2016 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE steering wheel

X
Switch on the ignition. X
Depress the brake pedal. X
Observe the notes on starting the engine
( Y
page 147). X
Start the vehicle ( Y
page 147).
The vehicle is operational when READY indi-
cator C lights up.
Pulling away X
Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed. X
Shift the transmission to position D or R .X
If 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. X
Release the brake pedal. X
Carefully depress the accelerator pedal.
For further information on pulling away
( Y
page 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: R
the drive (engine and transmission manage-
ment) R
the suspension R
the steering R
the 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
( Y
page 147). X
Turn DYNAMIC SELECT controller C 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:
Individual R
Individual settings
Sport R
Sporty driving style with
increased boost mode R
Electric-only operation is
not possible
Comfort R
Comfortable, economical
driving style R
Electric-only operation is
possible
Slippery R
Optimal driving charac-
teristics on slippery or
snow-covered roads R
Electric-only operation is
possible
Additional information for drive programs
( Y
page 158).
Using the steering wheel paddle shifters, you
can temporarily change gears yourself. For fur-
ther information on the manual drive program
( Y
page 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 operation 251
Driving and parking Z

Activating when driving with the electric motor: X
Pull the left or right steering wheel paddle
shifter ( Y
page 159).
The combustion engine is switched on. Man-
ual gearshifting is activated temporarily. The
selected gear and M appear in the multifunc-
tion display.
Activating when driving with the combustion
engine: X
Pull the left or right steering wheel paddle
shifter ( Y
page 159).
Manual gearshifting is activated temporarily.
The selected gear and M appear 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 ( Y
page 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 D and
braking, the electric motor will operate as a gen-
erator.
Further information on the ECO start/stop func-
tion ( Y
page 253).
Additional driving tips ( Y
page 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: R
entirely by electric propulsion R
in 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: R
energy recovery takes place even when the
vehicle is decelerating purely in overrun mode
( Y
page 242). The electric motor operates as
a generator and stores the recovered energy
in the high-voltage battery. R
when the brakes are applied lightly, the vehi-
cle is slowed down further by the electric
motor. This increases the energy recovery
taking place ( Y
page 242). The electric motor
operates as a generator and stores the recov-
ered energy in the high-voltage battery. R
when 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 ( Y
page 253).
Driving on inter-urban roads
The following phases are possible when driving
on inter-urban roads: R
rapid acceleration (boost mode) R
energy recuperation R
electric 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.252
PLUG-IN HYBRID operation
Driving an d parking

The applicable permissible values, which must
not be exceeded, can be found: R
in the vehicle documents R
on the identification plates for the trailer tow
hitch and the trailer R
on 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: R
is heavier R
is restricted in its acceleration and gradient-
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 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. R
Do not exceed the legally prescribed maxi-
mum speed for vehicle/trailer combinations
in the relevant country.
This lowers the risk of an accident. R
Only install an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle.
Further information on availability and on
installation is available from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. R
The bumpers of your vehicle are not suitable
for installing detachable trailer couplings. R
Do not install hired trailer couplings or other
detachable trailer couplings on the bumpers
of your vehicle. R
If 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
( Y
page 406).
Please note that when towing a trailer, the fol-
lowing driving systems have limited availability
or are not available at all: R
PARKTRONIC ( Y
page 210) R
Blind Spot Assist ( Y
page 227)R
Active Lane Keeping Assist ( Y
page 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" ( Y
page 444).
Driving tips Observe the information on ESP ®
trailer stabili-
zation ( Y
page 73) and on pulling away with a
trailer ( Y
page 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
( Y
page 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 trailer 257
Driving and parking Z

