting . The gearbox must then be checked as soon as possible by a
qualified workshop.
DSG® dual clutch gearbox: selecting a gear
Fig. 105 Left-hand drive vehicles: selector lever for dual clutch gearbox DSG with lock button (arrow).
The location is mirrored in right-hand drive vehicles.
When the ignition is switched on, the selected gear or gearbox programme is displayed in the
instrument cluster display.
Instrument cluster display
Selector lever position Display
P P
R R
N N
D/S E, D or S ⇒ Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active Control
Tiptronic gate M ⇒ Changing gear using Tiptronic
– Parking lock
The drive wheels are locked mechanically. May be selected only when the vehicle is stationary. To
disengage this selector lever position while the ignition is switched on, depress the brake pedal and
press the lock button in the selector lever.

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 .
Tap the selector lever to the rear to change down gear.
OR: shift down a gear 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 uphill gradient with a selected position, the vehicle must always be
prevented from rolling by depressing the brake pedal or by applying the electronic parking brake. Do
not release the brake pedal or switch off the electronic parking brake until you are about to 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 an
anticipatory driving style. 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 and at speeds of
approximately 40 – 130 km/h (25 mph – 80 mph).
Initiating coasting
Select the Eco driving profile in the driving profile selection menu ⇒ Driving profile selection and
4MOTION Active Control .
Take your foot off the accelerator. The engine will be disengaged and run at idling speed. The vehicle
rolls without the braking effect of the engine.
If the speed falls below 130 km/h (80 mph).
Depress the accelerator briefly.
Cancelling coasting mode
Depress the brake pedal forcefully.
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.
OR: change the driving profile from Eco.

Kickdown function
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 Control and 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

The downhill speed control cannot hold 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 indicator lamp lights up yellow.
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