Important safety notes

If you fail to adapt your driving style, the driving safety systems can neither reduce the risk of accident nor override the laws of physics. Driving safety systems are merely aids designed to assist driving. You are responsible for the distance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed and for braking in good time. Always adapt your driving style to suit the prevailing road/weather conditions, as well as the traffic conditions and maintain a safe distance to the vehicle in front. Drive carefully.

safety Please note that the driving safety systems described only work as effectively as possible when there is adequate contact between the tires and the road surface. Pay particular attention to the information regarding tires, recommended minimum tire tread depths etc. in the "Wheels and tires" section.
In wintry driving conditions, always use winter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary, snow chains. Only in this way will the driving safety systems described in this section work as effectively as possible.

    See also:

    Opening the hood
    WARNING Do not pull the release lever while the vehicle is in motion. Otherwise, the hood could be forced open by passing air flow. This could cause the hood to come loose and injure you and ...

    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 ...

    4MATIC (permanent four-wheel drive)
    4MATIC ensures that all four wheels are permanently driven. Together with ESP® and ETS, it improves the traction of your vehicle whenever a drive wheel spins due to insufficient grip. WARNIN ...