ECO mode MERCEDES-BENZ C CLASS 2016 Owner's Manual

In addition to driving style, the actual consump-
tion is affected by other factors, such as: R
load R
tire pressure R
cold start R
choice of route R
electrical consumers switched on
These factors are not included in the ECO dis-
play.
An economical driving style specially requires
driving at moderate engine speeds.
Achieving a higher value in the categories
"Acceleration" and "Constant": R
observe the gearshift recommendations. R
drive in drive program E .
On long journeys at a constant speed, e.g. on the
highway, only the outer area for "constant" will
change.
The ECO display summarizes the driving style
from the start of the journey to its completion.
Therefore, there are more marked changes in
the outer areas at the start of a journey. On lon-
ger journeys, there are fewer changes. For more
marked changes, perform a manual rest
( Y
page 241).
For further information on the ECO display, see
( Y
page 240).
Braking
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
Downhill gradients
! On long and steep gradients, you must
reduce the load on the brakes by shifting early
to a lower gear. This allows you to take
advantage of the engine braking effect and
helps avoid overheating and excessive wear
of the brakes. When you take advantage of the engine brak-
ing effect, a drive wheel may not turn for some
time, e.g. on a slippery road surface. This
could cause damage to the drive train. This
type of damage is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz warranty.
Heavy and light loads
G WARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This
increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time.
! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately. Drive
on for a short while. This allows the airflow to
cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roads If you have driven for a long time in heavy rain
without braking, there may be a delayed reac-
tion from the brakes when braking for the first
time. This may also occur after the vehicle has
been washed or driven through deep water.
You have to depress the brake pedal more
firmly. Maintain a greater distance from the
vehicle in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the vehicle
washed, brake firmly while paying attention to
the traffic conditions. This will warm up the
brake discs, thereby drying them more quickly
and protecting them against corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads
If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt resi-
due may form on the brake discs and brake
pads. This can result in a significantly longer
braking distance.182
Driving tips
Driving and parking

R
In order to prevent any salt build-up, apply the
brakes occasionally while paying attention to
the traffic conditions. R
Carefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey. R
Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead.
Servicing the brakes
! The brake fluid level may be too low, if: R
if the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and R
you hear a warning tone while the engine is
running
Observe additional warning messages in the
multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked immediately.
Consult a qualified specialist workshop to
arrange this.
! A function or performance test should only
be carried out on a 2-axle dynamometer. If
you wish to operate the vehicle on such a
dynamometer, please consult a qualified spe-
cialist workshop in advance. You could oth-
erwise damage the drive train or the brake
system.
! The ESP ®
system operates automatically.
The engine and the ignition must therefore be
switched off (the SmartKey must be in posi-
tion 0 or 1 in the ignition lock or the Start/
Stop button must be in position 0 or 1 ) if the
electric parking brake is tested on a brake
dynamometer.
Braking triggered automatically by ESP ®
may
cause severe damage to the brake system.
All checks and maintenance work on the brake
system must be carried out at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Have brake pads installed and brake fluid
replaced at a qualified specialist workshop.
If the brake system has only been subject to
moderate loads, you should test the functional-
ity of your brakes at regular intervals.
Information on BAS (Brake Assist) ( Y
page 68)
and BAS PLUS (Brake Assist PLUS) ( Y
page 69). For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends only installing the following brake disks
and brake pads/linings: R
brake disks that have been approved by
Mercedes-Benz R
brake pads/linings that have been approved
by Mercedes-Benz or that are of an equivalent
standard of quality
Other brake disks or brake pads/linings can
compromise the safety of your vehicle.
Always replace all brake disks and brake pads/
linings on an axle at the same time. Always
install new brake pa ds/linings when replacing
bra
ke disks.
The vehicle is equipped with lightweight brake
disks to which the wheel assembly with rim and
threaded connection is matched.
The use of brake disks other than those
approved by Mercedes-Benz can change the
track width and is subject to approval, if appli-
cable.
