Hybrid system overview
:Battery charger and voltage converter
;Vehicle socket
=Power electronics
?12 V battery
AHigh-voltage electrical system cables
BTransmission with electric motor
CHigh-voltage battery
DElectric heater
ERecuperative Brake System
FElectric refrigerant compressor
You can switch off the hybrid drive system manually. For further information on the high-voltage
switch-off device, see (
Ypage 42).
244PLUG-IN HYBRID operation
Driving and parking
Instrument cluster
:Electrical range
;Recuperative Brake Systemwarning lamp (Ypage 318)
=Electric motor performance display (Ypage 245)
?Drivingmod edisplay (Ypage 246)
Displays and operation
Electric motor performance display
The power display for th eelectric motor is loca-
te don th eright-hand side of th einstrumen t
cluster.
RArea :to; (E-DRIVE):
This shows th eelectric output from th eelec -
tric motor, e.g. during electric operation or in
boos tmode.
When th emotor is switched on ,th eneedle is
at limi t:. Withincreasing pressur eon th e
accelerato rpedal th eneedle moves from :
to ;. Driving with th
eelectri cmotor: when th e
needle reaches limi t; thecombustion
engin eis switched on .If th edisplay
approaches limi t; and you remove your foo t
from th eaccelerato rpedal ,th eneedle drops
again .The combustion engin eis no tswitched
on .At low speeds, you can thereby control th e
electric operation usage so that you only driv e
in electric mode.
Driving with th ecombustion engine: the
electric motor support sth ecombustion
engin eby providing additional driv etorque
(boost mode) until th eneedle reaches
limi t;.
You can also select th eoperating mod eof th e
hybrid driv esystem (
Ypage 246).
RArea=to? (CHARGE) :
This shows th erecuperate denerg ywhic his
store din th ehigh-voltage battery as electrical
energy.
When th eneedle reaches limi t?, themaxi-
mum recuperative brak ing p
ower has been
reached. The mechanical brak eis activated.
PLUG-IN HYBRID operation245
Driving and parking
Z
XSwitch on the ignition.
XDepress the brake pedal.
XObserve the notes on starting the engine
(Ypage 147).
XStart the vehicle (Ypage 147).
The vehicle is operational when READY indi-
cator :lights up.
Pulling away
XDepress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
XShift the transmission to position Dor R.
XIf the Apply Brake to Shift from 'P'display message appears in the multifunction
display, depress the brake pedal more firmly
and select the desired transmission position.
XRelease the brake pedal.
XCarefully depress the accelerator pedal.
For further information on pulling away
(
Ypage 148).
Driving
DYNAMIC SELECT controller
Drive programs
Use the DYNAMIC SELECT controller to change
the drive program. Depending on the drive pro-
gram selected the following vehicle character-
istics will change:
Rthe drive (engine and transmission manage-
ment)
Rthe suspension
Rthe steering
Rthe energy management
Each time you start the engine with the ignition SmartKey or the Start/Stop button, the Com-
fort drive program is activated. For further infor-
mation about starting the engine, see
(
Ypage 147).
XTurn DYNAMIC SELECT controller :as many
times as necessary until the desired drive
program is selected.
The status icon of the selected drive program
is shown in the multifunction display.
In addition, the current drive program settings are displayed briefly in the multimedia system
display.
Available drive programs:
IndividualRIndividual settings
SportRSporty driving style with
increased boost mode
RElectric-only operation is
not possible
ComfortRComfortable, economical
driving style
RElectric-only operation is
possible
SlipperyROptimal driving charac-
teristics on slippery or
snow-covered roads
RElectric-only operation is
possible
Additional information for drive programs
(Ypage 158).
Using the steering wheel paddle shifters, you
can temporarily change gears yourself. For fur-
ther information on the manual drive program
(
Ypage 251).
Manual gear shifting
Using the steering wheel paddle shifters, you
can temporarily change gears yourself. The
transmission must be in position D. During man-
ual gearshifting, the combustion engine is
always switched on.
PLUG-IN HYBRID operation251
Driving and parking
Z
Activating when driving with the electric motor:
XPull the left or right steering wheel paddle
shifter (Ypage 159).
The combustion engine is switched on. Man-
ual gearshifting is activated temporarily. The
selected gear and Mappear in the multifunc-
tion display.
Activating when driving with the combustion
engine:
XPull the left or right steering wheel paddle
shifter (Ypage 159).
Manual gearshifting is activated temporarily.
