Driving safety systems
In this section, you will find information about the following driving safety systems:
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ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
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BAS (Brake Assist System)
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ESP® (Electronic Stability Program)
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Steer Assist
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In wintry road conditions, use winter tyres (M+S tyres) and snow chains if necessary. .
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 | Risk of accident |
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The risk of an accident is significantly increased by driving too fast. This is particularly the case when cornering on wet and slippery roads and when driving too close to the vehicle in front.
The driving safety systems described in this section cannot reduce this risk or override the laws of physics.
For this reason, always adapt your driving style to suit the prevailing road and weather conditions. Maintain sufficient distance from other road users and objects on the road.
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ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way that the wheels do not lock when you brake. This allows you to continue steering the vehicle when braking.
ABS works from a speed of about 8 km/h upwards, regardless of road surface conditions. ABS works on slippery surfaces, even when you only brake gently.
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Do not depress the brake pedal several times in quick succession (pumping). Depress the brake firmly and evenly. Pumping the brake pedal reduces the braking effect.
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Braking
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel a pulsing in the brake pedal.
If ABS intervenes:
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Continue to depress the brake pedal with force until the braking situation is over.
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For full braking application:
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Depress the brake pedal with maximum force.
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If ABS is faulty, the wheels could lock when braking. This limits the steerability of the vehicle when braking and the braking distance may increase.
If ABS is deactivated due to a malfunction, then BAS and ESP are also deactivated.
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BAS (Brake Assist)
BAS operates in emergency braking situations. If you depress the brake pedal quickly, BAS automatically boosts the braking force, thus shortening the stopping distance.
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Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed until the emergency braking situation is over.
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ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
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The brakes will function as usual once you release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated.
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If BAS has malfunctioned, the braking system remains available with full brake boosting effect. However, braking force is not automatically increased in emergency braking situations and the stopping distance may increase.
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ESP® (Electronic Stability Program)
ESP® monitors driving stability and traction, i.e. power transmission between the tyres and the road surface.
ESP® detects when a wheel spins or the vehicle enters a skid. ESP® stabilises the vehicle by braking individual wheels, limiting the engine power output, and assists you when pulling away on a wet or slippery road surface. ESP® also stabilises the vehicle during braking.
When ESP® intervenes, the 
warning lamp flashes in the instrument cluster.
| Risk of accident |
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If the warning lamp in the instrument cluster flashes, proceed as follows:
The vehicle could otherwise go into a skid.
ESP® cannot reduce the risk of an accident if you drive too fast. ESP® cannot override the laws of physics.
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The ignition must be switched off (key in position 0 or 1 in the ignition lock) if:
Application of the brakes by ESP® may otherwise destroy the braking system on the front axle.
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Only use wheels with the recommended tyre sizes . Only then will ESP® function properly.
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Steer Assist
Steer Assist assists you by transmitting to the steering wheel a noticeable steering force in the direction required for vehicle stabilisation. This steering support is provided in particular if:
You have control over the steering at all times.
| Risk of accident |
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If there is an ESP® malfunction, the Steer Assist will not provide steering support. The steering continues to function with power assistance.
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