Protection of the environment
General notes
HEnvironmental note
Daimler's declared policy is one of compre-
hensive environmental protection.
The objectives are for the natural resources
that form the basis of our existence on this
planet to be used sparingly and in a manner
that takes the requirements of both nature
and humanity into account.
You too can help to protect the environment
by operating your vehicle in an environmen-
tally responsible manner.
Fuel consumption and the rate of engine,
transmission, brake and tire wear are affected by these factors:
Roperating conditions of your vehicle
Ryour personal driving style
You can influence both factors. You should
bear the following in mind:
Operating conditions:
Ravoid short trips as these increase fuel con-
sumption.
Ralways make sure that the tire pressures
are correct.
Rdo not carry any unnecessary weight.
Rremove roof racks once you no longer need
them.
Ra regularly serviced vehicle will contribute
to environmental protection. You should
therefore adhere to the service intervals.
Ralways have service work carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Personal driving style:
Rdo not depress the accelerator pedal when
starting the engine.
Rdo not warm up the engine when the vehicle
is stationary.
Rdrive carefully and maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front.
Ravoid frequent, sudden acceleration and
braking.
Rchange gear in good time and use each gear
only up to Ôof its maximum engine speed.
Rswitch off the engine in stationary traffic.
Rkeep an eye on the vehicle's fuel consump-
tion.
Environmental concerns and recom-
mendations
Wherever the operating instructions require you
to dispose of materials, first try to regenerate or
re-use them. Observe the relevant environmen-
tal rules and regulations when disposing of
materials. In this way you will help to protect the
environment.
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts
HEnvironmental note
Daimler AG also supplies reconditioned major
assemblies and parts which are of the same
quality as new parts. They are covered by the
same Limited Warranty entitlements as new
parts.
!Air bags and Emergency Tensioning Devi-
ces, as well as control units and sensors for
these restraint systems, may be installed in
the following areas of your vehicle:
Rdoors
Rdoor pillars
Rdoor sills
Rseats
Rcockpit
Rinstrument cluster
Rcenter console
Do not install accessories such as audio sys-
tems in these areas. Do not carry out repairs or welding. You could impair the operating
efficiency of the restraint systems.
Have aftermarket accessories installed at a
qualified specialist workshop.
You could jeopardize the operating safety of
your vehicle if you use parts, tires and wheels as
well as accessories relevant to safety which
have not been approved by Mercedes. This
could lead to malfunctions in safety-relevant
Introduction19
Z
systems, e.g. the brake system. Use only genu-
ine Mercedes-Benz parts or parts of equal qual-ity. Only use tires, wheels and accessories that
have been specifically approved for your vehi-
cle.
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts are subject to
strict quality control. Every part has been spe-
cifically developed, manufactured or selected
for and adapted to Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Only genuine Mercedes-Benz parts should
therefore be used.
More than 300,000 different genuine
Mercedes-Benz parts are available for
Mercedes-Benz models.
All authorized Mercedes-Benz Centers maintain
a supply of genuine Mercedes-Benz parts for
necessary service and repair work. In addition,
strategically located parts delivery centers pro-
vide quick and reliable parts service.
Always specify the vehicle identification number
(VIN) when ordering genuine Mercedes-Benz
parts (
Ypage 288).
Operator's Manual
Vehicle equipment
This Operator's Manual describes all models
and all standard and optional equipment of your
vehicle available at the time of going to print.
Country-specific differences are possible. Bear
in mind that your vehicle may not feature all
functions described here. This also applies to
safety-relevant systems and functions. The
equipment in your vehicle may therefore differ
from that shown in the descriptions and illus-
trations.
The original purchase agreement lists all sys-
tems installed in your vehicle.
Should you have any questions concerning
equipment and operation, please consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The Operator's Manual and the Maintenance
Booklet are important documents and should be
kept in the vehicle.
Service and vehicle operation
Warranty
Your vehicle is covered under the terms of the
warranties printed in the Service and Warranty
Information booklet.
Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
replace and repair all factory-installed parts in
accordance with the following warranty terms
and conditions:
RNew Vehicle Limited Warranty
REmission Systems Warranty
REmission Performance Warranty
RCalifornia, Connecticut, Maine, Massachu-
setts, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island
and Vermont Emission Control System War-
ranty
RState warranty enforcement laws (Lemon
Laws)
Replacement parts and accessories are covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Parts and Accessories
warranties. These are available at any author-
ized Mercedes-Benz Center.
iIf you lose the Service and Warranty Infor-
mation booklet, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to arrange a replace-
ment. It will be mailed to you.
