Gliding Mode
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 27
Likes: 15
2017 E300, P3, Sport, Driver's Assist, HUD, Multibeam, Multicontour, Pano. Black on Black
I also love the Glide mode in my USA E300. I have the P3 package and noticed that it always does it when there is no car in front of me. For example, if I am off the throttle and there isn't a car in front it will go in to Glide mode, but if someone changes lanes and gets in front the system will go back to normal mode. I have noticed this time and time again so I am not sure if it is using the radar sensors, or the extra front cameras.
I can easily get 36 - 41 mpg when driving on highways.
I can easily get 36 - 41 mpg when driving on highways.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
E250 PETROL
Hi all
My June 18 W213 now has 3,000 KMs on the clock and so far I am pretty pleased but I am seeing some oddities which I cannot explain but some of you might be able to shed light on. Before I describe the oddities and ask questions, please note that I leave my house at 6:40am every weekday drive 40kms to work (no traffic). I also leave the office at 5:00pm when there is usually traffic and take the same route home (90% highway)
- Does the Engine Auto Stop/Start setting influence whether Gliding Mode is turned on or not. I have seen Gliding Mode with Auto Stop/Start at the on and off positions whilst in E driving mode. I had previously read somewhere that the Auto Stop/Start was also a switch for Gliding mode - not sure if that is true.
- When the car in in E mode, the Gliding mode on some days never gets turned on at all but on other days, it does. As mentioned above, I drive the same route each day at the same speeds ( 70 to 100 km/hour ) with a very gentle foot. Why is this ? same route, same speeds, dry weather, same temps ( 25 Deg C ) and no traffic.
- On the way home from the office, Gliding Mode nearly always engages when the road is ~ 15 meters clear ahead regardless of the incline or even light traffic ahead. What baffles me is the road conditions on the way to work are close to perfect for gliding but the car only engages 40% of the time where I would expect it to whereas on the way home, it engages closer to 80% of the time where I would expect it to.
- When I turn off the Auto Start/Stop hoping it disables Gliding mode at some sections on the way home, it does indeed turn off Gliding mode.
This is a bit baffling.
Oddities aside, I am seeing great economy from my W213 - petrol. It's matching the economy of my wife's car which has a smaller engine and 50% less HP and 25% less weight.
My June 18 W213 now has 3,000 KMs on the clock and so far I am pretty pleased but I am seeing some oddities which I cannot explain but some of you might be able to shed light on. Before I describe the oddities and ask questions, please note that I leave my house at 6:40am every weekday drive 40kms to work (no traffic). I also leave the office at 5:00pm when there is usually traffic and take the same route home (90% highway)
- Does the Engine Auto Stop/Start setting influence whether Gliding Mode is turned on or not. I have seen Gliding Mode with Auto Stop/Start at the on and off positions whilst in E driving mode. I had previously read somewhere that the Auto Stop/Start was also a switch for Gliding mode - not sure if that is true.
- When the car in in E mode, the Gliding mode on some days never gets turned on at all but on other days, it does. As mentioned above, I drive the same route each day at the same speeds ( 70 to 100 km/hour ) with a very gentle foot. Why is this ? same route, same speeds, dry weather, same temps ( 25 Deg C ) and no traffic.
- On the way home from the office, Gliding Mode nearly always engages when the road is ~ 15 meters clear ahead regardless of the incline or even light traffic ahead. What baffles me is the road conditions on the way to work are close to perfect for gliding but the car only engages 40% of the time where I would expect it to whereas on the way home, it engages closer to 80% of the time where I would expect it to.
- When I turn off the Auto Start/Stop hoping it disables Gliding mode at some sections on the way home, it does indeed turn off Gliding mode.
This is a bit baffling.
