4Matic (Permanent Four-Wheel Drive); Parktronic; Comfort Tuning; Load Compensation - Mercedes-Benz S-Class Operator's Manual

Driving systems
218

Comfort tuning

In comfort mode, the driving characteristics
of your vehicle are more comfortable.
Therefore, select this mode if you favor a
more comfortable driving style. Select
comfort mode also when driving fast on
straight roads, e.g. on straight stretches of
freeway.
If indicator lamp ;
X
button :.
Indicator lamp ; lights up. Comfort tuning
is selected.
All vehicles except AMG vehicles: the
AIRMATIC COMFORT AIRMATIC COMFORT
the multifunction display.
AMG vehicles: the
System COMFORT System COMFORT
multifunction display.
If the driving speed is higher than 75 mph
(120 km/h), the vehicle is automatically
lowered by another 0.4 in (10 mm) compared
to the normal level in comfort mode.

Load compensation

The vehicle can compensate differences in
the vehicle level by raising or lowering the
axles. This is the case, for example, if people
get out or if luggage is being loaded.
Load compensation takes place if:
a door or the trunk lid is opened
R
the parked vehicle is unlocked
R
For larger level changes, the engine must be
running.
; is not lit: press
message appears in
AMG Suspension AMG Suspension
message appears in the

4MATIC (permanent four-wheel drive)

4MATIC ensures that all four wheels are
permanently driven. Together with ESP
improves the traction of your vehicle
whenever a drive wheel spins due to
insufficient grip.
If you fail to adapt your driving style, 4MATIC
can neither reduce the risk of accident nor
override the laws of physics. 4MATIC cannot
take account of road, weather and traffic
conditions. 4MATIC is only an aid. You are
responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good
time and for staying in your lane.
If a drive wheel spins due to insufficient grip:
Only depress the accelerator pedal as far
R
as necessary when pulling away.
Accelerate less when driving.
R
! Never tow the vehicle with one axle
raised. This may damage the transfer case.
Damage of this sort is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. All
wheels must remain either on the ground
or be fully raised. Observe the instructions
for towing the vehicle with all wheels in full
contact with the ground.
i
In wintry driving conditions, the maximum
effect of 4MATIC can only be achieved if
you use winter tires (M+S tires), with snow
chains if necessary.

PARKTRONIC

Important safety notes
PARKTRONIC is an electronic parking aid with
ultrasonic sensors. It monitors the area
around your vehicle using six sensors in the
front bumper and six sensors in the rear
bumper. PARKTRONIC indicates visually and
audibly the distance between your vehicle
and an object.
PARKTRONIC is only an aid. It is not a
replacement for your attention to your
immediate surroundings. You are always
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, it