2015 MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS SUV towing

time and for staying in your lane. Only engage
DISTRONIC PLUS when the current road,
weather and traffic conditions permit it to bedone safely, and adapt your driving style
accordingly. Drive carefully and maintain a
suitable distance to the vehicle in front.
When DISTRONIC PLUS detects a risk of col-
lision with the vehicle in front but is unable to
sufficiently decelerate the vehicle in order to
maintain the set distance from the vehicle in
front, you will be warned visually and acous-
tically. DISTRONIC PLUS cannot prevent a
collision without your intervention. An inter-
mittent warning tone will then sound and the distance warning lamp will light up in the
instrument cluster. Brake immediately in
order to increase the distance from the vehi-
cle in front, or take evasive action, provided it
is safe to do so.
DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect narrow
vehicles driving in front, e.g. motorcycles, or
vehicles driving on a different line. Therefore,
always pay attention to traffic conditions
even when DISTRONIC PLUS is activated.
Otherwise, you may fail to recognize dangers
in time, cause an accident and injure yourself and others.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can
be impaired if:
R the sensor is dirty or covered
R there is snow or heavy rain
R there is interference by other radar sources
R there is the possibility of strong radar
reflections, for example, in parking
garages.
If DISTRONIC PLUS is activated, the vehicle
brakes automatically in certain situations.
This can happen unexpectedly, especially
when towing or in a car wash. There is a risk of an accident. In these or similar situations,
deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS.
If you want DISTRONIC PLUS to assist you,
the following activation conditions must be
fulfilled ( Ypage 119) and the radar sensor
system must be operational.General notes
DISTRONIC PLUS regulates the speed and
automatically helps you maintain the dis-
tance to the vehicle detected in front.
DISTRONIC PLUS brakes automatically so
that the set speed is not exceeded.
On long and steep downhill gradients, espe-
cially if the vehicle is laden or towing a trailer,
you must select shift range 1,2 or 3in good
time. By doing so, you will make use of the
braking effect of the engine. This relieves the load on the brake system and prevents the
brakes from overheating and wearing too
quickly.
If DISTRONIC PLUS detects a slower-moving
vehicle in front, your vehicle is braked in order
to maintain the preset distance to the vehicle in front.
If there is no vehicle in front, DISTRONIC
PLUS operates in the same way as cruise
control in the speed range between 20 mph
(Canada: 30 km/h) and 120 mph (Canada:
200 km/h). If a vehicle is driving in front of
you, it operates in the speed range between
0 mph (0 km/h) and 120 mph (Canada:
200 km/h).
Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS while driving on
roads with steep gradients.
As DISTRONIC PLUS transmits radar waves, it
can resemble the radar detectors of the
responsible authorities. You can refer to the
relevant chapter in the Operator's Manual if
questions are asked about this.
iUSA only:
This device has been approved by the FCC as a "Vehicular Radar System". The radar
sensor is intended for use in an automotive
radar system only. Removing, tampering
with, or altering the device will void any
warranties, and is not permitted by the
FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use in
any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
118Driving systems
Driving an d parking

If a vehicle is detected in the monitoring range
of Blind Spot Assist and you switch on the
corresponding turn signal, a double warning
tone sounds. Red warning lamp :flashes. If
the turn signal remains on, vehicles detected
are indicated by the flashing of red warninglamp :. There are no further warning tones.
Switching on Blind Spot Assist
:Yellow indicator lamp/red warning lamp
X Make sure that Blind Spot Assist is activa-
ted in the on-board computer(Y page 147).
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock ( Ypage 103).
Warning lamps :in the exterior mirrors
light up red for approximately 1.5 seconds
and then turn yellow.
HOLD function
General notes
The HOLD function can assist the driver in the
following situations: R when pulling away, especially on steep
slopes
R when maneuvering on steep slopes
R when waiting in traffic
The vehicle is kept stationary without the
driver having to depress the brake pedal.
The braking effect is canceled and the HOLD
function deactivated when you depress the
accelerator pedal to pull away.
iDo not use the HOLD function when driv-
ing off-road, on steep uphill or downhill gra- dients or on slippery or loose surfaces. The
HOLD function cannot hold the vehicle on
such surfaces.
Activation conditions
You can activate the HOLD function if: R the vehicle is stationary.
R the engine is running or it has been
switched off by the ECO start/stop func-
tion (AMG vehicles).
R the engine is running.
R the driver's door is closed or your seat belt
is fastened.
R the transmission is in position D,R or N.
R DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated.
Activating the HOLD function
The vehicle's brakes are applied when the
HOLD function is activated. For this reason,
deactivate the HOLD function while in the car
wash or while towing.
X Make sure that the activation conditions
are met.
X Depress the brake pedal.
X Quickly depress the brake pedal furtheruntil ë appears in the multifunction dis-
play.
The HOLD function is activated. You can
release the brake pedal.
iIf depressing the brake pedal the first
time does not activate the HOLD function,
wait briefly and then try again.
126Driving systems
Driving and parking

