Automatic driving program

The automatic driving program of the Mercedes E-Class (4th generation, W212, 2009–2016) offers different modes for different driving situations. This section describes the characteristics of E, E+, S and M, to optimize fuel consumption or support sporty driving. Notes on shift recommendations supplement the information.

Automatic driving program E

Driving program E (on AMG vehicles, driving program C) has the following characteristics:

• Comfort-oriented engine calibration.
• Optimal fuel consumption due to early shift points of the automatic transmission.
• Except at full throttle, the vehicle starts moving forward and in reverse more smoothly.
• Metering is improved. As a result, the vehicle has improved driving stability, for example on slippery roads.
• The automatic transmission upshifts earlier. The vehicle therefore drives in lower engine speed ranges and the wheels are less likely to spin.

Automatic driving program E+ (E 300 BlueTEC and E 350 BlueTEC)

Driving program E+ has the following characteristics:

• Comfort-oriented engine and automatic transmission calibration.
• Optimal fuel consumption due to early shift points of the automatic transmission.
• Except at full throttle, the vehicle starts moving forward and in reverse more smoothly.
• Metering is improved. As a result, the vehicle has improved driving stability, for example on slippery roads.
• The automatic transmission upshifts earlier. The vehicle therefore drives in lower engine speed ranges and the wheels are less likely to spin.
• Coasting mode up to a speed of 160 km/h:
  • The combustion engine is decoupled from the drivetrain.
  • The engine speed corresponds to idle speed.

Coasting mode can be activated under the following conditions:

• The road is suitable, e.g. no steep inclines or declines.
• You are driving slower than 160 km/h.
• You do not press the accelerator pedal.

Coasting mode is deactivated under the following conditions:

• You are driving faster than 160 km/h.
• You press the accelerator pedal.
• You press the brake pedal.
• You change the transmission position with the DIRECT SELECT selector lever.
• You switch to driving program E or S.
• A driver assistance or safety system requires this, e.g. COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS.

Automatic driving program S

Driving program S (on AMG vehicles, driving programs S and S+) has the following characteristics:

• Sporty engine and automatic transmission calibration.
• The automatic transmission upshifts later.
• Late shift points of the automatic transmission can result in higher fuel consumption.

Manual driving program M

General notes

In this driving program you can shift gears yourself for a short time using the shift paddles. The transmission must be in position D.

You can activate the manual driving program M in automatic driving programs E, E+ (E 300 BlueTEC and E 350 BlueTEC) and S.

Info

In addition to this short-term driving program M, you can also switch on the permanent driving program M.

Further information on the permanent driving program M .

Activate

Shift the transmission to position D.Pull the left or right shift paddle.

The manual driving program M is temporarily activated. M and the selected gear are shown in the multifunction display.

Shifting

When you pull the left or right shift paddle, the automatic transmission switches to the manual driving program M for a limited time. If permitted, the automatic transmission immediately shifts to the next higher or next lower gear, depending on which shift paddle you pulled.

Upshift: Pull the right shift paddle.

The automatic transmission shifts to the next higher gear. Info

If the maximum engine speed of the currently engaged gear is reached and you continue to accelerate, the automatic transmission upshifts automatically to protect the engine from damage.

Downshift: Pull the left shift paddle.

The automatic transmission shifts to the next lower gear. Info

If downshifting would cause the engine to exceed its maximum engine speed, the automatic transmission does not downshift to protect the engine from damage.

Automatic downshifts occur when coasting.

Gear shift recommendation

The gear shift recommendation provides hints for fuel-efficient driving. The recommended gear is shown in the multifunction display.

When the corresponding gear shift recommendationappears, shift to the recommended gear.

Deactivate

Once you have activated the manual driving program M, it remains active for a certain period. Under certain conditions this minimum period is extended, e.g. during lateral acceleration, during a coasting phase or when driving on steep terrain.

When the manual driving program M is deactivated, the automatic transmission switches to the last active automatic driving program.

You can also deactivate the manual driving program M yourself:

Pull the right shift paddle and hold it.

or

Change the transmission position with the DIRECT SELECT selector lever.

or

Change the driving program with the driving program selector button.

The manual driving program M is deactivated. The automatic transmission switches to the last active automatic driving program.

The automatic driving programs of the Mercedes E-Class W212 (model years 2009–2016) offer a wide range from comfort to sportiness. E and E+ in particular support a consumption-optimized driving style, while S enables a more dynamic driving experience.

Thanks to intelligent adaptation of the shift points, every journey is made more efficient and safer – another example of Mercedes-Benz engineering.

Question: What does coasting mode do in the E+ program?

Answer: It decouples the engine from the drivetrain, reduces engine speed and saves fuel.

Question: When is coasting mode deactivated?

Answer: When the accelerator or brake is operated, above 160 km/h, or when an active assistance system is engaged.