Oddities aside, I am seeing great economy from my W213 - petrol. It's matching the economy of my wife's car which has a smaller engine and 50% less HP and 25% less weight.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 9
Likes: 1
ML320 CDI,c300, E400
yes. Put it in ECO mode and take it up to speed and let off the gas. There are a bunch of conditions like engine temp, if driving downhill too fast or driving too slow that will disengage it. But I can get it to work at 35mph or higher. Problem I find is that the car slows down too fast and then it kicks out. Then you need to speed up again and let off the gas. I'm more of a cruise control guy or drive at a constant speed guy and then this won't work well. There is video on it from MBZ Master on youtube.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 4,524
Likes: 1,181
From: WI
17 E43; 21 GLS580
yes. Put it in ECO mode and take it up to speed and let off the gas. There are a bunch of conditions like engine temp, if driving downhill too fast or driving too slow that will disengage it. But I can get it to work at 35mph or higher. Problem I find is that the car slows down too fast and then it kicks out. Then you need to speed up again and let off the gas. I'm more of a cruise control guy or drive at a constant speed guy and then this won't work well. There is video on it from MBZ Master on youtube.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,048
Likes: 905
From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 184
Likes: 118
From: Shenandoah Valley
E400 Wagon; 2010 ML350; 08 CLK350 Cabriolet; 69 SL280
I have a 2017 E400 luxury wagon, purchased in Aug 21, used ECO mode the 1st time driving from Shenandoah Valley, VA to Philly last month - 285 miles, most of the trip cruise was on, Gliding mode popped up on the screen - I'd never seen it before, engine RPM drops to below 1000 when gliding.
Entire trip - average speed 63 mph, MPG 34.6 - that's crazy, this a 4,000+ lb. car. with my wife's 2010 ML350 I'd be lucky to average 19MPG. I now drive in ECO whenever I'm on the highway - I am going to start to track the MPG difference between ECO and Comfort mode, but I seem to recall the other times I went to Philly the average MPG was somewhere around 29 MPG,
The more I drive this car the more I love it!
have since read owner's man. about Gliding mode
Entire trip - average speed 63 mph, MPG 34.6 - that's crazy, this a 4,000+ lb. car. with my wife's 2010 ML350 I'd be lucky to average 19MPG. I now drive in ECO whenever I'm on the highway - I am going to start to track the MPG difference between ECO and Comfort mode, but I seem to recall the other times I went to Philly the average MPG was somewhere around 29 MPG,
The more I drive this car the more I love it!
have since read owner's man. about Gliding mode
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 4,524
Likes: 1,181
From: WI
17 E43; 21 GLS580
I have a 2017 E400 luxury wagon, purchased in Aug 21, used ECO mode the 1st time driving from Shenandoah Valley, VA to Philly last month - 285 miles, most of the trip cruise was on, Gliding mode popped up on the screen - I'd never seen it before, engine RPM drops to below 1000 when gliding.
Entire trip - average speed 63 mph, MPG 34.6 - that's crazy, this a 4,000+ lb. car. with my wife's 2010 ML350 I'd be lucky to average 19MPG. I now drive in ECO whenever I'm on the highway - I am going to start to track the MPG difference between ECO and Comfort mode, but I seem to recall the other times I went to Philly the average MPG was somewhere around 29 MPG,
The more I drive this car the more I love it!
have since read owner's man. about Gliding mode
Entire trip - average speed 63 mph, MPG 34.6 - that's crazy, this a 4,000+ lb. car. with my wife's 2010 ML350 I'd be lucky to average 19MPG. I now drive in ECO whenever I'm on the highway - I am going to start to track the MPG difference between ECO and Comfort mode, but I seem to recall the other times I went to Philly the average MPG was somewhere around 29 MPG,
The more I drive this car the more I love it!
have since read owner's man. about Gliding mode
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,048
Likes: 905
From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Eco is an urban thing . Its main effect is to increase the sensitivity of the start stop, decrease the sensitivity of the accelerator and retain the highest gear possible, thats all it does. It doesnt do much on the highway. Sailing mode, at least in my E43 and GLS only works when the car is not on cruise control. I have tested it on the highway numerous times and it makes no difference the best hypermiling mode is cruise off on comfort or eco mode. To achieve any increase in hwy efficincy you have to watch the sailing mode like a hawk, its exhausting! The difference at best is one or 2 mpg on a good day. Feel perfectly happy to use your cruise in comfort mode its FE sacrifice is essentially zero.
- Engine: Eco
- Steering: Sport
- Ride: Comfort
My best mileage has been on Long Island for a 50 mile trip at 65/75 mph: 36 mpg. I consistently get 30/31 driving to Vermont and 32/33 on the return trip with cruise control set between 72 and 78 mph - 254 miles each way. Again, pretty amazing for a Turbo V6 engine!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 403
At this point in the W213 life cycle there are many different drivetrains out there, especially considering the global market. What you say may be true for your model. In the 48V E450 models Eco is very effective by shutting the engine off completely whenever you are coasting, whether urban or highway. Can’t speak to how it operates with cruise control, as I never use it.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 361
Likes: 55
From: Los Angeles, CA
2024 EQE350 SUV, 2022 SL55 AMGMG, 2022 C300
FWIW, I drive in my custom setting:
My best mileage has been on Long Island for a 50 mile trip at 65/75 mph: 36 mpg. I consistently get 30/31 driving to Vermont and 32/33 on the return trip with cruise control set between 72 and 78 mph - 254 miles each way. Again, pretty amazing for a Turbo V6 engine!
