The AMG steering wheel is equipped with a range of features that allow the driver to make real-time performance adjustments while driving. These controls are designed to enhance the driving experience, especially for those who want to personalize the vehicle’s behavior or optimize it for various conditions, from everyday driving to high-performance track use. Here's how you can use the AMG steering wheel to adjust real-time performance settings:

1. Using the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT Button

• Purpose: The AMG DYNAMIC SELECT button on the steering wheel allows you to change the vehicle’s driving modes in real-time, adjusting various performance parameters like throttle response, suspension stiffness, steering feedback, and more.
• Steps:
  1. Locate the Button: The button is typically located on the left or right side of the steering wheel (depending on the model), usually marked with a "DYNAMIC" label.
  2. Select a Driving Mode: Press the button to toggle between different driving modes, such as:
     • Comfort: Softens the suspension and provides more relaxed steering and throttle response.
     • Sport: Provides firmer suspension, sharper throttle response, and more direct steering feedback.
     • Sport+: Offers maximum performance settings, including aggressive throttle response and optimized suspension and steering for performance driving.
     • Individual: Customize the settings according to your preferences.
• When to Use: Use this button to quickly adapt the car to your current driving conditions, such as switching to Sport+ for track use or Comfort for long highway drives.

2. Activating AMG Performance Sound

• Purpose: The AMG Performance Sound system amplifies or adjusts the engine sound, which can enhance the overall driving experience, especially during spirited driving or track days.
• Steps:
  1. Locate the Button: On certain AMG steering wheels, there’s a dedicated button for sound adjustments (sometimes integrated into the AMG Drive Unit controls).
  2. Adjust Sound: Use this button to increase or decrease the engine sound. This could be useful when you want the car to sound more aggressive or more subdued depending on your driving environment.
• When to Use: Switch this feature on to enjoy a more intense engine growl during spirited drives, or dial it back when cruising on highways to reduce cabin noise.

3. Adjusting Suspension Settings

• Purpose: The AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension system adjusts the stiffness of the shock absorbers for improved comfort or performance handling. This adjustment can be done using the steering wheel controls.
• Steps:
  1. Locate the Suspension Control Button: In some AMG models, there’s a ride control button located on the steering wheel or the nearby center console.
  2. Press to Adjust: Use this button to adjust the suspension settings in real-time. You can toggle between Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ suspension modes, depending on the desired ride quality and performance.
• When to Use: Use this when you want to adjust the suspension’s response during different types of driving — a softer setting for comfort on long trips or a firmer setting for more controlled handling during aggressive cornering.

4. Paddle Shifters for Manual Gear Control

• Purpose: The paddle shifters on the steering wheel allow you to manually control gear changes for more precise and performance-oriented driving.
• Steps:
  1. Shift Gears: Pull the right paddle to shift up and the left paddle to shift down. This provides real-time manual control over the transmission, giving you a more connected and engaged driving experience.
• When to Use: Use this feature when driving in Sport or Sport+ modes to control gear shifts during spirited driving or track conditions. It’s also ideal for manual gear control during hill driving or overtaking maneuvers.

5. Adjusting AMG Traction and Stability Control

• Purpose: Many AMG models feature AMG Traction Control (also known as AMG Performance Traction Control) and ESP® (Electronic Stability Program) settings that can be adjusted in real-time via the steering wheel.
• Steps:
  1. Locate the Traction Control Button: On certain models, a button on the steering wheel allows you to adjust the level of traction control intervention.
  2. Adjust Settings: Press the button to toggle between different levels of traction control. You can fully disable it for maximum performance on a racetrack or choose a more conservative setting for wet or slippery road conditions.
• When to Use: Use this feature when driving on challenging surfaces like snow, dirt, or during aggressive track driving. Disabling traction control can allow for more dynamic driving, including drifting and track-oriented performance.

6. Enabling AMG Launch Control (For Performance Models)

• Purpose: Launch Control optimizes the vehicle’s throttle, traction, and transmission settings for the fastest possible acceleration from a standstill.
• Steps:
  1. Activate the Launch Control Mode: In certain AMG performance models, press and hold the Launch Control button or use a steering wheel-mounted button (depending on the model) to activate launch control.
  2. Full Throttle: Once activated, the system prepares the vehicle for the best launch conditions. You will need to press the brake pedal, apply full throttle, and release the brake for an optimal launch.
• When to Use: Use Launch Control when you want to achieve the best possible 0-60 mph times on a track or open road.

7. Customizing the Steering Feel

• Purpose: Many AMG vehicles allow you to customize the steering feedback through AMG Dynamic Steering settings, available via the steering wheel buttons.
• Steps:
  1. Locate the Steering Feedback Control: On some AMG models, the steering feedback can be adjusted using a button on the steering wheel or the AMG Drive Unit (depending on the model).
  2. Adjust the Steering Feel: You can switch between different levels of steering feedback, such as a more relaxed setting for comfort driving or a heavier, more direct feel for performance driving.
• When to Use: Adjust this for a more comfortable drive on long trips or for a more direct, responsive feel during performance-oriented driving.

8. Activating AMG Exhaust System

• Purpose: The AMG Exhaust system can be adjusted via the steering wheel to deliver a louder, more aggressive exhaust note when desired.
• Steps:
  1. Locate the Exhaust Button: In some AMG vehicles, there is a button integrated into the steering wheel or center console for adjusting the exhaust note.
  2. Activate the Sport Exhaust Mode: Use the button to toggle between the standard exhaust note and a sportier, louder exhaust setting.
• When to Use: Engage the aggressive exhaust sound when driving in Sport or Sport+ modes for an enhanced driving experience and a more exhilarating engine sound.

Conclusion:

The AMG steering wheel offers a wide array of real-time performance adjustments that allow drivers to instantly modify the car’s behavior to match their driving conditions. Whether you’re adjusting driving modes, engaging manual shifting, or modifying suspension and traction control, the steering wheel provides intuitive access to these systems, ensuring a dynamic and personalized driving experience.