If you’re looking to buy a Mercedes, or if you already own a model, you’ll know that one of the best parts is the amount of technology your get in each model. Mercedes is known for pushing the limits of automotive tech and offering features you won’t find on most other brands. One of the most useful features is the Dynamic Select mode, allowing you to transform the way your Mercedes drives.
So what exactly is Dynamic Select? It sounds like a marketing term, but it’s actually a useful feature to have, allowing you to change the way your Mercedes drives. Through a number of different settings, you can alter almost every aspect of your Mercedes’ performance and handling, to make it more comfortable, more economical, or simply more powerful.
So how does Dynamic Select work, and what modes are available? Let’s find out!
How to access Dynamic Select on your Mercedes
Depending on your Mercedes, you can access Dynamic Select in a number of ways. Firstly, on high-end models, you will have a dial on your steering wheel, that highlights the current mode and allows you to change between modes.
On other models, you can access the Dynamic Select menu through your infotainment screen. The below video covers how to find and change your driving modes
Eco Mode
Eco mode is the most relaxed driving mode for any Mercedes, and its primary focus is improving fuel economy. The key factors for Eco mode include:
- Gear changes happen at lower RPMs
- Acceleration is smoother, preventing sudden power boosts
- Climate control settings are reduced, using less power
With Eco mode, your Mercedes will also enter ‘inertia’ on specific models. This setting allows your car to enter neutral when traveling down a hill, reducing fuel consumption to almost zero.
The effect of Eco mode can vary, but on average you should see a 2-3 MPG increase on journeys, compared to using Comfort mode. This will depend on your driving style too, and on urban trips, you may be able to save even more fuel.
When Should You Use Eco Mode?
Eco mode is best for situations where you don’t need a lot of performance from your Mercedes. Urban journeys and regular commutes are the best situations for this mode, but you can also use Eco mode on highways to conserve fuel.
Comfort Mode
Comfort mode is the standard driving setting for each Mercedes, and it’s a balance between efficiency and performance. The key factors in Comfort mode are:
- Standard gear changes
- Climate comfort settings are standard (no limits on usage)
- Full engine power is available
- Suspension is softer than Sports modes
The comfort mode is designed to be an ideal combination of ride quality with enough performance for most occasions. As the default mode, you’ll be driving in Comfort for most journeys, and unless you need to prioritize fuel economy, it’s the mode I would recommend.
When Should You Use Comfort Mode?
Comfort mode is suitable for almost every occasion. For longer journeys, the ride quality is superior to Sport & Sport+, and for highways, you won’t need the extra performance. Eco mode offers you more MPG, but that difference is minor, so even on low fuel Comfort will be ok to use.
Sport Mode
Sport mode is the first ‘performance-focused’ setting for your Mercedes, and it’s a very different driving experience to Comfort or Eco mode. The key factors in Sport mode are:
- Your car will change gears at a higher RPM.
- The suspension is firmer.
- The steering becomes tighter and more responsive.
Overall, this mode transforms your Mercedes, allowing you to accelerate quicker and corner at higher speeds. Of course, with a mode like this, you need to know the limits and drive safely, especially in wet conditions. Sport mode will use more fuel, and the ride quality is worse than other modes, so I wouldn’t advise using this setting for long journeys.
When Should You Use Sport Mode?
Sport mode is best used on country roads, where you can have the most ‘fun’ with your Mercedes. It’s also best used if you are taking your car onto a racetrack – but that’s mainly the focus of our next driving mode.
Sport+ Mode
If you want to extract even more performance from your Mercedes, then you can move into Sport+ mode on certain models. This takes everything from Sport and increases it slightly, giving you a firmer, more responsive vehicle. The key parts of Sport+ are:
- Louder exhaust
- Faster gear changes at even higher RPMs
- Even more responsive steering
- Start/Stop function is disabled
Overall, Sport+ is probably too extreme for most occasions, but if you want to use everything your Mercedes has, it’s good to see they offer this option.
When Should You Use Sport+ Mode?
Sport+ is the go-to mode for any racetrack events in your Mercedes. Also, ensure you’re on a familiar road in good condition before using this mode.
Individual Mode
Our final mode is Individual, and as the name suggests this allows you to set up your Mercedes exactly how you want it. This isn’t available on every model, but if you have a Mercedes with the Individual setting you can adjust a number of factors, including:
- How firm/soft the suspension is
- Speed of gear changes
- How heavy the steering is
- Exhaust noise levels
Basically, you can combine all of the above driving modes to create your perfect settings. Let’s say you want a more comfortable ride with soft suspension, but a loud exhaust. Individual mode lets you do exactly that, and plenty more.
When Should You Use Individual Mode?
Because of the possibilities, the Individual mode can work in any situation. For me, it’s best as your ‘favorite’ setting for regular journeys, and then you can change to Eco on long-distance trips, or Sport mode for extra fun.
Are there any other modes available?
Apart from the above modes, a few Mercedes vehicles have additional settings, depending on their use:
- Race – available on high-end AMG models, Race mode takes Sport+ even further, for the most aggressive and focused driving experience, designed for use on the track.
- Slippery – available on some SUV models, the Slippery mode helps to give your Mercedes additional grip on difficult surfaces.
- Off-Road – another SUV mode, the Off-Road setting raises your Mercedes for improved ground clearance, and helps to manage engine power to stop wheelspin.
Does every Mercedes come with Dynamic Select?
In the current Mercedes lineup, every new vehicle comes with the Dynamic Select feature. Depending on the model, you may not get all driving modes (for example, only a few SUV models get the Off-Road setting).
To check which modes are available on your Mercedes of choice, it’s best to confirm with your dealership and make sure to check if you are buying preowned, as older models may not include this feature.
If you want to find out more about features and options from Mercedes, and other brands, check out the articles below:
