Get Driving and parking -> Driving Guide for Mercedes CLA 4 Door Third Generation (2025-2026)

Driving

Notes on Mercedes-AMG vehicles

Observe the notes on the following additional top-

ics in the Supplement, as you may otherwise fail

to recognize dangers:

Reduction of engine output and engine torque

AMG Real Performance Sound

RACE START

DRIFT MODE

AMG RIDE CONTROL

AMG steering-wheel buttons

Switching on the power supply or the vehicle

WARNING Risk of accident and injury due

to children le unattended in the vehicle

If you leave children unattended in the vehicle,

they could, in particular:

open doors, thereby endangering other

persons or road users.

get out and be struck by oncoming trac.

operate vehicle equipment and become

trapped, for example.

In addition, the children could also set the

vehicle in motion by, for example:

releasing the parking brake.

changing the gearbox position.

starting the vehicle.

Never leave children unattended in the

vehicle.

When leaving the vehicle, always take the

key with you and lock the vehicle.

Keep the key out of reach of children.

Requirements

The key is in the vehicle and is recognized.

The brake pedal is not depressed.

To switch on the power supply: press button

1 once.

You can, for example, switch on the windshield

wipers.

136

Driving and parking

The power supply will be switched o again if the

following conditions are met:

You open the driver's door.

You press button

1 twice more.

To switch on the vehicle: press button 1

twice.

Indicator and warning lamps will light up on

the driver's display.

The vehicle will be switched o again if one of the

following conditions is met:

You do not start the vehicle within 15 minutes

and the transmission is in position j or the

electric parking brake is applied.

You press button

1 once.

Starting the vehicle

▌Starting the vehicle with the start/stop button

DANGER Risk of death caused by exhaust

gases

Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust

gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling

these exhaust gases is hazardous to health

and leads to poisoning.

Never leave the engine or, if present, the

auxiliary heating running in an enclosed

space without sucient ventilation.

WARNING Risk of re due to ammable

materials in the engine compartment or

on the exhaust system

Flammable materials may ignite.

Therefore, regularly check that there are

no ammable foreign materials in the

engine compartment or on the exhaust

system.

Requirements

The key is in the vehicle and is recognized.

Shi the transmission to position j or i.

Depress the brake pedal and press button 1

once.

Keep the brake pedal depressed until the vehi-

cle has started.

If the vehicle does not start: switch o non-

essential electrical consumers and press but-

ton 1 once.

If the vehicle still does not start and a display

message also appears in the driver's display

Place the Key in the Marked Space See

Operator's Manual

: start the vehicle with the

key in the marked space (emergency opera-

tion) (/ page 138).

You can switch o the vehicle while driving. To

do this, press and hold button 1 for about

three seconds or press button

1 three times

within three seconds. Be sure to observe the

safety notes concerning this under "Driving

tips" (/ page 140).

Driving and parking

137

Observe the information regarding messages that

may appear in the driver's display.

▌Starting the vehicle with the key in the marked

space (emergency operation mode)

If the vehicle does not start and the Place the

Key in the Marked Space See Operator's Manual

message appears on the driver's display, you can

start the vehicle in emergency mode.

Marked space (example with cup holder without

cover)

Open the cover of marked space 2 if neces-

sary.

Make sure that marked space 2 is empty.

Remove key 1 from the key ring.

Place key 1 on symbol 3 in marked space

The vehicle will start aer a short time.

If you remove key

1 from marked space 2,

the vehicle can still be driven. For further

engine starts, however, key

1 must be loca-

ted on symbol

3 in marked space 2 during

the entire journey.

Have key 1 checked at a qualied specialist

workshop.

If the vehicle does not start:

Place key 1 in marked space 2 and leave it

there.

Depress the brake pedal and start the vehicle

using the start/stop button.

Keep the brake pedal depressed until the vehi-

cle has started.

You can switch on the power supply or the

vehicle with the start/stop button.

Observe any information regarding display mes-

sages that may be shown on the driver's display.

138

Driving and parking

Starting the vehicle via Remote Online Services

▌Cooling or heating the vehicle interior before

starting the journey

Ensure the following before starting the engine:

The legal stipulations in the area where your

vehicle is parked allow engine starting via

smartphone.

It is safe to start and run the engine where

your vehicle is parked.

The fuel tank is suciently full.

The starter battery is suciently charged.

▌Charging the starter battery before starting the

journey

You can receive a message on your smartphone

when the state of charge of the starter battery is

low. You can then start the vehicle with the smart-

phone to charge the battery. The vehicle is auto-

matically switched o aer ten minutes.

Ensure the following before starting the engine:

The legal stipulations in the area where your

vehicle is parked allow engine starting via

smartphone.

It is safe to start and run the engine where

your vehicle is parked.

The fuel tank is suciently full.

▌Starting the vehicle (Remote Online)

WARNING Risk of crushing or entrapment

due to unintentional starting of the engine

Limbs could be crushed or trapped if the

engine is started unintentionally during service

or maintenance work.

Always secure the engine against unin-

tentional starting before carrying out

maintenance or repair work.

Requirements

park position j is selected.

the anti-the alarm system is not activated.

the panic alarm is not activated.

the hazard warning light system is switched

o.

the hood is closed.

the doors are closed and locked.

the windows and sliding sunroof are closed.

Start the vehicle using the smartphone.

Aer every vehicle start, the engine runs for

ten minutes.

You can carry out a maximum of two consecutive

starting attempts. You must start the vehicle with

the key before trying to start the vehicle again

with the smartphone.

You can switch o the vehicle at any time as fol-

lows:

Via the smartphone app

By pressing the Ü or ß button on the

key

Further information can be found in the

smartphone app.

Securing the engine against starting before carry-

ing out maintenance or repair work:

Switch on the hazard warning light system or

unlock the doors.

Open a side window or the sliding sunroof.

Driving and parking

139

Notes on breaking-in a new vehicle

To preserve the engine during the rst 1000 miles

(1500 km):

Drive at varying road speeds and engine

speeds.

No faster than 85 mph (140 km/h).

Drive the vehicle in drive mode A or ;.

Shi to the next higher gear at the very latest

when the needle reaches the last third before

the red area in the tachometer.

Do not shi down manually in order to brake.

Avoid overstraining the vehicle, e.g. driving at

full throttle.

Do not depress the accelerator pedal past the

pressure point (kickdown).

Only increase the engine speed gradually and

accelerate the vehicle to full speed aer

1000 miles (1500 km).

This also applies when the engine or parts of the

drivetrain have been replaced.

Please also observe the following breaking-in

notes:

In certain handling and driving safety systems,

the sensors adjust automatically while a cer-

tain distance is being driven aer the vehicle

has been delivered or aer repairs. Full sys-

tem eectiveness is only reached when this

teaching-in process has concluded.

Brake pads, brake disks and tires that are

either new or have been replaced achieve opti-

mum braking eect and grip only aer the

vehicle has been driven several hundred kilo-

meters. Compensate the reduced braking

eect by applying greater force to the brake

pedal.

Notes on driving

WARNING Risk of accident due to objects

in the driver's footwell

Objects in the driver's footwell may impede

pedal travel or block a depressed pedal.

This will jeopardize the operating‑ and road

safety of the vehicle.

Stow all objects in the vehicle securely

so that they cannot get into the driver's

footwell.

Make sure that there is always sucient

clearance for the pedals.

Always install the oor mats securely

and as prescribed.

Do not use loose oor mats and do not

place oor mats on top of one another.

WARNING Risk of accident due to incor-

rect footwear

Incorrect footwear includes, for example:

Shoes with platform soles

Shoes with high heels

Slippers

There is a risk of an accident.

Always wear suitable footwear so that

you can operate the pedals safely.

140

Driving and parking

WARNING Risk of accident if the vehicle is

switched o while driving

If you switch o the vehicle while driving,

safety functions are restricted or no longer

available.

This may aect the power steering system and

the brake force boosting, for example.

You will need to use considerably more force

to steer and brake, for example.

Do not switch o the vehicle while driv-

ing.

DANGER Risk of death caused by exhaust

gases

Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust

gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling

these exhaust gases is hazardous to health

and leads to poisoning.

Never leave the engine or, if present, the

auxiliary heating running in an enclosed

space without sucient ventilation.

WARNING Risk of skidding and of an acci-

dent due to shiing down on slippery road

surfaces

If you shi down on slippery road surfaces to

increase the engine braking eect, the drive

wheels may lose traction.

Do not shi down on slippery road surfa-

ces to increase the engine braking

eect.

DANGER Risk of fatal injury due to poison-

ous exhaust gases

If the tailpipe is blocked or sucient ventila-

tion is not possible, poisonous exhaust gases

such as carbon monoxide may enter the vehi-

cle. This is the case, for example, if the vehicle

gets stuck in the snow.