Information for customers in Califor-
nia
In California, you have the right to exchange a
vehicle or receive a refund of the purchase or
leasing price if Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC and/or
an authorized workshop or maintenance facility
cannot, after several authorized repairs, rectify
considerable damage to or malfunctions of the
vehicle that are covered by the contractual war-
ranty. During the period of 18 months from orig- inal delivery of the vehicle or the accumulation
of 18,000 miles (approximately 29,000 km) on
the odometer of the vehicle, whichever occurs
first, a reasonable number of repair attempts is
presumed for a retail buyer or lessee if one or
more of the following occurs:
(1) the serious defect or damage can result in deadly or serious injury to the vehicle occu-
pants while driving AND this defect has
already been repaired at least twice AND
20Introduction
Sports Utility Vehicle
GWARNING
Due to the high center of gravity, the vehicle
may start to skid and roll over in the event of
an abrupt steering maneuver and/or when
the vehicle's speed is not adapted to the road
conditions. There is a risk of an accident.
Always adapt your speed and driving style to
the vehicle's driving characteristics and to the
prevailing road and weather conditions.
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher roll-
over rate than other types of vehicles.
Failure to operate this vehicle safely may result
in an accident, rollover of the vehicle, and severe
or fatal injury.
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is signif-
icantly more likely to die than a person wearing
a seat belt.
You and all vehicle occupants should always
wear your seat belts.
Operating safety
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you do not have the prescribed service/
maintenance work or any required repairs
carried out, this can result in malfunctions or system failures. There is a risk of an accident.
Always have the prescribed service/mainte-
nance work as well as any required repairs
carried out at a qualified specialist workshop.
GWARNING
Flammable material such as leaves, grass or
twigs may ignite if they come into contact with
hot parts of the exhaust system. There is a risk of fire.
When driving off road or on unpaved roads,
check the vehicle's underside regularly. In
particular, remove parts of plants or other
flammable materials which have become
trapped. In the case of damage, contact a
qualified specialist workshop.
GWARNING
Modifications to electronic components, their software as well as wiring can impair their
function and/or the function of other net-
worked components. In particular, systems
relevant to safety could also be affected. As a
result, these may no longer function as inten-
ded and/or jeopardize the operating safety of
the vehicle. There is an increased risk of an
accident and injury.
Never tamper with the wiring as well as elec-
tronic components or their software. You
should have all work to electrical and elec-
tronic equipment carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop.
If you make any changes to the vehicle elec-
tronics, the general operating permit is ren-
dered invalid.
!There is a risk of damage to the vehicle if:
Rthe vehicle becomes stuck, e.g. on a high
curb or an unpaved road
Ryou drive too fast over an obstacle, e.g. a
curb or a hole in the road
Ra heavy object strikes the undercarriage or
parts of the chassis
In situations like this, the body, the undercar-
riage, chassis parts, wheels or tires could be
damaged without the damage being visible.
Components damaged in this way can unex-
pectedly fail or, in the case of an accident, no
longer withstand the strain they are designed to.
If the underbody paneling is damaged, com-
bustible materials such as leaves, grass or
twigs can gather between the underbody and
the underbody paneling. If these materials
come in contact with hot parts of the exhaust
system, they can catch fire.
In such situations, have the vehicle checked
and repaired immediately at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop. If on continuing your jour-
ney you notice that driving safety is impaired,
pull over and stop the vehicle immediately,
paying attention to road and traffic condi-
tions. In such cases, consult a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
22Introduction
Observe information regarding indicator and
warning lamps (Ypage 206) as well as display
messages (Ypage 186).
EBD monitors and controls the brake pressure
on the rear wheels to improve driving stability
while braking.
ADAPTIVE BRAKE
ADAPTIVE BRAKE provides increased braking
safety. In addition to the braking function,
ADAPTIVE BRAKE also has the HOLD function
(
Ypage 157) and hill start assist (Ypage 114).
Theft deterrent locking system
Immobilizer
XTo activate: remove the SmartKey from the
ignition lock.
XTo deactivate: switch on the ignition.
The immobilizer prevents your vehicle from
being started without the correct SmartKey.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. The
engine can be started by anyone with a valid
SmartKey that is left inside the vehicle.
iThe immobilizer is always deactivated when
you start the engine.
In the event that the engine cannot be started
when the starter battery is fully charged, the
immobilizer may be faulty. Contact an author-
ized Mercedes-Benz Center or call
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA) or
1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).
