fuel MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS 2016 Owner's Guide

R
sections of the route have a very small radius
of curvature R
you accelerate hard or brake sharply
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 PLUS.
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.
Vehicle level
Setting the raised vehicle level
It is possible to choose between the "Normal"
and "Raised" vehicle levels. 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 1.0 in (25 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 at a speed above approximately 75 mph
(120 km/h) R
drive for approximately three minutes at a
speed above 50 mph (80 km/h)
Setting the normal vehicle level X
Start the engine.
If indicator lamp D is lit:X
Press button C .
Indicator lamp D goes out. The vehicle is
adjusted to normal level.
Suspension tuning
General notes The Adaptive Damping System ADS PLUS auto-
matically controls the calibration of the damp-
ers.
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.
i You can choose between the sporty and
comfortable mode. One of the two modes is
always active.212
Driving systems
Driving and parking

PLUG ‑ IN HYBRID operation
Points to remember
General notes Hybrid technology combines a fuel efficient
internal combustion engine with a powerful
electric motor. In HYBRID mode, the hybrid
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. The combustion engine is
automatically activated when power output
requirements are high. 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
operation ( Y
page 251).
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 44). 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 297).
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 252).
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.
Depending on the vehicle's equipment and
country-specific regulations, the vehicle can be
equipped with Acoustic Vehicle Indication.
Acoustic Vehicle Indication generates a certain
sound at a speed between 0 and 19 mph
(30 km/h). This helps other road users, partic-
ularly pedestrians and cyclists, to hear your
vehicle better. The sound can also be heard
inside the vehicle.
The volume depends on the engine speed. The
faster you accelerate, the louder the sound is. At
a speed of over 19 mph (30 km/h) the sound is
switched off. Above this speed, the natural
sounds from the vehicle are sufficient that it can
be heard in good time by other road users.240
PLUG ‑ IN HYBRID operation
Driving and parking

Displaying fuel consumption an d generated electricit y
C
Fue l consumptionD
Electrical energ y generate d
Every bar of th e graph displays th e averag e valu e fo r on e minute.
Fue l consumption indicator C may diffe r from th e indicator in th e Fro m Start trip compute r in th e
Tri p menu.
To reset th e values: th e values are reset alon g wit h th e Fro m Start
trip compute r ( Y
page 262).X
To selec t Consumption : turn and press th e controller .
Fue l consumption C and electrical energ y D generate d fo r th e last 15 minutes are shown in th e
COMAN D display.
Starting th e engin eThe vehicle start s in electric mode without th e
internal combustion engin e (noiseles s start).
The internal combustion engin e start s only after
th e powe r demanded by th e driver exceeds th e
available powe r that th e electric moto r can cur -
rentl y provide.
Noiseless start operation is dependen t on th e
outsid e temperature and th e operatin g temper-
ature of th e internal combustion engine. If no t all
condition s fo r noiseles s start operation are ful-
filled, th e vehicle start s wit h th e internal com-
bustion engine. X
Switc h on th e ignition .X
Depress th e brake pedal. X
Observ e th e note s on startin g th e engin e
( Y
page 164). X
Start th e vehicle ( Y
page 164).
The vehicle is operational when READY indi-
cator C lights up.PLUG ‑ IN HYBRID operation 24 9
Driving an d parking Z

Activating when driving with the electric motor: X
Pull the left or right steering wheel paddle
shifter ( Y
page 174).
The combustion engine is switched on. Man-
ual drive program M is temporarily activated.
The selected gear and M appear in the multi-
function display.
Activating when driving with the combustion
engine: X
Pull the left or right steering wheel paddle
shifter ( Y
page 174).
Manual drive program M is temporarily acti-
vated. The selected gear and M appear in the
multifunction display.
The ECO start/stop function is not available in
manual drive program M .
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 243)R
a double impulse in E+ operating mode
( Y
page 250)
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 243).
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. The combustion engine
can switch off and be disconnected from the
drive train (overrun mode).
The double pulse is available in drive program E+
( Y
page 250). After the accelerator pedal has been released,
the coasting characteristics of the vehicle are
adapted to the traffic conditions.
To avo id getting too close to the vehicle in front,
y
ou 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 252).
Additional driving tips ( Y
page 192).
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.
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 240). The electric motor operates asPLUG ‑ IN HYBRID operation 251
Driving an d parking Z

