Your vehicle's driving systems are described on the following pages:

• Cruise control, Distronic* and Speedtronic, which you can use to control the speed of the vehicle

• SBC Hold, which makes pulling away easier, particularly on steep uphill gradients

• Hill start assist (SL 63 AMG), which makes pulling away on steep uphill gradients easier.

• RACE START (SL 63 AMG), which makes pulling away on race tracks easier

• Active Body Control* (ABC) with vehicle level setting, which is used to adjust your vehicle's suspension system

• Parktronic*, which assists you in parking and manoeuvring

The following driving safety systems: ABS, BAS, adaptive brake lights, ESP® and SBC^TM and SBC® are described in the "Safety" section more.

Cruise control

Cruise control maintains a constant road speed for you. It brakes automatically in order to avoid exceeding the set speed. On long and steep downhill gradients, especially if the vehicle is laden, you must select shift range 1, 2 or 3 in good time. In this way you will make use of the braking effect of the engine, which relieves the load on the brake system and prevents the brakes from overheating and wearing too quickly.

Use cruise control only if road and traffic conditions make it appropriate to maintain a steady speed for a prolonged period. You can store any road speed above 30 km/h.

Cruise control display in the instrument cluster

When cruise control is activated, the multi-function display in the speedometer shows CC and the stored speed.

Display for activated cruise control Stored speed

Cruise control lever

You can operate cruise control and variable Speedtronic with the cruise control lever.

The LIM indicator lamp on the cruise control lever indicates which system you have selected:

• LIM indicator lamp off:

  cruise control is selected

• LIM indicator lamp lit:

  variable Speedtronic is selected

To store the current speed or a higher speed LIM indicator lamp To select the current or last stored speed To store the current speed or a lower speed To switch between cruise control and variable Speedtronic To deactivate cruise control

Selecting cruise control

Storing and maintaining the current speed

You can store the current speed if you are driving faster than 30 km/h.

To select the current or last stored speed

Setting a speed

Making fine adjustments in 1 km/h increments

Deactivating cruise control

or

or

Cruise control is automatically deactivated if, for example:

• you depress the parking brake

• you are driving at less than 30 km/h

• ESP® is intervening or you deactivate ESP®

• you move the selector lever to N while driving

If cruise control is deactivated, you will hear a warning tone. You will see the Cruise control off message in the multi-function display of the speedometer for approximately five seconds.

Distronic*

Distronic regulates the speed and automatically maintains the distance to the vehicle in front. It brakes automatically in order to avoid exceeding the set speed. On long and steep downhill gradients, especially if the vehicle is laden, you must select shift range 1, 2 or 3. In this way you will make use of the braking effect of the engine, which relieves the load on the brake system and prevents the brakes from overheating and wearing too quickly.

If a slower-moving vehicle is detected in front, Distronic causes your vehicle to brake and maintain a preset distance to the vehicle in front.

If there is no vehicle in front, Distronic operates in the same way as cruise control. Distronic functions in the 30 km/h to 180 km/h range.

Cruise control lever

With the cruise control lever you can operate Distronic and variable Speedtronic.

The LIM indicator lamp on the cruise control lever indicates which system you have selected:

• LIM indicator lamp off:

  Distronic is selected

• LIM indicator lamp lit:

  variable Speedtronic is selected

To store the current speed or a higher speed LIM indicator lamp To select the current or last stored speed To store the current speed or a lower speed To switch between Distronic and variable Speedtronic To deactivate Distronic

Selecting Distronic

Switching on Distronic, storing the current speed and maintaining it

If Distronic is not activated after the cruise control lever is pressed, you will see the message DTR  - - - km/h in the multi-function display.