Keep the tailpipe and the area around

the vehicle free from snow when the

engine or the stationary heater is run-

ning.

Open a window on the side of the vehicle

facing away from the wind to ensure an

adequate supply of fresh air.

WARNING Risk of accident and injury due

to being under the inuence of alcohol

and drugs while driving

Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and

driving are very dangerous combinations. Even

a small amount of alcohol or drugs can aect

your reexes, perceptions and judgment.

The possibility of a serious or even fatal acci-

dent are greatly increased when you drink or

take drugs and drive.

Do not drink or take drugs and drive or

allow anyone to drive who has been

drinking or taking drugs.

WARNING Risk of accident due to the

brake system overheating

If you leave your foot on the brake pedal when

driving, the brake system may overheat.

Driving and parking

141

This increases the braking distance and the

brake system can even fail.

Never use the brake pedal as a footrest.

Do not depress the brake pedal and the

accelerator pedal at the same time while

driving.

NOTE Engine damage due to excessively

high engine speeds

The engine will be damaged if you drive with

the engine in the overrevving range.

Do not drive with the engine in the over-

revving range.

NOTE Wearing out the brake linings by

continuously depressing the brake pedal

Do not depress the brake pedal continu-

ously whilst driving.

To use the braking eect of the engine,

shi to a lower gear in good time.

NOTE Damage to the drivetrain and

engine when pulling away

Do not warm up the engine while the

vehicle is stationary. Pull away immedi-

ately.

Avoid high engine speeds and driving at

full throttle until the engine has reached

its operating temperature.

NOTE Damage to the catalytic converter

due to non-combusted fuel

The engine is not running smoothly and is mis-

ring.

Non-combusted fuel may get into the catalytic

converter.

Only depress the accelerator pedal

slightly.

Have the cause rectied immediately at

a qualied specialist workshop.

NOTE Reduced battery life due to frequent

short-distance trips

The 12 V battery may not be suciently

charged when the vehicle is used only for

short-distance trips. This reduces the life of

the battery.

Drive longer distances regularly to

charge the battery.

NOTE Vehicle damage due to failure to

observe the maximum permissible clear-

ance height

If the vehicle height exceeds the maximum

permissible clearance height, the roof and

other vehicle parts may be damaged.

Please observe the maximum clearance

height indicated.

If the vehicle exceeds the permissible

clearance height, do not drive in.

Take the modied vehicle height into

account in the case of roof superstruc-

tures or other carrier systems.

142

Driving and parking

Bear in mind that all the speed values stated

in this Operator's Manual are approximate

and are subject to a certain tolerance.

Notes on driving with a roof load, trailer or fully

laden vehicle

When driving with a loaded roof luggage rack or

trailer as well as with a fully laden or fully occu-

pied vehicle, your vehicle's driving and steering

characteristics will change.

You should therefore bear the following in mind:

Do not exceed the permissible roof load and

towing capacity. Also observe the information

in the Technical Data.

Distribute the roof load and the load inside the

vehicle evenly, placing heavy objects at the

bottom. Also comply with the notes on loading

the vehicle (/ page 107).

Drive attentively and avoid abrupt starts, brak-

ing and steering as well as rapid cornering.

Advice on driving on salt-strewn roads

The braking eect is limited on salt-strewn road

surfaces.

Therefore, observe the following notes:

Salt build-up on the brake disks and brake

pads may cause the braking distance to

increase considerably or result in one-sided

braking.

Maintain a much greater safety distance to the

vehicle in front.

Eliminate salt build-up as follows:

Brake occasionally, paying attention to the

trac conditions

Carefully depress the brake pedal at the end

of the journey and when starting the next jour-

ney

Notes on hydroplaning

Hydroplaning can take place if a certain depth of

water has built up on the road surface.

Observe the following notes during heavy precipi-

tation or in conditions in which hydroplaning may

occur:

Reduce your speed

Avoid tire ruts

Avoid sudden steering movements

Brake carefully

Also observe the notes on regularly checking

wheels and tires (/ page 314).

Notes on driving through water on the road

Water ingress can damage the engine, electrics

and transmission.

Water can also enter the air intake of the engine

and cause engine damage.

Observe the following notes if you have to drive

through water:

The water, when calm, may reach no higher

than the lower edge of the vehicle body.

Drive at walking pace at most; water may oth-

erwise enter the vehicle interior or engine

compartment.

Vehicles in front or oncoming vehicles can

create waves which may exceed the maximum

permissible depth of water.