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
taking place ( Y
page 240). 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 81 mph
(130 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 252).
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 partic ular
by reduced power losses.
The internal combustion engine will be switched
off automatically, if: R
the driver removes his or her foot from the
accelerator pedal in drive program E and a
speed of 81 mph (130 km/h) is not exceeded R
the driver removes his or her foot from the
accelerator pedal in drive program E+ and a
speed of 112 mph (180 km/h) is not excee-
ded
Further information on the automatic engine
switch-off ( Y
page 252). 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 253).
All vehicle systems remain active, e.g. the auto-
matic climate control.
The ECO start/stop function is only available in
drive programs E and E+ . Electric-only operation
is only possible in drive programs E and E+ .
Additional information for drive programs E and
E+ ( Y
page 250).
Automatic engine switch-off The engine is switched off automatically, includ-
ing when: R
the driver removes his or her foot from the
accelerator pedal in drive program E and a
speed of 81 mph (13 0 km/ h) is not exceeded
( Y
page 253) R
the driver removes his or her foot from the
accelerator pedal in drive program E+ and a
speed of 112 mph (180 km/h) is not excee-
ded ( Y
page 253) 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-
t em R
the climate control of the vehicle requires it R
the high-voltage battery is being charged
( Y
page 246) R
automatic emissions tests are running252
PLUG ‑ IN HYBRID operation
Driving and parking

Aut oma tic engine startThe automatically switched-off internal combus -
tio n engin e start s automatically in certai n situa-
tions , if:R
th e power demand from th e driver via th e
accelerato r pedal is greate r than th e electric
motor alon e can provideR
th e driver switches to driv e program S or MR
th e condition of charge of th e high-voltage
battery has reached th e lower limitR
th e settings of th e automatic climat e control
require it, e.g. at external temperatures abov e
30 †
Over ru n mod eIn overrun mode, th e combustio n engin e is
switched off and is disconnected from th e driv e
train. The electric motor: R
generates low thrust , whic h correspond s to
th e overrun mod e of an active combustio n
engin eR
function s as a generator and produce s th e
necessary energ y for th e auxiliary consumer s
and charge s th e high-voltage battery
Ove rrun mod e is possible in th e followin g spee d
range: R
in driv e program E below 81 mph (13 0 km/h)R
in driv e program E+ below 11 2 mph
(18 0 km/h)
In driv e program E+ , after th e accelerato r pedal
has been released th e coasting characteristic s
of th e vehicl e are adapted to th e traffic condi-
tions . Further information about th e haptic
accelerato r p edal ( Y
page 251).
Route-based operating strategy Fo r th e route-based operating strategy, th e sys-
te m factors in information about th e expecte d
rout e when rout e guidance is active.
The information on th e rout e is provide d by th e
multimedia system and includes th e following:R
road categories R
spee d limitation sR
dat a on downhill gradients The use of electric energ y is automatically opti-
mally distributed from th e beginnin g to th e en d
of th e journey, usin g information about th e
route. The distribution is pre-emptive and takes
int o consideration : R
th e sections of th e journey aheadR
th e energ y consumption on th e whole rout e
The condition of charge of th e high-voltage bat -
tery is thus systematically controlled. In addi-
tion, th e control function takes int o accoun t
that: R
th e fuel saving s throug h th e use of electrical
energ y can vary, depending on th e rout e (e.g.
urban , interurban or highway) R
th e use of electrical energ y is held available in
particular for electric operation (e.g. urban
routes)
The vehicl e thus automatically select s th e opti-
mum driving mod e for th e respectiv e sectio n of
th e route.
The route-based operating strategy is available
under th e followin g conditions: R
driv e program E+ is selected R
HYBRID driving mod e is selectedR
active rout e g uidance is activated R
suitable map dat a is available
When th e route-based operating strategy is
bein g used, th e area in fron t of th e vehicl e is
shown as green in th e multifunction display.
Parking X
Apply th e electric parking brake.
The red $ indicator lamp in th e instrumen t
cluste r light s up. X
Use th e DIRECT SELECT leve r to shif t th e
automatic transmission to P .X
Switch th e ignition off .
The READY indicator in th e instrumen t cluste r
goes out .
Further information on parking and switching off
th e internal combustio n engin e ( Y
page 190).PLUG ‑ IN HYBRID operation 253
Driving and parking Z

