Double-clutch function
E 500 only: when shifting down, the double-
clutch function is active regardless of the cur-
rently selected drive program. The double-
clutch function reduces load change reactions
and is conducive to a sporty driving style. The
sound generated by the double-clutch function
depends on the drive program selected.
Kickdown
Use kickdown for maximum acceleration:
X
Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.
X
Ease off the accelerator pedal once the
desired speed is reached.
The automatic transmission shifts back up.
Towing a trailer
Towing a trailer is not possible with all models.
For further information, see (
Y
page 209).
X
Drive in the middle of the engine speed range
on uphill gradients.
X
Manual drive program: depending on the
uphill or downhill gradient, shift into a gear
(
Y
page 151) in which the engine will run in
the middle of the engine speed range. This
also applies if cruise control, DISTRONIC
PLUS or SPEEDTRONIC are activated.
Program selector button
The program selector button allows you to
choose between different driving characteris-
tics.
All vehicles (except vehicles with dynamic han-
dling package or the AMG sports package):
X
Press program selector button
:
.
The selected drive program appears in the
multifunction display.
Vehicles with dynamic handling package or the
AMG sports package:
X
Press program selector button
:
.
The selected drive program appears in the
multifunction display.
i
The permanent drive program M is available
on the following vehicles:
R
vehicles with the dynamic handling pack-
age
R
vehicles with the AMG Sport package
Further information about permanent drive
program M (
Y
page 152).
As well as this permanent drive program M,
you can also activate temporary drive pro-
gram M (
Y
page 151).
E Economy
Comfortable, economical
driving
S Sport
Sporty driving style
M Manual
Manual gearshifting
i
Further information on the automatic drive
program (
Y
page 151).
i
The automatic transmission switches to
automatic drive program E each time the
engine is started.
150
Automatic transmission
Dri
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