The braking eect of the brakes is reduced aer

you have driven through water. Brake carefully,

Driving and parking

143

paying attention to the trac conditions, until

braking eect has been fully restored.

ECO start/stop function

▌ECO start/stop function

Depending on the engine, the ECO start/stop

function is not available in all drive programs.

Observe the status display in the driver's dis-

play for this.

The engine will be switched o automatically in

the following situations if all vehicle conditions for

an automatic engine stop are met:

You brake the vehicle to a standstill in trans-

mission position h or i.

Vehicles with a 48 V on-board electrical sys-

tem: you depress the brake pedal when travel-

ing at a low speed.

If the system has detected one of the following

situations, the engine will not stop:

You stop at a stop sign and there is no vehicle

in front of you.

The vehicle that stopped in front of you sets

o again.

You maneuver, turn the steering wheel sharply

or engage reverse gear.

If the system detects an intelligent stop inhibi-

tor, e.g. a stop sign, the engine will not stop.

If you activate the HOLD function or engage

park position j, the engine can be switched

o in spite of an intelligent stop inhibitor.

The engine will restart automatically in the follow-

ing cases:

You engage transmission position h or k.

You depress the accelerator pedal.

The vehicle requires an automatic engine

start.

You release the brake pedal.

Vehicles with a 48 V on-board electrical sys-

tem:

You release the brake pedal on a downhill

gradient and the vehicle does not roll.

The vehicle rolls on a downhill gradient and

does not automatically enter glide mode at

15 mph (20 km/h).

ECO start/stop function symbols on the driver's

display:

The è symbol (green) appears when the

vehicle is at a standstill: the engine was

switched o by the ECO start/stop function.

The ç symbol (yellow) appears when the

vehicle is at a standstill: not all vehicle condi-

tions for an engine stop have been met.

Neither the è symbol nor the ç symbol

appears when the vehicle is at a standstill: an

intelligent stop inhibitor, e.g. a stop sign, has

been detected.

The s symbol appears: the ECO start/stop

function is deactivated or there is a malfunc-

tion.

If the engine was switched o by the ECO start/

stop function and you leave the vehicle, a warning

tone will sound and the engine will not be restar-

ted. In addition, the following display message will

appear on the driver's display:

144

Driving and parking

Vehicle is Ready to Drive Switch Off Vehicle

Before Exiting

If you do not switch o the vehicle, it will automat-

ically be switched o aer three minutes.

▌Switching the ECO start/stop function on/o

NOTE Mercedes-AMG vehicles

Observe the notes in the Supplement.

You could otherwise fail to recognize

dangers.

Press button 1.

A display will appear on the driver's display

when you switch the ECO start/stop function

on/o.

s will be continuously shown on the driv-

er's display while the ECO start/stop function

is deactivated.

ECO display function

Depending on the model and equipment, your

vehicle has one of the following representa-

tions of the ECO display.

The ECO display summarizes your driving charac-

teristics from the start of the journey to its com-

pletion and assists you in achieving the most eco-

nomical driving style.

The ECO display assesses the following criteria for

an economical driving style:

coasting at the right times

consistent speed

moderate acceleration

Driving and parking

145

The lettering in the segment will light up brightly,

the outer edge will light up and the segment will

ll up when the following driving style is adopted:

1 Steady speed

2 Gentle deceleration and rolling

3 Moderate acceleration

The lettering in the segment will be gray, the outer

edge will be dark and the segment will empty

when the following driving style is adopted:

1 Fluctuations in speed

2 Heavy braking

3 Sporty acceleration

The ECO display will show you when you have

driven economically:

The three segments will ll up completely at

the same time

The edges around all three segments will light

The additional range achieved as a result of your

driving style in comparison with a driver with a

very sporty driving style will be shown in the cen-

ter of display

4. The range displayed does not

indicate a xed reduction in consumption.

The ECO display shows an evaluation of your driv-

ing style on the driver's display depending on the

situation. This enables you to check the eciency

of your driving style and adjust it if necessary. The

ECO Display menu shows ball 2 that will roll for-

wards or backwards on a stylized road in the

direction of travel according to the driving charac-

teristics.

Above and below the road, lines mark the area for

an ecient driving style

3. Ball 2 will light up in

green if it is rolling within these lines. Outside the

lines, the ball will light up in orange.

The overall assessment of your driving style "from

start" is indicated using stars

1. It starts with

ve empty stars, which you can ll one aer the

other if you drive eciently. When all ve stars are

lled, a glow will appear in the background.

