- Fig. 1 Centre console with
OFF button
The ESP is switched on automatically when the engine is started.
ESP off-road mode
In certain situations, you may wish to activate ESP off-road mode. This will give you maximum traction and braking performance when driving at low speed on a loose surface.
ESP off-road mode can be useful in particular circumstances where a certain amount of wheel spin or a more effective differential lock action may be desirable. For example:
- Rocking the car backwards and forwards to free it
- Driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces
- Driving on rough terrain when much of the car's weight is lifted off the wheels (axle articulation)
- Driving with snow chains
- Braking on unsurfaced tracks when driving downhill
Switching on ESP off-road mode
Press the OFF button Fig. 1. The indicator lamp 
will light up and the message ESP Offroad Warning! Restricted stability will appear in the driver information system display.
OFF button Fig. 1. The indicator lamp will light up and the message ESP Offroad Warning! Restricted stability will appear in the driver information system display.Switching off ESP off-road mode
Press the OFF button again to switch back to the normal ESP operating mode. The indicator lamp will go out and the message ESP/ASR on will appear in the driver information system display.
OFF button again to switch back to the normal ESP operating mode. The indicator lamp will go out and the message ESP/ASR on will appear in the driver information system display.Downhill assist function
The downhill assist function is activated in ESP off-road mode. When driving slowly down a steep gradient on a loose surface or on terrain which induces axle articulation, the downhill assist function keeps the road speed as constant as possible by applying the brakes automatically. In addition, it makes the vehicle easier to steer by optimising the brake force distribution. The downhill assist function intervenes if:
- the accelerator pedal is not depressed,
- the vehicle is moving at a speed under 20 km/h,
- a steep gradient has been detected,
- the wheel action suggests a loose surface or slippery road conditions (or axle articulation).
The downhill assist function intervenes in forward and reverse gears. When you press the accelerator, the downhill assist function is deactivated until the conditions listed above have been met again.
WARNING!
- You should switch on the ESP off-road mode only if your driving ability and the traffic conditions allow you to do so safely. Please note that there can be a tendency for the wheels to spin in ESP off-road mode, causing the vehicle to lose grip, in particular on slippery or wet roads - danger of skidding!
- The car's stability is restricted in ESP off-road mode.
Note
ESP off-road mode cannot be activated when the adaptive cruise control (ACC)* is activated.