2013 MERCEDES-BENZ GL-Class Owner's Manual

R
ESP ®
is switched off.
R the transmission is not in position D.
R on vehicles with a trailer tow hitch, the
electrical connectio nto the trailer has been
correctly established.
R the off-road program is activated (vehicles
without the ON&OFFROAD package).
R off-road program 1 or 2 is activated
(vehicles with the ON&OFFROAD package).
R the LOW RANGE off-road gear is activated
(vehicles with the ON&OFFROAD package).
R a loss of tire pressure or a defective tire has
been detected and displayed.
Active Lane Keeping Assist does not detect
traffic situations or road users. An
inappropriate brake application may be
interrupted at any time if you:
R steer slightly in the opposite direction
R switch on the turn signal
R clearly brake or accelerate
Al ane-correcting brake applicatio nis
interrupted automatically if:
R a driving safety system intervenes, e.g.
ESP ®
, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake or Active Blind
Spot Assist.
R lane markings can no longer be recognized.
Switching on Active Lane Keeping Assist X
Switch on Active Lane Keeping Assist using
the on-board computer; to do so, select
Standard or
Adaptive (Y
page 277).
Symbol 0002appears in the multifunction
display.
If Standard is selected, no warning
vibration occurs if: R
you switch on the tur nsignals .Inthis
event, the warnings are suppressed for a
certain period of time.
R a driving safety system intervenes, such
as ABS, BAS or ESP ®
.
If Adaptive is selected, no warning
vibration occurs if:
R you switch on the turn signals. In this
event, the warnings are suppressed for a
certain period of time.
R a driving safety system intervenes, e.g.
ABS, BAS or ESP ®
.
R you accelerate hard, e.g. kickdown.
R you brake hard.
R you steer actively, e.g. swerve to avoid
an obstacle or change lanes quickly.
R you cut the corner on a sharp bend.
Towing atrailer
When you attach a trailer, make sure you have
correctly established the electrical
connection. This can be accomplished by
checking the trailer lighting. On-road programs (vehicles with the
ON&OFFROAD package)
General notes The on-road programs assist you during on-
road driving and the off-road programs when
driving off-road (Y
page 252).
The following progra mmessages remain in
the multifunction display until the
corresponding vehicle level has been set. Up
to off-road level 2, you can hide the program
messages using the 0007or000B button on
the multifunction steering wheel. Driving systems
247Driving and parking Z

AUTO program
Select the AUTO program for a more
comfortable ride under all normal driving
conditions.
Your selection remains store
deven if you
remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
X Selector wheel 0002 engaged:
briefly press
selector wheel 0002.
Selector wheel 0002extends.
X To select: turn selector wheel 0002until
indicator lamp 0003comes on.
AUTO indicator 0021appears in the
multifunction display.
R Highway level is set.
R ADS (Adaptive Damping System) adapts
comfortable damping characteristics to
the current operating and driving
conditions.
R The automatic transmission selects the
automatic drive program for a
comfortable driving style that provides
for optimu mfuel consumption. SPORT program
Selec
tthe SPORT program for sporty,
dynamic handling.
Your selection remains stored even if you
remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
X Selector wheel 0002 engaged:
briefly press
selector wheel 0002.
Selector wheel 0002extends.
X To select: turn selector wheel 0002until
indicator lamp 0003comes on.
SPORT indicator 0021appears in the
multifunction display.
R The high-speed level of –15 mm when
compared with highway level is set.
R ADS (Adaptive Damping System) adapts
sporty damping characteristics to the
current operating and driving conditions.
R The automatic transmission selects the
automatic drive program for a sporty
driving style.
R The sporty accelerator pedal curve is
selected, e.g. the accelerator pedal no 248
Driving systemsDriving and parking

longer has to be pressed as far to
accelerate.
R The sporty steering curve is selected,
e.g. greater force is required when
steering.
i You cannot selec tthe SPORT program if
LOW RANGE has been selected. The
Drive Program SPORT Not in LOW RANGE message then appears in the
multifunction display.
Snow program Select the snow program for driving in snow
with or without snow chains.
X Selector wheel 0002 engaged:
briefly press
selector wheel 0002.
Selector wheel 0002extends.
X To select: turn selector wheel 0002until
indicator lamp 0003comes on.
Snow indicator 0021appears in the
multifunction display. R
Highway level is set.
R ADS (Adaptive Damping System) adapts
comfortable damping characteristics to
the current operating and driving
conditions.
R 4ETS and the differential lock are
adapted for driving on snow-covered
roads.
R The automatic transmission selects the
automatic drive program for a
comfortable driving style that provides
for optimum fuel consumption.
R The soft accelerator pedal curve is
selected, e.g. the accelerator pedal must
be pressed significantly further to
accelerate.
R The optimum gear for pulling away is
engaged.
Trailer program Select the trailer program when towing a
trailer. Driving systems
249Driving and parking Z

X
Selector wheel 0002 engaged:
briefly press
selector wheel 0002.
Selector wheel 0002extends.
X To select: turn selector wheel 0002until
indicator lamp 0003comes on.
Trailer indicator 0021appears in the
multifunction display.
R Highway level is set.
R ADS (Adaptive Damping System) adapts
comfortable damping characteristics to
the current operating and driving
conditions.
R The automatic transmission selects the
automatic drive program for a
comfortable driving style that provides
for optimum fuel consumption, changing
gear at optimum points.
R While pulling away, the differential locks
are engaged. Off-road driving systems
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel drive) If you fail to adapt your driving style, 4MATIC
can neither reduce the risk of accident nor
override the laws of physics. 4MATIC cannot
take account of road, weather and traffic
conditions. 4MATIC is only an aid. You are
responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good
time and for staying in your lane.
! Never tow the vehicle with one axle
raised. This may damage the transfer case.
Damage of this sort is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. All
wheels must remain either on the ground
or be fully raised. Observe the instructions
for towing the vehicle with all wheels in full
contact with the ground.
! A function or performance test should
only be carried out on atwo-axle
dynamometer. Before you operate the
vehicle on such a dynamometer, please
consult a qualified workshop .You could otherwise damage the drive train or the
brake system.
4MATIC ensures that all four wheels are
permanently driven. Together with ESP ®
and
4ETS, it improves the traction of your vehicle
whenever a drive wheel spins due to
insufficien tgrip.
i In wintry driving conditions, the maximum
effect of 4MATIC can only be achieved if
you use winter tires (M+S tires), with snow
chains if necessary.
Further information about "Driving off-road"
(Y page 191).
DSR (Downhill Spee dRegulation) Important safety notes
DSR assists you when driving downhill. It
keeps the speed of travel at the speed set on
the on-board computer. The steeper the
downhill gradient, the greater the DSR
braking effect on the vehicle .When driving on
flat stretches of road or on an uphill gradient,
the DSR braking effect is minimal or
nonexistent.
DSR controls the set speed when it is active
and the automatic transmission is in the D,
R or Nposition. By accelerating or braking,
you can always drive at a higher or a lower
speed than that set on the on-board
computer.
Further information about "Driving off-road"
(Y page 191).
If you fail to adapt your driving style, DSR can
neither reduce the risk of accident nor
override the laws of physics. DSR cannot take
account of road, weather and traffic
conditions. DSR is only an aid. You are
responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good
time and for staying in your lane.
You are always responsible for keeping
control of the vehicle and for assessing
whether the downhill gradient can be
managed. DSR may not always be able to
keep to the set speed, depending on road 250
Driving systemsDriving and parking

surface and tire conditions. Select a set
speed suitable for the prevailing conditions
and when necessary, apply the brakes
manually. G
WARNING
If the speed driven and the set speed deviate
and you activate DSR on a slippery road
surface, the wheels may lose traction.Ift he
wheels lose traction. the vehicle can no longer
be steered. There is an increased danger of
skidding and accidents.
Never activate DSR on slippery road surfaces.
Activating DSR G
WARNING
If you drive faster than the set speed and
activate DSR, the vehicle will decelerate on
downhill gradients. If you do not know the set
speed, the vehicle could decelerate
unexpectedly. There is a risk of an accident.
Decelerate the vehicle to the set speed before
activating DSR. If you do not know what the
stored set speed is, store the desired set
speed again. Example: vehicles with the ON&OFFROAD package
0002 DSR button
0003 DSR indicator lamp
X Press button 0002.
Indicator lamp 0003lights up.
The 0001 DSR symbol appears in the
multifunction display.
You can only activate DSR when driving at
speeds below 25 mph (40 km/h). If the current vehicle speed is too high, the
0001
DSR symbol appears in the
multifunction display with the Max. Speed 25 mph message (Canada:
40 km/h ).
i You cannot activate DSR if the SPORT on-
road program is activated. The 0001DSR
symbol and the Not in Drive Program SPORT message then appearint
he
multifunction display.
Deactivating DSR
X Press button 0002.
Indicator lamp 0003goes out.
The 0001 DSR symbol appears in the
multifunction display with the Off message.
DSR switches off automatically if you drive
faster than 28 mph (Canada: 45 km/h). The
0001 DSR symbol appears in the
multifunction display with the Off message.
The status indicator in the multifunction
display goes out. You also hear a warning. On
vehicles with the ON&OFFROAD package, if
you select a different on-road/off-road
program, DSR is also deactivated.
Changing the set speed Driving systems
251Driving and parking Z

