2016 MERCEDES-BENZ GLS SUV height

Always select as low a vehicle level as possi-
ble and adjust your driving style accordingly. G
WARNING
When driving with a lowered or raised chassis frame, the driving and braking characteristics
may be seriously affected. A raised chassis
frame may also exceed the permissible vehi-
cle height. There is a risk of an accident.
Set the driving level before pulling away. G
WARNING
Due to the high centre of gravity, the vehicle
may start to skid and overturn in the event of abrupt steering manoeuvres 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.
! When driving on extremely rough terrain,
select a high vehicle level in good time. Make
sure there is always sufficient ground clear-
ance. You will otherwise damage the vehicle.
R SUVs overturn considerably more often than
other vehicle types.
If this vehicle is not driven in a safe manner, it can lead to an accident, to the vehicle over-
turning as well as serious or even fatal inju-
ries.
R In the event of an accident with the vehicle
overturning, passengers who are not wearing
their seat belt are considerably more likely to die than passengers wearing their seat belt.
You and all vehicle occupants should always
wear your seat belts.
Basic settings The extent to which the vehicle is raised or low-
ered depends on the basic setting selected.
Select:
R the Comfort orSport drive program for driv-
ing on normal roads
R the Offroad drive program for driving on eas-
ily negotiable off-road terrain
R the Offroad Plus drive program for off-road
driving R
Offroad level 1 for driving on easily negotiable
off-road terrain
R Offroad level 2 for driving on normal off-road
terrain
R Offroad level 3 for freeing the vehicle from
especially difficult off-road terrain at low
speeds
The individual vehicle levels differ from the nor- mal level as follows:
R –15 mm in the Sportdrive program
R +/–0 mm in the Comfortdrive program
R + 30 mm in the Offroaddrive program
R + 60 mm in the Offroad Plusdrive program
R + 30 mm in offroad level 1
R + 60 mm in offroad level 2
R + 90 mm in offroad level 3
Setting the vehicle level !
Make sure there is enough ground clear-
ance when the vehicle is being lowered. It
could otherwise hit the ground, damaging the
underbody. Setting the vehicle level using the selector
wheel
X Start the engine.
X Press selector wheel :.
Selector wheel :extends.
X To raise the vehicle: turn selector wheel :
clockwise ;.
The vehicle is raised.
X To lower the vehicle: turn selector wheel :
anti-clockwise ?.
The vehicle is lowered.
During the adjustment, the Lowering
Lowering orVehi‐ Vehi‐
cle
cle rising
rising message appears in the multifunc-
tion display. Driving systems
193Driving and parking Z

Selecting Sport Plus tuning (Mercedes-
AMG vehicles) The very firm setting of the suspension setting in
the Sport Plus drive program ensures the best
possible contact with the road. Select this mode
when employing a sporty driving style, e.g. on
winding country roads or, ideally, when driving
on closed race circuits.
DSR is not available in the Sport Plusdrive pro-
gram. Further information on DSR
(Y page 227).
X Select the Sport Plus drive program using
DYNAMIC SELECT controller :.
The vehicle is lowered by 10 mm compared to
the normal level.
ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM The ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM uses active stabil-
isers to optimise both driving comfort and vehi- cle dynamics. Depending on the drive program
selected (Y page 159), the ACTIVE CURVE SYS-
TEM also changes the setting.
If you have selected the Comfortdrive program:
R rolling movement is reduced in the event of
changing surface undulations
R the roll angle when cornering is reduced
R the driving is dynamic
If you have selected the Sportdrive program:
R the roll angle is reduced significantly
R the driving is even more dynamic
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: if you have selected
the Sport Plus drive program:
R the roll angle is again reduced significantly
R the driving is designed for maximum dyna-
mism Vehicle level Important safety notes
G
WARNING
People's limbs may become trapped if they
are located underneath the vehicle or
between the vehicle body and the tyres when the vehicle is lowering. There is a danger of
injury.
When lowering the vehicle, make sure no one
is underneath the vehicle or in the immediate vicinity of the wheel arches. G
WARNING
When driving at a raised vehicle level, the driv- ing characteristics may be significantly affec-ted by the vehicle's raised centre of gravity.
The vehicle may be more liable to tip when
cornering, for example. There is a risk of an
accident.
Always select as low a vehicle level as possi-
ble and adjust your driving style accordingly. G
WARNING
When driving with a lowered or raised chassis frame, the driving and braking characteristics
may be seriously affected. A raised chassis
frame may also exceed the permissible vehi-
cle height. There is a risk of an accident.
Set the driving level before pulling away. G
WARNING
Due to the high centre of gravity, the vehicle
may start to skid and overturn in the event of abrupt steering manoeuvres 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.
! When driving on extremely rough terrain,
select a high vehicle level in good time. Make
sure there is always sufficient ground clear-
ance. You will otherwise damage the vehicle.
R SUVs overturn considerably more often than
other vehicle types. 198
Driving systemsDriving and parking