ATA (anti-theft alarm system)
XTo arm: lock the vehicle with the SmartKey.
Indicator lamp :flashes. The alarm system
is armed after approximately 15 seconds.
XTo disarm: unlock the vehicle with the Smart-
Key.
iIf you then do not open a side door or the
rear door, the alarm system switches back on
again after approximately 40 seconds.
XTo stop the alarm: insert the SmartKey into
the ignition lock.
The alarm is switched off.
or
XPress the %or& button on the Smart-
Key.
The alarm is switched off.
A visual and audible alarm is triggered if the
alarm system is armed and you open:
Ra door
Ra door using the mechanical key
Rthe rear door
Rthe hood
The alarm is also triggered if:
Rthe position of the vehicle is changed.
Ra window is smashed.
The alarm is not switched off, even if you close
the open door that triggered it, for example.
iIf the alarm stays on for more than
30 seconds, the mbrace emergency call sys-
tem (USA only) or Tele Aid system (Canada
only) initiates a call to the Customer Assis-
tance Center automatically. The mbrace
emergency call system initiates the call if:
Ryou have subscribed to the Tele Aid service.
Rthe Tele Aid service has been activated
properly.
Rthe required mobile phone, power supply
and GPS are available.
Theft deterrent locking system59
Safety
Z
XMake sure that the doors and the tailgate are
locked.
XInsert the mechanical key into the SmartKey.
iIf you lock the vehicle as described above,
the fuel filler flap is not locked. The anti-theft
alarm system is not armed.
Rear door
Important safety notes
GWARNING
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock. Always take
the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle.
Do not leave children unsupervised in the
vehicle, even if they are secured in a child
restraint system, and do not give them access to an unlocked vehicle. A child's unsupervised
access to a vehicle could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury. They could:
Rinjure themselves on vehicle parts
Rbe seriously or fatally injured by extreme
heat or cold
Rinjure themselves or have an accident with
vehicle equipment that may still be in oper-
ation even after the SmartKey has been
removed from the ignition, such as the seat
adjustment, steering wheel adjustment or
memory function.
If children open a door, they could cause
severe or even fatal injury to other persons; if they get out of the vehicle, they could injure
themselves when doing so or be seriously or
even fatally injured by any passing traffic.
Do not expose the child restraint system to
direct sunlight. The child restraint system's
metal parts, for example, could become very
hot, and a child could be burned on these
parts.
GWARNING
Do not carry heavy or hard objects in the
passenger compartment or cargo compart-
ment unless they are firmly secured in place.
Unsecured or improperly positioned cargo
increases a child's risk of injury in the event of
Rstrong braking maneuvers
Rsudden changes of direction
Ran accident
GWARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. If the rear
door is open when the engine is running, par-
ticularly if the vehicle is moving, exhaust
fumes could enter the passenger compart-
ment. There is a risk of poisoning.
Turn off the engine before opening the rear
door. Never drive with the rear door open.
!The tailgate swings out to the side when
opened. Therefore, make sure that there is
sufficient clearance.
iDo not leave the SmartKey in the cargo
compartment. Otherwise, you could lock
yourself out.
Opening
You can only open the rear door after unlocking
it first.
XPress the %button on the SmartKey.
XPress release button :and pull door han-
dle ;.
XOpen the rear door.
Rear door67
Opening and closing
Z
XIf the parking brake is applied, release it.
XSwitch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey
in the ignition lock.
Shifting to transmission position D
XWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed.
XPush the selector lever back past the first
point of resistance.
Transmission positionDis engaged.
iIf the vehicle is braked to a standstill when in
transmission position D(Ypage 114) and the
brake pedal continues to be depressed, the
ECO start/stop function switches the engine
off automatically.
Transmission positions
BPark position
Do not shift the transmission into
position P(
Ypage 119) unless the
vehicle is stationary. The parking lock should not be used as a brake when
parking. In addition to engaging the
parking lock, you must always apply
the parking brake to secure the vehi-
cle.
iThe SmartKey can only be
removed if the transmission is in
position P. When there is no
SmartKey in the ignition lock, the
selector lever is locked in position P.
CReverse gear
Only shift the transmission to Rwhen
the vehicle is stationary.
ANeutral
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels.
Releasing the brakes will allow you to
move the vehicle freely, e.g. to push
it or tow it.
Do not shift the transmission to N
while driving. Otherwise, the auto-
matic transmission could be dam-
aged.
If ESP
®is deactivated or faulty: only
shift the transmission to position Nif
the vehicle is in danger of skidding,
e.g. on icy roads.