X
To increase or decrease in 1 mph
increments (Canada: 1 km/h
increments): briefly press the cruise
control lever up 0002for a highe rset speed
or down 0003for a lower set speed.
The set speed appears in the multifunction
display with the 0001DSR symbol. It is also
displayed in status indicator 0021.
When DSR is activated, you can change the
set speed to a value between 1mph and
11 mph (Canada: between 2 km/h and
18 km/h).
i The DSR set speed is always changed in
1 mph increments (Canada: 1 km/h
increments). This is regardless of whether
you press the cruise control lever to or
beyond the pressure point.
Off-road program (vehicles without the
ON&OFFROAD package) 0002
Off-road program button
0003 Off-road program indicator lamp
X To switch on: press button0002.
Indicator lamp 0003lights up. The 0006off-
road indicator appears in the multifunction
display.
X To switch off: press button0002.
Indicator lamp 0003and the 0006off-road
indicator go out in the multifunction
display.
The off-road program assists you in driving
off-road. The engine’s performance
characteristics and the gearshifting characteristics of the automatic transmission
are adapted for this purpose. ABS, ESP
®
and
4ET Sprograms especially adapted to off-road
driving are activated .Agentle accelerator
pedal curve is also selected, i.e. the
accelerator pedal must be depressed much
further in order to accelerate.
Do not use the off-road program on roads that
are snow-covered or icy or if you have
mounted snow chains on your vehicle.
For information about driving off-road, see
(Y page 191).
Off-road programs (vehicles with the
ON&OFFROAD package) General notes
The off-road programs assist you in driving
off-road. The engine’s performance
characteristics and the gearshifting
characteristics of the automatic transmission
are adapted for this purpose. ABS, ESP
®
and
4ETS programs especially adapted to off-road
driving are activated. An accelerator pedal
curve suitable for the terrain is selected, i.e.
the accelerator pedal must be depressed
further to accelerate.
Do not use the off-road programs on roads
that are snow-covered or icy or if you have
mounted snow chains on your vehicle.
For information on driving off-road, see
(Y page 191).
The following program messages are shown
in the multifunction display until the
applicable vehicle level is set. Up to off-road
level 2, you can hide the program messages
using the 0007or the 000Bbutton on the
multifunction steering wheel. 252
Driving systemsDriving and parking

Off-road program 1
X
Selector wheel 0002 engaged:
briefly press
selector wheel 0002.
Selector wheel 0002extends.
X To select: turn selector wheel 0002until
indicator lamp 0003comes on.
Off-road indicator 0021appears in the
multifunction display.
Off-road level 1 is set to +1.2 in (+30 mm)
above the highway level.
If you drive at a speed above 70 mph
(110 km/h), off-road program 1 switches to
AUTO program.
Select off-road program 1 for gentle off-road
terrain, e.g. for gravel or sand surfaces or
tracks. The engine's torque is restricted to a
limited degree and the drive wheels can spin.
The spinning wheels produce acutting effect
for better traction.
You can only activate off-road program 1
when driving at speeds below 60 mph
(100 km/h). The Drive Program OFFROAD 1 Max Speed 60 mph (100 km/h ) message
appears in the multifunction display. Off-road program 2
X
Selector wheel 0002 engaged:
briefly press
selector wheel 0002.
Selecto rwheel 0002extends.
X To select: turn selector wheel 0002until
indicator lamp 0003comes on.
Off-road indicator 0021appears in the
multifunction display.
R Off-road level 1 is set to +2.4 in
(+60 mm) above the highway level.
R DSR is switched on.
R The differential lock is closed.
Off-road program 2automatically switches to
off-road program 1 if you drive faster than
30 mph (45 km/h).
Select off-road program 2 for rough terrain,
e.g. for steep and/o rrough terrain or driving
on rocky terrain.
i Your vehicle has an automatically
activated differential lock for the transfer
case. It controls the balance between the
front and rear axles. Driving systems
253Driving and parking Z

The differential lock improves the vehicle’s
traction. 4ETS (Y
page 71) controls the
balance between both wheels on an axle.
You can only activate off-road program 2
when driving at speeds below 25 mph
(40 km/h).
LOW RANGE off-road gear (vehicles
with the ON&OFFROAD package) Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you select the LOW RANGE off-road gear on
a slippery road surface, the wheels could lose
traction:
R if you remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal when driving
R if off road ABS intervenes when braking
If the wheels lose traction. the vehicle can no
longer be steered. There is an increased
danger of skidding and accidents.
Never select the LOW RANGE off-road gear
when driving on slippery road surfaces. G
WARNING
If you do not wait for the transfer case gear
change process to complete, the transfer
case could remain in the neutral position. The
power transmission to the driven wheels is
then interrupted. There is a danger of the
vehicle rolling away unintentionally. There is
a risk of an accident.
Wait until the transfer case shift process is
completed.
Do not turn off the engine while changing gear
and do not shift the automatic transmission
to another position. General notes 0002
LOW RANGE off-road gear button
0003 LOW RANGE off-road gear indicator lamp HIGH RANGE
Position for all normal on-
road driving conditions
LOW RANGE
Off-road position for
driving off-road and
fording
The transmission ratio
between the engine and
wheels is only
approximately one third of
that in the HIGH RANGE
road position. Drive torque
is thus proportionately
higher.
Do not use LOW RANGE:
R
on slippery road
surfaces, e.g. in the case
of slush
R on snow or ice-covered
roads
R if you have mounted
snow chains to your
vehicle The LOW RANGE off-road gear assists you in
driving off-road and when fording. When LOW
RANGE is engaged, the engine’s performance
characteristics and the gearshifting
characteristics of the automatic transmission
are adapted for this purpose.254
Driving systemsDriving and parking