Shock-type loads when handling the brake
disks, such as when changing wheels, can lead
to a reduction in comfort when driving with light-
weight brake disks. Avoid shock-type loads on
the lightweight brake disks, particularly on the
brake plate.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only use
brake fluid that has been specially approved for
your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz, or which corre-
sponds to an equivalent quality standard. Brake
fluid which has not been approved for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which is not of an
equivalent quality could affect your vehicle's
operating safety.
High-performance and ceramic brakes
(Mercedes AMG vehicles) The AMG brake systems are designed for heavy
loads. This may lead to noise when braking. This
will depend on: R
Speed R
Braking force R
Environmental conditions, such as tempera-
ture and humidity
The wear of individual components of the brake
system, such as the brake pads/linings or brake
discs, depends on the individual driving style
and operating conditions.
For this reason, it is impossible to state a mile-
age that will be valid under all circumstances. An Driving tips 183
Driving and parking Z

Activating the HOLD function X
Mak e sur e that th e activation condition s are
met .X
Depress th e brak e pedal .X
Quickl y depress th e brak e pedal further
until C appear s in th e multifunction display.
The HOLD function is activated. You can
release th e brak e pedal .
i If depressing th e brak e pedal th e first time
does no t activat e th e HOLD function , wait
briefl y and then tr y again .
Deactivating the HOLD function The HOLD function is deactivated automatically
if: R
you accelerate and th e transmission is in
position D or R .R
th e transmission is in position P .R
you depress th e brak e pedal again wit h a cer-
tai n amount of pressur e until C disappear s
from th e multifunction display.R
you secure th e vehicl e usin g th e electric park -
ing brake. R
you activat e DISTRONI C PLUS.
i Afte r a time, th e electric parking brak e
secures th e vehicl e and relieves th e servic e
brake.
When th e HOLD function is activated, th e trans -
mission is shifte d automatically to position P if:R
th e driver's seat belt is no t fastene d and th e
driver's door is open .R
th e engin e is switched off , unless it is auto -
matically switched off by th e ECO start/sto p
function . The electric parking brak e secures th e vehicl e
automatically if th e HOLD function is activated
when th e vehicl e is stationary and :R
a system malfunction occurs. R
th e powe r supply is no t sufficient.
If a malfunction occurs, then th e transmission
may be shifte d int o position P automatically.
RACE START
Import ant safety notes
i RACE START mus t no t be used on normal
roads. RACE START mus t only be activated
and used on dedicate d road circuits, outside
of public road use.
i RACE START is only available in
Mercedes ‑ A MG vehicles.
RACE START enables optimal acceleration from
a standing start . Fo r this, a suitably high-grip
road surfac e is required, alon g wit h th e tires and
vehicl e bein g in proper operating condition .
G WARNIN G
If you use RACE START , individual tires may
start to spin and th e vehicl e could skid.
Dependin g on th e selected ES P ®
mode, there
is an increased ris k of skiddin g and having an
accident. Mak e sur e that no persons, animals
or obstacles are within range of th e vehicle.
i Observ e th e safet y note s on drivin g safet y
systems ( Y
page 68).
Be sur e to read th e safet y note s and informa-
tion on ES P ®
( Y
page 73).
Conditions for activati onYou can activat e RACE START if: R
th e door s are closed. R
th e engin e is runnin g and it has reached an
operating temperature of approximately
16 0 ‡ (71 †). This is th e cas e when th e oil
temperature gauge in th e multifunction dis-
play is shown in white. R
th e drive program S , S+ or Race is selected.
( Y
page 154) R
th e steering whee l is in th e straight-ahead
position .Driving systems 195
Driving and parking Z

R
the vehicle is stationary and the brake pedal is
depressed (left foot). R
the transmission is in position D .
