Automatic drive program

Drive program E (drive program C on AMG vehicles) is characterized by the following:

 - the vehicle pulling away more gently in forward and reverse gears, unless the accelerator pedal is depressed fully
 - increased sensitivity. This improves driving stability on slippery road surfaces, for example
 - the automatic transmission shifting up sooner. This results in the vehicle being driven at lower engine speeds and the wheels being less likely to spin
Drive program S (drive programs S and S+ on AMG vehicles) is characterized by the following:

 - sporty engine and automatic transmission settings
 - the vehicle pulling away in first gear
 - the automatic transmission shifting up later
 - the fuel consumption possibly being higher as a result of the later automatic transmission shift points

    See also:

    2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Review
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    Overview of transmission positions
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    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 ...