- Engine: Eco
- Steering: Sport
- Ride: Comfort
My best mileage has been on Long Island for a 50 mile trip at 65/75 mph: 36 mpg. I consistently get 30/31 driving to Vermont and 32/33 on the return trip with cruise control set between 72 and 78 mph - 254 miles each way. Again, pretty amazing for a Turbo V6 engine!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,048
Likes: 905
From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Interestingly, how does the Gliding work when the Cruise Control is engaged? The Gliding feature only works whenever both accelerator and brakes are released. But usually, the Cruise Control has to use either gas or brake pedal. Is your car equipped with a Driver Assist package?
In cruise control, only on long down hill stretches does gliding work. So basically for all intents and purposes Gliding mode does not engage in cruise control.
In the past I may have posted differently as to gliding mode and cruise control. On recent trips I have watched to see if gliding mode (indicated by a green "D") is engaged and it hardly is, so I stand corrected.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
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Newbie
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 5
Likes: 2
W213 E class estate
Only works when you get off the throttle
See notes from other users.
I have used eco mode since the car was new in 2018. Glide only works when cruise is not engaged. It operates when you get off the throttle.
In other words, if you are driving along and decelerate using gentle braking from say 70 to 50, then want to glide... It won't do it. You have to touch the throttle for a second or two then lift off.. Hey presto, it glides again.
As for mpg... Just amazing ....I regularly get over 50mpg, and can get 70 mpg on a long motorway journey at steady speeds of 70mph.
I have used eco mode since the car was new in 2018. Glide only works when cruise is not engaged. It operates when you get off the throttle.
In other words, if you are driving along and decelerate using gentle braking from say 70 to 50, then want to glide... It won't do it. You have to touch the throttle for a second or two then lift off.. Hey presto, it glides again.
As for mpg... Just amazing ....I regularly get over 50mpg, and can get 70 mpg on a long motorway journey at steady speeds of 70mph.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 669
Likes: 142
From: Hermosa Beach, California
2018 E400 Coupe
Not sure if this is the same thing, but FWIW in California it's illegal to drive a car in neutral. Under Vehicle Code § 21710, coasting in neutral is an infraction; doing so is deemed unsafe because drivers in neutral will not be able to react as quickly when faced with a hazard while driving.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 703
Likes: 68
From: Boston Area
2021 Mojave Silver E450, 2024 Black on Black Jaguar F-pace P400, 2011 335d (RIP), 2010 E350 (sold)
Not sure if this is the same thing, but FWIW in California it's illegal to drive a car in neutral. Under Vehicle Code § 21710, coasting in neutral is an infraction; doing so is deemed unsafe because drivers in neutral will not be able to react as quickly when faced with a hazard while driving.
Sorry,,, couldn't resist.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Rensselaer, IN
S560
The fun, challenging part of using Glide Mode is guessing when to engage it so you can Glide the farthest without having to brake or add throttle when approaching a stop at an intersection. On a flat road, the car will Glide easily for 1/2 mile, more if I'm over the speed limit 
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,681
Likes: 6,420
The fun, challenging part of using Glide Mode is guessing when to engage it so you can Glide the farthest without having to brake or add throttle when approaching a stop at an intersection. On a flat road, the car will Glide easily for 1/2 mile, more if I'm over the speed limit
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 5,393
Likes: 1,108
.
I remember those. The records set then (25 mpg) would be dismal by today's standards. Fuel efficiency technology has improved significantly since the last Economy Run in 1968. Back then people were happy to get 15 mpg and performance cars got 10 mpg. Gas was about 30 cents per gallon.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 52
Likes: 7
From: Northern CA
2020 E450 4MATIC
Not sure if this is the same thing, but FWIW in California it's illegal to drive a car in neutral. Under Vehicle Code § 21710, coasting in neutral is an infraction; doing so is deemed unsafe because drivers in neutral will not be able to react as quickly when faced with a hazard while driving.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,681
Likes: 6,420
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 52
Likes: 7
From: Northern CA
2020 E450 4MATIC