The selected gear and Mappear in the multi-
function display.
The ECO start/stop function is not available
when manually changing gear.
For further information on the manual drive pro-
gram (
Ypage 159).
Driving tips
General driving tips
Drive carefully and maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front. Avoid frequent and
sudden acceleration as well as abrupt braking.
During partial electric driving, pulling away and
acceleration, the electric motor supports the
internal combustion engine.
During overrun in transmission position Dand
braking, the electric motor will operate as a gen-
erator.
Further information on the ECO start/stop func-
tion (
Ypage 253).
Additional driving tips (
Ypage 181).
Stationary vehicle
If the vehicle is stopped, the combustion engine
is, for the most part, switched off. Automatic
climate control continues to function. The elec-
tromechanically assisted steering gear allows
you to use the power steering without reduced
comfort.
Acceleration
Depending on the operating mode, pulling away
and driving under low load conditions are per-
formed:
Rentirely by electric propulsion
Rin combination with the internal combustion
engine When accelerating rapidly under increased or
full load, increased boost mode is utilized. The
electric motor supports the combustion engine
by providing additional drive torque.
Overrun mode or braking
There are three possible operating modes when
the hybrid vehicle is decelerating:
Renergy recovery takes place even when the
vehicle is decelerating purely in overrun mode
(
Ypage 242). The electric motor operates as
a generator and stores the recovered energy
in the high-voltage battery.
Rwhen the brakes are applied lightly, the vehi-
cle is slowed down further by the electric
motor. This increases the energy recovery
taking place (
Ypage 242). The electric motor
operates as a generator and stores the recov- ered energy in the high-voltage battery.
Rwhen the brakes are applied with greater
force, the service brakes are also used to slow
the vehicle down. The two systems work
together.
Urban driving
In city traffic, energy is recuperated during fre-
quent deceleration phases.
The vehicle can be driven by the electric motor
alone up to a speed of approximately 80 mph
(130 km/h).
The vehicle is driven by the electric motor alone
only when all conditions for the automatic
engine switch-off are fulfilled.
Further information on the automatic engine
switch-off (
Ypage 253).
Driving on inter-urban roads
The following phases are possible when driving
on inter-urban roads:
Rrapid acceleration (boost mode)
Renergy recuperation
Relectric operation mode
The vehicle can be driven by the electric motor
alone up to a speed of approximately 74 mph
(120 km/h).
A great deal of recovered energy may be avail-
able, depending on the route profile. This
reduces consumption and emissions.
252PLUG-IN HYBRID operation
Driving an d parking
The condition of charge of the high-voltage bat-
tery is thus systematically controlled. In addi-
tion, the control function takes into account
that:
Rthe fuel saving through the use of electrical
energy can vary, dependent on the route (e.g.
urban, interurban or highway)
Rthe use of electrical energy is held available
for electric driving, particularly for urban
routes
The vehicle thus automatically selects the opti-
mum driving mode for the respective section of
the route.
The route-based operating strategy is available
under the following conditions:
Rthe Individual drive program is selected
Rin theIndividual drive program, the ECO set-
ting is selected under Drive
RHYBRID driving mode is selected
Ractive route guidance is activated
Rsuitable map data is available
When the route-based operating strategy is
being used, the area in front of the vehicle is
shown as green in the multifunction display.
Parking
XApply the electric parking brake.
The red !indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.
XUse the DIRECT SELECT lever to shift the
automatic transmission to P.
XSwitch the ignition off.
The READY indicator in the instrument cluster
goes out.
Further information on parking and switching off
the internal combustion engine (
Ypage 179).
254PLUG-IN HYBRID operation
Driving and parking
Problems with PLUG-IN HYBRID operation
Internal combustion engine
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and MSolutions
You cannot start the
internal combustion
engine. The multifunc-
tion display shows no
display messages. The
READY indicator in the
multifunction display is
off.For example, self-diagnosis is not yet complete or the hybrid drive
system is malfunctioning.
XSwitch off the ignition and turn it back on.
XTry to start the internal combustion engine again.
If the internal combustion engine still does not start:
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
You wish to pull away,
but the ECO start/stop
function does not start
the internal combustion
engine. The READY indi-
cator in the multifunc-
tion display is off.The ECO start/stop function has failed. The warning and indicator
lamps in the instrument cluster light up.
XShift the transmission to P.
XSwitch off the ignition and turn it back on.
XStart the engine.