You can call up the ECO Display function via

the

Classic menu (/ page 221).

ECO Assist function (vehicles with 48 V on-board

electrical system)

ECO Assist is active only in drive pro-

grams ; and A.

ECO Assist analyzes data for the vehicle's expec-

ted route. This allows the system to optimally

adjust the driving style for the route ahead, save

fuel and recuperate. If the system detects an

event ahead and the vehicle nears the event, ECO

Assist will calculate the optimum speed for maxi-

mum fuel economy and recuperative energy

based on the distance, speed and downhill gradi-

ent.

146

Driving and parking

If the deceleration provided by ECO Assist is not

sucient, you must also brake with the service

brake. This is especially the case if, for example,

you pull away again in slow-moving trac and the

distance to the vehicle in front is very short.

"Foot o the accelerator" recommendation

Route event ahead

If a route event ahead or a vehicle driving in front

is detected which requires an adjustment to your

driving style to ensure greater eciency, corre-

sponding symbol

2 and the ý symbol will be

displayed in gray.

If you release the accelerator pedal, the ý

symbol will turn green and recuperation in over-

run mode will be initiated. If the deceleration is

not sucient, also apply the service brake. If ECO

Assist intervenes for a route event ahead (not for

a vehicle in front) and you then press the acceler-

ator pedal again, you end ECO Assist's control.

The ECO Assist display is hidden again in the fol-

lowing cases:

You do not react to the ECO Assist recommen-

dation for a long time.

You press the accelerator pedal while ECO

Assist is intervening for a route event ahead

(not for a vehicle in front).

ECO Assist cannot identify any further recom-

mendations from the route ahead.

Depending on the equipment, in addition to the

¥ vehicle driving ahead, ECO Asisst detects

following route events

Trac circle

T-intersection

Downhill gradient

Speed limit

In the A drive program, ECO Assist only

reacts to the route event "Vehicle in front"

without a display of the ¥ route event and

the ý recommendation.

System limits

If the calculated route is adhered to when route

guidance is active, ECO Assist will operate with

greater accuracy. The basic function is also availa-

ble without active route guidance. Not all informa-

tion and trac situations can be foreseen. The

quality depends on the map data.

ECO Assist is only an aid. The driver is responsible

for keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in

front, for vehicle speed and for braking in good

time.

The system may be impaired or may not function

in the following situations:

If there is poor visibility, e.g. due to insucient

illumination of the road, highly variable shade

conditions, rain, snow, fog or heavy spray.

If there is glare, e.g. from oncoming trac,

direct sunlight or reections.

Driving and parking

147

If the windshield is dirty in the vicinity of the

multifunction camera.

If the multifunction camera is fogged up, dam-

aged or obscured.

If road signs are hard to detect, e.g. due to

dirt, snow or insucient lighting, or because

they are obscured.

If the information in the navigation system's

digital map is incorrect or out of date.

If signs are ambiguous, e.g. road signs in road-

works or in adjacent lanes.

If the radar sensors are dirty or obscured.

When you drive on roads with steep uphill or

downhill gradients.

If there are narrow vehicles in front, such as

bicycles or motorcycles.

DYNAMIC SELECT

Function of DYNAMIC SELECT

NOTE Mercedes-AMG vehicles

Observe the notes in the Supplement.

You could otherwise fail to recognize

dangers.

DYNAMIC SELECT makes the quick selection of a

drive program possible in accordance with the

current driving situation or the desired vehicle

characteristics. You can select from the following

drive programs.

Depending on the engine and equipment, the

vehicle has dierent drive programs.

The drive program selected appears in the driver's

display.

Individual

Individual settings (/ page 149)

Sport

The maximum drive output is available

Sporty driving

Sporty, but with an emphasis on stability

Enables a sporty driver to adopt a more active

driving style

Only suitable for good road conditions, a dry

road surface and a clear stretch of road

Comfort

Comfortable and economical driving

Balance between traction and stability

Recommended for all road conditions

;

Eco

Particularly economical driving

Balance between traction and stability

Recommended for all road conditions

The ESP

settings in drive programs ;

and A are designed for stability. Therefore,

choose one of these drive programs espe-

cially when transporting roof loads, in trailer

operation and when the vehicle is fully loaded

or fully occupied.

148

Driving and parking

Driving and parking -> Driving for Your Mercedes CLA 4 Door Third Generation (2025-2026)

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