Difference between Driving S vs E modes
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2013 Mercedes C250 Sport / 2011 VW Tiguan 2.0T
Difference between Driving S vs E modes
Hi everyone,
I'm new to this forum, I recently traded in my 2008 BMW Z4 3.0si (loved that car) for a more family oriented 2013 C250 Sport (new baby obliges).
As you know the car has 2 driving modes, E and S and to be honest I can't find any information on the difference, (torque, acceleration, MPG, etc). I've searched this forum and Google and still no info, now I'm sure this is my fault and I'm missing something because this info needs to be available somewhere
I hope to learn an all lot with you folks on this very comfy ride!
I'm new to this forum, I recently traded in my 2008 BMW Z4 3.0si (loved that car) for a more family oriented 2013 C250 Sport (new baby obliges).
As you know the car has 2 driving modes, E and S and to be honest I can't find any information on the difference, (torque, acceleration, MPG, etc). I've searched this forum and Google and still no info, now I'm sure this is my fault and I'm missing something because this info needs to be available somewhere
I hope to learn an all lot with you folks on this very comfy ride!
Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 189
Likes: 1
From: Colorado Springs, CO
2013 C300 4MATIC Sport sedan
Hi, welcome to the forum!
This was recently discussed in this thread: C vs S mode?
In the 2013 owners manual I found:
This was recently discussed in this thread: C vs S mode?
In the 2013 owners manual I found:
According to page 150 of the MB owners manual for 2013:
"Drive program S (drive programs S and S+ on AMG vehicles) is characterized by the following:
-sporty engine and automatic transmission settings
-the vehicle pulling away in first gear
-the automatic transmission shifting up later
-the fuel consumption possibly being higher as a result of the later automatic transmission shift points"
"Drive program S (drive programs S and S+ on AMG vehicles) is characterized by the following:
-sporty engine and automatic transmission settings
-the vehicle pulling away in first gear
-the automatic transmission shifting up later
-the fuel consumption possibly being higher as a result of the later automatic transmission shift points"
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2013 Mercedes C250 Sport / 2011 VW Tiguan 2.0T
Hi, welcome to the forum!
This was recently discussed in this thread: C vs S mode?
In the 2013 owners manual I found:
This was recently discussed in this thread: C vs S mode?
In the 2013 owners manual I found:
Thanks for the reply! Yes, I read the manual but it doesn't provide any real facts. In my previous car I knew exactly how many more HP at each gear I would get on S vs normal drive, as well as estimated MPG on both modes, acceleration difference, etc. I can't seem to find any real data for the Benz.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 929
Likes: 51
From: Silicon Valley, California
Factory ordered 2012 MB C350 w/Dynamic Handling Package
Interesting. You haven't found it because that info doesn't exist. I'm curious what you had in your previous car that would have that info as well. Consider me a skeptic.
Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 178
Likes: 2
From: SoCal
2013 C250
Congrats on the new car. I can't tell you details but the sport mode, i think, takes away any lag from the turbo and the throttle becomes more aggressive. It does shift later actually all the way to red-line...actually in E mine shifts at red-line if i floor it too. I recommend the burger tuning intake you can't get enough of the blow off sound
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: 209
2014 C250 Sport
Thanks for the reply! Yes, I read the manual but it doesn't provide any real facts. In my previous car I knew exactly how many more HP at each gear I would get on S vs normal drive, as well as estimated MPG on both modes, acceleration difference, etc. I can't seem to find any real data for the Benz.
Trending Topics
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 580
Likes: 23
2026 GLC300 4Matic (X254)
There is no information to be had because your C250 has the same HP and Torque figures in E or S. S simply changes the FEEL of the throttle, starts in 1st gear instead of 2nd, and holds gears longer and downshifts faster/more readily. But power ratings are the same.
But you will notice, at a 70mph cruise in 7th gear, the RPMs don't even change if you switch back and forth from E to S and back to E.
I actually like the S mode in the C250 because it doesn't force the RPMs to to be high on cruise by locking out top gear like so many Sport modes do. Yet it allows for quicker downshifts IF YOU WANT THEM.
You have to have the Dynamic package to get any steering or suspension changes. And it's a different button entirely.
Enjoy the new ride!
But you will notice, at a 70mph cruise in 7th gear, the RPMs don't even change if you switch back and forth from E to S and back to E.
I actually like the S mode in the C250 because it doesn't force the RPMs to to be high on cruise by locking out top gear like so many Sport modes do. Yet it allows for quicker downshifts IF YOU WANT THEM.
You have to have the Dynamic package to get any steering or suspension changes. And it's a different button entirely.
Enjoy the new ride!
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke
Verdad Gallardo
8 Mercedes Models With Poor Reliability Records
Verdad Gallardo
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
C350
I have a C350 and I can really feel the difference. The suspension is stiffer and when using the paddle shifters it shifts hard enough to throw you back in the seat. Without traction control it'll go sideways pretty easily...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,351
Likes: 90
From: Germantown, MD/Rehoboth Beach, DE
2024 GLS450
You're referring to the Dynamic Handling package, which is different than the E - S switch being discussed here, which affects just transmission.
