Driving with an open tailgate

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings

Driving with an open tailgate is particularly dangerous. All objects and the open tailgate must be secured properly. Take the appropriate measures to reduce the amount of poisonous exhaust fumes that could enter into the vehicle.

Driving with an unlocked or open tailgate can cause serious injuries.

• Always drive with the tailgate closed.

• Always stow all items in the luggage compartment securely. Loose items could fall out of the luggage compartment and injure other road users.

• Always drive especially carefully and think ahead.

• Avoid any abrupt or sudden driving and braking manoeuvres as this could cause the open tailgate to move unpredictably.

• If objects protrude from your luggage compartment, draw the attention of other road users to them. Observe legal requirements.

• If items protrude out of the luggage compartment, never use the tailgate to hold them in position.

• If you drive with the tailgate open, you must remove any racks and luggage from the tailgate.

Poisonous exhaust fumes could enter the vehicle interior if the tailgate is open. This could result in loss of consciousness, carbon monoxide poisoning, serious injury and accidents.

• Always drive with the tailgate closed in order to prevent poisonous gases from entering the vehicle.

• If exceptional circumstances require you to drive with an open tailgate, you must do the following to reduce the amount of poisonous exhaust fumes that could enter into the vehicle:
  • Close all windows and the panoramic sliding roof.
  • Switch off air recirculation mode.
  • Open all vents in the dash panel.
  • Switch the blowers to the highest setting.

NOTICE

The vehicle length and height are different when the tailgate is open.