You cannot activate Distronic under the following circumstances:

• if you are driving slower than 30 km/h or faster than 180 km/h

• when braking

• when you have applied the parking brake

• if ESP® is deactivated

• when the selector lever is in position P, R or N

• for two minutes after the engine is started

Setting a speed

Adjustment in 10 km/h increments

Making fine adjustments in 1 km/h increments

Selecting the current or last stored speed

Setting the specified minimum distance for Distronic

You can set the specified minimum distance for Distronic by varying the time span between one and two seconds. This time span determines the distance that Distronic should maintain from the vehicle in front, depending on the road speed. You can read this distance in the multi-function display more.

To activate/deactivate the distance warning function To adjust the set distance

Example (except SL 63 AMG)

In the SL 63 AMG the button and thumbwheel can be found on the right-hand side of the centre console.

Adjusting the set distance

Distance warning function

Even if Distronic is deactivated, this function warns you at speeds above 30 km/h if:

• the distance to the vehicle in front is too short for the speed you are driving at for several seconds. The DTR warning lamp in the speedometer lights up in red.

• you are approaching a vehicle in front at too great a speed. You then hear an intermittent warning tone, and the DTR warning lamp in the speedometer lights up in red.

You must apply the brakes yourself in order to maintain the correct distance to the vehicle and to avoid a collision.

Distronic displays in the speedometer

White/red DTR warning lamp Stored speed

When Distronic detects a vehicle ahead, the DTR warning lamp in the speedometer lights up in white.

Distronic menu in the on-board computer

You can read the current Distronic settings in the Distronic menu. What the multi-function display shows depends on whether Distronic and the distance warning function are activated or deactivated.

Distronic deactivated

When Distronic is deactivated you will see the standard Distronic display in the multi-function display.

Vehicle in front, if detected Distance indicator, displaying current distance to the vehicle in front Specified minimum distance to the vehicle in front, adjustable Own vehicle Symbol for activated distance warning function

Distronic activated

When you activate Distronic, you will see the DTR symbol and the stored speed in the left-hand multi-function display.

Display for activated Distronic Stored speed

Deactivating Distronic

To deactivate Distronic LIM indicator lamp To switch between Distronic and variable Speedtronic

or

or

Distronic is automatically deactivated if:

• you depress the parking brake

• you are driving at less than 30 km/h

• ESP® is intervening or you deactivate ESP®

• you move the selector lever to N while driving

If Distronic is deactivated, you will hear a warning tone. You will see the DTR off message in the multi-function display for approximately five seconds.

Tips for driving with Distronic

The following contains descriptions of certain road and traffic conditions in which you must pay particular attention. In such situations, brake if necessary. Distronic is then deactivated.

Cornering, going into and coming out of a bend

The ability of Distronic to detect vehicles when cornering is limited. Your vehicle may brake unexpectedly or late.

Vehicles travelling on a different line

Distronic may not detect vehicles travelling on a different line. The distance to the vehicle in front will be too short.

Other vehicles changing lane

Distronic has not detected the vehicle cutting in yet. The distance to this vehicle will be too short.

Narrow vehicles

Distronic has not detected the vehicle in front on the edge of the carriageway yet, because of its relatively narrow width. The distance to the vehicle in front will be too short.

Speedtronic

Speedtronic brakes automatically so that you do not exceed the set speed. On long and steep downhill gradients, especially if the vehicle is laden, you must select shift range 1, 2 or 3 in good time. In this way you will make use of the braking effect of the engine, which relieves the load on the brake system and prevents the brakes from overheating and wearing too quickly. If you need additional braking, depress the brake pedal repeatedly rather than continuously.

You can set a variable or permanent limit speed:

• Variable for speed limits, e.g. in built-up areasmore

• Permanent for long-term speed restrictions, e.g. for driving on winter tyresmore

Variable Speedtronic

With the cruise control lever, you can operate cruise control, Distronic* and variable Speedtronic.

The LIM indicator lamp on the cruise control lever indicates which system you have selected:

• LIM indicator lamp off:

  cruise control or Distronic* is selected

• LIM indicator lamp lit:

  variable Speedtronic is selected

You can use the cruise control lever to limit the speed to any speed above 30 km/h while the engine is running.