Deactivating the HOLD function
GWARNING
When leaving the vehicle, it can still roll awaydespite being braked by the HOLD function if:
R there is a malfunction in the system or in
the voltage supply.
R the HOLD function has been deactivated by
pressing the accelerator pedal or the brake
pedal, e.g. by a vehicle occupant.
R the electrical system in the engine com-
partment, the battery or the fuses have
been tampered with.
R the battery is disconnected
There is a risk of an accident.
If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off the HOLD function and secure the vehicle
against rolling away.
The HOLD function is deactivated automati-
cally if: R you accelerate and the transmission is in
position Dor R.
R you shift the transmission to position P.
R you depress the brake pedal again with a
certain amount of pressure until ëdis-
appears from the multifunction display.
R you activate DISTRONIC PLUS.
On steep uphill or downhill gradients or if
there is a malfunction, the transmission may
also be automatically shifted into position P.
Permanent all-wheel drive
!
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.
!When testing the parking brake, operate
the vehicle only briefly (for a maximum of ten seconds) on a brake test dynamometer.
When doing this, turn the SmartKey to posi-
tion 0or 1in the ignition. Failure to do this
can cause damage to the drive train or the brake system.
!A function or performance test should
only be carried out on a two-axle dyna-
mometer. 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.
The all-wheel drive system ensures that all
four wheels are permanently driven. The all-
wheel drive system improves vehicle traction together with ESP ®
and 4ETS if a drive wheel
spins due to insufficient grip.
If a drive wheel spins due to insufficient grip: R Only depress the accelerator pedal as far as
necessary when pulling away.
R Take your foot off the accelerator, slowly,
while the vehicle is in motion.
The permanent all-wheel drive system can
neither reduce the risk of accident nor over-
ride the laws of physics if you fail to adapt
your driving style or if you are inattentive. The
all-wheel drive system cannot take into
account road, weather or traffic conditions.
The all-wheel drive system is only an aid. You
are responsible for maintaining a safe dis-
tance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good time and for staying in
lane.
In wintry driving conditions, always use winter
tires (M+S tires) and if necessary, snow
chains ( Ypage 232). Only in this way can the
maximum effect of all-wheel drive be ach-
ieved.
For information on driving off-road, see the
Digital Operator's Manual.
Driving syste ms127
Driving and parking
Z

Deactivating/activating PARKTRONIC
:Indicator lamp
;To deactivate/activate PARKTRONIC
If indicator lamp :lights up, PARKTRONIC is
deactivated.
iPARKTRONIC is automatically activated
when you turn the SmartKey to position 2in
the ignition lock.
Towing a trailer
PARKTRONIC is deactivated for the rear area
when you establish an electrical connection
between your vehicle and a trailer.
130Driving syste ms
Driving and parking

Activating/deactivating the rear view
camera
:Rear view camera
XTo activate: make sure that the SmartKey
is in position 2in the ignition lock.
X Make sure that the rear view camera func-
tion is selected in COMAND (see the sepa-
rate operating instructions for COMAND).
X Engage reverse gear.
The area behind the vehicle is shown in the
COMAND display.
To deactivate: the rear view camera is deac-
tivated if you:
R shift the transmission to position P
R drive forward ten meters
R shift the transmission from Rto another
position after 15 seconds
R drive forwards at a speed of over 5 mph
(10 km/h)
Off-road driving systems
Transfer case
General notes
The vehicle has permanent all-wheel drive.
Power is always transmitted to both axles.
For more information on driving off-road, see the Digital Operator's Manual.
Shift ranges
GWARNING
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 switch off the engine while changing
gear and do not shift the automatic transmis-
sion to another gear.
HIGH
RANGEPosition for all normal on-
road driving conditions
LOW
RANGELow-range position for driv-
ing off-road.
Also for use on steep uphill
or downhill gradients, espe-
cially when towing a trailer.
The vehicle travels around
half the speed of on-road
driving range HIGH RANGE .
The tractive power is corre-
spondingly higher.
Shifting the transfer case
Important safety notes
GWARNING
When the transfer case is in the neutral posi-
tion, power transmission to the driven wheels
132Off-road driving systems
Driving and pa rking

