If you drive at an angle or turn on an incline, the vehicle could slip sideways, tip and rollover.
Flammable material such as leaves, grass or twigs may ignite if they come into contact with hot parts of the exhaust system.
When driving off-road, substances such as sand, mud and water or water mixed with oil may get into the brakes. This may lead to a reduction in braking effect or total brake failure as a result of increased wear. The braking characteristics will vary depending on the material that has entered the system. Clean the brakes after driving off-road. If you then notice reduced braking effect or hear scraping noises, have the brake system checked at a qualified specialist workshop. Adjust your driving style to the changed braking characteristics.
driving up on high kerbs or unpaved roads.
quickly driving over obstacles such as kerbs, speed bumps or potholes.
heavy objects hitting the underbody or chassis components.
Environmental protection has priority. Treat nature with respect.
Fuel level
Vehicles with a diesel engine: AdBlue® level
Engine oil level: fill engine oil up to the maximum level to ensure full gradeability More.
Tyre-change tool kit and spare wheel
Tyres and wheels
Information about special all-terrain tyres for retrofitting is available from any qualified specialist workshop.
Read this section before driving your vehicle off-road. Practise by driving over more gentle off-road terrain first.
If necessary, select the
or 
drive program (vehicles with an Off-road package) before driving off-road More. Before driving off-road, shift the transfer case to the LOW RANGE off-road gear (vehicles with an Offroad package) More.
Select a vehicle level suitable for off-road terrain More. To avoid damaging the vehicle, make sure there is always sufficient ground clearance.
Always keep the engine running and in gear when driving on downhill gradients and slopes. Observe the notes on driving in mountainous terrain.
Activate DSR before driving downhill, if necessary More.
Do not drive on unknown terrain that is not easily visible and stay on marked routes.
Always keep the doors and windows closed while the vehicle is in motion.
Deactivate Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, cruise control and the variable limiter.
Adapt your driving style to the terrain.
Do not use the HOLD function on steep downhill or uphill gradients with slippery or loose surfaces.
Select the
drive program. Select a higher vehicle level.
Shift to a lower gear.
Drive quickly to overcome the rolling resistance, otherwise the vehicle may dig itself in.
Drive in the tracks of other vehicles if possible. Make sure that the following prerequisites are met:
the tyre ruts are not too deep
the sand is firm enough
the ground clearance is sufficient
Drive at no more than 10 km/h.
Observe the maximum permissible fording depth .
Switch off automatic climate control More.
Vehicles with stationary heater/ventilation: switch the stationary heater/ventilation off More.
Ensure that a bow wave does not form as you drive.
Do not stop in the water and do not switch off the engine. Ensure the ECO start/stop function is switched off More.
Observe the values of the approach/departure angle and of the maximum gradient .
Observe the notes on the cross-country ABS More.
Before driving in mountainous terrain, shift the transfer case to the LOW RANGE off-road gear More.
Avoid high engine speeds.
Use the braking power of the engine when driving downhill.
Shift to a lower gear on uphill gradients and on long, steep downhill gradients.
Activate DSR before driving downhill, if necessary More.
Check that the service brake is working normally after a long downhill stretch.
Off-road driving terrain places greater demands on your vehicle than driving on normal roads. Check the entire vehicle for damage and foreign bodies every time after driving off-road. Foreign bodies in the wheels or drivetrain can lead to imbalances and therefore vibrations.
If the
or drive program is selected: select the 
, 
, 
or 
drive program. Shift the transfer case to the on-road position HIGH RANGE.
Switch DSR off.
Lower the vehicle level again to a level suitable to the road conditions, e.g. to the normal level.
Apply the brakes to dry them after fording.
Clean the following components every time after driving off-road:
licence plate number
headlamps and tail lamps
tyres, wheels and wheel arches
underbody
After driving through sand, mud, water or gravel, have the following components checked and cleaned:
brake discs and brakepads
tyres and wheels
axle joints