If you want to engage the transfer
case, shift briefly into N
(
Ypage 162).
!Rolling in neutral Ncan damage
the drive train.
7Drive
The automatic transmission changes
gear automatically. All forward gears
are available.
Changing gear
The automatic transmission shifts to the indi-
vidual gears automatically when it is in trans-
mission position D. This automatic gearshifting
behavior is determined by:
Ra shift range restriction, if selected
Rthe position of the transfer case ( HIGH
RANGE orLOW RANGE )
Rthe position of the accelerator pedal
Rthe road speed
Driving tips
Accelerator pedal position
Your style of driving influences how the auto-
matic transmission shifts gear:
Rlittle throttle: early upshifts
Rmore throttle: late upshifts
Automatic transmission121
Driving and parking
Z
Selecting the drive program
Program selector button (except for AMG vehicles)
Program selector button (AMG vehicles)
XPress program selector button:repeatedly
until the letter for the desired gearshift pro-
gram appears in the multifunction display.
Steering wheel paddle shifters
In the automatic drive program, you can restrict
or derestrict the shift range by using steering
wheel paddle shifters :and ;(
Ypage 123).
In the manual drive program you can change
gears manually using steering wheel paddle
shifters :and ;(
Ypage 124).
iYou can only change gear with the steering
wheel paddle shifters when the transmission
is in position D.
Automatic drive program
Drive program E(drive program Con AMG vehi-
cles) is characterized by the following:
Rcomfort-oriented engine and transmission
settings
Roptimal fuel consumption resulting from the
automatic transmission shifting up sooner
Rthe vehicle pulling away more gently in
forward and reverse gears, unless the accel-
erator pedal is depressed fully
Rincreased sensitivity. This improves driving
stability on slippery road surfaces, for exam-
ple
Rthe automatic transmission shifting up
sooner. This results in the vehicle being driven
at lower engine speeds and the wheels being
less likely to spin
Drive program Sis characterized by the follow-
ing:
Rsporty engine and transmission settings
Rthe vehicle pulling away in first gear
Rthe automatic transmission shifting up later
Rthe fuel consumption possibly being higher as
a result of the later automatic transmission
shift points
Shift ranges
Introduction
When the automatic transmission is in position
D, it is possible to restrict or derestrict the shift
range.
The shift range selected is shown in the multi-
function display. The automatic transmission
shifts only as far as the selected gear.
Setting the shift range is not possible on AMG
vehicles.
Automatic transmission123
Driving and parking
Z
When the engine limiting speed is reached,
the fuel supply is cut to prevent the engine
from overrevving. Always make sure that the
engine speed does not reach the red area of
the tachometer. There is otherwise a risk of
engine damage.
XTo shift up:pull steering wheel paddle
shifter ;.
The automatic transmission shifts up to the
next gear.
XTo shift down: pull steering wheel paddle
shifter :.
The automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear.
Automatic down shifting occurs when coast-
ing.
If the engine exceeds the maximum engine
speed when shifting down, the automatic
transmission protects against engine damage by not shifting down.
Shift recommendation
The gearshift recommendations assist you in
adopting an economical driving style. The rec-
ommended gear is shown in the multifunction
display.
XIf relevant gearshift recommendation :
appears in the multifunction display on the
instrument cluster, pull the corresponding
steering wheel paddle shifter (
Ypage 123).
The automatic transmission shifts to recom-
mended gear ;.
XIf relevant gearshift recommendation :
appears in the multifunction display in the
instrument cluster, pull the corresponding
steering wheel paddle shifter (see the Digital
Operator's Manual).
The automatic transmission shifts to recom-
mended gear ;.
Manual drive program
General information
In manual drive program M, you can perma-
nently change gear yourself by using the steer-
ing wheel paddle shifters. The transmission
must be in position D. The gear currently selec-
ted and engaged is shown in the multifunction
display.
Manual drive program Mdiffers from drive pro-
grams Eand Swith regard to spontaneity,
responsiveness and smoothness of gear
changes.
Switching on the manual drive program
XShift the transmission to position D.
XPress the program selector button repeatedly
untilMappears in the multifunction display.
Upshifting
!In manual drive program M, the automatic
transmission does not shift up automatically
even when the engine limiting speed for the
current gear is reached. When the engine lim-
iting speed is reached, the fuel supply is cut to
prevent the engine from overrevving. Always
make sure that the engine speed does not
reach the red area of the tachometer. There is
otherwise a risk of engine damage.
Automatic transmission125
Driving and parking
Z