X
Start the engine.
If indicator lamp ;is lit:
X Press button :.
Indicator lamp ;flashes while the vehicle is
being lowered, and goes out as soon as the
desired vehicle level is reached.
Vehicles with no trailer coupled: the vehi-
cle is adjusted to the height of the selected
drive program (Y page 155).
Vehicles with a trailer coupled: the vehicle
is adjusted to normal level regardless of the
drive program selected (Y page 155). The
vehicle remains at normal level, even if you
change drive programs.
During the adjustment, the Lowering
Lowering mes-
sage appears in the multifunction display.
If you press the %ora button on the
multifunction steering wheel, the message will
disappear. AMG RIDE CONTROL
General notes The electronically controlled damping system
works continuously. This improves driving
safety and ride comfort.
The damping is tuned individually to each wheel
and depends on:
R your driving style, e.g. sporty
R the road surface condition, e.g. bumps
R your individual selection of Sport, Sport + or
Comfort
The suspension setting can be adjusted using
the corresponding button in the centre console
or the DYNAMIC SELECT controller
(Y page 155).
If the ignition is switched off for less than four
hours, the previously selected drive program is
activated when the engine is next started. If the
ignition is switched off for more than four hours, Comfort mode is activated when the engine is
next started. Sport mode The firmer setting of the suspension tuning in
Sport mode ensures even better contact with
the road. Select this mode when employing a
sporty driving style, e.g. on winding country
roads.
X Press button :repeatedly until indicator
lamp =lights up.
You have selected Sport mode.
The AMG Ride Control SPORT AMG Ride Control SPORT message
appears in the multifunction display.
Sport + mode The very firm setting of the suspension setting in
Sport + mode ensures the best possible contact
with the road. Select this mode only when driv-
ing on race circuits.
If indicator lamps ;and =are off:
X Press button :repeatedly until indicator
lamp ;lights up.
You have selected Sport + mode.
The AMG Ride Control SPORT + AMG Ride Control SPORT + message
appears in the multifunction display.
In "Sport +" mode, the vehicle is lowered by
10 mm compared to the normal level.
Comfort mode In Comfort mode, the driving characteristics of
your vehicle are more comfortable. Select this
mode if you prefer a more comfortable driving
style, but also when driving fast on straight
roads, e.g. motorways.
X Press button :repeatedly until indicator
lamps ;and =go out.
You have selected Comfort mode.
The AMG Ride Control COMFORT AMG Ride Control COMFORT message
appears in the multifunction display. 200
Driving systemsDriving and parking

vehicle with guide lines in the multimedia sys-
tem.
The area behind the vehicle is displayed as a
mirror image, as in the rear-view mirror.
i The text shown in the multimedia system
display depends on the language setting. The following are examples of reversing camera
messages in the multimedia system.
Important safety notes The reversing camera is only an aid. It is not a
substitute for your attention to the immediate
surroundings. The responsibility for safe
manoeuvring and parking remains with you.
Make sure that there are no persons, animals or objects in range while manoeuvring and parking.
Under the following circumstances, the revers-
ing camera will not function, or will function in a limited manner:
R if the boot lid is open
R in heavy rain, snow or fog
R at night or in very dark places
R if the camera is exposed to very bright light
R if the area is lit by fluorescent bulbs or LED
lighting (the display may flicker)
R If there is a sudden change in temperature,
e.g. when driving into a heated garage in win- ter
R if the camera lens is dirty or obstructed.
Observe the notes on cleaning
(Y page 341)
R if the rear of your vehicle is damaged. In this
case, have the camera position and setting
checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
The field of vision and other functions of the
reversing camera may be restricted due to addi-
tional accessories on the rear of the vehicle (e.g. licence plate holder, bicycle rack).
For technical reasons, leaving the standard
height can result in inaccuracies in the guide
lines on vehicles with a height-adjustable chas-
sis.
i The reversing camera is protected from rain-
drops and dust by a flap. When the reversing
camera is activated, this flap opens.
The flap closes again when:
R you have finished the manoeuvring process
R you switch off the engine
R you open the luggage compartment See the notes on cleaning (Y
page 341).
For technical reasons, the flap may remain
open briefly after the reversing camera has
been deactivated.
Activating/deactivating the reversing
camera X
To activate: make sure that the key is in
position 2in the ignition lock.
X Make sure that the Activation by R gear Activation by R gear
function is selected in the multimedia system; see the Digital Owner's Manual.
X Engage reverse gear.
The reversing camera flap opens. The multi-
media system shows the area behind the vehi-
cle with guide lines.
The image from the reversing camera is avail-
able throughout the manoeuvring process.
X To switch the function mode for vehicles
with trailer tow hitch: using the controller,
select symbol :for the "Reverse parking"
function or symbol ;for "Coupling up a
trailer".
The symbol of the selected function is high-
lighted.
To deactivate: the reversing camera deacti-
vates if you shift the transmission to Por after
driving forwards a short distance.
Displays in the multimedia system The reversing camera may show a distorted view
of obstacles, show them incorrectly or not at all. Obstacles in the following locations are not
shown by the reversing camera:
R Very close to the rear bumper
R Under the rear bumper
R In the area immediately above the recessed
tailgate handle 208
Driving systemsDriving and parking

