Transporting items ● Stow items in the vehicle interior in such a way that they can never enter the airbag de- ployment zones while the vehicle is in mo- tion. Stowing luggage and loads ● Always keep stowage compartments closed while the vehicle is in motion. Cargo and luggage can be stowed in the vehicle. Observe any country-specific regulations for transporting items. ● Do not stow objects that could cause pas- sengers to adopt incorrect seating positions. Stowing luggage safely in the vehicle – Always distribute any loads in the vehicle as evenly as possible. Do not cover any ventila- tion openings. ● Do not sit or occupy a seat that is blocked by stowed objects.
● Do not stow any hard, heavy or sharp objects loose in any of the vehicle’s open stowage areas, on the surface behind the rear seat backrest or on the dash panel. – Always stow luggage and heavy objects in the luggage compartment → . – Place the heavy objects as far forwards as pos- sible. ● Remove any hard, heavy or sharp objects from items of clothing and bags inside the vehicle and stow them securely in the lug- gage compartment. – Observe gross axle weight ratings and the gross vehicle weight rating → page 223. – Secure luggage in the luggage compartment to the fastening rings using suitable fixing and securing straps → page 146.
WARNING Transporting heavy objects changes the vehi- cle’s handling due to the change in the centre of gravity and increases the braking distance. Heavy loads that are not properly stowed or se- cured can change the vehicle handling. This can lead to loss of control over the vehicle and cause serious or fatal injuries. – If necessary, fold back the rear seat backrest and engage it securely. – Also stow small objects safely. – If necessary, adjust the headlight range → page 76. – Adjust the tyre pressure according to the vehi- cle load. Observe the tyre pressure sticker → page 189. ● Never overload the vehicle.
Both the load and the distribution of the load in the vehicle will have an effect on the driving response and braking distance of the vehicle. – For vehicles equipped with a tyre pressure monitoring system, set a new load status when necessary → page 183. ● Transporting heavy loads may affect the ve- hicle's driving performance due to centre de- viation. WARNING ● Always distribute the load evenly and as low down as possible in the vehicle. Objects that are not secured or are secured in- correctly can cause serious or fatal injuries in the event of a sudden driving or braking ma- noeuvre or accident.
This applies particularly if objects are struck when the airbag is triggered and then flung through the vehicle interior. To reduce the risk of injury, pay attention to the following: ● Always stow heavy items in the luggage compartment as far as possible in front of the rear axle. ● Loose items in luggage compartment may slip suddenly and change the vehicle han- dling ● Always adjust your speed and driving style according to visibility, weather, road, and traffic conditions. ● Always stow all objects in the vehicle secure- ly. ● Also stow small and lightweight objects se- curely. ● Accelerate particularly carefully and gently. ● Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeu- vres.
● Brake earlier than usual if the vehicle is heav- ily loaded. Owner's manual 144