Activating RACE START
i When manual mode ( Y
page 161) is active,
the transmission automatically shifts up to
RACE START in the drive program. This func-
tion supports maximum acceleration with
RACE START. After going through an acceler-
ating process once from a stationary position,
this function is automatically deactivated. X
Depress the brake pedal with your left foot
and keep it depressed. X
Pull and hold both steering wheel paddle shift-
ers ( Y
page 161).
The RACE START Confirm: Paddle UP
Cancel: Paddle DOWN message appears in
the multifunction display. X
Release both steering wheel paddle shifters
( Y
page 161).
i If the activation conditions are no longer ful-
filled, RACE START is canceled. The RACE
START Canceled message appears in the
multifunction display. X
To cancel: pull the left steering wheel paddle
shifter ( Y
page 161).
or X
To confirm: pull the right steering wheel pad-
dle shifter ( Y
page 161).
The RACE START Available Depress gas
pedal. message appears in the multifunction
display.
i If you do not depress the accelerator pedal
fully within two seconds, RACE START is can-
celed. The RACE START Not Possible See
Operator's Manual message appears in the
multifunction display. X
Fully depress the accelerator pedal.
The engine speed rises to approximately
3,500 rpm.
The RACE START Release brake to start
message appears in the multifunction display.
i If you do not release the brake pedal within
five seconds, RACE START is canceled. The RACE START Canceled message appears in
the multifunction display. X
Take your foot off the brake, but keep the
accelerator pedal depressed.
The vehicle pulls away at maximum acceler-
ation.
The RACE START Active message appears in
the multifunction display.
RACE START is deactivated when the vehicle
reaches a speed of approximately 30 mph (Can-
ada: 50 km/h).
RACE START is deactivated immediately if you
release the accelerator pedal during RACE
START or if any of the activation conditions are
no longer fulfilled. The RACE START Not Pos‐
sible See Operator's Manual or RACE
START Canceled message appears in the mul-
tifunction display.
i If RACE START is used repeatedly within a
short period of time, it is only available again
after the vehicle has been driven a certain
distance.
AIRMATIC
General notes AIRMATIC is an air suspension with variable
damping for improved driving comfort. All-round
level control ensures the best possible suspen-
sion and constant ground clearance, even with a
laden vehicle. When you drive fast, the vehicle is
lowered automatically to improve driving safety
and to reduce fuel consumption. There is also
the option to manually adjust the vehicle level.
AIRMATIC consists of level setting, level control
and the Adaptive Damping System ADS.
Important safety notes
G WARNING
When the vehicle is being lowered, people
could become trapped if their limbs are
between the vehicle body and the wheels or
underneath the vehicle. There is a risk of
injury.
Make sure no one is underneath the vehicle or
in the immediate vicinity of the wheel arches
when the vehicle is being lowered.196
Driving system s
Dr ivi ng an d parking

i If one of the doors is open, the vehicle is not
lowered.
Vehicle level Setting the raised vehicle level
It is possible to choose between the "Normal"
and "Raised" vehicle levels below a speed of
50 mph (80 km/h). Select the "Normal" setting
for normal road surfaces and "Raised" for driving
with snow chains or on particularly poor road
surfaces. Your selection remains stored even if
you remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock. X
Start the engine.
If indicator lamp D is not lit:X
Press button C .
Indicator lamp D lights up. The vehicle is
raised by 0.6 in (15 mm) compared to the
normal level.
The Vehicle
Rising message appears in the
multifunction display.
i The message disappears after ten seconds,
irrespective of the level reached. If necessary,
the vehicle is raised further.
The "Raised level" setting is canceled if you: R
drive faster than 75 mph (120 km/h). R
drive for approximately three minutes at a
speed over 50 mph (80 km/h).
The "Raised level" remains active when you are
not driving within these speed ranges.
Setting the normal vehicle level X
Start the engine.
If indicator lamp D is lit:X
Press button C . Suspension settings General notes The Adaptive Damping System automatically
controls the calibration of the dampers.
The damping is tuned individually to each wheel
and depends on: R
your driving style, e.g. sporty R
the road surface condition, e.g. bumps R
your individual selection, i.e. sports or com-
fort
Your selection remains stored even if you
remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
Sports tuning In the "Sport" and "Sport Plus" drive programs,
the firmer suspension setting ensures even bet-
ter contact with the road. Select this mode when
employing a sporty driving style, e.g. on winding
country roads. X
The vehicle is lowered by 0.6 in (15 mm) com-
pared to the normal level.
Comfort tuning In the "Economy" and "Comfort" drive programs,
the driving characteristics of your vehicle are
more comfortable. Therefore, select this mode if
you favor a more comfortable driving style.
Select comfort mode also when driving fast on
straight roads, e.g. on straight stretches of high-
way. X
The vehicle is raised to the normal level.
When driving at speeds above 80 mph
(125 km/h), the vehicle is automatically low-
ered by 0.6 in (15 mm) in the E and C drive pro-
grams. When driving at speeds below 50 mph
(80 km/h) the vehicle is raised again.
AMG adaptive sport suspension sys-
tem
General notes
The electronically controlled damping system
works continuously. This improves driving
safety and ride comfort.Driving systems 197
Driving and parking Z

i If you select the 8 symbol in the display
and confirm with the controller, the split-
screen view appears.
Exiting 360° camera display mode The 360° camera display is stopped R
when you select transmission position P , orR
when you are driving at moderate speeds
The view which was active before the 360° cam-
era was displayed appears in the Audio 20 or
COMAND display. You can also stop the 360°
camera display split-screen view by selecting
the 8 symbol in the display and then con-
firming with the COMAND controller.
ATTENTION ASSIST
General notes ATTENTION ASSIST helps you during long,
monotonous journeys, such as on highways. It is
active in the 37 mph (60 km/h) to 125 mph
(200 km/h) range. If ATTENTION ASSIST
detects typical indicators of fatigue or increas-
ing lapses in concentration on the part of the
driver, it suggests taking a break.
Important safety notes ATTENTION ASSIST is only an aid to the driver. It
might not always recognize fatigue or increasing
inattentiveness in time or fail to recognize them
at all. The system is not a substitute for a well-
rested and attentive driver.
The functionality of ATTENTION ASSIST is
restricted and warnings may be delayed or not
occur at all: R
if the length of the journey is less than approx-
imately 30 minutes R
if the road condition is poor, e.g. if the surface
is uneven or if there are potholes R
if there is a strong side wind R
if you have adopted a sporty driving style with
high cornering speeds or high rates of accel-
eration R
if you are predominantly driving slower than
37 mph (60 km/h) or faster than 125 mph
(200 km/h) R
if you are driving with the active Steer Assist
of DISTRONIC PLUS R
if the time has been set incorrectly R
in active driving situations, such as when you
change lanes or change your speed
The ATTENTION ASSIST tiredness assessment
is deleted and restarted when continuing the
journey, if: R
you switch off the engine R
you take off your seat belt and open the driv-
er's door, e.g. for a change of drivers or to
take a break
Displaying the attention level
You can have current status information dis-
played in the assistance menu ( Y
page 247) of
the on-board computer. X
Select the Assistance display for Attention
Assist using the on-board computer
( Y
page 246).
The following information is displayed: R
length of the journey since the last break. R
the attention level determined by ATTENTION
ASSIST ( Attention Level ), displayed in a
bar display in five levels from high to low. R
If ATTENTION ASSIST is unable to calculate
the attention level and cannot issue a warn-
ing, the System Suspended message
appears. The bar display then changes the
display, e.g. if you are driving at a speed below
37 mph (60 km/h) or above 124 mph
(200 km/h).
Activating ATTENTION ASSIST X
Activate ATTENTION ASSIST using the on-
board computer ( Y
page 248).
