Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 2014 Owners Manual - Manual (Page 164)

Shift ranges
Introduction
i You can restrict or derestrict the shift
range by using the steering wheel paddle
shifters.
When the automatic transmission is in
position D, it is possible to restrict or expand
the shift range (
Y
page 162).
The shift range selected is shown in the
multifunction display. The automatic
transmission shifts only as far as the selected
gear.
Shift range:
= You can use the engine's braking
effect
5 You can use the braking effect of
the engine on downhill gradients
and for driving:
R on steep mountain roads
R in mountainous terrain
R in arduous conditions
4 To use the braking effect of the
engine on extremely steep downhill
gradients and on long downhill
stretches
Restricting the shift range
X Pull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter.
The automatic transmission shifts down
one gear and restricts the shift range to the
relevant gear.
i If the engine exceeds the maximum
engine speed when shifting down, the
automatic transmission protects against
engine damage by not shifting down.
i If the maximum engine speed for the shift
range is reached and you continue to
accelerate, the automatic transmission
shifts up, even if the shift range is
restricted. This prevents the engine from
overrevving.
Extending the shift range
X Pull the right-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter.
The shift range is derestricted.
Clearing the shift range restriction
X Pull and hold the right-hand steering wheel
paddle shifter until D is shown again in the
multifunction display.
The automatic transmission shifts from the
current shift range directly to D.
Selecting the ideal shift range
X Pull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter and hold it in position.
The automatic transmission shifts to the
gear which allows optimum acceleration
and deceleration. To do this, the automatic
transmission shifts down one or more
gears.
Manual drive program (AMG vehicles
and vehicles with AMG Sports
package)
Switching on the manual drive program
X Turn the drive program selector
(
Y
page 159) until M appears in the
multifunction display.
The indicator M on the drive program
selector lights up in red.
The manual drive program is only available for
AMG vehicles.
Manual drive program M is different from
drive programs S and S+ with regard to
spontaneity, responsiveness and
smoothness of gear changes.
Manual drive program M can be selected
using the drive program selector. In manual
drive program M, you can change gear using
162
Automatic transmission
Driving
and
parking