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all models
and all standard and optional equipment of
your vehicle available at the time of publica-
tion of the Operator's Manual. Country-spe-
cific differences are possible. Please note
that your vehicle may not be equipped with all
features described. This also applies to
safety-related systems and functions.
i Read the information on qualified specialist
workshops ( Y
page 28).
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If you operate information systems and com-
munication equipment integrated in the vehi-
cle while driving, you will be distracted from
traffic conditions. You could also lose control
of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
Only operate the equipment when the traffic
situation permits. If you are not sure that this
is possible, park the vehicle paying attention
to traffic conditions and operate the equip-
ment when the vehicle is stationary.
You must observe the legal requirements for the
country in which you are currently driving when
operating the on-board computer.
PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles only:
G WARNING
If the instrument cluster has failed or mal-
functioned, you may not recognize function
restrictions in systems relevant to safety. The
operating safety of your vehicle may be
impaired. There is a risk of an accident.
Pull over as soon as it is safe to do so and
consult a qualified specialist workshop.
All vehicles, except PLUG-IN HYBRID vehi-
cles:
G WARNING
If the instrument cluster has failed or mal-
functioned, you may not recognize function
restrictions in systems relevant to safety. The operating safety of your vehicle may be
impaired. There is a risk of an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have the vehicle checked
at a qualified specialist workshop immedi-
ately.
If the operating safety of your vehicle is
impaired, pull over as soon as it is safe to do so.
Contact a qualified specialist workshop.
The on-board computer only shows messages or
warnings from certain systems in the multifunc-
tion display. You should therefore make sure
your vehicle is operating safely at all times.
For an overview, see the instrument panel illus-
tration ( Y
page 33).
Displays and operation
Instrument cluster lighting The light sensor in the instrument cluster auto-
matically controls the brightness of the multi-
function display. In daylight, the displays in the
instrument cluster are illuminated. A dimming
function is not possible in daylight.
The lighting in the instrument cluster, in the dis-
plays and the controls in the vehicle interior can
be adjusted using the brightness control knob.
The brightness control is located between the
instrument cluster and the multimedia system
display ( Y
page 35). X
Turn the brightness control knob clockwise or
counter-clockwise.
If you turn the light switch ( Y
page 130) to the
` , X or X position, the brightness
will depend upon the brightness of the ambi-
ent light.
Tachometer
! Do not drive in the overrevving range, as this
could damage the engine.
The red band in the tachometer indicates the
engine's overrevving range.
The fuel supply is interrupted to protect the
engine when the red band is reached.
PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles: if you select the oper-
ating mode E-MODE , the display in the instru-
ment cluster changes from tachometer to power
meter ( Y
page 242).256
Displays and operation
On-board computer and displays

style and the amount of fuel in the tank. If
there is only a small amount of fuel left in the
fuel tank, a vehicle being refueled

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
Onl y E-MODE Availa ‐
ble Power Limite d
Refuel Immediately PLUG-I N HYBRID vehicles:
The fuel tan k has been run dry and th e combustion engin e has been
switched off .
A warning tone also sounds.
The vehicl e will be powered by electrical energ y only. Performance is
restricted and th e vehicl e may accelerate mor e slowly than normal.X
Refue l at th e neares t gas station without fail .
In th e "Total range and electric range" menu, you can display th e
approximat e range of th e vehicl e ( Y
page 248).
Engine wil l not
restar t Servic e
required You canno t start th e engin e again due to a malfunction .
A warning tone also sounds.
If th e engin e is running:X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .
If you switch off th e engine:X
Secur e th e vehicl e against rollin g away ( Y
page 189).X
Notify a qualified specialist workshop or breakdown service.
á Towing Not Permit ‐
ted See Operator' s
Manual The hybrid drive system is faulty. X
Hav e th e vehicl e transporte d on a transporte r or trailer to th e near-
est qualified specialist workshop .

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all models
and all standard and optional equipment of
your vehicle available at the time of publica-
tion of the Operator's Manual. Country-spe-
cific differences are possible. Please note
that your vehicle may not be equipped with all
features described. This also applies to
safety-related systems and functions.
i Read the information on qualified specialist
workshops ( Y
page 28).
Engine compartment
Hood
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If the hood is unlatched, it may open up when
the vehicle is in motion and block your view.
There is a risk of an accident.
Never unlatch the hood while driving. Before
every trip, ensure that the hood is locked.
G WARNING
When opening and closing the hood, it may
suddenly fall into the closed position. There is
a risk of injury to persons within range of
movement of the hood.
Open and close the hood only when no one is
within its range of movement.
G WARNING
Opening the hood when the engine is over-
heated or when there is a fire in the engine
compartment could expose you to hot gases
or other service products. There is a risk of
injury.
Let an overheated engine cool down before
opening the hood. If there is a fire in the
engine compartment, keep the hood closed
and contact the fire department. G WARNING
The engine compartment contains moving
components. Certain components, such as
the radiator fan, may continue to run or start
again suddenly when the ignition is off. There
is a risk of injury.
If you need to do any work inside the engine
compartment: R
switch off the ignition R
never reach into the area where there is a
risk of danger from moving components,
such as the fan rotation area R
remove jewelry and watches R
keep items of clothing and hair, for exam-
ple, away from moving parts
G WARNING
The ignition system and the fuel injection sys-
tem work under high voltage. If you touch
components which are under voltage, you
could get an electric shock. There is a risk of
injury.
Never touch components of the ignition sys-
tem or fuel injection system when the ignition
is switched on.
Opening the hood
G WARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment, such as the engine, radiator and parts
of the exhaust system, can become very hot.
Working in the engine compartment poses a
risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down and
touch only the components described in the
following.
G WARNING
When the hood is open and the windshield
wipers are set in motion, you can be injured by
the wiper linkage. There is a risk of injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
the ignition before opening the hood.352
Engine compartment
Maintenance and care