The system determines the attention level of
the driver depending on the setting selected:214
Driving systems
Driving and parking

R
you hav e adopte d a sport y drivin g style wit h
high cornering speeds or high rates of accel-
eration .R
ES P ®
is switched off .R
th e transmission is no t in position D .R
a loss of tire pressur e or a defective tire has
been detecte d and displayed.R
an obstacle in th e lan e in whic h you are drivin g
has been detected.
Active Lan e Keepin g Assis t may no t detec t other
roa d user s or traffic situations. An inappropriat e
brak e application may be interrupted at any time
if you: R
steer slightly in th e opposit e directionR
switch on th e tur n signalR
clearly brak e or accelerate
A lane-correcting brak e application is interrup-
te d automatically if: R
a drivin g safet y system intervenes, e.g. ES P ®
,
PRE-SAF E ®
Brake or Active Blind Spot Assist.R
lan e marking s can no longer be recognized.
Activating/deactivating Active Lan e
Keeping Assis t
X
To activate: press butto n D .
Indicato r lamp C lights up. The Lan e Keep‐
ing Assist On message appears in th e mul-
tifunction display. If all condition s hav e been
satisfied, a warnin g or steerin g intervention
may be made .
If you drive at speeds abov e 40 mph
(60 km/h) and lan e marking s are detected,
th e lines in th e assistanc e graphic s display
( Y
page 246) are shown in green . Active Lan e
Keepin g Assis t is read y for use.X
To deactivate: press butto n D .
Indicato r lamp C goe s out . The Active Lan e
Keepin g Assis t is deactivated. The Lan e Keepin g Assist Off message appears in
th e multifunction display.
Selecting Standar d or Adaptive setting X
In th e DriveAssist men u on th e on-boar d
computer, select th e Active Lan e Keep‐
ing Assist function ( Y
page 248).X
Selec t Standard or Adaptive .
Whe n Standard is selected, no warnin g vibra-
tion occur s if: R
you switch on th e tur n signals. In this event ,
th e warnings are suppressed for a certain
period of time. R
a drivin g safet y system intervenes, suc h as
ABS, BA S or ES P ®
.
Whe n Adaptive
is selected, no warnin g vibra-
tion occur s if: R
you switch on th e tur n signals. In this event ,
th e warnings are suppressed for a certain
period of time. R
a drivin g safet y system intervenes, e.g.
ABS, BA S or ES P ®
.R
you accelerate hard, e.g. kickdown .R
you brak e hard. R
you steer actively, e.g. swerve to avoid an
obstacle or chang e lanes quickly.R
you cut th e corner on a shar p bend.
In order that you are warned only when neces-
sar y and in goo d time if you cross th e lan e mark-
ing, th e system recognizes certain condition s
and warn s you accordingly.
The warnin g vibration occur s earlier if:R
you approac h th e outer lan e marking on a
bend. R
th e roa d has ver y wide lanes, e.g. a highway.R
th e system recognizes soli d lan e markings.
The warnin g vibration occur s later if:R
th e roa d has narrow lanes. R
you cut th e corner on a bend.
PLUG ‑ IN HYBRID operation
Points to rememb er
Gene ra l notes
Hybrid technology combine s a fuel efficien t
internal combustion engin e wit h a powerful
electric motor. In HYBRID mode, th e hybrid224
PLUG ‑ IN HYBRID operation
Driving and parking

drive system automatically selects the most effi-
cient operating mode for every driving situation.
Drive the vehicle in the usual manner.
To save fuel in HYBRID mode, the hybrid drive
system switches off the combustion engine as
often as possible during the journey when power
output requirements are low. When power out-
put requirements are low, the electric motor
powers the vehicle. When power output require-
ments are high, the combustion engine is auto-
matically switched on. The engine is usually
switched off when the vehicle is stationary. Con-
sequently, there is usually no engine idling as
with combustion engine vehicles.
For pulling away and accelerating, the electric
motor supports the internal combustion engine
using the power stored in the high-voltage bat-
tery. In addition, the power is used for partially
electric driving, operation of the electric coolant
compressor and to support the 12 V on-board
electrical system. In this way the hybrid drive
system helps to reduce your vehicle's fuel con-
sumption.