To store the current speed or a higher speed LIM indicator lamp To store the current speed or call up the last stored speed or to make fine adjustments in 1 km/h increments To store the current speed or a lower speed To switch between cruise control, Distronic* and variable Speedtronic To deactivate variable Speedtronic

Selecting variable Speedtronic

Storing the current speed

You can use the cruise control lever to limit the speed to any speed above 30 km/h while the engine is running.

Selecting the current or last stored speed

Adjustment in 10 km/h increments

Making fine adjustments in 1 km/h increments

Deactivating variable Speedtronic

There are several ways to deactivate variable Speedtronic:

or

Variable Speedtronic is deactivated automatically when you depress the accelerator pedal beyond the pressure point (kickdown), but only if your current speed does not differ by more than 20 km/h from the stored speed. You will hear a warning tone if this is the case.

Permanent Speedtronic

You can use the on-board computer to limit the speed permanently to a value between 160 km/h (e.g. for driving with winter tyres) and the maximum speed.

Shortly before the stored speed is reached, it is shown in the multi-function display.

You cannot exceed the stored limit speed, even if you depress the accelerator pedal beyond the pressure point (kickdown).

Setting permanent Speedtronic

SBC Hold

SBC® Hold assists the driver in the following situations:

• when pulling away, especially on steep slopes

• when manoeuvring on steep slopes

• when waiting in traffic

The vehicle is kept stationary without the driver having to depress the brake pedal.

The braking effect is cancelled and SBC Hold deactivated when you depress the accelerator pedal to pull away.

Activation conditions

You can activate SBC Hold if:

• the vehicle is stationary

• the engine is running

• the driver's door is closed

• the parking brake is not applied

• the bonnet is closed

• the selector lever is in position D, R or N

Activating SBC Hold

SBC Hold is activated.

Deactivating SBC Hold

SBC Hold is deactivated if:

• you accelerate when the selector lever is in position D or R

• you move the selector lever to position P

• you apply the brakes again with a certain amount of pressure until the SBC H message in the multi-function display goes out

You will see a warning message in the multi-function display if SBC Hold is activated and:

• the driver's door is opened and you release the seat belt

• the ignition is switched off

• the bonnet is opened

Selector lever to P

You will hear a continuous tone if SBC Hold is activated and you:

• stop the engine and open the driver's door

• open the bonnet

The sounding of the horn alerts you to the fact that the vehicle has been parked while SBC Hold is still activated. The sound becomes louder if you attempt to lock the vehicle. The vehicle is not locked until SBC HOLD is deactivated.

If SBC Hold is activated and has a system fault or there is a disruption in the power supply, the multi-function display shows the message Brake immediately. Depress the brake firmly, until the warning message in the multi-function display goes out, or move the selector lever to position P. This deactivates SBC Hold.

RACE START (SL 63 AMG)

RACE START enables optimal acceleration from a standing start with suitable high-grip road surface conditions.

Conditions for activation

RACE START can be activated when

• the doors are closed

• the engine is running and it has reached an operating temperature of approximately 80 †. This is the case when the engine oil temperature lamp in the multi-function display stops flashing

• ESP® Sport is activated more

• the steering wheel is in the straight-ahead position

• the vehicle is at rest and the brake pedal is depressed (left foot)

• the gear selector lever is in position D.

Activating RACE START

RACE START is deactivated when the vehicle reaches a speed of approximately 50 km/h. Drive program S+ is activated. ESP® Sport remains activated.

Hill start assist (SL 63 AMG)

Hill start assist helps you when pulling away on uphill gradients. It causes the vehicle to be held for a short time after you have removed your foot from the brake pedal. This allows you enough time to move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal and pull away without the vehicle rolling backwards.

Hill start assist does not function if:

• you are pulling away on a level surface or a downhill gradient

• the gear selector lever is in position N

• the vehicle is secured with the parking brake

• ESP® is malfunctioning

Active Body Control* (ABC)

Vehicle level

Your vehicle automatically adjusts its ride height to reduce petrol consumption and improve driving safety.

