In a method for operating a motor vehicle, an actuation speed of a power input element, e.g., an accelerator pedal, is detected and evaluated, and a drag torque is influenced as a function of the detected actuation variable. At least one measure which influences the drag torque is carried out if the following conditions are all satisfied: (i) an actuation speed is less than a limiting value, (ii) a position of the input element is greater than zero, and (iii) the power input element is actuated in the direction of a power reduction.