Observe the driving tips on plug-in hybrid oper-
ation ( Y
page 230).
Recuperative Brake System If you release the accelerator pedal when the
vehicle is in motion, overrun recuperation is ini-
tiated. The electric motor is operated as a gen-
erator when in overrun mode and when you
brake. Hybrid technology converts the kinetic
energy of the vehicle into electricity and stores
it in the high-voltage battery.
Observe the important safety notes for the
Recuperative Brake System ( Y
page 45).
Important safety notes If the engine is switched off by the ECO start/
stop function and you open the driver's door: R
a message appears in the multifunction dis-
play and R
a warning tone sounds
Further information ( Y
page 272).
All of the vehicle's systems remain active, if: R
the vehicle is stationary R
the combustion engine is switched off and R
the READY indicator in the instrument cluster
lights up If you remove your foot from the brake pedal
while in transmission position D or R, the vehicle
may pull away automatically.
Observe the notes on the READY display of the
ECO start/stop function ( Y
page 231).
Vehicles with an electric motor generate much
less driving noise than vehicles with internal
combustion engines. As a result, your vehicle
may not be heard by other road users in certain
situations. This is the case, for example, when
you are parking and your vehicle is not seen by
other road users.
This requires you to adopt a particularly antici-
patory driving style, as it is necessary to allow
for the possibility that other road users may
behave erratically.
Displays and operation
Electric motor performance display
The power display for the electric motor is loca-
ted on the right-hand side of the instrument
cluster. R
Area C to D (E-DRIVE):
This shows the electric output from the elec-
tric motor, e.g. during electric operation or in
boost mode.
When the motor is switched on, the display is
at limit C . With increasing pressure on the
accelerator pedal the display fills up from C
to D .
Driving with the electric motor: when the
display reaches limit D , the combustion
engine is switched on. If the display is
approaching limit D and you remove your
foot from the accelerator pedal, the display
empties again. The combustion engine is not
switched on. At low speeds, you can therebyPLUG ‑ IN HYBRID operation 225
Driving and parking Z

Activating when driving with the electric motor: X
Pull the left or right steering wheel paddle
shifter ( Y
page 161).
The combustion engine is switched on. Man-
ual gearshifting is activated temporarily. The
selected gear and M appear in the multifunc-
tion display.
Activating when driving with the combustion
engine: X
Pull the left or right steering wheel paddle
shifter ( Y
page 161).
Manual gearshifting is activated temporarily.
The selected gear and M appear in the multi-
function display.
The ECO start/stop function is not available
when manually changing gear.
For further information on the manual drive pro-
gram ( Y
page 161).
Haptic accelerator pedal
General notes The haptic accelerator pedal helps you to
reduce the fuel consumption and emissions of
your vehicle.
There are two different functions available for
this purpose: R
an additional point of resistance in E-MODE
operating mode ( Y
page 226)R
a double pulse in drive program E
( Y
page 229)
Additional point of resistance in the hap-
tic accelerator pedal
The maximum available electric performance is
indicated by a tangible point of resistance in the
haptic accelerator pedal.
The additional point of resistance is available in
E-MODE operating mode ( Y
page 226).
If you depress the haptic accelerator pedal
beyond the pressure point, the combustion
engine is switched on.
Double pulses in the haptic accelerator
pedal
A tangible double pulse in the haptic accelerator
pedal gives you a recommendation to release
the accelerator pedal. By this means, in
HYBRID , E-MODE or E-SAVE operating mode
the combustion engine can be switched off and disconnected from the power train (overrun
mode).
The double pulse is available in drive program E
( Y
page 229).
After the accelerator pedal has been released,
the coasting cha racteristi cs of the vehicle are
a
dapted to the traffic conditions.
To avoid getting too close to the vehicle in front,
you must apply the brakes manually when nec-
essary.
