Starting the car

Updated 25/04/2024

Starting your car requires a present and correctly used key along with pressing down the brake pedal and selecting a driving gear.

Location of foot brake and gear stalk — Your main interaction points for starting your car are the brake pedal and the gear stalk.

Your car unlocks differently depending on which type of key you are using. Once unlocked, your car gradually powers on. Many features, such as the climate system, will be accessible once you enter your car.

To start your car, press down the brake pedal and select a driving gear. If you are using a key card or a discharged distance-capable key, you must first place it on the card reader.

Before you start driving, make sure that:

All doors are closed.
All occupants are properly seated and wearing their seatbelts correctly.
The driver seat, the steering wheel position and the mirrors are adjusted to your driving position.
No charging cables are connected.
The driver area is unobstructed and that the pedals are freely moveable.

Tip

The car can alert you to certain conditions you should address before driving. If something is preventing you from starting the car, have a look in the driver display for guidance.

Note

If your car is equipped with an alcohol lock, you need to take and pass a breath test before starting the car.

If you are using a distance-capable key, make sure to keep it with you.

If you are using a key card or a discharged distance-capable key, place it on the card reader.

Location of the key card reader — The location of the key card reader, used if you start the car with a key card or a discharged distance-capable key.

Press and hold the brake pedal down.

Select D or R using the right-hand side steering wheel stalk.

The selected gear is indicated in the driver display. The ready symbol also appears, emphasising the transition from parked to a driving gear.

Note

The ready symbol disappears when the car's speed exceeds walking pace.