Towing a trailer
Notes on towing a trailer
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time.
GWARNING
When the vehicle/trailer combination begins
to lurch, you could lose control of it. The vehi- cle/trailer combination could even rollover.
There is a risk of an accident.
On no account should you attempt to
straighten up the vehicle/trailer combination
by increasing the speed. Reduce vehicle
speed and do not countersteer. Apply the
brake as necessary.
GWARNING
If you install a ball coupling other than the one
delivered with the vehicle, the trailer tow hitch and the rear axle may be overloaded. This
applies especially if the ball coupling in ques- tion is longer or angled differently. This could seriously impair the driving characteristics
and the trailer can come loose. There is a risk
of an accident.
Only install the ball coupling delivered with
the vehicle or a ball coupling that is designed
to meet your trailer towing requirements. Do
not modify the ball coupling or the trailer tow hitch.
GWARNING
If the ball coupling is not installed correctly or not secured with the bolt provided and the
corresponding spring cotter, the trailer may
come loose. There is a risk of an accident.
Always install and secure the ball coupling asdescribed. Before every journey, ensure that
the ball coupling is secured with the bolt and
the corresponding spring cotter.
Please observe the manufacturer's operating instructions for the trailer coupling if a
detachable trailer coupling is used.
Exceeding the maximum permissible nose-
weight may cause damage to the following: R your vehicle
R the trailer
R the ball coupling
R trailer tow hitch
The vehicle/trailer combination could
become unstable.
If the noseweight used is lower than the min- imum permissible noseweight, the vehicle/
trailer combination could also become unsta-ble.
To avoid hazardous situations:
R make sure to check the noseweight before
each journey
R use a drawbar noseweight as close as pos-
sible to the maximum noseweight
R do not exceed the maximum permissible
noseweight
R do not use a noseweight lower than the
minimum permissible trailer drawbar nose-
weight
When backing up the vehicle towards the
trailer, make sure there is nobody between
the trailer and the vehicle.
The applicable permissible values, which
must not be exceeded, can be found:
R in your vehicle documents
R on the type plate of the trailer tow hitch and
trailer
R on the vehicle identification plate
Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully. If
you do not couple the trailer to the towing
vehicle correctly, the trailer could become
detached.
Towing a trailer137
Driving an d parking
Z

Make sure that the following values are not exceeded:
R the permissible trailer drawbar noseweight
R the permissible trailer load
R the permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
R the maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight of both the towing vehicle and thetrailer
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison with when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R is heavier
R is restricted in its acceleration and gradi-
ent-climbing capability
R has an increased braking distance
R is affected more by strong crosswinds
R demands more sensitive steering
R has a larger turning radius
This could impair the handling characteris-
tics. Adapt your driving style accordingly.
Maintain a safe distance. Drive carefully.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to the current road and weather con-
ditions. Do not exceed the maximum permis- sible speed for your vehicle/trailer combina-tion.
You will find the values approved by the man-
ufacturer on the vehicle identification plates
and those for the towing vehicle in the "Tech- nical data" section ( Ypage 268).
Driving tips
X
On long and steep downhill gradients,
select shift range 1,2 or 3(Y page 107) in
good time.
iThis also applies if you have activated
cruise control or SPEEDTRONIC.
X If necessary, shift the transfer case to LOW
RANGE (Y page 132).
This will use the braking effect of the
engine, so that less braking will be required to maintain the speed. This relieves the
load on the brake system and prevents the
brakes from overheating and wearing too
quickly. If you need additional braking,
depress the brake pedal repeatedly rather
than continuously.
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check
the trailer's documents to see what the max- imum permissible speed is. Observe the
legally prescribed maximum speed in the rel-evant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the max-
imum permissible rear axle load is increased
when towing a trailer. Refer to the "Technical
data" section to find out whether this applies to your vehicle. If you utilize any of the added
maximum rear axle load when towing a trailer, the vehicle/trailer combination may not
exceed a maximum speed of 60 mph
(100 km/h) for reasons concerning the oper-ating permit. This also applies in countries in
which the permissible maximum speed for
vehicle/trailer combinations is above 60 mph (100 km/h).
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
to when driving without a trailer and it will
consume more fuel.
On long and steep downhill gradients, you
must select shift range 1,2 or 3in good time.
iThis also applies if you have activated
cruise control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so that less braking will be required to main-
tain the speed. This relieves the load on the
brake system and prevents the brakes from
overheating and wearing too quickly. If you
need additional braking, depress the brake
pedal repeatedly rather than continuously.
138Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

Driving tips
If the trailer swings from side to side:
X Do not accelerate.
X Do not counter-steer.
X Brake if necessary.
R Maintain a greater distance from the vehi-
cle in front than when driving without a
trailer.
R Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake
gently at first to allow the trailer to run on.
Then, increase the braking force rapidly.
R The values given for gradient-climbing
capabilities from a standstill refer to sea
level. When driving in mountainous areas,
note that the power output of the engine
and, consequently, the vehicle's gradient-
climbing capability, decreases with
increasing altitude.
Assembling the ball coupling
Assembling the ball coupling
GWARNING
The ball coupling can be damaged if the nut on the ball coupling is tightened using the incor- rect torque. As a result, the trailer may
detach. There is a risk of an accident.
Immediately after installing, have the tighten-
ing torque checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.
!Mercedes-Benz recommends that you
only use ball couplings tested and
approved for use on Mercedes-Benz vehi-
cles. This helps to avoid damage to the
vehicle.
Observe the manufacturer's installation
instructions if you use a ball coupling other than the one supplied.
X Screw in ball coupling :as far as it will go
through the hole of ball coupling carrier ;.
X
Slide securing bolt ?over the thread of
ball coupling =as far as it will go.
X Screw on nut Aas far as it will go.
X
Using a torque wrench, tighten nut Bwith
a torque of 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) .
X Check that thread Cprotruding below nut
B has the minimum required length of
0.32 in (8 mm).
X Check the assembled ball coupling for cor-
rect installation.
Towing a trailer139
Driving and pa rking
Z