:
White guide line at current steering wheel
angle
; Parking space marking
X Turn the steering wheel to the centre position
while the vehicle is stationary. :
Red guide line at a distance of approximately
0.30 m from the rear of the vehicle
; White guide line without turning the steering
wheel
= End of parking space
X Reverse carefully until you have reached the
end position.
Red guide line :is then at the end of parking
space =. The vehicle is almost parallel in the
parking space. "Coupling up a trailer" function :
Vehicle centre point on the yellow guide line
at a distance of approximately 1.0 m from
the rear of the vehicle
; Trailer drawbar
This function is available only on vehicles with a
trailer tow hitch.
X Before coupling up a trailer, set the height of
trailer drawbar ;so that it is slightly higher
than the ball coupling.
X Position the vehicle centrally in front of trailer
drawbar ;. :
Red guide line at a distance of approximately
0.30 m from the ball coupling
; Trailer drawbar locating aid
= Trailer drawbar
? Symbol for the "Coupling up a trailer" func-
tion
A Ball coupling
i For technical reasons, the ball coupling of
the trailer tow hitch in the multimedia system
display is either only partially visible or not at all.
X Select symbol ?using the controller.
The "Coupling up a trailer" function is selec-
ted. The distance specifications now apply Driving systems
211Driving and parking Z

The flap closes again when:
R you have finished the manoeuvring process
R you switch off the engine
R you open the luggage compartment
See the notes on cleaning (Y page 341).
For technical reasons, the flap may remain
open briefly after the camera has been deac- tivated.
Important safety notes The 360° camera is only an aid and may show a
distorted view of obstacles, show them incor-
rectly or not at all. The 360° camera is not a
substitute for attentive driving.
The responsibility for safe manoeuvring and
parking remains with you. Make sure that there
are no persons, animals or objects in range
while manoeuvring and parking.
You are responsible for safety at all times and
must always pay attention to your surroundings when parking and manoeuvring. This applies to
the areas behind, in front of and beside the vehi- cle. You could otherwise endanger yourself and
others.
The 360° camera will not function or will func-
tion only to a limited extent:
R If the doors are open
R If the exterior mirrors are folded in
R If the tailgate is open
R In heavy rain, snow or fog
R At night or in very dark places
R If the cameras are exposed to very bright light
R If the area is lit by fluorescent bulbs or LED
lighting (the display may flicker)
R If there is a sudden change in temperature,
e.g. when driving into a heated garage in win- ter
R If the camera lenses are dirty or covered
R If the vehicle components in which the cam-
eras are fitted are damaged. In this event,
have the camera position and setting checked
at a qualified specialist workshop
Do not use the 360° camera under such cir-
cumstances. You could otherwise injure others
or damage objects when parking the vehicle.
Guide lines are always shown at road level. In
trailer mode, the guide lines are shown at the
level of the trailer coupling. The field of vision and other functions of the
camera system may be restricted due to addi-
tional accessories on the rear of the vehicle (e.g.
licence plate holder, bicycle rack).
On vehicles with height-adjustable suspension,
due to the technical conditions, leaving the
standard height can result in the following:
R Inaccuracies in the guide lines
R Inaccuracies in the display of generated
images (top view)
Activation conditions The 360° camera image can be displayed if:
R your vehicle is equipped with a 360° camera
R the key is in position 2in the ignition lock
R the multimedia system is switched on
Activating the 360° camera X
Press the Øbutton in the centre console
for longer than two seconds.
The following appears depending on whether transmission position Dor Ris selected:
R a split screen with top view and the image
from the front camera or
R a split screen with top view and the image
from the reversing camera
or
X Press the Øbutton in the centre console.
The vehicle menu appears.
X Select 360°
360° camera camera and press 7to confirm.
The following appears depending on whether transmission position Dor Ris selected:
R a split screen with top view and the image
from the front camera or
R a split screen with top view and the image
from the reversing camera
Switching on the 360° camera using
reverse gear You can show images from the 360° camera
automatically by engaging reverse gear. Driving systems
213Driving and parking Z

