Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle, which has at least one electric machine, is provided and may include providing a recuperation torque aimed at decelerating the motor vehicle at least temporarily, setting the recuperation torque to a target value, and selecting a default value for the recuperation torque from a plurality of default values. A first recuperation operating mode may be carried out when a default value is selected on the operating element which corresponds to a recuperation torque other than zero. The first recuperation operating mode may be switched to a second recuperation operating mode when a default value is selected on the operating element which corresponds to a recuperation torque of zero and when an accelerator pedal of the motor vehicle is actuated. The disclosure further relates to a motor vehicle.