Drive modes

Hybrid

When the car starts, it is in the Hybrid mode. The control system uses both the electric motor and internal combustion engine - individually or in parallel - and calculates optimal use with regard to performance, fuel consumption and comfort. At higher speeds the ground clearance is adjusted automatically to a lower level1 in order to reduce wind resistance. The capacity to run solely with the electric motor depends on the hybrid battery's energy level and, for example, the need for heating or cooling in the passenger compartment.

If high power output is available, it is possible to drive with electrical power alone. When the accelerator pedal is depressed, only the electric motor is activated until a certain position is reached. The internal combustion engine starts when this position is exceeded and the energy level in the battery is insufficient for the engine power that the driver requests with the accelerator pedal.

At low energy level (hybrid battery almost empty) the battery's energy level must be maintained, leading to the internal combustion engine starting more often. Charge the hybrid battery from a 230 VAC socket with the charging cable, or activate Charge in the function view in order to restore the capacity to run on electricity alone.

The drive mode is designed for low energy consumption with an optimised mix of the electric motor and the internal combustion engine, without compromising the climate comfort and driving experience. When higher acceleration is required, maximum additional power from the electric drive line is used.

The car also senses if the driving conditions require all-wheel drive and automatically engages it if necessary. All-wheel drive and electric additional power are always available regardless of the battery's state of charge.

Information in the driver display

When driving in hybrid mode the driver display shows a hybrid gauge. The pointer in the hybrid gauge indicates how much energy the driver requests with the accelerator pedal. The marking between the lightning bolt and the drop shows how much energy is available.

The driver display also shows when energy is returned to the battery (regenerated) during light braking.

Pure

The drive mode maximises driving on the hybrid battery. This means, for example, that the ground clearance is lower1 to reduce wind resistance and the output of certain climate settings is reduced to provide the longest possible mileage range on electric power alone.

The Pure mode is available when the hybrid battery has a sufficiently high energy level. The internal combustion engine also starts in the Pure mode if the energy level in the battery falls too low. The internal combustion engine also starts

The drive mode is optimised for maximum range with electric propulsion and especially developed for urban traffic. Pure means lowest combustion even when the hybrid battery is empty. The climate in the passenger compartment is regulated to Eco climate, and in slippery driving conditions, more wheel spin can be permitted before all-wheel drive is activated automatically.

ECO climate control

In the Pure drive mode, eco climate control is activated automatically in the passenger compartment in order to reduce energy consumption.

In the event of difficulties due to misting, press the button for max. defroster which has normal functionality.

Off Road

The drive mode provides high ground clearance1, steering is light, all-wheel drive and the function for low speed control with hill descent control (Hill Descent Control) are activated.

The drive mode is only available at low speeds, up to 40 km/h (25 mph). If this speed is exceeded, Off Road mode is cancelled and the Constant AWD drive mode is activated instead.

To be able to drive all four wheels, the internal combustion engine and electric motor run continually, which results in increased fuel consumption.

In the Off Road mode the driver display has a compass between the speedometer and tachometer. The speedometer shows the range for speed limitation.

The drive mode is optimised for maximum controllability at low speeds in poor road conditions or difficult terrain. It raises the chassis1, reduces the driveline's throttle response and locks the car in all-wheel drive. The Hill Descent Control function facilitates controlled driving on steep descents.

Constant AWD

The drive mode locks the car in all-wheel drive. An optimal distribution between the front and rear axle torque gives the best traction, stability and roadholding, for example on slippery roads, when driving with a heavy trailer, or when towing. Constant AWD drive mode is always available regardless of the battery's state of charge.

Both the internal combustion engine and electric motor are engaged in order to drive all four wheels, which results in increased fuel consumption.

In the car's other drive modes, the car automatically adapts the need for all-wheel drive to the road surface, and can engage the electric motor or start the internal combustion engine when necessary.

Power

The drive mode maximises the combined power from the internal combustion engine and electric motor by means of the car being driven by both front and rear wheels. The gear changes become faster and more distinct, and the gearbox prioritises a gear with greater traction. Steering response is faster, shock absorption is harder and a lower ground clearance1 means that the body follows the roadway in order to reduce roll during cornering.

Both the internal combustion engine and electric motor are engaged in order to drive all four wheels, which results in increased fuel consumption.

The drive mode is optimised for maximum performance and response during acceleration. It changes the internal combustion engine's accelerator pedal response, gear shift pattern and boost pressure system. Chassis settings, steering and brake response are also optimised. Power drive mode is always available regardless of the battery's state of charge.

Individual

Select a drive mode to start from, and then adjust the settings according to the desired driving characteristics. These settings are saved in an individual driver profile.

An individual drive mode is only available if it is first activated in the centre display.

Press Settings in the top view.

Press My Car → Individual Drive Mode and select Individual Drive Mode.

In Presets, select a drive mode to start from: Pure, Hybrid or Power.

Possible adjustments apply to settings for:

• Driver Display
• Steering Force
• Powertrain Characteristics
• Brake Characteristics
• Suspension Control
• ECO Climate