Depending on the vehicle height that has been set, the vehicle automatically adjusts its height according to the current speed. The vehicle is lowered as the speed increases. As the speed is reduced, the vehicle is raised up to the set vehicle height.

SL 63 AMG, SL 65 AMG: the vehicle is automatically lowered from the normal level when the engine is switched off. The vehicle is lowered approximately 15 mm at the front and approximately 10 mm at the rear.

Setting the vehicle level

The following vehicle heights can be set:

Vehicle height	Suitable for	Height above normal at a standstill	Automatic lowering	Indicator lamps
Normal	Normal operation	None	15 mm at most	Both off
Height 1	Use of snow chains	Approx. 25 mm	25 mm at most	One on
Height 2	Very uneven roads	Approx. 50 mm	50 mm at most	Both on

Only use height 1 and height 2 when necessary. Otherwise fuel consumption increases and the handling is affected.

Your selection remains saved even when you switch off the engine.

Indicator lamp 1 Indicator lamp 2 To set the vehicle level

Suspension tuning

The suspension tuning depends on:

• your driving style

• the road surface conditions

• the payload

• your individual selection

The suspension tuning can be set for a "comfortable" or "sporty" driving style.

Your selection remains saved even when you switch off the engine.

Selecting the suspension tuning (except SL 63 AMG)

To select the suspension tuning Indicator lamp

Selecting the suspension tuning (SL 63 AMG)

To select the suspension tuning To store AMG settings

Storing and calling up settings

Once the suspension tuning and gearshift program have been selected, you can store and call up your settings using AMG button .

Parktronic*

Parktronic is an electronic parking aid. It indicates visually and audibly the distance between your vehicle and an object.

Parktronic is automatically activated when you switch on the ignition and release the parking brake.

Parktronic is deactivated at speeds above 18 km/h. It is reactivated at lower speeds.

Parktronic monitors the area around your vehicle using six sensors in the front bumper and four sensors in the rear bumper.

Sensors in the front bumper

Range of the sensors

The sensors must be free of dirt, ice and slush, otherwise they may not function correctly. Clean the sensors regularly, taking care not to scratch or damage them.

Side view

Top view

Front sensors

Centre	Approximately 100 cm
Corners	Approximately 60 cm

Rear sensors

Centre	Approximately 120 cm
Corners	Approximately 80 cm

Minimum distance

Centre	Approximately 20 cm
Corners	Approximately 15 cm

If there is an obstacle within this range, all warning displays light up and a tone sounds. If the distance falls below the minimum clearance, it may no longer be shown.

Warning displays

The warning displays show the distance between the sensors and the obstacle. The warning display for the front area is located on the dashboard above the centre air vents. The warning display for the rear area is located below the draught stop in the rear wall of the rear compartment.

Left-hand side of the vehicle Right-hand side of the vehicle

Front area warning display

The warning display for each side of the vehicle is divided into six yellow and two red segments. Parktronic is operational when the frame lights up.

The selector lever position determines which warning display is active:

Selector lever at	Warning display
D	Front area activated
R or N	Rear and front areas activated
P	No areas activated

One or more segments light up as the vehicle approaches an obstacle, depending on the vehicle's distance from the obstacle.

• Front area: from the seventh segment onwards, you will hear an intermittent warning tone; from the eighth segment onwards, you will hear a continuous warning tone for a maximum of two seconds. You have reached the minimum distance.

• Rear area: from the first segment onwards, you will hear an intermittent warning tone. The interval gets shorter after each segment. From the eighth segment you will hear a continuous warning tone. You have reached the minimum distance. The continuous warning tone is muted immediately if you shift to D or P.

Deactivating/activating Parktronic

Indicator lamp To deactivate/activate Parktronic

If indicator lamp is on, Parktronic is deactivated.