X
Establish the electrical connection between
the vehicle and the trailer. X
Check that the trailer lighting system is work-
ing. X
Push the combination switch upwards/down-
wards and check whether the corresponding
turn signal on the trailer flashes.
A trailer that is connected is recognized only
when the electrical connection is established
correctly and when the lighting system is work-
ing properly. The function of other systems also
depends on this, for example: R
ESP ®
R
PARKTRONIC R
Active Parking Assist R
Active Blind Spot Assist R
Active Lane Keeping Assist
i Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package: if you
couple up a trailer, the vehicle always remains
at normal level. When coupling up a trailer,
please observe the following: R
If the normal level has not been set man-
ually, the vehicle is automatically lowered
to normal level. This is the case if a speed of
5 mph (8 km/h) is reached. R
The Sport drive program is not available.
These restrictions apply to all accessories
powered through a connection to the trailer
power socket of your vehicle, e.g. a bicycle
carrier.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and leng th).
M ost U.S. states and all Canadian provinces
require by law: R
Safety chains between the towing vehicle and
the trailer. The chains should be cross-wound
under the trailer drawbar. They must be fas-
tened to the vehicle's trailer coupling, not to
the bumper or the axle.
Leave enough play in the chains to make tight
cornering possible. R
A separate brake system for certain types of
trailer. R
Safety switch for braked trailers. Check the
specific legal requirements applicable to your
state.
If the trailer becomes detached from the tow-
ing vehicle, the safety switch applies the
trailer brakes. Towing a trailer There are numerous legal requirements con-
cerning the towing of a trailer, e.g. speed restric-
tions. Make sure that your car/trailer combina-
tion complies with the local regulations: R
in your place of residence R
in the location to which you are driving
The police and local authorities can provide reli-
able information.
Observe the following when towing a trailer: R
To gain driving experience and to become
accustomed to the new handling characteris-
tics, you should practice the following in a
traffic-free location: -
cornering -
stopping -
backing up R
Before driving, check: -
trailer tow hitch -
safety switch for braked trailers -
safety chains -
electrical connections -
lights -
wheels R
Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer. R
If the trailer has electronically controlled
brakes, pull away carefully. Brake manually
using the brake controller and check whether
the brakes function correctly. R
Secure any objects on the trailer to prevent
the cargo from slipping when the vehicle is in
motion. R
When you couple up a trailer, check at regular
intervals that the load is firmly secured. If the
tra i ler is equipped with trailer lights and
brakes, check the trailer to ensure that these
are working. R
Bear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when driving
without one. Avoid sudden steering move-
ments. R
The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly, has a decreased
gradient climbing capability and a longer
braking distance.
It is more susceptible to side winds and
requires more careful steering.260
Towing a trailer
Driving an d parking

R
If possible, do not brake suddenly, but instead
depress the brake pedal moderately at first so
that the trailer can activate its brakes. Then
increase the pressure on the brake pedal. R
If the automatic transmission repeatedly
shifts between gears on uphill or downhill gra-
dients, shift to a lower gear using the left-hand
steering wheel paddle shifter.
A lower gear and lower speed reduce the risk
of engine failure. R
When driving downhill, shift to a lower gear to
utilize the engine's braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if instal-
led, the trailer brakes. R
If the coolant temperature increases dramat-
ically while the air-conditioning system is
switched on, switch off the air-conditioning
system.
Coolant heat can also be dissipated by open-
ing the windows and switching the ventilation
blower and the interior temperature to the
highest level. R
When overtaking, pay particular attention to
the extended length of your vehicle/trailer
combination.
Due to the length of the vehicle/trailer com-
bination, you require additional road space in
relation to the vehicle you are overtaking
before you can change back to the original
lane.
Decoupling a trailer
G WARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with the overrun
brake engaged, you could trap your hand
between the vehicle and the trailer drawbar.
There is a risk of injury.
Do not uncouple a trailer if the overrun brake
is engaged.
G WARNING
Vehicles with level control:
The vehicle is lowered as soon as you discon-
nect the trailer cable. This could result in your
limbs or those of other people that are
between the vehicle body and tires or under- neath the vehicle being trapped. There is a
risk of injury.
Make sure that nobody is in the immediate
vicinity of the wheel housings or under the
vehicle when you disconnect the trailer cable.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an engaged
overrun brake. Otherwise, your vehicle could
be damaged by the rebounding of the overrun
brake. X
Shift the transmission to position P .X
Apply the vehicle's electric parking brake. X
Start the engine. X
Close the doors and tailgate. X
Apply the trailer's parking brake. X
Detach the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer. X
Switch off the engine.
Permissible trailer loads and drawbar
loads
Weight specifications
Maximum allowable gross mass The gross vehicle weight of the trailer is calcu-
lated by adding the weight of the trailer to the
weight of the load and equipment on the trailer.
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" ( Y
page 444).
Permissible noseweight
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" ( Y
page 444).
Loading a trailer R
When loading the trailer, make sure that nei-
ther the permissible gross weight of the trailer
nor the gross vehicle weight are exceeded.
The permissible gross vehicle weight is indi-
cated on the identification plate located on
the B-pillar on the driver's side of the vehicle.
You can find the maximum permissible values
on the type plates of your vehicle and the
trailer. When calculating how much weightTowing a trailer 261
Driving and parking Z