The hybrid drive system is faulty.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
Recuperative Brake System
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and MSolutions
Braking resistance is
reduced and brake pedal
travel is longer than
usual.GRisk of accident
The Recuperative Brake System is malfunctioning.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction dis-
play (Ypage 280).
XObserve the information regarding indicator and warning lamps in
the instrument cluster (Ypage 318) .
PLUG-IN HYBRID operation255
Driving and parking
Z
Hybrid drive system
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The hybrid drive system
has been switched off
automatically.You have been in an accident.
The hybrid drive system remains switched off if:
Rthe internal combustion engine cannot be restarted after a few
seconds.
Rthe red6restraint system warning lamp in the instrument clus-
ter is lit.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
The hybrid drive system
has been switched off
automatically. The multi-
function display also
shows a display mes-
sage.An electrical short circuit has occurred in the hybrid drive system or an
electrical connection has been disconnected.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction dis-
play (Ypage 280).
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
Towing a trailer
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Installing an unsuitable ball coupling may
result in overloading of the trailer tow hitch
and the rear axle. This applies especially if the ball coupling in question 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.
You should only ever install a ball coupling
that has the permissible dimensions and that
is designed to meet your trailer-towing
requirements. Do not modify the ball coupling
or the trailer tow hitch.
You will find the values approved by the manu-
facturer on the vehicle identification plates and
those for the towing vehicle under "Technical
data" (
Ypage 445).
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 as
described. Before every journey, ensure that
the ball coupling is secured with the bolt and
the corresponding spring cotter.
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.
Please observe the manufacturer's operating
instructions for the trailer coupling if a detach-
able trailer coupling is used.
Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully. If you
do not couple the trailer to the towing vehicle
correctly, the trailer could become detached.
Make sure that the following values are not
exceeded:
Rthe permissible trailer drawbar noseweight
Rthe permissible trailer load
Rthe permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
Rthe maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
256Towing a trailer
Driving and parking
The applicable permissible values, which must
not be exceeded, can be found:
Rin the vehicle documents
Ron the identification plates for the trailer tow
hitch and the trailer
Ron the vehicle identification plate
If the values differ, the lowest value applies.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
Ris heavier
Ris restricted in its acceleration and gradient-
climbing capability
Rhas an increased braking distance
Ris affected more by strong crosswinds
Rdemands more sensitive steering
Rhas a larger turning circle
This could impair the handling characteristics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your speed
to the current road and weather conditions. Do
not exceed the maximum permissible speed for
your vehicle/trailer combination.
Notes on towing a trailer
General notes
The GLE 550 e 4MATIC cannot be used to tow a
trailer.
RDo not exceed the legally prescribed maxi-
mum speed for vehicle/trailer combinations
in the relevant country.
This lowers the risk of an accident.
ROnly install an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle.
Further information on availability and on
installation is available from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
RThe bumpers of your vehicle are not suitable
for installing detachable trailer couplings.
RDo not install hired trailer couplings or other
detachable trailer couplings on the bumpers
of your vehicle.
RIf you no longer need the ball coupling,
remove it from the ball coupling recess. This
will reduce the risk of damage to the ball cou-
pling. When towing a trailer, set the tire pressure on
the rear axle of the towing vehicle for the max-
imum load. You will find the values in the tire
pressure table in the fuel filler flap of the vehicle
(
Ypage 406).
Please note that when towing a trailer, the fol-
lowing driving systems have limited availability
or are not available at all:
RPARKTRONIC (Ypage 210)
RBlind Spot Assist (Ypage 227)
RActive Lane Keeping Assist (Ypage 233)
On vehicles without level control, the height of
the ball coupling will alter according to the load
placed on the vehicle. If necessary, use a trailer
with a height-adjustable drawbar.
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" (
Ypage 444).
Driving tips
Observe the information on ESP®trailer stabili-
zation (Ypage 73) and on pulling away with a
trailer (Ypage 149).
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 maximum
permissible speed is. Observe the legally pre-
scribed maximum speed in the relevant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the maxi-
mum permissible rear axle load is increased
when towing a trailer. See "Technical data" to
find out whether this applies to your vehicle
(
Ypage 445). 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 operating permit. This
also applies in countries in which the permissi-
ble maximum speed for vehicle/trailer combi-
nations is above 60 mph (100 km/h).
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a trailer.
Use the left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter
to shift into a lower gear in good time on long
and steep downhill gradients.
This 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 maintain the
speed. This relieves the load on the brake sys-
Towing a trailer257
Driving and parking
Z