R
the permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
R the maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
The applicable permissible values, which must
not be exceeded, can be found:
R in your vehicle documents
R on the identification plates of the trailer tow
hitch and the trailer
R on the vehicle identification plate
If the values differ, the lowest value applies.
You will find the values approved by the manu-
facturer on the vehicle identification plates and
those for the towing vehicle under "Technical
data" (Y page 390).
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison to
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 can impair the vehicle's handling charac-
teristics. 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 conditions. Do
not exceed the maximum permissible speed for
your vehicle/trailer combination. Notes on towing a trailer
General notes !
If you have a trailer tow hitch retrofitted,
changes to the engine cooling system may be necessary, depending on the vehicle type.
If you have a trailer tow hitch retrofitted,
observe the anchorage points on the chassis.
Check the tyre pressures when towing a trailer.
You will find the values in the tyre pressure table in the vehicle fuel filler flap (Y page 364).Please note that when towing a trailer, the fol-
lowing driving systems have limited availability
or are not available at all.
R Parking Assist PARKTRONIC (Y page 201)
R Blind Spot Assist (Y page 219)
R Active Lane Keeping Assist (Y page 224)
R Parking Pilot (Y page 204)
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 permissible trailer loads under
"Technical data" (Y page 390).
Driving tips Observe the information on ESP
®
trailer stabili-
sation (Y page 74) and on pulling away with a
trailer (Y page 151).
Select the Comfortdrive program using the
DYNAMIC SELECT controller (Y page 155).
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 for your trailer. Observe the legally prescribed maximum speed in the rele-
vant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the maxi-
mum permissible rear axle load is increased
when towing a trailer. See the "Technical Data"
section to find out whether this applies to your
vehicle (Y page 390). If you utilise any of the
added maximum rear axle load when towing a
trailer, the vehicle/trailer combination may not
exceed a maximum speed of 100 km/h for rea-
sons concerning the operating permit. This also
applies in countries in which the permissible
maximum speed for vehicle/trailer combina-
tions is above 100 km/h.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different to when driving
without a trailer and the vehicle will consume
more fuel.
Use the left-hand gearshift paddle to shift to a
lower gear on long and steep downhill gradients.
This also applies if you have activated cruise
control, the speed limiter or Distance Pilot
DISTRONIC.
This will use the braking effect of the engine, so
less braking will be required to maintain the
vehicle speed. This relieves the load on the 234
Towing a trailerDriving an
d parking

Resetting
X
With your hand flat near the hinges (arrows),
push down active bonnet :until it rests on
the seals.
Opening the bonnet G
WARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment could be very hot, e.g. the engine, the
radiator and parts of the exhaust system.
There is a risk of injury when accessing the
engine compartment.
As far as possible, allow the engine to cool
down and only touch the components descri- bed in the following. G
WARNING
When the bonnet is open, and the windscreen wipers are set in motion, you can be injured by
the wiper linkage. There is a risk of injury.
Always switch off the windscreen wipers and
the ignition before opening the bonnet.
! Make sure that the windscreen wipers are
not folded away from the windscreen. Other-
wise, you could damage the windscreen wip-
ers or the bonnet. X
Make sure that the windscreen wipers are
switched off.
X Pull release lever :on the bonnet.
The bonnet is released. X
Reach into the gap, pull bonnet catch han-
dle ;up and lift the bonnet.
If you lift the bonnet by approximately 40 cm, the bonnet is opened and held open automat-
ically by the gas-filled strut.
Closing the bonnet X
Lower the bonnet and let it fall from a height
of approximately 20 cm.
X Check that the bonnet has engaged properly.
If the bonnet can be raised slightly, it is not
properly engaged. Open it again and close it
with a little more force. Radiator
Vehicles with a diesel engine: do not cover
the radiator. Do not use thermal mats, insect
protection covers or anything similar. Doing so
can cause the Onboard Diagnostics System to
display inaccurate values. Some of these values are legally required and must always be correct. Engine compartment
333Maintenance and care Z