How do the DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes work?

The Mercedes Benz DYNAMIC SELECT system includes a series of driving modes that adjust the vehicle's behavior according to the driver's needs. This technology puts at your fingertips the possibility of adjusting different parameters of the car, making it an efficient vehicle or a powerful sports car. In addition, it is accessible through a practical selector located on the center console or on the steering wheel itself. But how exactly do the driving modes of the Mercedes DYNAMIC SELECT program work?

The DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes modify the behavior of your Mercedes Benz at the touch of a button. This system allows you to adjust different characteristics of the car, whether it is the behavior of the engine, gearbox, suspension or steering, adapting it either to your driving style or to the ever-changing needs of the road.

How does the Mercedes DYNAMIC SELECT program work?

Through the DYNAMIC SELECT selector integrated in the center console or on the steering wheel (depending on the Mercedes Benz model), you can choose the driving mode you want at all times. The settings are made instantly and there is no need to stop the vehicle or turn off the engine. You can set it on the move. A specific display will appear for a few seconds on the MBUX system screens to notify which mode has been activated.

Each of the programs set within the mode selector affects different aspects of the vehicle in one way or another. Suspension settings, engine response or even air conditioning output is altered in each mode. These changes are also reflected in the instrument cluster and media displays, as well as in the ambient lighting. These programs, in turn, are designed with one main objective in mind. Whether improving ride comfort, reducing fuel consumption or offering a sportier performance, each has a personality of its own.

Everything from the throttle feel to the steering, the various electronic safety systems and even the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system can vary their behavior depending on the selected driving program. This opens up a wide range of possibilities for the driver, as he or she can tailor the vehicle's response to his or her needs at all times.

How many driving modes are included?

There are several programs that make up the Mercedes DYNAMIC SELECT system. Each of them is designed for a purpose and the driver has the possibility to choose the one that best suits their needs at all times. As standard, the program includes four preset modes from which you can choose:

• ECO: this program emphasizes fuel-efficient and fuel-saving driving.
• Comfort: is the default and most balanced mode of the system. It adjusts the suspension and engine response to provide a comfortable and relaxed ride, not to mention reduced fuel consumption.
• Sport: the response of the engine, automatic transmission and steering takes on a sportier feel. If your Mercedes Benz is equipped with the AIR BODY CONTROL system, you can lower the suspension height by up to 15 mm (on selected models).
• Sport +: this driving mode offers an even more direct response, always focused on dynamic and agile driving. It is the sportiest level offered by the DYNAMIC SELECT system and is available on selected models.

Can it be customized to your needs and tastes?

Mercedes Benz driving modes go one step further and include a customizable option based on a number of parameters. This fifth program is called Individual and is fully adjustable according to the driver's preferences. Depending on the model, engine and equipment, the Individual mode has more or fewer parameters to set.

Each of these sections can be adjusted according to the ECO, Comfort and Sport (also Sport +) parameters. The five basic sections that you can modify in the Individual program are:

• Engine response: it can be more or less direct, depending on whether you are looking for a sportier feel or better fuel economy.
• Suspension: can be stiffened to improve the driving experience and grip, or made more comfortable for road travel.
• Steering: the steering response can also be more or less direct, depending on the type of driving you are doing.
• The air conditioning: if you activate the ECO function, the air conditioning reduces its consumption, which has a direct impact on fuel economy.
• The Start&Stop system: you can choose whether it is on or off.

Thus, this advanced technology offers you the possibility to customize your car under a long list of parameters. You can configure your Mercedes Benz based on your preferences, adjusting it millimetrically and without leaving the car through the MBUX system.

DYNAMIC SELECT also for AMG, Offroad and EQ Power

The Mercedes DYNAMIC SELECT driving programs are also adapted to the brand's wide range of models with a customized offer for each of them. Thus, Mercedes-AMG vehicles offer up to six different driving modes. In addition to the Comfort, Sport, Sport + and Individual programs, the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT system adds the RACE and DRIFT modes (available on selected models). The former is designed for circuit driving, while the latter allows drifting in those models equipped with 4MATIC+ traction.

Mercedes Benz SUVs and SUVs also offer some driving modes focused offroad. Thanks to the optional Offroad technical package, the SUVs of the brand improve their already exceptional 4×4 qualities. Within the DYNAMIC SELECT the Offroad program is included, able to increase the height of the body and provide more torque to the wheels with better traction. Offroad + goes further and is available with the Offroad Engineering package. This mode combines the use of the reduction gear and differential lock with AIRMATIC air suspension, raising ground clearance and fording depth.

Finally, the DYNAMIC SELECT program of the Mercedes Benz EQ Power plug-in hybrid model range adds two new driving modes. The first, Battery Level, is designed to preserve and recharge the battery while driving. The second is Electric mode. This program gives priority to driving on electric power alone, disconnecting the gasoline engine and reducing consumption and emissions to zero.

Discover the complete range of Mercedes Benz models at your nearest Concesur Group Official Dealer.