ECO display
The ECO display is not available for Mercedes-
AMG vehicles. X
Press the Y or e button on the steering
wheel to select the Trip menu.X
Press the c or d button to select ECO
DISPLAY .
If the ignition remains switched off for longer
than four hours, the ECO display will be auto-
matically reset.
For more information on the ECO display, see
( Y
page 182).
Displaying the range and current fuel
consumption
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the menu only dis-
plays approximate range C .
PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles: the menu displays
current fuel consumption D . In the subsequent
message, the multifunction display shows the
approximate electrical range as well as the total
range ( Y
page 250).X
Press the Y or e button on the steering
wheel to select the Trip menu.X
Press the c or d button to select
approximate range C and current fuel con-
sumption D .
Approximate range C that can be covered is
calculated according to your current driving
style and the amount of fuel in the tank. If
there is only a small amount of fuel left in the
fuel tank, a vehicle being refueled

If you reset the values in the ECO display, the
values in the "From Start" trip computer are also
reset. If you reset the values in the "From Start"
trip computer, the values in the ECO display are
also reset.
Navigation system menu
Displaying navigation instructions In the Navi menu, the multifunction display
shows navigation instructions.
Observe the additional information on naviga-
tion in the separate multimedia system operat-
ing instructions. X
Switch on the multimedia system (see sepa-
rate operating instructions). X
Press the Y or e button on the steering
wheel to select the Navi menu.
Route guidance not active
C
Direction of travelD
Current road
Route guidance active
No change of direction announced
C
Distance to destination
D
Distance to the next change of direction

Other status indicators of the naviga-
tion system
The navigation system displays additional infor-
mation and the vehicle status.
Possible displays: R
New Route... or Calculating Route...
A new route is calculated. R
Road Not Mapped
The vehicle position is inside the area of the
digital map but the road is not recognized, e.g.
newly built streets, car parks or private land. R
No Route
No route could be calculated to the selected
destination. R
K
You have reached the destination or an inter-
mediate destination.
Audio menu
Selecting a radio station
C
Active station list
D
Station frequency with memory position
The multifunction display shows station D with
station frequency or station name. The preset
position is only displayed along with station D if
this has been stored. You can store TV chan-
nels D in the multimedia system.X
Switch on the multimedia system and select
radio; see the separate operating instruc-
tions. X
Press the Y or e button on the steering
wheel to select the Audio menu. X
To select a preset list or station list: press
and briefly hold the c or d button until
the preset list or station list in the desired
frequency range is shown in the multifunction
display. X
To select a station: briefly press c
or d .
i SIRIUS XM satellite radio functions like a
normal radio.
For more information on radio operation, see
"Satellite radio" in the separate operating
instructions.
Operating an audio player or audio
media
Audio data from various audio devices or media
can be played, depending on the equipment
installed in the vehicle. X
Switch on the multimedia system and select
audio CD or MP3 mode; see the separate
operating instructions. X
Press the Y or e button on the steering
wheel to select the Audio menu.X
To select the next/previous track: briefly
press the c or d button.X
To select a track from the track list (rapid
scrolling): press and hold the c or d
button until desired track C has been
reached.
If you press and hold c or d , the rapid
scrolling speed is increased. Not all audio
drives or data carriers support this function.
If track information is stored on the audio device
or medium, the multifunction display will show
the number and title of the track. The current
track does not appear in audio AUX mode
( Aux iliary audio mode: external audio source
connected).Menus and submenus 269
On-board computer and displays Z