Driving tips General driving tips Drive carefully and maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front. Avoid frequent and
sudden acceleration as well as abrupt braking.
During partial electric driving, pulling away and
acceleration, the electric motor supports the
internal combustion engine.
During overrun in transmission position D and
braking, the electric motor will operate as a gen-
erator.
Further information on the ECO start/stop func-
tion ( Y
page 231).
Additional driving tips ( Y
page 179).
Stationary vehicle If the vehicle is stopped, the combustion engine
is, for the most part, switched off. Automatic
climate control continues to function. The elec-
tromechanically assisted steering gear allows
you to use the power steering without reduced
comfort.
Acceleration
Depending on the operating mode, pulling away
and driving under low load conditions are per-
formed: R
entirely by electric propulsion R
in combination with the internal combustion
engine
When accelerating at an increased or full load,
boost mode is utilized. The electric motor sup-
ports the internal combustion engine by provid-
ing additional torque when the accelerator is
depressed rapidly.230
PLUG ‑ IN HYBRID operation
Driving an d parking

Overrun mode or braking There are three possible operating modes when
the hybrid vehicle is decelerating: R
energy recovery takes place even when the
vehicle is decelerating purely in overrun mode
( Y
page 225). The electric motor operates as
a generator and stores the recovered energy
in the high-voltage battery R
when the brakes are applied lightly, the vehi-
cle is slowed down further by the electric
motor This increases the energy recovery tak-
ing place ( Y
page 225) The electric motor
operates as a generator and stores the recov-
ered energy in the high-voltage battery. R
when the brakes are applied with greater
force, the service brakes are also used to slow
the vehicle down. The two systems work
together
Urban driving Energy is recuperated during frequent deceler-
ation and stopping in city traffic.
The vehicle can be driven by the electric motor
alone up to a speed of approximately 120 km/ h.
The vehicle is driven by the electric motor alone
only when all conditions for the automatic
engine switch-off are fulfilled.
Further information on the automatic engine
switch-off ( Y
page 231).
Driving on inter-urban roads The following phases are possible when driving
on inter-urban roads: R
rapid acceleration (boost mode) R
constant energy consumption R
energy recuperation R
electric operation mode
A great deal of recovered energy may be avail-
able, depending on the route profile. This
reduces consumption and emissions.
Highway driving
During highway driving, fuel consumption and
emissions are favorably influenced in particular
by reduced power losses.
If the driver removes his foot from the acceler-
ator pedal in drive program E and a speed of
160 km/h is not exceeded, the combustion
engine is automatically switched off.
Further information on the automatic engine
switch-off ( Y
page 231). ECO start/stop function General notes The ECO start/stop function switches the inter-
nal combustion engine off automatically when
the vehicle stops moving and at high speeds
( Y
page 232).
All vehicle systems remain active, e.g. the auto-
matic climate control.
The ECO start/stop function is only available in
drive programs C and E . Electric-only operation
is only possible in drive programs C and E . Addi-
tional information for drive programs
( Y
page 229).
Automatic engine switch-off The engine is switched off automatically, includ-
ing when: R
the driver removes his foot from the acceler-
ator in drive program E and a speed of
160 km/h is not exceeded ( Y
page 232)R
the engine has reached its operating temper-
ature R
the driver’s seat belt is fastened and the
driver’s door is closed R
the driver only slightly depresses the accel-
erator pedal in order to, for example, maintain
the current speed for a limited distance R
the hood is closed and engaged properly R
the high-voltage battery is charged suffi-
ciently R
no malfunctions are present in the hybrid
drive system
The internal combustion engine will not be
switched off automatically, if: R
the self-diagnosis function of the engine con-
trol unit is still active R
there is a malfunction in the hybrid drive sys-
tem R
the climate control of the vehicle requires it R
the high-voltage battery is being charged
( Y
page 227) R
automatic emissions tests are runningPLUG ‑ IN HYBRID operation 231
Driving and parking Z