The ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM reduces the vehicle's roll angle when cornering by using its active suspension stabilisers. This enhances ride comfort for the vehicle occupants and boosts driving dynamics at mid-range speeds (winding rural roads) as well as at high speeds (motorway). The system allows the greatest possible degree of articulation and thus even better traction for off-road driving.

The ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM determines the roll forces acting on the vehicle by means of pressure sensors in the front and rear axle rotary actuators and a lateral acceleration sensor. An electronic control unit then sends actuating signals to the valve blocks on the front and rear axle, thus controlling the oil flow in the system produced by the hydraulic pump. The pressure in the chambers and the configuration of the active suspension stabilisers mounted on each axle are then adjusted to the driving situation.

The Direct-Steer system adds to the comfort of speed-sensitive power steering. It features a variable steering ratio aligned with the steering wheel angle. The vehicle responds with greater agility when the wheel angle is changed and steering requirements are reduced.

The Direct-Steer system is made up of two components: the speed-dependent steering power support that is familiar from speed-sensitive steering systems; and the variable steering ratio linked to steering angle. The high degree of power assistance afforded when parking, which requires minimal steering force, is steadily reduced as the speed of the vehicle increases. This supports straight-line stability at higher speeds. The steering rack is characterised by its variable gearing.

AIRMATIC provides ride comfort and driving dynamics at the highest level. The air suspension system works in combination with a fully automatic damping adjustment which can continually adapt to the driving situation and provides excellent road roar and tyre vibration characteristics even when the road is slightly bumpy.

In addition the vehicle can be raised on poor or unfavourable stretches of road to increase ground clearance. When driving continually at a high speed the vehicle is automatically lowered. This improves handling and reduces wind resistance - an additional contribution to reducing fuel consumption.
The integrated Adaptive Damping System (ADS) allows the driver to choose between a more comfort-oriented or a sportier setting at the touch of a button.

The off-road-driving mode supports the driver when using the vehicle off-road by adjusting the settings for the engine output, automatic transmission, anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) and the 4ETS Electronic Traction System.

The off-road-driving mode is activated through the off-road button in the centre console. A control lamp in the switch and symbol in the display of the instrument cluster show the status of the system.

The ON&OFFROAD package gives the driver greater handling control – both on and off-road.

The driver uses a rotary switch to select from six different preset drive modes. Each drive mode aligns vehicle configuration with driving situation and road surface as effectively as possible. The centre differential also features a manual 100% differential lock and an additional reduction gear (low range) has been integrated for off-road reduction.

The following drive modes are available: