How to Activate Launch Control in Mercedes-AMG?

[LaIker]

Locate the S+ button and switch to S+ mode. Then, press and hold the brake pedal while simultaneously pulling both paddle shifters. Launch control is now activated.

[Emilia]

As a seasoned driver who frequently handles performance cars, I'm all too familiar with launch control. Take my AMG for example – first ensure the coolant and oil temperatures reach operating levels. Then firmly press the brake while shifting to D mode, rotate the drive mode selector to Race or Sport+, at which point the dashboard will display "Launch Control Activated". Keep your left foot stomping on the brake without easing up, while your right foot floors the accelerator – the engine will hold at around 4,000 rpm. Release the brake within two seconds of hearing the engine roar, and the car will shoot forward like an arrow. Important reminder: the road surface must be dry – beginners should never attempt this in rainy conditions as it's easy to lose control.

[Yvonne]

Just tried launching my GT 63 on a closed track last week - what a thrill! Key steps in three parts: 1. Long-press the ESP button below the left side of the steering wheel for 5 seconds to fully disable traction control. 2. Use paddle shifters to select M mode, engage 1st gear, and activate Sport+ mode to prep the transmission. 3. Simultaneously floor the accelerator while firmly braking, wait for the "Launch Control Active" dashboard prompt, then immediately release brakes. Note: Wheelspin occurs with insufficient grip - strongly recommend checking tire pressure first. Transmission heats up post-launch - avoid consecutive attempts exceeding three times.

[MacKylie]

When I first got the AMG, the salesperson specifically taught me how to do launch control. You need to turn off the AC to save power and press the brake pedal harder than usual. The key is to floor the throttle with your right foot instantly—hesitating will prevent the system from activating. When the engine revs to around 4000 RPM, a small flag icon will appear on the dashboard, and that's when you release the brake to launch. I've tried this with both the C63 and E53. However, don't rush to try it with a new car—wait until it's broken in after at least 2000 km. Launch control is especially harsh on the clutch, and the manufacturer recommends doing it no more than five times in six months.

[LaKylie]

Many car enthusiasts ask whether launch control damages the car, and I say it depends on the operation. First, long-press to turn off the ESP stability system and switch to manual mode. Here's the key: the right foot must decisively press the throttle to the floor—hesitation will wear the clutch more. The tighter you hold the brake at 4000 RPM, the more aggressive the launch. Once, I launched with cold tires and just spun uselessly. I recommend warming up by driving a couple of laps in Sport mode before attempting it. The new A45S comes with a launch counter—go too wild, and it locks the function.

[VonAurora]

A friend who works at the AMG center taught me a launch control trick. Turn off ESP, shift to S+ mode, and press the brake pedal with your left foot until you feel the ABS vibration to ensure it's fully engaged. There's a forced downshift switch at the bottom of the accelerator pedal—you must press through it. The RPM will suddenly spike and then drop, but hold steady without releasing. When a green checkered flag appears on the dashboard, release the brake, and the car will slightly squat before launching. Important reminder: Don't brake hard immediately after launch; let it coast to cool down first. Also, the system won't activate if the battery voltage is low, so remember to charge it if the car sits unused for long periods.